Levels

Levels (sometimes stylised LVLS) is the second studio album by South African rapper AKA, released by Vth Season. It is the follow-up to his debut release, Altar Ego. The album was made available a week before its originally announced 8 July release date on 30 June 2014. The album was certified gold on 17 June 2015, selling over 20 000 copies almost 11 months after its release. It has since been certified Diamond in sales excess 300000 units, 10 Platinum (X1 Diamond). The album's release was preceded by the singles "Jealousy", "Kontrol", "Congratulate" and "Run Jozi (Godly)", which features K.O of Teargas. Originally slated for physical release on 8 July 2014, the hard copies of the album were later released on 28 July 2014 due to manufacturing issues. Production was handled by AKA, Ameen, Tazzy from the funk band Muzart, Steve "Sticky" Raphadu, Master A Flat who was also the album's musical director and Vth Season's in-house producer, Tweezy. Guest features on the album include Burna Boy, Da L.E.S, Sarkodie and Mi Casa's lead vocalist, J'Something. Levels peaked at number 1 on the iTunes South African chart a day after its release. Critical reception The album received generally positive reviews. While some critics complained about the excessive sampling on the album, most praised the album for its production but felt like AKA did not deliver lyrically.