Released in October 2024, the song attracted significant attention, with fans and critics interpreting it as a satirical response to controversies involving prominent figures in the music industry, including Burna Boy and American rapper Sean "Diddy" Combs.
The origins of “Baby Oil” trace back to Darlington's public comments about Burna Boy’s Grammy win for his 2021 album Twice as Tall, which was co-executive produced by American rapper Sean "Diddy" Combs.
In his remarks, Darlington insinuated that Burna Boy's association with Diddy, who was then facing legal issues—including allegations of sexual misconduct, that led authorities to seize over 1,000 bottles of baby oil from his properties—might have influenced his Grammy win.
Although Darlington avoids direct mention of either individual, the thematic elements of the song and the reference to “baby oil” have been widely interpreted as allusions to the events surrounding his detainment and public feud.
Notably, it includes scenes where Darlington is depicted in a prison setting, asserting dominance over fellow inmates, which critics have interpreted as a commentary on his resilience and defiance in the face of legal and industry challenges.
Music analysts have noted that Darlington’s confrontational style represents a larger trend within Afrobeats, where artists sometimes leverage public disputes to gain media attention and build fan engagement.
Darlington’s unapologetic use of satire in “Baby Oil” has sparked broader reflections on the influence of international collaborations on Nigerian artists and the complexities of navigating fame and public scrutiny within a global music industry.