The concept of Playboy emerged when Fireboy DML, feeling creatively stuck, gained a sense of freedom and clarity during a trip to the U.S., which led to the creation of "Peru" and reignited his artistic direction, inspiring him to finish his album.

Heven Haile of Pitchfork rated Fireboy DML's Playboy a 7.4/10, highlighting his shift from loverboy to suave rock star while grappling with newfound fame.

Tracks like "Glory" and "Havin Fun" showcased his carefree side, though his more heartfelt moments, like "Diana," affirmed that he excels at yearning and emotional depth.

[7] Adeayo Adebiyi of Pulse Nigeria described Playboy as Fireboy DML’s transition from "lover boy to a superstar rolling stone," embracing fame and its indulgences while asking to "live a little."

The review highlighted thematic cohesion, strong production, and enjoyable singles but noted some tracks like "Sofri" and "Timoti" as bland and criticized the inclusion of the original "Peru" as unnecessary.

[6] Mankaprr Conteh of Rolling Stone highlighted Playboy as a strong mix of charming songs and engaging storytelling, celebrating Fireboy DML’s rise in status while staying rooted in Afrobeats and Caribbean influences.

The review highlighted Fireboy's emotional depth on tracks like "Change," his party-ready appeal on "Bandana," and his seamless collaborations with Chris Brown, Rema, and Shenseea.

[9] Michael Aromolaran of The Culture Custodian’s review of Playboy by Fireboy DML notes a shift from romantic themes to a more cynical, fame-focused persona.