The core of "Bad Influence" is a narrative of and its consequences. Omah Lay explores how a destructive relationship can lead to self-destructive habits. Key themes include:

He describes how the relationship has become a "bad influence," likening the emotional attachment to a substance that he cannot quit despite knowing it is hurting him.

"Bad Influence" was a massive commercial success, reaching the top of the in Nigeria and several other countries months after its initial release. It proved that there was a massive appetite for alternative Afrobeats —music that prioritizes mood and lyricism over club-readiness.