Ghanaian music sensation Stonebwoy has made a triumphant return with his latest album, UP & RUNNIN6. This project marks his sixth studio album and showcases his continued dedication to refining his unique ‘Afro-dancehall’ sound.
Fans of Stonebwoy will find comfort in the familiar as the album delivers a collection of tracks that seamlessly blend African pop with reggae and dancehall influences.
Tracks like ‘Your Body’ and ‘Fvck Up Summer’ featuring Amaria BB highlight Stonebwoy’s knack for creating catchy and radio-friendly hits that exude dancehall energy and contemporary African pop vibes.
While the album stays true to Stonebwoy’s winning formula, it also falls victim to its adherence to the familiar. With six albums under his belt, some may have expected more artistic risks or thematic depth from the artist.
UP & RUNNIN6 primarily focuses on party anthems, love songs, and songs celebrating success, leaving some listeners craving more evolution in Stonebwoy’s sound and lyrical content.
Despite the album’s familiarity, there are standout moments that showcase Stonebwoy’s talent and artistry. Tracks like ‘Jejereje,’ produced by Grammy-winning Ginton, blend traditional Ghanaian rhythms and folklore with contemporary production techniques, creating a unique and vibrant sound.
Another standout track is ‘Betta Tin,’ featuring Nigerian artist Duncan Mighty, where Stonebwoy effortlessly weaves a compelling romantic narrative with his signature dancehall edge.
A notable addition to the album is Stonebwoy’s exploration of the Amapiano genre with the track ‘Shine.’ While not groundbreaking, this demonstrates the artist’s willingness to incorporate trending sounds from across the African continent, showcasing his adaptability and longevity in the African music scene.
Collaboration have always been a strong suit for Stonebwoy, and UP & RUNNIN6 is no exception. Collaborations like the updated version of ‘Overlord’ featuring Larruso, Jahmiel, and 10Tik showcase the diversity within the dancehall scene.
The most intriguing collaboration comes with “Pray For Me,” featuring Wyclef Jean, offering introspective lyrics touching on themes of struggle and perseverance.
Overall, UP & RUNNIN6 is strategically crafted to maintain Stonebwoy’s commercial dominance in the African music scene.
The album’s polished production seamlessly blends elements of dancehall, afrobeats, and pop, showcasing Stonebwoy’s confident vocals and charismatic delivery. While the album may not break new ground lyrically, it serves as a testament to Stonebwoy’s legacy in the Afro-dancehall genre he has helped to define.
