After two years of refinement, J. Reeko’s latest project arrives as an EP in a dramatic shift from Hip-Hop to Afrobeats.
Times change, and J. Reeko is evolving with grace. Following two consecutive Hip-Hop albums in 2020, “Freddy and Jason” and “Two Sides to the Story,” the US-based Ghanaian rapper was at the peak of his powers. Fans were left in suspense, wondering what was next. To his credit, he tore through beats, delivering impressive features one after the other. The hype hinted at something special: a third album. After four years, the dust has settled, and fans get something unique but as an EP. However, gone is the Hip-Hop-focused J. Reeko of the past, whose lines kept Hip-Hop fans on their toes; this time, it is an all-Afrobeats affair. And the artist has struck gold! He finds a pleasant balance of style and melody.
His latest project, “Liquor & LoveSongz,” takes center stage with eight songs that embrace the vibrant Afro wave. Each track on the EP comes enveloped in Africa’s glow, offering a blend of Afrobeats, Afropop, and Amapiano. While the switch may surprise some, it’s telling of the times. Nonetheless, the past two years have been equally revealing for J. Reeko. But that is not to say he misses the mark. From his striking opener, ‘Loner’s Ballad Intro,’ to the personal touch of his closer, ‘Loner’s Ballad,’ fans will feel the love. The former reunites the artist with some of his childhood choirmates for a magical blend of Acapella and Afrobeats, and the latter brings beautiful finality to the EP with a bang.
“Both of the songs are my most personal to date. I remember writing the closer [‘Loner’s Ballad’] around 6 AM. The instrumental kept playing in my head all night. I had been struggling with finding the right words for weeks, but they all came rushing to me that morning. It was a message about the people I had lost along the way and all the barriers I had to overcome to get here. My mother, being on the intro and outro of the song, was perfect as she was my canary,” J. Reeko says.
Although many did not see this shift coming, the true J. Reeko fans did. The handwriting had been on the wall for a year. Among his several releases and collaborations was the exception: 2023’s ‘Liquor & LoveSongz.’ What seemed like an experiment with Afrobeats was instead a sign of what was to come, becoming the first lead single of the now-released EP. “This is one of my favorite songs to date. It assured me that I could do this for life,” he shares. Its theme of letting go of one’s worries to enjoy the present resonated among them, but privy to its carefree vibe was J. Reeko taking things slow. The reasons for this unravel in another song on the extended play, ‘My Shayo.’
‘My Shayo’ offers critical insight into the artist’s recent experiences. “Shayo,” an Igbo slang for “alcohol,” represents the “liquor” aspect of the EP’s title. It reflects the rollercoaster of emotions that J. Reeko endured through extended periods of doubt, heartbreak, and gossip. But there is a sense of relief in the lines, “I made my peace down in my soul/As long as it’s me and my shayo.” Despite his challenges, ‘Someday’ is the brighter side of J. Reeko’s story. Its hopeful, feel-good nature delivers the perfect ambiance for cookouts and your morning commute. It is a blissful reminder that we deserve the love we desire, creating a superb experience with its inspirational message.
On the topic of love, J. Reeko has plenty to give. The pre-released ‘Bella’ is one such song—It positions itself as a love letter to anyone who has experienced love or is seeking it. If that is not convincing enough that the rapper is deep in his lover boy phase, ‘Mr. Romantik’ will surely do the trick. Thanks to J. Reeko’s smoothness, this sweet tune is the perfect love song to play when there is a lady to impress. But there’s another such moment. Enter ‘Kelewon,’ the feet shifter! This fusion of Amapiano and Afropop showcases glimmers of J. Reeko’s rapping ability. He dons his rap gauntlets, punching through the lively production to create an innovative sound as catchy as his new word. True to the Nigerian term that inspired it (kele), the song captures the charm of all the sexy ladies out there.
Reeko’s “Liquor & LoveSongz” showcases his versatility and flair in a brilliant light, leaving listeners excited about what the future holds for the rapper. It is promising, and although he might leave fans dreaming of the past, one thing is sure: J. Reeko is not holding back! He is confident about his new approach to music: “After two years of back and forth and multiple edits, I finally decided it was time to share my experiences, and this project has some of my best work to date. I pray the stories unravel themselves and resonate with listeners as they did with me. Thank you in advance to everyone who has been with me from way back and to the ones who are just joining the journey.”
Listen to “Liquor & LoveSongz EP” Here
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