No Excuses arrives as a 16-track manifesto proving why Emeka the Stallion remains one of Africa’s most fearless voices.
After months of anticipation, strategic delays, and a runway debut that had the fashion world talking, Blaqbonez has finally released the No Excuses LP. The Chocolate City rapper’s fourth studio album is a declaration of artistic independence wrapped in 16 tracks of unapologetic ambition.
Originally slated for August 22nd, Blaqbonez decided to push the album back, refusing to compromise his vision for the sake of a calendar date. In a honest social media post, he admitted: “I didn’t finish it on time, that’s the truth. Since I want to put out the best album ever, I’ve refused to cut any corners.”
To tide fans over during the wait, he dropped singles strategically, Louder featuring Ayo Maff and Bella Shmurda, the energetic W for Wetego with Young Jonn and Phyno, the uptempo Go Crazy, and the mission-statement opener Everlasting Taker. Each release built momentum while showcasing different dimensions of what the full project would deliver.
No Excuses is impressive for its audacious scope. Featuring 15 guest artists from across Africa and beyond, the album merges UK rap energy with West African rhythms in a way that feels boundary-breaking and deeply authentic. UK rap star AJ Tracey joins forces on Consistency, while Pa Salieu brings his distinctive flair to AURA 4 AURA, two collaborations that signal Blaqbonez’s growing international reach.
But the album’s true power lies in how it honours its roots. Nigerian rap veterans Olamide and Phyno lend their star power to NATI and W for Wetego, respectively, creating full-circle moments for an artist who’s spent years proving himself in their shadow. The guest list continues with Bella Shmurda, Ayo Maff, Barry Jhay, Zinoleesky, Valiant, The Kazez, Melissa, Leostaytrill, Kindlynxsh, Brotherkupa, and Wave$tart, an impressive blend reflecting Blaqbonez’s collaborative spirit and influence across generations.
The album opens with Everlasting Taker, a self-affirming mission statement where Blaqbonez raps: “Last real n***a, I might be am/Them know the theory but me I dey practice am,” a declaration of intent that sets the tone for a project prioritizing authenticity over genre loyalty.
Across the 17 tracks, he vacillates between moods with remarkable dexterity. Bizzy Body delivers bright, melodic energy, while Despacito channels breezy tropical soul. NATI finds him sparring with Olamide over vibey amapiano production, and AURA 4 AURA showcases his rhythmic prowess as he glides over unconventional skittering drum patterns.
Tracks like Just Hustlin $$$, Good Time, Mary Mary, and California Issues lean laid-back and soulful, while Go Crazy and W for Wetego keep energy high with kinetic Afrobeats and amapiano textures. The production, handled by a diverse lineup of producers including Jae5, Telz, and others, gives each track its own sonic identity while maintaining cohesion.
The album closes with Stack$$$$, an acoustic-laced track where Blaqbonez speaks directly to the industry, calling out politics, performative outrage, and social media noise with a final reminder: “People only care if you win, no excuses“. It’s a fitting conclusion for an artist who’s never been afraid to say what others only think.
No Excuses follows his acclaimed albums Sex Over Love and Young Preacher, which solidified him as one of Africa’s most innovative rap voices. But where those projects introduced his sound and perspective, this album feels like artistic maturity in real time. From introspective cuts like Everlasting Taker to the confident and triumphant Star Life II, the project showcases his growth, versatility, and global vision while blending witty lyricism, relatable storytelling, and genre-fluid sounds.
No Excuses is a declaration of confidence and ownership. Blaqbonez has delivered a body of work that refuses to apologize for its ambition, its collaborations, or its refusal to be boxed into one lane. In an industry obsessed with viral moments and algorithm-friendly content, he’s created something designed to last, an album that entertains, challenges, and resonates.
He connected with the next generation on Prayers Up, linking with South African hip-hop acts KindlyNxsh and Brotherkupa, proving he’s actively building bridges for those coming behind him.
As the dust settles on what’s shaping up to be one of 2025’s most talked-about releases, one thing is crystal clear: Blaqbonez didn’t just deliver an album. He delivered a statement. No excuses. No compromises. Just pure, unfiltered artistry from one of Africa’s most fearless voices.
And based on what we’re hearing? The stallion’s gallop is just getting started.
Listen to Excuses here.
The post Blaqbonez fires on all cylinders with ‘No Excuses’ album appeared first on NotjustOk.
No Excuses arrives as a 16-track manifesto proving why Emeka the Stallion remains one of Africa’s most fearless voices. After months of anticipation, strategic delays, and a runway debut that had the fashion world talking, Blaqbonez has finally released the No Excuses LP. The Chocolate City rapper’s fourth studio album is a declaration of artistic
The post Blaqbonez fires on all cylinders with ‘No Excuses’ album appeared first on NotjustOk. Read More