Despite arriving with heavy anticipation, Blaqbonez’s latest album No Excuses struggles to meet expectations.
While the project showcases flashes of his lyrical brilliance and genre-blending creativity, it suffers from inconsistent production, forced collaborations, and overused themes. Released under Chocolate City, the album lands amid the rapper’s public feud with Odumodublvck, a rivalry that adds tension but also overshadows much of the music’s substance.
A Prolific Artist With Mixed Results
Known for his relentless work rate, Blaqbonez has maintained a strong presence in Nigerian hip-hop over the years. No Excuses marks his seventh project, further proof of his commitment to consistency. However, while his energy remains intact, the project’s execution feels rushed in places. The album arrives just days apart from Odumodublvck’s release — and though both artists share collaborators like Pa Salieu, Telz, and Ayo Maff, Blaqbonez’s offering doesn’t fully capitalize on the momentum of their rivalry.
A Rivalry Turned Distraction
On “ACL,” Blaqbonez takes a direct jab at Odumodublvck, mocking him as an aging clout chaser. He revisits the same theme on “Everlasting Taker,” asserting his dominance while leaning on Prettyboy D-O’s ad-libs to inject energy. The problem, however, lies in the repetition — the ongoing feud becomes a creative crutch rather than inspiration. Instead of elevating the project, it distracts from its artistic core.
Flashes of Brilliance, Hampered by Weak Production
There’s no denying Blaqbonez’s talent for experimentation. Tracks like “Consistency,” featuring AJ Tracey, deliver slick dancehall rhythms and confident verses. “Aura 4 Aura” with Pa Salieu also shows potential with its drill-influenced sound, but the poor mixing dulls its impact. Similarly, “Bizzy Body” and “Nati” attempt to merge Afrobeats and dancehall but feel uneven, with moments of brilliance drowned by inconsistent mastering.
Familiar Themes, Little Growth
Lyrically, No Excuses revisits Blaqbonez’s usual palette of hedonism, ambition, and love — topics he handles well but now feels repetitive. On “Despacito,” newcomer Fola helps elevate the mood with smooth R&B vocals, while “Just Hustlin” taps into nostalgic Hip-hop energy. Yet, tracks like “Good Time” and “Prayer Up” falter due to dull vocals and cluttered arrangements.
Even when Blaqbonez strikes emotional depth — such as on “Louder” with Ayo Maff and Bella Shmurda — the uneven production holds back what could have been a standout moment.
A Weak Finish to a Mixed Project
The album’s closing section mirrors its overall inconsistency. “Stacks,” featuring Barry Jhay, aims for reflection but gets weighed down by overpowering instrumentals. The finale, “Starlife,” supported by uncredited vocals from Zinoleesky and background harmonies from Oxlade, ends on a mellow note. While the trumpet outro is a nice touch, it can’t mask the project’s lack of cohesion.
Final Verdict
No Excuses is ambitious but uneven — a project that tries to do too much without refining its best ideas. While Blaqbonez deserves credit for his experimentation and confidence, the album’s technical flaws and recycled themes leave it feeling more like a missed opportunity than a masterpiece. In the end, No Excuses stands as proof that even the most consistent artists need more than bravado to deliver a truly timeless record.
