Nigerian Rapper Blaqbonez Drops Highly Anticipated Fourth Album 'No Excuses,' Igniting Buzz and BeefLagos, Nigeria – October 18, 2025 – In a bold declaration of artistic grit, Nigerian hip-hop sensation Emeka Akumefule, better known as Blaqbonez, unleashed his fourth studio album, No Excuses, on Thursday, October 16, under the banner of Chocolate City Music. The 17-track powerhouse has swiftly climbed streaming charts, amassing over 2 million Spotify streams in its first full day, signaling a triumphant return for the rapper who's long balanced controversy with chart-topping charisma.No Excuses arrives as Blaqbonez's most ambitious project yet, a sonic manifesto blending razor-sharp lyricism, infectious melodies, and unapologetic swagger. Clocking in at a lean yet loaded runtime, the album delves into themes of perseverance, industry battles, and unyielding ambition, hallmarks of Blaqbonez's evolution since his 2018 breakout mixtape Bad Boy Blaq. "This no be quick fame, this is a career," the artist proclaimed in his release announcement, underscoring the project's role as a "reminder that success isn’t luck, it’s persistence."
What elevates No Excuses beyond a standard drop is its star-studded collaborations, fusing West African fire with global flair. Heavyweights like Olamide and Phyno anchor the Igbo-infused bangers, while UK exports AJ Tracey and Pa Salieu inject gritty drill edges on tracks like the cinematic lead single “Consistency”, accompanied by a DON Prod-directed visual that's already racking up views. Other guests include Young Jonn, Bella Shmurda, Zinoleesky, Barry Jhay, Valiant, and Ayo Maff, creating a tapestry of 15 features that span Afrobeats grooves and trap introspection. Production nods go to elite hands like JAE5, Telz, and Magicsticks, delivering a polished fusion of UK and Naija sounds that's tailor-made for playlists from Lagos to London.
Early fan favorites are pouring in, with "ACL" emerging as a lightning rod. The track's biting bars widely interpreted as a direct shot at fellow rapper Odumodublvck have thrust the album into the heart of Nigeria's rap beef scene, reviving debates on authenticity and rivalry. "This is the first time in a long while that a pure 'RAP SONG' has made it into Apple Music Nigeria Top 10," one X user noted, crediting Blaqbonez for breathing fresh life into the genre.
Standouts like "Despacito," "Louder," "Mary Mary," "California Issues," and "Stack$$$" are also earning raves for their melodic hooks and witty social jabs, with listeners praising the rapper's seamless shifts between rapid-fire flows and sing-along choruses.
Originally slated for an August 22 release, No Excuses faced delays as Blaqbonez fine-tuned his vision, a move he's defended as essential for delivering his "best work yet."
Critics are already hailing it as a career pinnacle, with GRM Daily calling it a "complete statement... musically rich, lyrically sharp, and emotionally grounded."
On X, the rollout has sparked a frenzy: fans are dissecting bars, sharing memes, and even polling favorites, while detractors lob shots at the diss tracks, fueling what one observer dubbed a "revival" for Nigerian hip-hop.
As streams surge and conversations rage, No Excuses positions Blaqbonez not just as a provocateur, but as a cornerstone of Afrobeats' rap renaissance. Stream it now on Spotify, Apple Music, and beyond, because in Blaq's world, apologies are off the table.
