Jamaican dancehall star Konshens released Pool Party 2.0 on Friday, May 8, the follow-up to his widely acclaimed Pool Party album that helped reinforce his position as one of dancehall’s leading crossover acts.
The original installment generated international attention, with records like “Back Dat Azz Up,” and highlighted Konshens’ ability to merge dancehall with club, Caribbean, and global influences, according to Brooklyn-based, Jamaican-born entertainment publicist Ronnie Tomlinson of Destine Media.
She told Caribbean Life that the 12-track album is driven by collaborations with producers and artists from across the Caribbean and international music markets.
Tomlinson said the focus single from the album is “Like We,” featuring dancehall icon Beenie Man.
“The track is a modern reimagining of Beenie Man’s 1996 hit ‘Old Dog,’ originally produced by legendary dancehall producer Dave Kelly for Madhouse Records and featured on the influential ‘Stink’ riddim,” she said.
Co-produced by Dave Kelly, Tomlinson said “Like We” bridges generations of dancehall by “blending the energy and nostalgia of the original record with a contemporary production approach aimed at today’s global dancehall audience.”
Tomlinson said the collaboration also marks a reunion between one of dancehall’s foundational hitmakers and one of the genre’s modern crossover stars.
She said the project’s production is led primarily by IZYBEATS and SUBMACHINE ENT, who shape much of the album’s sonic direction.
Tomlinson said additional production comes from Dave Kelly, Tony Kelly, Jonny Blaze, Stadic, King Kosa and Symon Dice.
She said featured artists on the album include UK-based dancehall artist Stylo G, Chudney J and Ayetian.
Tomlinson said among the notable records on the project are “Perfect Timing” produced by King Kosa and Jonny Blaze, “Rum Club” produced by Jonny Blaze and Stadic, and “South Side” produced by Symon Dice.
Additional musical contributions include lead guitar by Xeryus Gittens on “She Jus Wah Wine,” with publishing administered through Songs of Universal (BMI), Tomlinson said.
“The album blends dancehall with Caribbean, Latin and international influences while maintaining a cohesive sound rooted in Jamaican party culture,” she said.
