(Jiggy Vibes Entertainment, digital)
Album sequels are a long-standing tradition in rap music, but they seldom measure up to the originals. In fact, they’re often cynical disappointments attempting to convert nostalgia into quick cash. Yet when it works — think Dr. Dre’s 2001 (aka The Chronic 2001) or Jay-Z’s Blueprint²: The Gift & the Curse — the results can reshape the genre. (Well, at least for the next two years or so. Fashion is a fickle thing.)
Which brings us to Castleton’s Obi the Voicegod, the Nigerian-born artist who has emerged at the forefront of Vermont’s new wave of hip-hop talent. His 2023 LP, African Born American Made, was a breakthrough release that honed all of his God-given talent and studio savvy into a remarkably mature album. His 2025 sequel, A.B.A.M II: No Way Through, is another knockout. This is a tight, cohesive collection of club-ready bangers elevated by Obi’s vision, voice and musicality.
Oh, and his personality. From the jump, opening cut “Grizzly” reintroduces a young artist with an old soul — triumphant, world-weary and self-deprecating all at once. “So sick of attitudes even though I’ve got one too,” as he puts it in the second verse.
It’s a mighty strong single, but the next cut is even better. On “Zen Zone (feat. Wes),” Obi continues to explore the outer ranges of his distinctive baritone. When he harmonizes with the subwoofers on the bridge, it’s pure goose bumps. The hook is outstanding, too, and the shaky soprano of singer Wes makes a perfect counterpoint.
Befitting a sequel, Obi brings back some collaborators from the first LP. “M.A.F (feat. rivan)” — that’s “Mad as Fuck” — closes with a showstopping verse from rivan, and “Fifa (feat. Fareedwontlose)” spotlights a hilariously brash verse from Fareedwontlose. Both performances smartly emphasize how laid-back and sly Obi’s confident delivery is by comparison.
That said, most of the best songs here Obi carries alone. The downbeat love ballad “Adam and Eve,” the brilliant slow burn of party anthem “Check It,” and the personal testimony on “Excuse Me” are all album highlights.
After a few spins of the new record, I obviously had to revisit the original — and I’m glad I did. It is impressive how similar the overall sound is on both albums: huge, bass-heavy mixes that sound deceptively sparse but never stop introducing new elements and ideas.
No Way Through, then, is a clear continuation that finds the artist even more assured and experimental. The songs are catchy and familiar, but the details are delightfully surprising. As a music critic, I am contractually obligated to speculate about possible new directions for Obi the Voicegod, but the man doesn’t need to change a single damn thing. He’s found his lane and perfected his sound, and if A.B.A.M III is up next, I’ll be first in line to check it out.
A.B.A.M II: No Way Through is available on major streaming platforms.
This article appears in Love & Marriage Issue • 2026.
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