Review: RajahWild Embraces His Rockstar Identity and Strikes Again on FTW
From heavy rock influences to melodic Dancehall, RajahWild showcases his versatility while strengthening his Rock Hall persona and cementing his place as one of the genre's most distinctive young voices
RajahWild delivers a bold, versatile sound on FTW (Photo: Tizzy Tokyo)
As a trailblazer of the “Rock Hall” style, RajahWild has certainly carved out a lane of his own, distinguishing himself from his peers with his rockstar persona. By combining Dancehall rhythms with heavy rock influences, his bold, individualistic approach continues to push the boundaries of the genre while defining his artistic identity.
His latest project, FTW, builds on that trajectory, featuring contributions from producers AnjuBlaxx and DethWrld, alongside recording artiste Sp!da. The collaboration with Sp!da is sure to grab the attention of new-generation Dancehall fans, as the pair are no strangers to working together, with their latest offering building on their established chemistry.
The introductory title track, “FTW,” opens the project on a melodic note, backed by pristine production from Yo Christon. Rajah's bravado shines through his charismatic, laid-back flow, with the striking opening lyrics declaring, “Girl a you mi want a hope you know, any other gyal a just a prank.” The track moves between a love note and a celebration of his accomplishments, setting the tone for what follows.
The previously released “Redemption” opens with his signature “sinful” ad-lib, instantly intensifying the pace of the project. With production courtesy of AnjuBlaxx, the track maintains the momentum through its cinematic sound, driven by Rajah's distinctive flow and production that elevate the overall listening experience.
“Obsessed” stands out as one of the project's more experimental tracks, both in subject matter and production. The song is an experience in itself, telling the story of an intense love affair while drawing listeners into every moment. It is an engaging offering, with Rajah's storytelling abilities taking centre stage, particularly through the fitting line, “Mi tek yuh out to the movies tonight.”
“Man” rides a guitar-driven production, with a commanding chorus delivering lyrics such as “Fat Bugatti, mek it guh pan the main” and “A we a run off the place.” The message is clear: RajahWild is declaring himself the man, confidently proclaiming, “A me govan tings, Rajah a the name.” A hustler's anthem indeed, the track is filled with references to luxury designers, high-end cars and his relentless go-getter mentality.
“Obsessed” stands out as one of the project's more experimental tracks, both in subject matter and production. The song is an experience in itself, telling the story of an intense love affair while drawing listeners into every moment. It is an engaging offering, with Rajah's storytelling abilities taking centre stage, particularly through the fitting line, “Mi tek yuh out to the movies tonight.”
“Problem” opens with his signature sound before the flow intensifies, becoming increasingly sharp and aggressive as the track approaches its chorus. The sudden shift in delivery creates a chaotic yet captivating listening experience, highlighting his ability to switch between different energies.
At the midway point of the project, “Love Me Not” draws inspiration from the renowned New York drill sound, creating a distinctive blend that further highlights Rajah's versatility and willingness to experiment beyond traditional Dancehall boundaries.
On “Pill,” Rajah leans further into an alternative rock sound, pairing a repetitive, hypnotic chorus with heavy-hitting lyrics. The track reinforces the rock-inspired identity that has become central to his artistry.
The penultimate track, “BH & HR,” takes a softer approach to production, carrying a reflective yet optimistic mood. Rajah offers a glimpse into his determination and ambition, declaring, “Hear me out, one ting weh mi know mi affi make it out.”
Rajah and Sp!da close the main project with “Supposed to Be,” harmonizing as they exchange perspectives on the complexities of their relationship. Their chemistry adds depth to the record, creating a relatable offering that will undoubtedly resonate with listeners who have experienced trouble in paradise.
The bonus track, “Bigger Picture,” produced by Yo Christon, serves as a fitting follow-up to “Supposed to Be,” with Rajah continuing to explore the complexities of romantic relationships. Adopting a conversational approach, the chorus poses, “Mi know mi dark baby girl but you alone cyah save this world, suh nuh tell me you cyah make it work, see the bigger picture.” The track provides a thoughtful conclusion, adding another dimension to the project's emotional range.
“Man” rides a guitar-driven production, with a commanding chorus delivering lyrics such as “Fat Bugatti, mek it guh pan the main” and “A we a run off the place.” The message is clear: RajahWild is declaring himself the man.
Overall, against the backdrop of his remarkable rise on the Dancehall scene, RajahWild has delivered a sonically engaging and cohesive body of work. His versatility remains one of his greatest strengths as a recording artiste, effortlessly moving between melodic Dancehall, drill and rock-inspired sounds without losing his distinctive identity. Across the project, he demonstrates why he remains one of the most versatile and well-rounded deejays of the new generation, further solidifying his place in the genre.
Rating: 7/10 — ★★★★★★★☆☆☆
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