As warm summer days approach, iconic Jamaican dancehall artist Konshens has launched his highly anticipated new 12-track project, *Pool Party 2.0*, that puts unfiltered fun and high-energy party vibes front and center. Released globally on Friday, May 8, this album marks the follow-up to his hit first *Pool Party* compilation, a record that cemented his reputation as one of dancehall’s most successful cross-over acts with a massive global fanbase.
While the first installment generated major industry buzz and career-changing momentum for Konshens, the artist says his core priority for this second iteration is not critical acclaim or commercial performance – it is spreading joy. “My vision for this album was all about fun and good energy,” Konshens shared in comments about the project. “I’m trying to make people think of the dancehall, especially with summer right around the corner. Good vibes, high energy – that’s literally my mode for the remainder of my career, because I think there isn’t enough focus on that. This 2.0 version will be different from the last Pool Party project because it’s not as serious, and no attempt was made to strike that forced balance. This one is just fun party bangers.”
The project features a stacked roster of collaborative talent, bringing together producers and recording artists from across the Caribbean and international markets to create a cohesive sound rooted in classic Jamaican party culture, with flourishes of Caribbean, Latin, and global contemporary influences. The album’s lead focus track, *Like We*, pairs Konshens with legendary dancehall pioneer Beenie Man, offering a fresh modern reimagining of Beenie Man’s iconic 1996 hit *Old Dog*. Originally crafted by fabled dancehall producer Dave Kelly for his iconic Madhouse Records imprint, the original track featured on the genre-defining Stink rhythm. Remarkably, *Like We* is co-produced by Kelly himself, bridging decades of dancehall history by blending the raw, timeless energy of the 1996 original with a cutting-edge contemporary production that resonates with today’s global dancehall audience.
For Konshens, the collaboration is more than just a catchy party track – it is a deliberate contribution to the growing nostalgia wave reshaping dancehall, designed to introduce a new generation of young listeners to the genre’s legendary roots. “I think it’s important to contribute to the nostalgia wave in dancehall right now,” he explained. “I realise there’s an effort to get kids nowadays to see and hear for the first time what made these sounds and moods from back in the day so fire and not corny like they’ve been programmed to believe. I’m excited to see what this realisation will do to their creativity in the next few years.” He added that the track was actually recorded years ago and shelved, as he never expected Kelly would approve the sample clearance. To his surprise, the legendary producer praised the track as “tough” and gave it his full blessing to be released.
Production on the full album is led primarily by IZYBEATS and SUBMACHINE ENT, who anchor the project’s overall sonic direction, with additional production contributions from Dave Kelly, Tony Kelly, Jonny Blaze, Stadic, King Kosa, and Symon Dice. Alongside Beenie Man, featured artists include UK-based dancehall favorite Stylo G, Chudney J, and Ayetian. Standout tracks beyond the lead single include *Perfect Timing* produced by King Kosa and Jonny Blaze, *Rum Club* produced by Jonny Blaze and Stadic, and *South Side* produced by Symon Dice. The project also includes a notable lead guitar performance from Xeryus Gittens on *She Jus Wah Wine*, with publishing administered through Songs of Universal (BMI).