Jamaican dancehall star Konshens is ready to usher in the summer with his latest project Pool Party 2.0.

Released on Friday, May 8, the album is the follow-up to his previous compilation which he says helped reinforce his position as one of dancehall’s leading crossover acts.

Having generated significant buzz through the original instalment, the entertainer says this time around, while success is desired, having fun is the main priority.

“My vision for this album was all about fun and good energy. 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 focuses on that,” he said. “The 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 balance. This one is just fun party bangers.”

The 12-track album is driven by collaborations with producers and artistes from across the Caribbean as well as international markets. Serving as 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 rhythm.

Co-produced by Dave Kelly, Like We bridges generations of dancehall by blending the energy of the original record with a contemporary production approach aimed at today’s global dancehall audience.

For Konshen, however, the partnership was all about creating the kind of nostalgic link that would allow today’s youth population to experience the lyrical content and melodies that made previous eras iconic.

“For tracks like Like We I think it’s important to contribute to the nostalgia wave in dancehall right now. 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,” he said. “I’m excited to see what this realisation will do to their creativity in the next few years. We did that song few years ago and buried it because I thought Dave Kelly would never clear it… To my surprise him seh it ‘tough’ and gave it the green light.”

The project’s production is led primarily by IZYBEATS and SUBMACHINE ENT, who shape much of the album’s sonic direction. Additional production comes from Dave and Tony Kelly, Jonny Blaze, Stadic, King Kosa, and Symon Dice.

Featured artistes on the album include UK-based dancehall artist Stylo G, Chudney J, and Ayetian.

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).

The album blends dancehall with Caribbean, Latin, and international influences while maintaining a cohesive sound rooted in Jamaican party culture.