Uncertainty is the only thing to take for certain in a world as unpredictable as our own.

Cost of living is at an all-time high while billionaires line their pockets with record profits. War and unrest run rampant as the rich profit off of sadness. Enter Genesis Owusu: Australian-Ghanaian artist who has always had a lot to say, but it is against this sentiment that he returns with his most pointed work to date. REDSTAR WU & THE WORLDWIDE SCOURGE features Owusu at his most visceral, the rapper using the entirety of his platform to take up arms against injustice. A revolution is in the making, and Owusu is hoisting the flag of the red star, a charismatic martyr leading the charge into the impending storm.

REDSTAR WU & THE WORLDWIDE SCOURGE - Genesis Owusu — REDSTAR WU & THE WORLDWIDE SCOURGE – Genesis Owusu

REDSTAR brings back Owusu’s trademark musical diversity, showcasing an impressive, often effortless fusion of genres. The singer never loses his purpose or his poise, gliding from smooth neo-soul to cutting dance-punk to industrial-tinged hip hop with ease. The music remains sonically unbridled yet completely accessible, a quality that would undercut Owusu’s sharp commentary if it weren’t so poignant. The danceable qualities of the record make it hard not to draw a parallel to Gorillaz’ Demon Days: Funky and radio-friendly with more than a bit of a nihilistic snarl beneath the surface.

Bravado is in full form on the harsh “PIRATE RADIO.” Owusu calls out Elon Musk, Nazi sympathizers, “sold” Senate officials, and overbearing Kanye West fans on an absolutely searing series of bars. The rapper guns for the greedy, likening himself to fantasy assassin Arya Stark as he seeks penance against the world’s money-hungry wrongdoers: “I’ve been digging his grave for decades/I can’t wait to use it.”

“STAMPEDE” is a call to arms disguised as a synth punk banger. Owusu’s shouts are asserted with emphatic fervor, the rhythmic refrain of “left, left, right, right” both charismatic and captivating. ”That cat get him capsized… you done hear the cries for the last time,” the rapper spits, painting a vivid image of the force that is his ‘Worldwide Scourge.’

We ain’t tryna hear that fat cat, get him capsized
Greasy a pig did a backslide
Drowned in blood and I’m baptized
You done had the prize for the last time
Rats
You won’t find love through a stat
Tryna take a life for some cash
They just keep hitting with the tit
They ain’t ready for the tat**

…
Giving my reply with a bat
Find a oligarch, get him taxed
Runnin’ outta time

Owusu’s harshest commentary is heard on “MOST NORMAL AMERICAN VOTER:,” a frenetic soul rock bop which takes a jab at disinformation and right-wing media bias. While the tongue-in-cheek refrain of “missing information” is distressing (and inexplicably earwormy), the surface of the song is incredibly lighthearted and fun. Sean Hannity is called out by name amidst the driving groove, accused of inducing a “TV-induced psychosis“ that blurs the line of propaganda while Owusu urges listeners to open their eyes and see the truth.

Owusu’s stylistic variety is deserving of all of the praise it can muster. The alluring “HELLSTAR” channels a steamy, Parliament-esque funk groove that oozes pure swagger. The skittering synths on “BIG DOG” are driving and cinematic, creating a sense of hope amidst the harsher sentiments of the project.

You ain’t hearing that a demon released, I lie flat
Stinging iris got that poison in me, I’m like that
‘Course it’s real I saw on Sean Hannity
I’m like Little slow on beliefs
It’s my process
Skin crawl, peeling flesh like mitosis
Shake tin, losing sleep off my doses
I see truth, they call it psychosis
Glow from TV keeps yelling there’s
Missing information

Genesis Owusu Seeks New Meaning from an Unjust World on ‘STRUGGLER’

:: INTERVIEW ::

A star five years in the making, Genesis Owusu displays full command of their voice and unique musical presence, proving he can achieve ambitious goals with the utmost style.

While REDSTAR WU & THE WORLDWIDE SCOURGE is rife with flair, the album presents itself completely naturally. Owusu not only manages to pull off a more than impressive creative balancing act but sends a message that is aptly timed and completely necessary in the midst of our modern-day turmoil.

One can hope the message resonates as charismatically as Genesis Owusu has delivered it.

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