Ruger’s ‘Jay Jay’ – A Missed Step or a Filler Track?
Ruger has been gearing up for his much-anticipated second studio album, Blown Boy, and with the release of Toma Toma, expectations were set high. However, the arrival of his latest single, Jay Jay, has sparked some doubts about the album’s overall direction. While Toma Toma delivered a solid, engaging sound, Jay Jay seems to falter in some crucial areas, making it feel somewhat incomplete.
Concept & Lyrical Direction
The title Jay Jay is a direct reference to Nigerian football legend Jay-Jay Okocha, known for his dazzling dribbling skills. Ruger metaphorically aligns himself with the football icon, portraying his Casanova lifestyle and how he maneuvers through relationships like Okocha did with defenders on the pitch.
The song tells the story of a man who is elusive in love, refusing to commit to a relationship. He describes a woman who becomes obsessed with him, stalking him on social media and hoping for something serious. However, Ruger makes it clear that he’s not ready for that level of commitment, cautioning the woman to have a backup plan (plan B). This theme is reinforced in the pre-chorus, where he deflects any attempts to be tied down, stating, “Pregnancy is not for me, thread carefully.” The lyrics highlight his carefree, almost reckless approach to relationships, which ties into the overarching metaphor of dribbling like Jay Jay Okocha.
Lyrically, the song features a blend of Patois and Pidgin English, which is a signature style of Ruger, giving it a danceable and vibey feel. However, the rhyming in the chorus—Jay Jay, tey tey, Gey Gey, A-game—feels forced, disrupting the natural flow of the track. Rather than reinforcing the theme, the repetition weakens the chemistry between the beat and the lyrics, making it sound disjointed.
Production & Melody
The production of Jay Jay is undeniably solid. The beat is engaging, vibrant, and has the potential to make people move. But despite the catchy rhythm, there’s a noticeable gap in how the melody complements the songwriting. Some lines feel unfinished, making the track sound like it needed a bit more refining before release.
Comparing this to Toma Toma, the contrast is evident. Toma Toma felt like a well-packaged, full-bodied single that left an impression. Jay Jay, on the other hand, has the energy of a filler track rather than a lead single, lacking the impact to stand out on its own.
Potential Impact on Blown Boy
With Jay Jay being a part of Blown Boy, concerns arise about the album’s cohesion and quality. If more songs follow this pattern of incomplete structures and forced rhyming, the album might not meet the expectations that Toma Toma set. However, Ruger is known for his ability to deliver hits, so there’s still hope that this track is just a minor misstep in an otherwise strong project.
Final Verdict
While Jay Jay has a strong beat and an interesting metaphor, its weak lyrical execution and awkward rhyming hold it back. The story within the song is engaging, showing a man dodging commitment, but the structure of the song makes it feel incomplete. It’s the kind of track that might work as a background jam at a party but doesn’t leave a lasting impact. As Ruger moves forward with Blown Boy, fans will be hoping for stronger, more cohesive tracks that truly showcase his talent.
Rating: 5.5/10
