Never Gets Late Here, Shenseea’s second studio album, was released on May 24, 2024, through Rich Immigrants and Interscope Records. Following the success of her debut album Alpha (2022), this new project further establishes Shenseea as a prominent figure in the dancehall and global music scenes.
The album features a rich blend of genres, including dancehall, hip-hop, reggae, R&B, pop, and reggaeton, with notable influences from Afrobeats and Latin trap. This eclectic mix highlights Shenseea’s versatility and her ability to merge diverse musical styles seamlessly. The project includes collaborations with high-profile artists such as Afrobeats star Wizkid, American rapper Coi Leray, Brazilian singer Anitta, Jamaican dancehall artist Masicka, and producer Di Genius. These collaborations add a unique flavor to the album, enriching its dynamic range and appeal.
The lead single, “Hit & Run,” featuring Masicka and Di Genius, was released on January 26, 2024. It quickly became a massive hit in Jamaica and across the Caribbean, with its vibrant dancehall beats and catchy lyrics resonating widely. The accompanying music video garnered over 60 million views on YouTube by July 2024, solidifying the song’s popularity and setting a high bar for the rest of the album’s promotional singles.
The album’s subsequent singles included “Die For You,” released on March 28, 2024. This track continued Shenseea’s successful run with its engaging rhythm and compelling visuals, accumulating over 5 million views on YouTube by the time of the album’s release. Another standout track, “Flava,” features American rapper Coi Leray, blending Shenseea’s dancehall roots with a fresh, contemporary edge. The single “Neva Neva” also received praise, showcasing the album’s range and Shenseea’s ability to maintain listener interest with diverse sounds and styles.
Never Gets Late Here was well-received critically. Hypebeast lauded Shenseea’s signature Jamaican pop sound and her exploration of various musical genres, while Kaboom magazine praised the album for solidifying Shenseea’s status as a leading international Jamaican artist. People magazine highlighted the album’s summery dancehall-pop vibes and its effective incorporation of Latin trap and Afrobeats, noting its overall appeal and soundscape.
In terms of chart performance, the album debuted at number four on the Billboard Reggae Albums chart, with sales totaling over 2,000 units. Although this figure was notably lower compared to her debut album’s 4,900 units, the album still achieved significant success. On the positive side, Never Gets Late Here topped the US iTunes Album charts, reflecting strong digital sales and the continued popularity of Shenseea’s music among her international fanbase.
Overall, Never Gets Late Here reinforces Shenseea’s position in the music industry, demonstrating her ability to blend traditional dancehall elements with global musical influences, and to collaborate with a diverse array of artists. The album’s varied sound and impactful singles highlight Shenseea’s growth as an artist and her continuing influence in both Jamaican and international music scenes.