I'm going to start this review by saying that this album has not been discussed nearly enough.
This is one of the best records of 2026 and ticks so many boxes that I'm honestly surprised (at the time of this review) how few publications are talking about it. Energy: Check. Seamless flow: Check. Lyrics like "Elon's a f**kin' weirdo, who gavе these incels moolah?" CHECK.
Genesis Owusu is keeping it real with this record, and it's honestly a better hip-hop/rock/electronic album than A$AP ROCKY's earlier this year, which made news as well.
Let's dive into REDSTAR WU & THE WORLDWIDE SCOURGE. Right off the bat the vibe is established with "PIRATE RADIO." This is like if The Prodigy decided to team up with Death Grips to see who could slap each other harder in the face. Lyrics addressing the state of the world and being taken over by "blue check mania" don't leave a lot to the imagination. And you know what? That's ok. It's refreshing to hear someone go after social media, the government and the 1% in such a blatant way where you find yourself saying "Did he just say that?" Personally I loved it. Let's get more musicians to be so blatant and not hide feelings with metaphors.
After "PIRATE RADIO" we have "STAMPEDE" (which we've been spinning over here at Studio One). This one continues the vibe that "PIRATE RADIO" started. Lyrically it's not as in your face as "PIRATE RADIO," but is more fun! There's seamless production on this track, with a pummeling synth line and drums that sound like the drummer just downed three cans of Coke and two chocolate chip cookies (yum!).
Following "STAMPEDE" is "HELLSTAR," which chills out the vibe and has some seriously funky bass that would make George Clinton take notice. The rap verses supplied by Duckwrth are a welcome change to the pace. Near the end we even have some '70s guitar, which sounds like it could fit perfectly on David Bowie's "Young Americans." This track really goes places, and proves Genesis Owusu is a multi-talent threat in the music department.
From here REDSTAR WU & THE WORLDWIDE SCOURGE finds a comfort zone while still staying strong. When we get to "LIFE KEEPS GOING" Owusu picks up the proverbial rap lightsaber and cuts down those who doubt him like a Jedi knight going up against a Sith lord. There is so much feeling to his flow and lyrics throughout.
"DEATH CULT ZOMBIE" takes aim at conformity and even drops the line "Down with the sickness" (poking fun at Disturbed). Owusu hits on more hard truths with this song, but does it in a funny way that could appeal to the individuals he's aiming at. At its core this track is very punk rock, but it's also reminiscent of early Talking Heads. When you combine those two styles with Owusu's originality you have something really special. It's a highlight of REDSTAR WU & THE WORLDWIDE SCOURGE for sure.
"ONE4ALL" is the album closer, and is where Owusu goes down a really different path. Where some musicians would craft an album of hard-hitting track after track, a soft subtle song might seem out of place or be an automatic skip. Not here. This isn't a radio single by any means, but it adds the perfect flavor to the overall spice palette of this record. This is a song you'd put on and just know that everything will end up all right. That's why Owusu ends the record with this tune. After the aggression and the hate fade away you're left with one thing: Hope for something better. He lets us know that we can get there by working together, not against one another.
