MONROVIA — Time. Why does it exist? Or is it a man-made illusion designed to keep us trapped in a soul-race? Why do we always feel like time is running fast, making us chase it constantly? We often forget that it is us rushing past our time and the blueprint of our lives, while time itself remains still, waiting for us to discover ourselves and the treasures that the Supreme Being has planted at various junctions of our human experience.
With all this in mind, one must ask: Is J Slught running out of time to keep his career alive? Is he in competition with anyone?
J Slught has rarely released new music lately. Before his most recent effort, “Odo,” we waited eight long months. Why such a long hiatus? Could it be laziness or disinterest in his prized art? J Slught had built a powerful brand for himself as the “King of the Jungle” with his debut EP, Home and Beyond, a project that remains one of the best examples of Afro-fusion from Liberia. If that EP were released today, it would surely outshine many records in terms of production quality and musical authenticity, compared to what is currently being released by other artists in the country.
J Slught is one of the few artists who seems incapable of making a bad song. He has a unique ability to stay in touch with what fans truly want to hear. So, in light of all this, why is J Slught sleeping on his career?
Let me share a quick story: I once attended a business meeting with three influential Liberian media entrepreneurs. What was supposed to be a simple meeting quickly became a battleground. I sat there, wondering which side of the argument I should take. Like professional boxers, each participant threw well-timed verbal jabs and dodged heavy counterpoints. As I listened and watched, I saw these successful entertainment gurus struggling to outshine one another with stronger arguments.
Were they playing it safe? Absolutely not! The debate centered around who was greater between Jzyno and CIC. As they looked to me to declare my G.O.A.T (Greatest of All Time), I decided to mention someone that this competition was making us forget—J Slught. The room came alive with excitement when his name was brought up. Both participants agreed that the King of the Jungle is one of Liberia’s most underrated musical talents, largely due to politics and nepotism within the entertainment industry. The atmosphere lightened, and the conversation shifted to each individual’s experiences with J Slught. It was an emotional discussion, as we broadly explored the reasons behind why he is not where he should be in his career. So, who do we blame for this? What’s stopping J Slught from being number one?
It’s true—sleep is the cousin of death, so it’s easy to assume that a sleeping career is a dead one. But while sleep carries the stigma of laziness and unproductivity, it is essential for regrouping energy and focus after working hard. For a great artist like J Slught, going into rest mode is nothing more than preparing for “beast mode.”
The King of the Jungle has nothing left to prove locally. But internationally? Yes, he still has much to prove. Before Burna Boy became the global music powerhouse he is today, dominating the scene proudly as an African artist, it was all about Davido and Wizkid. These two African music legends represented Nigeria and Africa on the world stage, and it seemed like no one could surpass their glory. Where was Burna Boy at that time? Likely “sleeping” just like J Slught.
But in sleep, we dream, and Burna Boy never let tough times snatch away his big dreams. Now, Burna Boy has risen beyond the shadows of Davido and Wizkid.
J Slught may not be releasing back-to-back hits or creating unnecessary rivalries for attention, unlike some artists. Instead, he remains supportive of his colleagues in the entertainment industry. However, his undying passion and love for music can’t be denied. As one of the most respected Liberian music producers, it’s hard to believe that he isn’t constantly working on music that will eventually go viral.
In life, time plays a key role in ensuring that we tap into our blessings. J Slught understands this well. He is using this time of silence to groom himself for the global stage. When the world finally hears him, he will be prepared for the takeover.
Discussion about this post