If you asked me to share my sentiments on Runtown’s new single on a first listen, I’d describe it as utterly underwhelming. Let’s be clear: you didn’t ask. But let’s imagine for a moment that Flow was judged purely on that first listen — you’d wonder how this was a track from the Sound God.

When the news of Runtown dropping new music hit, it sent chills down my spine. Why? Because it’s Runtown. And if you’ve followed his journey, you’d know this is an artist who redefined the soundscape of Nigerian music. From his breakout hit Gallardo featuring Davido, Runtown set a pace so high that his fans have come to expect nothing less than brilliance from him. He earned his Sound God title for a reason: a creator of music so delectable it could transport you to another realm.
His catalog speaks for itself — the sensual Mad Over You, the timeless For Life, the electrifying Bend Down Pause. Over the years, Runtown didn’t just make music; he embodied it, evolving both sonically and personally. His sound was always creative, often experimental, and always unforgettable. Tracks like Baby Answer, which sampled The Peacock Highlife Band’s Eddie Quansa, or Domot with its pulsating percussion, proved Runtown wasn’t afraid to push boundaries.
Even as his sound matured, he maintained his edge. Songs like Energy, Unleash, and International Badman Killa showcased his ability to lace beats with a gyrating energy that made his music impossible to ignore. Runtown wasn’t just making hits — he was creating experiences.
But somewhere along the line, the hits became few and far between. Much like Wizkid’s quiet era, Runtown transitioned from being a staple in the Nigerian music scene to a ghost we occasionally caught glimpses of. Fans went from vibing to his latest drop to waiting months, then years, for a sign of life. His 2022 album Signs was a long-overdue offering that didn’t quite land with the weight fans hoped for but served as a small consolation for his prolonged absence.
And then, after two years, he returns with Flow. Naturally, the anticipation was high. But Flow feels like a track created out of necessity, more of a “let me just drop something” piece, like it was made to tick a box rather than carry the weight of a Sound God’s legacy. While it’s not a bad track, it lacks the depth and finesse we’ve come to expect from Runtown.

On first listen, Flow feels lackluster. It’s hard not to feel disappointed, especially for fans who’ve been with Runtown since his Gallardo days. Clocking in at under three minutes, the track feels rushed — a patchwork of 2010s nostalgia and a modern-day vibe that doesn’t quite land. It’s the kind of song you keep replaying, not because it’s addictive but because you’re trying to convince yourself it’s better than it is. And why? Because it’s Runtown.
The Runtown we expected was more along the lines of If E Happen For Lagos, Kini Issue, or Things I Know — tracks with smooth flows and textures that made them feel effortless. But Flow doesn’t hit those marks. Instead, it requires patience and repeated listens to even begin making sense.
By the third or fourth listen, the song starts to reveal its intent. Runtown isn’t trying to give us bars or complexity; he’s delivering a laid-back vibe, one that mirrors the carefree energy of December merrymaking. The lyrics reinforce this angle: “No be the type to dey overdo / I fit craze but I’d rather keep my cool.” It’s a chilled-out track meant for easy listening, not overanalysis.
Still, it’s hard to shake the feeling that Flow falls short of what we’ve come to expect from Runtown. The potential for greatness is there, but the execution feels half-hearted. It’s not bad, but it’s not Sound God level either.

For fans, Flow is both a relief and a reminder. A relief that Runtown hasn’t abandoned us entirely, and a reminder of how much we miss the artist who gave us Mad Over You, Energy, and For Life. The track might grow on you, and it’s likely to dominate parties and raves simply because of its vibe. But it also leaves you wondering: what could have been if Runtown maintained a steady release schedule?
There’s no doubt about Runtown’s artistry. His ability to create timeless music is unmatched. But his sporadic releases have left a gap that’s hard to fill. If Flow is any indication, the Sound God hasn’t lost his touch — but he might need to reach a little deeper to remind us why we gave him that title in the first place.
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