Nigerian singer, songwriter and producer, Douglas Jack Agu, better known by his stage name Runtown will be the focus here today.
Runtown began gaining dominance in his journey after releasing some hits in the previous years, gradually catapulting his status to his present stardom.
In the year 2015, he released his evergreen ‘Ghetto University Album‘ which was his first career album project, the album he won “Best Collaboration of the Year” at the 2014 edition of the Nigeria Entertainment Awards for his song “Gallardo” featuring Davido.
The album was released via MTN Music Plus through Eric Many Entertainment. The album generated over ₦35million on the music portal thus earning him a spot in the list of “Top 5 Most Streamed Artist”.
Not many artists who started their music career about a decade ago have unlocked OG status the way Runtown has, in a casual leisurely manner, at his pace and taste, while still being relevant and well-loved by young artists and music lovers.
Now we will take a deep flashback to some unforgettable hit songs Runtown aka the Soundgod has delivered to his listeners and fans.
1. Mad Over You
On the 4th, of November 2016, Runtown released the viral-accepted ballad track ‘Mad Over You’. The song charted at number 38 on the Billboard Twitter Top Tracks chart. Joey Akan from Pulse Nigeria described the song as a “self-produced track that draws inspiration from the Ghanaian Alkayida sound”. Runtown told The Fader magazine that the song was inspired by African beauty.
2. For Life
My doctor say my cure dey on top your body oh, All the times wey I do you bad I’m sorry oh, Give me love wey better pass money oh, Wey sweet pass honey oh If na fight to make I fight for the love, If na craze make I craze for the love Don’t want no complication This is a situation.
One of the street-takeover-anthem back in time, the banger still maintains its sultry and extraordinary sound. With ‘For Life’ Runtown proved his mastery and perfection globally and the song was a viral-accepted hit track. The exhilarating song was part of his “Soundgod Fest, Vol. 1.”
“For Life” by Runtown was released in 2017.
3. Energy
Runtown, best known for his catchy beats and soulful vocals, never stopped to fascinate listeners worldwide with his distinct style and lyrical profundity. ‘Energy’ was another ballad banger every listener would always vibe to. The record was released a year after the release of his mega-hit, ‘Mad Over You’.
Also, the Del’B-produced tracks dominated various streaming platforms following the success of his other hit songs.
4. Unleash
Released in the year 2018 as his first debut single under his record label Soundgod Music. Runtown released ‘Unleash‘ featuring UK rapper Fekky. Moreover, the song dominated various charts after its release which also catapulted Runtown to greater heights.
Unleash is one of the tracks that make up his 2019 debut extended play scheme tagged ”Tradition” which houses 6 solid tracks, featuring only Fekky.
The single was listed as the sixth of the EP. Runtown’s collaboration with Fekky was an excellent one. He gave us a marvellous verse, while The UK Rapper, Fekky, added flavour to the song. Production credit to Nigerian brilliant producer, Del B.
5. If E Happen for Lagos
Yes! Yet another alluring viral accepted hit from Runtown. ‘If E Happen for Lagos‘ was another anthem on the lips of every devotee and listener, with its catchy lyrics, and calm and perfectly laced Afrobeat instrumentals, the record found itself at a remarkable position on various musical platforms.
Indeed, Runtown has never disappointed his fans or the game, following his distinctive style his artistry remains exceptional in the business.
6. Kini Issue
‘Kini Issue‘ was another banger from the serial hitmaker. The song was released in the year 2020 which served as his second appearance for that year. Runtown has never failed to deliver amazing sounds and lyrics to his fans, if you doubt that, well, ‘Kini Issue‘ is another track here to clear your doubts.
In addition, ‘Kini Issue’ was part of the tracks enlisted on his sophomore album project, ‘$igns‘ released in 2022.
7. Redemption
Produced by his partner-in-crime Del’B, ‘Redemption‘ is off Tradition EP released in May 2019. ‘Redemption” shows Runtown’s excellent writing prowess and vocal dexterity on a laudable display and offers an impressive degree of sonic versatility. It is everything you expect plus more.
The “Tradition EP” was a quick follow-up to his 2015 debut album, “Ghetto University“.
8. Lagos To Kampala ft. Wizkid
Recorded in the year 2017! Don’t feel shocked or thrilled, yea! ‘Lagos To Kampala’ made it to our list. Up to date, this jam maintains enough groove to transform the mood of its listener.
On this joint Runtown and Starboy Wizkid shared a remarkable nexus which indeed showed they were truly talented and ready for the call regarding the uniqueness of the joint and their chemistry.
The record captivated and gave energy to many parties, clubs, and events and lost more when slammed, however, during its release, it also brought about the rising fame and success to the limelight for both acts.
Following the perfection of the music ‘Lagos To Kampala’ Runtown performed it live with TRACE Live, in the year 2021. The classic tune was produced by Maleek Berry. Enjoy this groovy piece below while you recall the good old days.
9. Gallardo ft. Davido
One of Runtown’s hit! In the year 2014, Runtown took over streaming platforms with his collaborative smashing record, collaborating with Davido on the jam, and took it to greater heights following their immense energy and wonderful nexus shared. As of then, Runtown was still signed to PentHauze Records, owned by Phyno.
10. International Badman Killa
Runtown who is commonly known for delivering a diverse music style mixing Hip-Hop, RnB, Reggae and Rap proved it again on his evergreen record ‘International Badman Killa‘. The uptempo banger was recorded in the year 2019 and dominated various streaming platforms and charts. The song was produced by talented record producer, Spellz.
“International Badman Killa” is one of the hit tracks off Runtown’s Tradition EP, officially released in May 2019.
BONUS
