AceShowbiz - Protoje, the two-time Grammy-nominated reggae artist, has spent over 15 years bridging the gap between timeless reggae traditions and the evolving tastes of contemporary music fans. His latest album, The Art of Acceptance, marks a deeply personal creative milestone, reflecting a project made primarily for himself rather than the market.

Released on April 17 through Ineffable Records in collaboration with Protoje’s own In.Digg.Nation Collective, The Art of Acceptance features 13 tracks that explore themes rooted in Rastafari philosophy, personal growth, and sociopolitical commentary. The album includes collaborations with notable artists like Damian "Jr. Gong" Marley, Shenseea, Masicka, and Jesse Royal, blending reggae with subtle hip-hop undertones.

The album's lead singles, "Feel It" and "Big 45," have garnered attention for their compelling sound and lyrical depth. Throughout the record, Protoje tackles topics ranging from the rise of oppressive systems in "The Locusts" to the pursuit of inner peace in "Ten Times Around the Sun." The record chronicles an emotional journey that intertwines the artist’s personal evolution with broader cultural and political reflections.

Protoje emphasizes the duality at the heart of reggae music: "Reggae music is about struggle and oppression, but it is always yearning for love and reconciliation," he explains. "I've lived to see people showing love no longer be the default; love is the rebellion. There cannot be peace without justice, so we have to fight for both. The world is in chaos, and Babylon is falling, but what are we going to do now? What do we build in its place for the next era?"

This album arrives four years after Protoje's previous solo studio release, 2022's Third Time's the Charm, and follows his departure from RCA Records the same year. Since returning to an independent status—licensing his music exclusively through Ineffable Records—he has intensified his efforts to uplift local reggae talent, exemplified by the launch of his Lost in Time Festival in 2023. Billboard attended the festival’s Kingston, Jamaica event, which featured a rare local live performance by the enigmatic reggae artist Chronixx, marking his first in seven years.

Protoje's dedication to uniting generations of reggae fans is reflected in the album’s musical styling. From hip-hop influences inspired by the Griselda collective to the uplifting anthem "At We Feet," the record showcases a dynamic sound that bridges tradition and innovation.

In the midst of his 46-date Reggae Invasion Tour across Europe, the U.K., and the U.S., Protoje took time to discuss with Billboard the origins of the album, his creative partnership with producer Winta James, and how a transformative trip to Ethiopia influenced the project.

The process began when producer Winta James sent Protoje the beat for "The Locusts." "When I heard that, I knew I wanted to write a new album," he recalls. "We hadn't been in the studio together since my 2018 album, A Matter of Time. That beat and the opening lyrics, 'Rastafari teach I how to forgive / I've been learning how to live and let live,' sparked everything."

The songwriting process continued with tracks like "Big 45" and "Feel It," which was created with Protoje's band. The Ethiopian trip was a pivotal moment in finalizing songs such as "The Locusts" and "Reference." "I wanted to go there because I saw where the music was taking us," Protoje explains. "We experienced an Ethiopian Christmas and witnessed cultural events like Timkat and visits to Lalibela and Afar. We documented everything to create visuals for every song."

The journey grounded him spiritually and creatively. "I felt invincible afterward; I wasn’t worried about any pressure related to music. I did something to feed my spirit; what higher art can you do? I felt so free and liberated. Whatever else comes from this album is just a bonus."

Protoje credits Winta James for their strong collaborative relationship. "His vision for songs, melodies, and beats is so tough. We connect on the same wavelength and never have to meet halfway. We bonded over our love for Sly & Robbie and Channel One, and even with hip-hop, we share the same taste, especially Griselda and Daringer’s work."

This chemistry is evident in the subtle hip-hop influences throughout the album, especially in the minor chords on "The Locusts." Both artists cited Freddie Gibbs & The Alchemist’s Alfredo II as a favorite album from the previous year, highlighting their shared musical inspirations.

The final tracklist came together after deciding which songs would best feature guest appearances. "We finished 'The Locusts' last, but the last songs added were the ones with Shenseea and Damian Marley," he notes. "We had 10 songs ready, but I wanted to find the right fit for Damian. He chose songs he thought I’d want to hear him on rather than just what sounded good together."

After reconsidering, Protoje and Winta created "At We Feet" as a collaboration with Damian Marley and included Shenseea on "Goddess," seeking a classic one-drop reggae rhythm. "Shenseea has done reggae before, but never on a one-drop like this. She added personality and lifted the song to the next level," Protoje says.

Masicka also features on the album, known for his ability to enhance a song’s message while staying on topic. "Every time Masicka does a feature, he lifts the song and stays on topic. He listens to the original verse and chorus and shares a perspective on that specific journey. He’s flawless on every feature."

Protoje also collaborates with Jesse Royal on the opening track, which carries distinct ‘70s soul influences. "That was another idea from Winta, and I didn’t want to do it at first because I didn’t want to satisfy other people’s expectations," he explains. "But Winta reminded me that I’m at a point of acceptance now. We wanted to contrast where I was two years ago with where I am now."

Jesse Royal’s soulful energy matched the jazzy chords Winta introduced, and his presence on the track added an authentic touch. "Jesse embodies the energy of the song and is always around, so I had him jump on it."

The album title, The Art of Acceptance, came to Protoje naturally. "I don’t want to reveal too much because it’s a whole process. It’s about dealing with the stages of grief—denial, acceptance, forgiveness. I didn’t want to focus solely on one aspect."

Overall, Protoje describes this body of work as the album he has long desired to create, combining his life experiences, spiritual growth, and musical influences into a cohesive statement. The project stands as a testament to his evolving artistry and commitment to reggae’s roots while embracing modern sounds and collaborations.