Sean Kingston’s Back 2 Life is an influential studio album, marking the artist’s third release. Released on September 10, 2013, the album garnered attention with its standout single “Beat It,” reaching number 52 on the Billboard Hot 100. Back 2 Life boasts collaborations with esteemed artists such as T.I., Chris Brown, Wiz Khalifa, Wale, Yo Gotti, Busta Rhymes, and 2 Chainz.
The album’s promotional journey began on July 23, 2010, with the release of “Letting Go (Dutty Love),” a promotional single produced by Paul A. and featuring Nicki Minaj. Shortly after, on August 3, the music video accompanied the track. On September 7, the second promotional single, “Dumb Love,” was unveiled, followed by the release of the third promotional single, “Party All Night (Sleep All Day),” on December 21, with its music video debuting on December 23. The album’s lead single, “Back 2 Life (Live It Up),” featuring T.I. and produced by Paul A., was released on June 5, 2012, followed by its music video on June 8. Subsequently, on November 16, the fourth promotional single, “Rum and Raybans,” featuring Cher Lloyd, was released, with the music video dropping on November 18. The album’s second single, “Beat It,” featuring Chris Brown and Wiz Khalifa, was released on April 15, 2013, with the music video following on April 29. Finally, on September 10, 2013, the music video for “Seasonal Love,” featuring Wale, was released.
Critics’ reviews of Back 2 Life were mixed. David Jeffries of AllMusic awarded the album four out of five stars, commending its preview single, “Back 2 Life (Live It Up),” featuring T.I., as well as the soulful and captivating “Beat It,” featuring guest artists Chris Brown and Wiz Khalifa. Jeffries praised the album’s wide-ranging appeal, credited to the production efforts of J.R. Rotem, Nic Nac, and RedOne. The guest lineup, including 2 Chainz, Wale, Busta Rhymes, and Yo Gotti, was hailed, but ultimately, it was Sean Kingston’s mature and heartfelt performances on the more tender tracks that left a lasting impression.
On the other hand, Brent Faulkner of PopMatters offered a less favorable evaluation, rating the album a four out of ten. Faulkner highlighted an overreliance on themes of sex and partying throughout Back 2 Life, asserting that the lack of substance beyond these indulgences hindered the album’s overall impact. While acknowledging its potential as a guilty pleasure upon initial listening, Faulkner contended that the pleasure aspect could be subject to debate.
