Iconic Ghanaian music producer and hip-hop trailblazer Da’ Hammer, born Edward Nana Poku Osei and widely known as Hammer of The Last Two, has officially unveiled plans for his long-anticipated album titled Upper Echelons. The project, now confirmed as a full-length 20-track album, is scheduled for release in February 2026.
The announcement was made via a striking teaser video shared by Da’ Hammer on X (formerly Twitter), accompanied by a cryptic caption: “1st single off the 20-track Upper Echelons Album will be out on the 11th of December. The long night is about to begin.” The atmospheric visuals and mysterious wording immediately ignited excitement across social media, attracting thousands of reactions and reposts within hours.
Serving as the album’s lead single is “The Boys,” a powerful collaboration featuring Ghanaian rap heavyweights Sarkodie, Joey B, and Medikal. The track is slated for release on December 11, 2025, offering fans their first official taste of Da’ Hammer’s much-talked-about return to frontline music production.
Da’ Hammer is widely celebrated as one of the architects of Ghana’s hiplife and hip-hop movement. Through his Last Two Entertainment label, he played a pivotal role in shaping the careers of legendary acts such as Obrafour, Kwaw Kese, and Sarkodie. His signature production style, raw, sample-driven, and hard-hitting, defined an era and influenced countless producers across the continent.
After spending recent years away from the spotlight to focus on entrepreneurial ventures, including his involvement with A1 Bread, Upper Echelons signals a bold and triumphant comeback. Fans may recall that the album was teased several years ago, with reports in 2024 suggesting it might be reduced to an EP due to delays. However, the latest reveal confirms the project has grown into a comprehensive and ambitious body of work.
The album’s title, Upper Echelons, suggests themes of legacy, dominance, and elevation, an artistic reflection of Da’ Hammer’s status in the music industry and his influence at the highest levels of African hip-hop.
The announcement has already sent shockwaves through the Ghanaian music space. Influential tastemakers such as KALYJAY and platforms like Ghana Music quickly amplified the news, with reactions ranging from “The Transition is ON…” to “MUCH ANTICIPATED!”
With major collaborations already confirmed and more expected, Upper Echelons is shaping up to be one of the most important Ghanaian music releases of 2026. More than just an album, Da’ Hammer’s return is a bold declaration that the godfather of Ghanaian hip-hop is ready to reclaim his place at the top.
Stream The Boys below.
