Essentials: Rema’s ‘Rema Freestyle EP’
A 4-track compilation of mixed and mastered versions of teased freestyles
When Rema debuted “Iron Man” back in March, it was with many trappings of a modern major-label roll-out that would eventually see him top charts with his self-titled ‘Rema’ EP, released in the same month. The 19-year-old’s fame quickly spread with viral dance videos and high-profile artists like Wizkid and Davido co-signing by playing the lightweight Afropop tracks off the tape on their IG Live.
Prior to the project, however, Rema had grown a notable following as a trap rapper, sharing performances from his ‘Rap Nation’ church group and freestyle videos with a dress sense and wardrobe to match his Atlanta rap influences. He had even gotten discovered and signed to Mavin Records through one of such freestyle videos, so naturally, the Afropop direction of the EP that shot him to the limelight was cause for concern. Rema fans and observers were wary of the label playing it safe by forcing the young talents to change his sound to appeal to a more mainstream audience. But as it turns out, we may have underestimated how safe they were playing it.
Rema just released ‘Rema Freestyle’, a 4-track compilation of mixed and mastered versions of freestyle rap videos he shared to keep fans engaged on his social media pages while his Afropop songs casually climbed into every playlist, DJ set, and the subconscious of the Nigerian music lovers. In one sense, this is state-of-the-art, industry chess board strategy for marketing an artist that is no stranger to the Nigerian mainstream to the international audience.
‘Rema Freestyle’ was worth the wait and the hype, containing four tracks he already teased with snippets online. Like any good success story, the EP opens with a sad tale of grief, “Boulevard”, where he details his emotional torture from dating an unfaithful partner who undermined him. A wispy mix of percussion, synths, vocal harmonies and guitar riffs create a cinematic tapestry while his lyrics, “I don’t need her/ Mona Lisa/ And I miss her/ No picture” paints a vivid picture of his bruised ego.
As a result, the buoyant next track, “American Love”, almost seems intended as a revenge kiss-off track to his heart-breaker as he brags and takes petty shots over the sparse trap production. Ironically, his melodic Carti-esque caricature cadence and ad-libs also make for the most ambitious element on the project with its objective to draw the attention of international audiences.
“Spiderman” was perhaps his most notable freestyle, inspiring parody videos from comedians on Instagram who mimicked his quirky hand gestures while rapping. However, the song’s melancholic lyrics and atmospheric production stand at sharp contrast to the humorous fan videos. “Spiderman” reveals Rema’s paranoid thoughts, dealing with haters that undermine him and those who try to take advantage of his talent and newfound fame. Despite his catchy flow and cartoonishly inventive raps, his lyrics are dark and lucid, revealing his adept pen-game.
Having already established his trap influences, the closing track, “Trap out the Submarine”, expands his sonic palette as he explores more niche synth-pop sounds, singing over a velvety mix of vocal harmonies, drum machine loops and space-age synth chords of a Frankensteinian combination of guitar and synthesizer harmonies. Thematically, however, “Trap out the Submarine” lives in the overlap between political anthem and self-reflection. Lines like “Government they be busy acting crazy/ They shedding so much blood for this” and “So many niggas died/ How did I?/ I told them I was born for this” listen like battle hymns. But despite the down-pitched ambience of the song, there’s also an undercurrent of a celebration of his rise to mainstream dominance.
You can stream ‘Rema Freestyle’ below.
Featured Image Credits: Instagram/heisrema
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ICYMI: Rema is the kid from Benin with the world at his feet
Asake Links With Tiakola On Gritty “BADMAN GANSTA”
Another step towards ‘Money,’ his fourth
Street-pop star, Asake, has released a surprise new single titled “BADMAN GANSTA.” Produced by super producer, P.Priime, the single, Asake’s second of the year, arrives with a crisp black and white feature and a stellar guest verse from French rapper and singer Tiakola.
The singer posted the full music video–a monochromatic montage of dazzling shots and scenes of his opulent lifestyle–across his different social media handles on Thursday evening, July 24, with a caption that read, ‘The World Of Money.’
Earlier in June, the ex-YBNL star announced a new album titled ‘Money.’ A few months before that, he released a loosie titled “Military” and then “WHY LOVE,” his first official single under his new imprint Giran Republic. “Military” served as a bookend to the first arc of his impressive career as much as an announcement of a new era, while “WHY LOVE” officially kicked off season two.
Following the release of “WHY LOVE,” Asake has also featured on songs like Olamide’s “99,” J Hus’ “Gold”, and Young Jonn’s “Che Che,” delivering standout verses that favour a melodious, laid-back approach as opposed to the spirited, fast-paced style that earned him success early on. “BADMAN GANSTA” also excels with this approach, as Asake’s melodious musings about his current lifestyle dovetail nicely with Tiakola’s equally sturdy verse over a plush beat that samples Amerie’s 2005 classic “1 Thing.”
With Asake releasing three albums in as many years, it’s not unreasonable to assume ‘Money’ might arrive before the end of the year. There’s also the possibility that he might be willing to take his time a little more now, seeing as he his under his imprint now.
Whatever the case may be, ‘Money’ is likely to arrive sooner rather than later, and it will be fascinating to see what other aces Asake has up his sleeves.
Listen to “BADMAN GANSTA” here.
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Ayra Starr Releases Her Sizzling Anthem, “Hot Body”
An 11th-hour summer anthem for the
Ayra Starr has released her highly anticipated single “Hot Body.”
The Mavin popstar has been teasing the new single for a few weeks now, posting multiple promotional videos across social media that built up significant excitement for her third official release of the year. The release of “Hot Body” comes on the heels of recent reports that confirmed the Grammy-nominated singer had officially joined Roc Nation’s roster, the American music label, entertainment, and sports services company founded by rapper and business mogul JAY-Z.
Earlier in February, Ayra Starr shared “All The Love,” a sumptuous Afropop ballad produced by labelmate Johnny Drille and Teemode, before releasing the sleek and sensual Wizkid-assisted “Gimmie Dat” about months later. In that time period, the singer picked up two awards at the 2025 MOBO Awards for Best African Music Act and Best International Act before also clinching her first BET award for Best International Act in June.
It was recently announced that the pop singer would be joining Coldplay on the UK leg of their Music Of The Spheres World Tour between August to September, and her impressive year continues with the release of “Hot Body.” Once again, teaming up with close collaborator Ragee and UK production duo The Elements, Ayra Starr manages to deliver a sweetly erotic summer jam that’s sure to elicit plenty lip-biting, hip gyrating, and flirty winks. “Look what a hot body can do,” she sings repeatedly, almost like an enchantress performing a magic trick.
With her current deal with Mavin and Universal Music still running and the recent confirmation of her management deal with Roc Nation, it’s safe to assume that “Hot Body” might garner significant momentum both at home and abroad. Outside of her music, the singer recently wrapped up the shooting of the film adaptation of Tomi Adeyemi’s Children of Blood and Bone which is reportedly set for release in early 2027.
Listen to “Hot Body” here.
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Zulo Details His Evolution On New ‘Z’ EP
Packed with his reflections on faith, love, and cultural pride, ‘Z’ distills ZULO’s thoughts into a...
ZULO is no stranger to reinvention. Formerly known as Lil Trix, the rapper rose through the ranks with a series of gritty mixtapes that chronicled his upbringing, thrills, and connection to the community. Since his rebrand, he’s steadily grown into a renowned voice in South African Hip-Hop, regarded for his storytelling, cultural homage, and genre fusion.
Three years after the release of ‘Talk To Me Naace,’ his reintroduction to the scene, ZULO has returned with ‘Z,’ a three-track EP that shows a glimpse of his evolution as an artist and human. Packed with his reflections on faith, love, and cultural pride, ‘Z’ distills ZULO’s thoughts into a refined sound that’s bold, emotional, and distinctly South African.
The three-tracker opens with “God’s Armour,” a gospel-inflected protest anthem layered with brass and trap drums. It is followed by “Sweeter Success,” an infectious Afropop-inspired groove built around a nostalgic sample of UPZ’s iconic “Pure Surprise”. Beneath its shine lies a darker message: the emotional cost of ambition, the toll of always pushing for more. ZULO produced the track himself, with additional production from Miglow and SpiceDrums.
‘Z’ closes with “Spaan”, a gritty street anthem that samples Kamazu and confronts addiction, poverty, and the lingering scars of apartheid through the lens of coloured identity. “These songs are battle cries and war journals,” ZULO says. “‘Z’ is everything I’ve fought through to stand where I am. The EP follows a strong run of 2024 singles, including “Adawise,” “JOL,” “Garden,” and “Smaak To Love (Lamza).”
Listen to ‘Z’ here.
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