Rema is fast making a name for himself in America, after solidifying himself as a certified star out in Nigeria. The rapper-slash-singer really does it all, from melodic, auto-tuned raps you would find in the United States to Nigerian-inspired, afrobeats music. Somehow, every record is catchy which will undoubtedly set him up for a successful career. Case in point, Apple Music has already deemed him their newest "Up Next" artist, which is an honor they bestow upon a rising artist that often results in said artist's imminent mainstream takeover, considering the cultural pull and power that is Apple. At the time, Rema said of the recognition: "[It's] a huge deal for me," said Rema. "I want to take Afrobeats to the world and now the world is listening, it’s an honour. This has come during a time when across the world people are uniting and coming together to fight for justice. This generation, my generation, are standing up and speaking out and it’s amazing to see, I am standing right beside them."
For today's new drop though, Rema takes things to a hip-hop route rather than afrobeats, with a record that contains a familiar sample from Jay-Z's classic "Dead Presidents." How do you find the re-purposed sample? Rema uses the piano melody to float over the beat in a squeaky baby voice while he sing-raps about being an alien who is in love with his best friend.
Now's the time to wake up from your Rema nap and start paying attention. Check out the new record and let us know what you think.