“HEIS” by Rema: A Fusion of Afrobeat and Afrorave

Rema, the Nigerian rapper and singer-songwriter, has once again set the music world ablaze with his latest album, “HEIS”, released on 11th July 2024. Known for his influential role in popularizing the Afrorave subgenre within Afrobeats, Rema continues to push musical boundaries. “HEIS” features eleven tracks, spanning a duration of 27 minutes and 38 seconds, and includes a collaboration with Shallipopi. Released under Marvin Records & Jonzing World, this album showcases the work of several renowned producers, including Producer X (NG), CuBeatz, Klimperboy, and Deats.”HEIS” is a blend of Afrobeat, Trap, Afrorave, and Alternative genres.

Overview of the Album: “HEIS”

HEIS, the follow-up to Rave & Roses, arrives with hardly any warning and is packed with more of the freewheeling experimentation that Rema has built his reputation on. The album-11 songs in under 30 minutes-sees Rema step into a new era as he reckons with the thrills of global stardom and the pressures of being at the forefront of Afropop.

He’s keen to be respected for his contributions to the culture, defiantly placing himself at the top of Afropop’s taxonomy on the punk-adjacent “HEHEHE.” Over a riotous instrumental on the title track, he makes a case for cross-continental pollination by infusing Swahili into the song proclaiming his musical greatness.

Both of Nigeria’s 2023 breakout stars join Rema’s metaverse here: Fellow Benin native Shallipopi dials in for a love letter to their hometown on “BENIN BOYS,” while Abuja rapper ODUMODUBLVCK delivers a thumping verse on “WAR MACHINE.” Still, the narrative of HEIS is solely Rema’s as he declares that he’s primed for more success on “MARCH AM” and reels off his accomplishments on the P.Priime-produced “YAYO.” It all feels like the work of a candid creator reminding his listeners that he’s still operating at the cutting edge of Afropop and laying the building blocks for the genre’s future.

Track-by-track Lyrical Analysis of the Album: “HEIS”

The album kicks off with “HEHEHE,” where Rema addresses his critics head-on. “HEHEHE” is a defiant and energetic song that emphasizes the artist’s confidence, success, and resilience. The lyrics open with the artist focusing on making money while dismissing critics with a taunting laugh. The refrain highlights the artist’s substantial wealth, likening it to that of politicians, and addresses accusations of living like a fraudster. The artist prefers privacy over flaunting wealth on social media and warns that disrespectful talk will have consequences.

In the verses, the artist boasts about not having fully utilized their potential yet, asserting their dominance in the music industry. The song challenges existing hierarchies by suggesting the addition of the artist to the elite group in the industry. Despite facing attempts to undermine their achievements, the artist remains unbothered and confident. The recurring theme of being talked about while making money reinforces the artist’s unyielding stance against haters.

In “HEHEHE,” Rema experiments with a new vocal style reminiscent of Playboi Carti’s recent “deep voice.” This, combined with his evolving fashion sense mirroring Playboi Carti’s, adds a fresh layer to his persona.

“BENIN BOYS” is a vibrant celebration of cultural identity of Benin City. The song opens with the artist introducing himself as “Shallipopi” and “Pluto presido,” setting a confident and upbeat tone. The lyrics describe arriving in Benin with abundant money, referencing local landmarks like Remy Ekehuan Road and Shalli Sapele, and blending local and international influences.

The song highlights the lifestyle and influence of the Benin boys, emphasizing their dominance and warning that disrespect will have consequences. The chorus, “See money, see am,” repeatedly underscores their visible wealth and success. The artist asserts the pride of being from Benin, suggesting their achievements merit recognition from the traditional ruler, the Oba.

The lyrics also emphasize a strong sense of brotherhood and loyalty among the Benin boys, showcasing their close-knit community. The artist discusses seizing opportunities to turn small gains into significant wealth, reflecting their entrepreneurial spirit. The song’s repetitive phrases, cultural references, and boastful tone create a catchy and rhythmic anthem, celebrating the carefree, confident lifestyle and influence of the Benin boys.

Collaborations and Features

Rema features Shallipopi in the album, adding a dynamic collaboration that highlights their shared cultural background. In Rema’s words:

“I hit Shallipopi up; I told him to pull up to my studio [in Lagos], and he did. We made three songs that day, but that was the first one we made. We always knew coming together, when we’re cooking up something, it has to be something that expresses where we are from. We’re from different hoods, so he would definitely be the perfect person to express his hood, me express my hood, and then in combination, just express Southside, Edo State in general. Edo is the state, Benin is the city. Beni is the culture.”

Rema also features Odumodublvck, a Nigerian rapper, singer and songwriter. Odumodublvck is a member of the hip-hop collective Anti World Gangstars. 

Tracklist: “HEIS”

Musical Composition

The musical arrangement in “HEIS” is impressive. The instrumentation combines traditional Afrobeat elements with contemporary Trap beats, creating a unique sound. The melodies are catchy, and the beats are infectious. Each track has a distinct structure, with intros that grab attention, verses that build the narrative, and choruses that leave a lasting impression.

Vocal Performance

Rema experiments with a new vocal style on “HEIS,” reminiscent of Playboi Carti’s recent deep voice technique. His delivery is dynamic, showcasing his versatility and ability to adapt different styles. This experimentation adds depth to the album, making it a captivating listen from start to finish.

Production and Sound Quality

The production quality of “HEIS” is top-notch. The mixing and mastering are expertly done, ensuring that each element of the track shines. Unique sound effects and production techniques further enhance the listening experience, making the album stand out in the crowded music landscape.

Stream ‘HEIS’

Conclusion

Rema’s “HEIS” is a bold and innovative album that solidifies his position as a leading figure in Afrobeats. With its diverse genres, impressive collaborations, and high-quality production, “HEIS” is a must-listen for fans and new listeners alike. Listen to “HEIS” and share your thoughts in the comments below.

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