Audio Sessions: Rema Discusses HEIS, Ye & Carti Inspiration, Drake Collab Leaking, Afrobeats, Conspiracy Theorists
In this interview, Arshan sat down for a conversation with global Afrobeats star Rema following the release of his critically acclaimed album ‘HEIS’ which not only marked a notable shift in his sound and aesthetic but also bridged a new audience toward the genre itself while still paying homage to his native Benin City, Edo State, Nigeria. Starting his early musical journey as a Gospel rapper, Rema developed his skills and ear for music with early influences rooted in Melodic Trap while listening to Playboi Carti, Juice WRLD, and XXXTENTACION, among many others. Rema’s music initially gained traction following the release of his 2019 single “Dumebi” which was the first domino to fall in his long line of world-dominating tracks like “Calm Down (with Selena Gomez)” which propelled him to the global stage and then some.
In their conversation, Rema discusses his favorite things to do in NY, starting his career as a Gospel rapper, being a fan of LUCKI, Playboi Carti, Ken Carson, Future, & Veeze, having early influence from Playboi Carti, Juice WRLD, and XXXTENTACION, being friends with Travis Scott & showing him around Nigeria, dealing with songs leaking & not crashing out, “Mention Me” with Drake leaking, starting from scratch with Drake to make a classic, his album ‘HEIS’ changing the sound of Afrobeats, Batman: “Arkham Knight” influencing his sound, making Afrobeats cinematic and being inspired by Hip-Hop, bringing back “the old Rema,” NOT worshipping the devil and Benin culture being misunderstood, being best friends with Lancey Foux, working with Young Thug & Akon, Afrobeats being overlooked, Rema’s biggest enemy, Rema’s advice for emerging artists, Overcoming creative burnout, being mentored by Rick Rubin, getting style inspiration from Emo-Rock, and working with Metro Boomin & BNYX going forward!
Host @ktoarshan
Producers @ktoarshan @jack.kissane
Filming @kahhre @wav3_visuals
Editing @Mikkyfilmz @ktoarshan
Research + special help @jack.kissane @antoniojohri
