Tems is in the news again for being THAT girl. On April 15, she rocked the Coachella stage in California.
Less than 24 hours later, the Rebel Gang leader delivered the news her fans have anticipated for three years — Tem’s debut album is due for a May release, and it’s titled “BORN IN THE WILD“.
As music listeners are gleeful about the “strategic timing” of the album and its prospective collaborations, I decided to rank her best collaborations by how much they slap.
Soon with Blackmagic
The first track on the third volume of Blackmagic’s titular album series is a song of frustration and optimism. She compliments Blackmagic’s rap style so well. No one else could have carried the chorus like Tems did.
Soon is an inspirational tune for anyone looking forward to the light at the tunnel end. Keep grinding.
Good Time with Lady Donli
It’s all positive vibrations and energy in this jam. Tems feels alive and starts the song with a vibrant force that ushers in Donli and her rapper vibes. The beat and delivery sound like a good time, and you can tell they had a blast making this.
Decided with Odunsi, the Engine
A few days after lockdown in 2020, Odunsi and Tems dropped their collab, Decided. While Odunsi sang about not knowing his dad and his passion to dive deeper to understand his feelings, Tems poured out her emotions about not losing herself. Deep, deep cut. Up there among Tem’s best.
Essence with Wizkid
Tem’s story is incomplete without Essence
Since its release, the song has won Collaboration of the Year award at the 2021 BET Awards, gotten a Grammy nomination for Best Global Song Performance in 2021 and it’s still the biggest song on “Made In Lagos.”
Trouble with DRB Lasgidi
On this one, Tems declares she’s “Trouble making trouble” and it’s what excites her. No one should doubt that. Tems elevated this song with her chorus, and I wonder if her back hurts from carrying the whole song. Her performance makes Trouble make it a top two song on the “PIONEER” album.
Fountains with Drake
Tems landed her second Billboard Hot 100 record with Fountains when it hit number 40 after its release in 2021. It’s a soft jam directed at a love interest. Definitely one of Drake’s best attempts at African rhythms.
Peace with Mannywellz
Tems is done wasting time and energy on one-sided relationships. This collaboration with Mannywellz is a very good one. If you’re not a peaceful lover, leave it to us and go find your trouble.
Shadow of Doubt with Show Dem Camp (SDC)
The message of this song is in its chorus, performed by Tems, and it’s simple: live beyond the doubts keeping you back. SDC and Tems are frequent collaborators and Shadow of Doubt is an indispensable one in their catalogues. Here’s another proof that Tems eats choruses for fun on any beat.
