Heis (album) explained

Heis
Type:studio
Artist:Rema
Cover:Rema - Heis.png
Genre:
Length:27:33
Label:
Producer:
Prev Title:Ravage
Prev Year:2023

Heis is the second studio album by Nigerian rapper and singer-songwriter Rema. It was released through Mavin Records, Jonzing World, and Interscope Records on 10 July 2024. The album features guest appearances from Shallipopi, and Odumodublvck. It serves as the follow-up to his previous album, Rave & Roses (2022).[2]

Background and promotion

In July 2024, Rema announced the forthcoming release of his second studio album, titled Heis.[3] [4] Over a duration of two years, Rema engaged in creative collaborations with a plethora of producers and artists, notably Shallipopi and Odumodublvck, to craft this opus.[5] The recording process was marked by an spirit of experimentation, as Rema ventured into uncharted sonic territories, yielding a diverse and innovative body of work.[6] The album's production credits include a roster of esteemed producers, such as Rema himself, P.Priime, London, Cubeatz and Take a Daytrip, among others.[7] Comprising eleven tracks, the album serves as a testament to Rema's artistic maturation. Prior to the album's release, Rema embarked on an extensive promotional tour, gracing various venues and festivals worldwide with his performances.[8] [9]

Singles

The lead single of the album, "Benin Boys", was released on 20 June 2024, which features Nigerian Afrobeats singer Shallipopi.[10] The second single, "Hehehe", was released on 7 July 2024, three days before the album was released.[11]

Critical reception

Kyann-Sian Williams of NME stated that "Heis opens with the Afrorave powerhouse's signature chuckle, but takes you to unknown territory with the enthralling, synth-heavy 'March Am' and 'Azaman'. Blending orchestral strings, thumping drums, and (on the former) a car's revving engine, these energetic gems reaffirm Rema as a true rhythm scientist." Adeayo Adebiyi of Pulse Nigeria gave the album a 8.0/10 rating, but noted that it feels like an outburst driven by a perceived lack of acknowledgment. What should have been a display of elevated artistry quickly turned into a petulant demand for recognition through an obviously one-take project, which he hopes showcases his superlative talent. Wongo Okon of Uproxx called the album "polarizing" and said it's the "jolt that afrobeats needs," noting that "the beauty of afrobeats must be preserved and it’s artists like Rema who will make sure that happens."[12]

Charts

Chart (2024)! scope="col"
Peak
position
Nigerian Albums (TurnTable)[13] 1

Notes and References

  1. Web site: Rema redefines the Afrobeats genre with sophomore album 'HEIS'. NotJustOk. July 11, 2024. July 11, 2024.
  2. Web site: Rema drops sophomore album HEIS. Music in Africa. July 11, 2024. July 11, 2024.
  3. Rema Announces Sophomore Album Heis. Heran Mamo. Billboard. July 9, 2024. July 11, 2024.
  4. Rema Announces Second Studio Album Heis. Larisha Paul. Rolling Stone. July 8, 2024. July 11, 2024.
  5. Web site: Rema's He Is To Feature Shallipopi, Odumodublvck. Oke Odunmorayo. The Guardian. July 6, 2024. July 11, 2024.
  6. Web site: Rema Champions His Roots & Afrobeats in New Album Heis. BN. BellaNaija. July 11, 2024. July 11, 2024.
  7. Web site: Rema's He Is Debuts At No. 1 On Nigeria's Apple Albums Chart. Guardian. July 11, 2024. July 11, 2024.
  8. Rema Shocks Afrobeats to New Life With Heis. Mankaprr Conteh. Rolling Stone. July 11, 2024. July 11, 2024.
  9. Web site: Rema unveils sophomore album 'Heis'. Taiwo Okanlawan. P.M. News. July 11, 2024. July 11, 2024.
  10. Rema & Shallipopi Returns With New 'Benin Boys' Banger. Kyle . Dennis. Billboard. June 20, 2024. July 11, 2024.
  11. Web site: Rema shows a different dimension to his artistry with new single 'Hehehe. Adeayo. Adeyemi. Pulse Nigeria. July 8, 2024. July 11, 2024.
  12. Web site: 2024-07-24 . Rema's Polarizing 'Heis' Album Is The Jolt Afrobeats Needs . 2024-07-25 . UPROXX . en-US.
  13. Official Top 100 Albums: July 12th, 2024 - July 18th, 2024. TurnTable. 20 July 2024. 20 July 2024. https://web.archive.org/web/20240720184250/https://www.turntablecharts.com/charts/1. dead.