Ravage (EP) explained

Ravage
Type:EP
Artist:Rema
Cover:Ravage (EP).jpg
Genre:
Length:14:36
Label:
Producer:
Prev Title:Rave & Roses
Prev Year:2022
Next Title:Heis
Next Year:2024

Ravage is the fourth EP by Nigerian rapper, singer, and songwriter Rema released on October 27, 2023, through Virgin Music, Mavin Records, and Jonzing World. Like his previous project, Rave & Roses (2022), the EP blends various genres, including alté, afrobeats, and afropop. Lyrically, it explores themes of hard work, pride, and diligence.[1] [2]

Background and release

Following the release of his debut studio album Rave and Roses in 2022, which featured hit songs "Calm Down" and "Charm", Rema achieved global recognition with "Calm Down" and released a remix with Selena Gomez, peaking at number three on the Billboard Hot 100.[3] On October 24, 2023, Rema announced the release of a new EP[4] and teased two new songs, "DND" and "Smooth Criminal".[5] The five-track EP was released through Jonzing World on October 27, 2023.[6] [7] Later, on November 11, 2023, Jonzing World and Mavin Records released the music video for the lead single "Trouble Maker", directed by Meji Alabi.[8]

Music and lyrics

Ravage is a five-track set that explores themes of anger, pride, heartbreak, and empowerment through rage lyrics. The EP primarily features Afrobeats with elements of alté and incorporates Afropop percussive rhythms.[9] [10] [11] The tracks include:

- "Trouble Maker", an Afropop song where Rema sends a message to his fans, clarifying that he's not a troublemaker and doesn't disturb anyone.- "DND" (Do Not Disturb), an Afrobeats song describing how others perceive him and addressing hate and fake love.- "Smooth Criminal", an Afrobeats song discussing modern-day teenage peer pressure and experiences.- "Don't Leave", an Afrobeats song expressing romantic love and sex.- "Red Portion", an Afrobeats song about love and iniquity.

Critical reception

In a review for Pulse Nigeria, Adeayo Adebiyi noted that the EP is marked by an 'exhale of fire', with Rema making it clear that his humility shouldn't be mistaken for cowardice. Moreover, Adebiyi praised Rema's exceptional ability to craft a unique niche, and his effortless skill in switching up his style whenever he wants to, which is even more impressive.[12]

Notes and References

  1. Web site: Hattie. Lindert. Rema Ravage EP. Pitchfork. October 26, 2023. January 27, 2024.
  2. Web site: Rema Drops New EP Titled 'Ravage. Hypebeast. October 29, 2023. January 27, 2024.
  3. tolsen . 2013-01-02 . Billboard Hot 100 . 2024-01-27 . Billboard . en-US .
  4. Web site: REMA ANNOUNCES NEW EP RAVAGE. Guardian. October 24, 2023. January 27, 2024.
  5. Web site: Osas . Gregx . Rema teases new songs from upcoming EP 'Ravage'. Parallel Fact . January 27, 2024.
  6. Web site: Album Talks . Rema Delivers Heat With New "RAVAGE" EP. Album Talks . January 27, 2024 . October 27, 2023.
  7. Web site: BellaNaija . Rema Releases New EP "Ravage", Listen. . January 27, 2024.
  8. Web site: BellaNaija . New Video: Rema — Trouble Maker. . January 27, 2024.
  9. News: Otolorin . Olabode . 5 Takeaways From Rema's New 'RAVAGE' EP. 27 January 2024 . . 30 October 2023.
  10. News: Ravage EP by Rema, is like the final confirmation of his global ascension. 27 January 2024 . News Sletter . 1 November 2023.
  11. Web site: RAVAGE - EP Rema. 27 January 2024 . Genius.
  12. Web site: 2023-10-28. Rema lays claim to the throne with 'RAVAGE' EP A Pulse review of 'RAVAGE' EP by Rema. Adeayo. Adebiyi. 2024-05-31. Pulse Nigeria.