Rema, Baby (Is it a Crime) | Song Review

Nigerian singer, songwriter, and rapper Rema brings the infectious, sensual vibes on his entertaining Afrobeats single, “Baby (Is it a Crime).”

“Love is in the air, baby, breathe in.” Word. Nigerian singer, songwriter, and rapper Rema (Divine Ikubor) brings the vibes on “Baby (Is it a Crime)”.  “Baby” was produced by Nigerian producer, P. Priime (Peace Emmanuel Oredope). “Baby” is set in a minor key, which gives the track a darker sound. The track commences with an enigmatic intro with sampled vocals: “Is it a crime? / Is it a crime / That I still want you / And I want you to want me too?” Specifically, multiple elements of “Is It a Crime”, by Sade, from the band’s 1985 album, Promise, are sampled. That is great source material!

Rema delivers a chill, cool, swagger-laden performance. Fittingly, he performs in his native Nigerian dialect. Post-intro, Ikubor performs the centerpiece, the chorus: “Baby (Rema), baby sun mọ́ mí / You know say you match my steeze / You know I’m a G.” Word. Rema also drops ear-catching verses, filled with sensual references. “Baby, go down low, nobody gats to know / Oya, I know I play around, but me no fit to let you go,” he sings in the first verse.  In the second, he adds, “The way you move this your body na weapon, ah-ahn /Catch me off guard, me I hands up kparam.” In the third verse, he spoils her:

“Buy you a Birkin matching my AP color

Treat you like omo-mo

Pampering on a hunnid

Baby, you the one for me, ooh.”

The melodies are rhythmic. The production work is warm with accompaniment featuring keys, strings, and a sickening drum groove. Following the specifics Rema raps and sings is difficult at times (the dialect), but the vibes on “Baby (Is it a Crime)” are lit.  Afrobeats bop, PERIOD!

Rema // “Baby (Is it a Crime)” // Marvin Global Holdings Ltd / Jonzing World Entertainment // 2.7.25

[: Marvin Global Holdings Ltd / Jonzing World Entertainment]