Rema’s “Baby (Is It A Crime)”: A Strategic Blend of Afrobeats and Nostalgia
Rema is back with his first release of 2025, and this time, he takes a calculated approach to balancing contemporary Afrobeats with classic nostalgia. After his last album focused on reviving the core elements of Afrobeats with high-energy, indigenous sounds, Rema shifts gears with a mid-tempo track, “Baby (Is It A Crime),” sampling the legendary 1986 hit by British-Nigerian singer Sade. With production helmed by P-Prime, a frequent collaborator responsible for 80% of his last project, Rema seamlessly infuses elements of Sade’s original song into his own signature sound. But is this a creative step forward or a calculated pivot to a wider audience?
Sampling Sade: A Bold but Strategic Choice
Sade’s “Is It a Crime” is a timeless ballad known for its soulful delivery and emotional depth. Rema borrows its iconic chorus, repurposing it as a hook that loops throughout the track. This strategic sampling introduces his younger audience to a classic, while also drawing in an older demographic familiar with the original song. By doing so, Rema bridges generational and cultural gaps, appealing to both die-hard Afrobeats fans and a global audience accustomed to nostalgic throwbacks in contemporary music.
The Production: Mid-Tempo Groove Meets Afrobeats Flair
Unlike the high-energy, percussion-heavy sound of his last project, “Baby (Is It A Crime)” leans into a laid-back, rhythmic groove. P-Prime crafts a beat that is lush yet restrained, allowing the sampled hook to shine while Rema glides effortlessly over the mid-tempo production. The song maintains the essence of Afrobeats with its rhythmic percussion, but the addition of soft synths and melodic layering makes it accessible to a broader audience.
Lyrical Themes: Love, Desire, and Playful Romance
Lyrically, Rema stays true to his signature themes of love, attraction, and playfulness. He sings about longing and availability, blending Yoruba phrases like “súnmọ́ mí” (come close to me) with contemporary Afrobeats slang. His lyrics tell the story of a confident young man who is aware of his charm and the effect he has on his lover. He assures his love interest of his sincerity while playfully maintaining his image as a “bad boy” who can also be soft when it comes to love.
Throughout the verses, Rema emphasizes a mix of emotional vulnerability and playful seduction. Lines like “You no say you match my steeze / You know I’m a G” highlight his effortless swagger, while “As the shayo dey enter, oya, make we kolobi” (As the drinks flow, let’s get closer) adds a flirtatious edge. He balances these sentiments with a deeper sense of devotion, evident in phrases like “Baby, you the one for me.”
The chorus, lifted from Sade’s original song, serves as a powerful emotional anchor. It reinforces the idea that longing for love should not be seen as a weakness, but rather a natural desire. The repetition of “Is it a crime that I still want you?” makes the listener feel the emotional depth of the song, contrasting with Rema’s more playful verses.
The second half of the song introduces a more intimate tone, where Rema speaks directly to his love interest, praising her beauty and unique personality. He also makes references to luxury and exclusivity, promising to treat her well, as heard in lines like “Buy you a Birkin matching my AP color.” These elements make the song both aspirational and relatable, as Rema presents himself as the ultimate lover who blends street charm with refined taste.
A Global Move: Expanding the Afrobeats Reach
Rema’s last project was a deep dive into Afrobeats’ roots, a bold but potentially alienating move for non-African audiences unfamiliar with the genre’s raw and unfiltered energy. With “Baby (Is It A Crime),” he recalibrates, ensuring that his sound remains globally palatable while staying true to his artistic core. By incorporating a well-known classic, he offers an entry point for international listeners who may not have connected with his previous work.
Final Verdict: A Smart Evolution
Rema’s ability to adapt and innovate within the Afrobeats space is what sets him apart from his peers. “Baby (Is It A Crime)” is not just a song—it’s a statement. It showcases his versatility, his understanding of global music trends, and his knack for making calculated creative decisions. While purists might argue that this is a softer approach compared to his last project, it’s clear that Rema is thinking several steps ahead, crafting a sound that resonates both locally and internationally.
In a world where Afrobeats continues to evolve and expand, Rema remains at the forefront, proving once again that he is not just a trendsetter but a master of his craft.
Rema’s “Baby (Is It A Crime)”: A Strategic Blend of Afrobeats and Nostalgia
