Following a long string of success with chart-topping singles, Tems’ debut album has finally dropped and does not disappoint.
Born in the Wild, which dropped June 7, showcases the artist’s lyrical genius as well as her versatility and range from the hypnotic opening track “Born in the Wild” to the dance-track beat-heavy sound of “Forever” to her own spin on hip-hop on “T-Unit.”
The artist’s eclectic musical influences are evident throughout the 18-song album, which includes previously released track “Love Me Jeje” and include R&B, African beats and rhythms, soul, hip-hop, and poetry “Burning” is reminiscent of old-school R&B sounds, but with a distinct switch up of pace that keeps the listener engaged while simultaneously being hypnotized by Tems’ voice, which is overlaid to sound almost like a duet on the track.
The Nigerian singer’s African influence is evidence with the subtle Afrobeats sound that’s infused with a classic R&B sound in the musical tracks as well as the spoken interludes. Tems’ musical ability never overshadows her talent for lyricism with her poetic capabilities shining through exceptionally well on “Ready.”
Guest artists include Asake (in the Reggae-esque “Get it Right”) and J. Cole (on “Free Fall”), demonstrating her ability to weave seamlessly between genres all on the same album.
As for the name and symbolism behind the debut album, Tems stated: “Born In The Wild is a story of transformation, from a cocoon to a butterfly,” continuing to explain that the album “speaks on surviving mental wilderness and coming to a place where one can thrive. It’s about finally accepting oneself and embodying the woman I was born to be. It shows the different dimensions of who I am, from a cub to a lioness.”
The album release coincides with Tems’ upcoming BORN IN THE WILD WORLD TOUR, which starts on June 12 in London and will continue throughout Europe and North America before heading to Africa and finally concluding in Australia on November 15. Tour information can be found at https://www.leadingvibe.com/.
After a long wait, Tems finally delivered in style with her debut album. The songstress initially gained recognition in 2019 when her song “Try Me” became a hit, and she became a ubiquitous force across the global music scene. The release of For Broken Ears in September 2020 and If Orange Was A Place in 2021 helped set the stage while her appearance on Wizkid’s “Essence” took her to new heights, earning her a Grammy nomination and a platinum plaque.
That undoubtedly jumpstarted a fruitful run, leading to her credited appearance on Future and Drake’s “Wait For U” and her first Grammy win. Then, her contributions to Black Panther: Wakanda Forever soundtrack — a cover of Bob Marley’s “No Woman, No Cry” and co-writing Rihanna’s “Lift Me Up” — earned Golden Globe Award and Oscar nominations for Best Original Song — Motion Picture. Despite these and many more achievements, some considered Tems’s success a fluke due to her collaboration with WizKid. On her debut album, Born In The Wild, she proved her critics and doubters wrong and sealed her status as a global superstar.
One thing to note in Tem’s debut album is that she did it on her terms. The 18-track album tells the story of personal growth and rise to stardom through impressive and emotionally driven songwriting. In the titular track, “Born In The Wild,” Tems sings, “I grew up in the wilderness/I didn’t know much about openness.” Then, on “Wickedest,” she reflects on her success in singing, “Yeah, I’m the one got the scene banging/And I go hard that’s why they keep talking/Three years and I’m only just getting started.“
Tems’ quest for true and long-lasting love is seen in the previously released “Me & U” and “Love Me Jeje.” Although she admits to longing for that kind of love, she draws a line regarding toxic relationships. We see this in “Boy O Boy,” a potential heartbreak anthem, where Tems calmly sings of her desire to hurt the man who broke her heart. Some of the lyrics include “Sometimes I want to strangle you,” “You are a pain in my brain,” and “I wonder how I love a thing like you.” Meanwhile, in “Unfortunate,” Tems belts out about detaching from a lover she can no longer trust. Born In The Wild is thus themed around mental and self-growth, love, and heartbreak. Through her vulnerability, her debut album resulted in a perfect victory in her career.
Features
Versatility was a theme throughout the 54-minute album. Tems surprised people with her collaboration with Asake on “Get It Right.” It wasn’t a collaboration many saw coming, but both artists showed they could handle any musical challenge. Tems’ vocals excelled in the Fuji-infused Amapiano sound, while Asake’s lyrics blended excellently with the song’s cool vibe.
Tems features J. Cole on “Free Fall.” The Fayetteville rapper has been maligned lately amid the Kendrick Lamar-Drake beef, but he showed he remains one of the best rappers alive with his superb wordplay on the track. Backed by Tems’ majestic vocals and a gentle beat, J. Cole belted out lyrics about the topsy-turvy nature of relationships. Born In The Wild has just two features, but they are so perfect that you could wish for more.
However, the depth of her musicality extends beyond her direct collaborators. Throughout the project, she samples classic songs; complementing the groundwork created by the artists before while innovating these sounds for a modern era. We already saw her majestic creativity when she sampled Seyi Sodimu’s “Love Me Jeje,” but there was more to come in Born In The Wild. The 28-year-old took the sampling game a notch higher on “Wickedest,” which began with Ivorian band Magic System’s “1er Gaou.” You won’t also miss Tems’ expert sampling of Diana King’s “L-L-Lies” in “Gangsta.”
Tems’ Born In The Wild is not an album where she introduces herself. Instead, she climbed to new heights and solidified her status as a global superstar who is here to stay. Tems won more people to her corner with her incredulous show of versatility. The GuiltyBeatz-produced “Burning” is a soothing song that has all the powers to brighten your day. “Turn Me Up” has the makings of a summer jam. Tems outdid herself on the up-tempo banger produced by London. She infused reggae adlibs that ensure you are vibed up from the beginning to the end.
The singer showed her greatness as an R&B artist but wasn’t scared to explore, as she ventured into dancehall, amapiano, afro-pop, and some reggae. She even tested her rap skills on “T-Unit,” where she nodded to 50 Cent’s “Candy Shop.” She stayed true to her sound and never left people questioning her intentions. The album’s production is top-notch. Most of the songs were produced by Tems and her longtime collaborator, GuiltyBeatz. Sarz produced “Get It Right,” P2J produced “Free Fall,” and London produced “Turn Me Up.” Other producers who contributed to the album include Nsikak David, DameDame, and Spax.
Tems’ Born In The Wild album is a project for those who strive to win. It is for those who go against all odds to find their true selves and enjoy the success that comes with victory. Like she sings in “Hold On,” just hold on, and that which you seek will find you. Tems has found herself and showed us what more she can do, but that is not where it stops — there is so much more to come.
Tems rise to the top has been quite rapid. Over the last couple of years, the Lagos, Nigerian genre chameleon has notched some impressive feathers in her cap. Whether it be working with Drake (multiple times) and Future on “WAIT FOR U”, or Wizkid and Justin Bieber on “Essence”, she has really been everywhere. We also cannot forget to mention her contributions to the Black Panther: Wakanda Forever soundtrack. But just because she has all of these major collaborations, do not think for one second that her solo career is lackluster. From “Me & U” to “Love Me JeJe”, and “Higher”, the 28-year-old has a loaded catalog, too. The first two singles land on Tems’ debut album, Born in the Wild.
It follows up on a tandem of EPs, For Broken Ears (2020) and If Orange Was A Place (2021), both of which were well received. We can almost guarantee that her first full-length will get similar praise as well. Across the 18-song, nearly hour-long project, fans can expect a personal journey of learning to deal with fame, relationships, as well some introspection. Born in the Wildcould mean a few things, but since Tems says it is all about her mindset and how she has grown. “It’s more about the state of being. It was a wilderness in the environment I lived in and there’s so many things that happened and so many lessons I learned to come and be this person now. It is basically coming out of the wilderness.”
GRAMMY® Award-winning and Oscar-nominated Nigerian singer, songwriter, and producer Tems has released her highly anticipated debut studio album, Born In The Wild, via Since 93/RCA Records. The 18-track album showcases Tems’ unique sound and features high-profile collaborations with J. Cole and Asake.
Born In The Wild marks a significant milestone in Tems’ career, following her rise to international stardom. The album highlights her signature blend of soulful melodies and introspective lyrics, promising to captivate listeners worldwide. With contributions from renowned artists like J. Cole and Asake, Tems continues to solidify her position as a leading force in the music industry.
Tems has announced her highly anticipated Born In The World 2024 global tour, kicking off with a special headline show at London’s Eventim Apollo on June 12th. The tour news comes in anticipation of her debut album, Born In The Wild, set to drop via Since ’93/RCA Records on June 7th.
Fresh off her acclaimed Coachella debut and the release of her latest single, “Love Me JeJe,” Tems is poised to captivate audiences worldwide with her soulful vocals and electrifying performances.
Fans eager to catch Tems live can mark their calendars for ticket sales, which begin at 10 AM this Friday, May 17th. With her unique blend of talent and artistry, Tems’ Born In The World 2024 tour promises an unforgettable experience, showcasing her exceptional musical prowess on the global stage.
At long last, Tems‘ debut album is finally here. Tonight (June 7), the Nigerian R&B hitmaker has shared Born In The Wild, her long-awaited full-length project. With her years of features, EPs, and viral tracks, Tems delivered on her promise of pure quality. On Born In The Wild is “Free Fall,” a collaboration with J. Cole.
Neither Tems or Cole avoid facing difficult emotions, but on “Free Fall,” the two find themselves confused as to how to move forward with a love that is draining them of their energies.
“Hopeless, in the moment / I free fall straight into you / I don’t know if I can fight what you do in my mind / Or and more can collide with you,” sings Tems on the song’s intro.
Cole hops in, noting that he cam empathize, however, he feels frustrated at the woman’s inability to open up to him.
“Toxic, who would’vе thought whats comin’ was a plot twist / Soon as you let me in, you start hunting for the locksmith / Now thе key I once had to your heart does not fit / I got three choices, bad on your door or lock-pick / Or walk away confused at your logic,” raps Cole on his verse.
Though Cole’s hot streak of verses has recently been called into question, recently with his verse of Cash Cobain’s “Grippy” and his removal of the Kendrick Lamar diss track “7 Minute Drill” from streaming platforms. But with “Free Fall,” he bounces back, and makes a return to melodic, rhythmic form.
And ultimately, Tems’ debut album proves to be worth the wait, and only the beginning of a long, promising career.
You can listen to “Free Fall” above.
Born In The Wild is out now via RCA. Find more information here.
Tems brings sultriness and soulfulness on every track in which she appears. It’s the combination of these qualities that’s made her such a sought after feature in the music world. It’s also what makes her debut album, Born In the Wild, such a mesmerizing listen. The Nigerian singer emphasizes all of her strengths and displays very few weaknesses over the album’s 18 tracks. She handles most of these tracks alone, but “Free Fall,” the single featuring J Cole, is an unmistakable highlight. The two artists join forces for a beautiful meditation on love and regret.
Tems’ vocals are achingly vulnerable. The lyrics follow suit. “Sorry if you don’t know what you’re doing with me. How you do me wrong then call my name, my name,” she sings in the pre-chorus. “Too late for you, babe, I don’t think I can let you in. I’m not opened up anymore.” The singer has a talent for evoking beauty and tragedy simultaneously, as evidenced by some of the album’s teaser tracks, but “Free Fall” kicks it up a notch. J Cole also delivers. The rapper has struggled to get his footing post Kendrick beef, as evidenced by the head-scratching “Grippy” verse, but he’s back in his element. Cole shines when it comes to detailing complicated romances, and his appearance on “Free Fall” evokes fan-favorite guest spots like “Warm Enough” and “Pretty Little Fears.”
Let us know what you think of this brand-new track, in the comments section down below. Additionally, stay tuned to HNHH for the latest news and updates from around the music world. We will continue to keep you informed on all of your favorite artists and their upcoming projects.
Toxic, who would’vе thought whats comin’ was a plot twist Soon as you let me in, you start huntin’ for the locksmith Now thе key i once had to your heart does not fit I got three choices, bad on your door or lock-pick Or walk away confused at your logic
Born In The Wild is due on June 7 via RCA / Since ’93, which means you can stream it beginning at 9 PM Pacific/midnight Eastern time. Check out more information about the album below.
Tracklist
1. “Born In The Wild”
2. “Special Baby (Interlude)”
3. “Burning”
4. “Wickedest”
5. “Love Me JeJe”
6. “Get It Right” Feat. Asake
7. “Ready”
8. “Gangsta”
9. “Unfortunate”
10. “Boy O Boy”
11. “Forever”
12. “Free Fall” Feat. J. Cole
13. “Voices In My Head (Interlude)”
14. “Turn Me Up”
15. “Me & U”
16. “T-Unit”
17. “You In My Face”
18. “Hold On”
Tour Dates
Europe:
6/12 — London, UK @ Eventim Apollo
6/15 — Paris, France @ L’Olympia
7/4 — Oslo, Norway @ Sentrum Scene
7/8 — Berlin, Germany @ Tempodrom
7/10 — Cologne, Germany @ Carlswerk Victoria
7/12 — Amsterdam, Netherlands @ Paradiso
7/16 — Montreux, Switzerland @ Montreux
North America
8/22 — Miami Beach, FL @ The Fillmore
8/24 — Orlando, FL @ Hard Rock Cafe
8/26 — Dallas, TX @ Gilley’s South Side Ballroom
8/28 — Houston, TX @ 713 Music Hall
8/30 — Atlanta, GA @ Coca-Cola Roxy
9/01 — Washington, DC @ The Anthem
9/03 — Philadelphia, PA @ The Met Philadelphia
9/05 — New York City, NY @ Radio City Music Hall
9/07 — Toronto, ON, Canada @ History
9/11 — Boston, MA @ Agganis Arena
9/13 — Montreal, QC, Canada @ L’Olympia
9/15 — Chicago, IL @ Byline Bank Aragon Ballroom
9/17 — Denver, CO @ The Mission Ballroom
9/22 — Vancouver, BC, Canada @ The Queen Elizabeth Theatre
9/25 — Seattle, WA @ Showbox SODO
9/27 — San Francisco, CA @ The Warfield
9/29 — Las Vegas, NV @ The Theatre At Virgin Hotel
10/1 — Los Angeles, CA @ The Greek Theatre
Africa
10/19 & 25 — TBA
Asia
11/5 — TBA
Australia
11/09 — Melbourne @ Margaret Court Arena
11/12 — Brisbane @ Fortitude Music Hall
11/15 — Sydney @ The Hordern Pavilion
Tems announced her debut album Born In The Wildback in April, giving fans just about two months to build excitement for it. So, when can you stream Born In The Wild on DSPs like Apple Music?
Born In The Wild is due on June 7 via RCA / Since ’93, which means that it’ll be available to stream beginning at midnight Eastern / 9 PM Pacific.
Last week, Tems revealed the tracklist for the album, which includes guest features from fellow Afrobeats star Asake and rapper J. Cole. You can check out more information on Born In The Wild below.
Tracklist
1. “Born In The Wild”
2. “Special Baby (Interlude)”
3. “Burning”
4. “Wickedest”
5. “Love Me JeJe”
6. “Get It Right” Feat. Asake
7. “Ready”
8. “Gangsta”
9. “Unfortunate”
10. “Boy O Boy”
11. “Forever”
12. “Free Fall” Feat. J. Cole
13. “Voices In My Head (Interlude)”
14. “Turn Me Up”
15. “Me & U”
16. “T-Unit”
17. “You In My Face”
18. “Hold On”
6/12 — London, UK @ Eventim Apollo
6/15 — Paris, France @ L’Olympia
7/4 — Oslo, Norway @ Sentrum Scene
7/8 — Berlin, Germany @ Tempodrom
7/10 — Cologne, Germany @ Carlswerk Victoria
7/12 — Amsterdam, Netherlands @ Paradiso
7/16 — Montreux, Switzerland @ Montreux
North America
8/22 — Miami Beach, FL @ The Fillmore
8/24 — Orlando, FL @ Hard Rock Cafe
8/26 — Dallas, TX @ Gilley’s South Side Ballroom
8/28 — Houston, TX @ 713 Music Hall
8/30 — Atlanta, GA @ Coca-Cola Roxy
9/01 — Washington, DC @ The Anthem
9/03 — Philadelphia, PA @ The Met Philadelphia
9/05 — New York City, NY @ Radio City Music Hall
9/07 — Toronto, ON, Canada @ History
9/11 — Boston, MA @ Agganis Arena
9/13 — Montreal, QC, Canada @ L’Olympia
9/15 — Chicago, IL @ Byline Bank Aragon Ballroom
9/17 — Denver, CO @ The Mission Ballroom
9/22 — Vancouver, BC, Canada @ The Queen Elizabeth Theatre
9/25 — Seattle, WA @ Showbox SODO
9/27 — San Francisco, CA @ The Warfield
9/29 — Las Vegas, NV @ The Theatre At Virgin Hotel
10/1 — Los Angeles, CA @ The Greek Theatre
Africa
10/19 & 25 — TBA
Asia
11/5 — TBA
Australia
11/09 — Melbourne @ Margaret Court Arena
11/12 — Brisbane @ Fortitude Music Hall
11/15 — Sydney @ The Hordern Pavilion
GRAMMY® Award-winning and Oscar-nominated Lagos-based singer, songwriter, and producer Tems has revealed the official tracklist for her highly anticipated debut album, Born In The Wild, which will be released this Friday, June 7th, via Since ‘93/RCA Records. The 18-track album boasts special guest features from Asake and J. Cole. It showcases production from a stellar lineup of producers, including long-time collaborator GuiltyBeatz, London, Sarz, P2J, Spax, DAMEDAME*, Nsikak David, and Tems herself.
The album features the hit singles “Me & U,” which has garnered over 45 million streams and peaked at #34 on the UK Official Singles Chart, and the new single “Love Me JeJe,” currently on the B-List at BBC Radio 1 and the A-List at Radio 1Xtra.”Born In The Wild” is already being praised as a critically acclaimed masterpiece, reflecting Tems’ signature sound and storytelling prowess. The album is poised to solidify her place as a global music powerhouse, with fans eagerly awaiting its release.
With her debut album Born In The Wild coming soon, Nigerian singer Tems is soon to ascned to global superstar status. After becoming the first African-born artist to debut at No. 1 on the Billboard Hot 100 (thanks in part to Future and Drake) and penning for both Beyoncé and Rihanna, she’s ready to take the next step in her journey as an artist with Born In The Wild. Here’s everything to know about the upcoming album.
6/12 — London, UK @ Eventim Apollo
6/15 — Paris, France @ L’Olympia
7/4 — Oslo, Norway @ Sentrum Scene
7/8 — Berlin, Germany @ Tempodrom
7/10 — Cologne, Germany @ Carlswerk Victoria
7/12 — Amsterdam, Netherlands @ Paradiso
7/16 — Montreux, Switzerland @ Montreux
North America
8/22 — Miami Beach, FL @ The Fillmore
8/24 — Orlando, FL @ Hard Rock Cafe
8/26 — Dallas, TX @ Gilley’s South Side Ballroom
8/28 — Houston, TX @ 713 Music Hall
8/30 — Atlanta, GA @ Coca-Cola Roxy
9/01 — Washington, DC @ The Anthem
9/03 — Philadelphia, PA @ The Met Philadelphia
9/05 — New York City, NY @ Radio City Music Hall
9/07 — Toronto, ON, Canada @ History
9/11 — Boston, MA @ Agganis Arena
9/13 — Montreal, QC, Canada @ L’Olympia
9/15 — Chicago, IL @ Byline Bank Aragon Ballroom
9/17 — Denver, CO @ The Mission Ballroom
9/22 — Vancouver, BC, Canada @ The Queen Elizabeth Theatre
9/25 — Seattle, WA @ Showbox SODO
9/27 — San Francisco, CA @ The Warfield
9/29 — Las Vegas, NV @ The Theatre At Virgin Hotel
10/1 — Los Angeles, CA @ The Greek Theatre
Africa
10/19 & 25 — TBA
Asia
11/5 — TBA
Australia
11/09 — Melbourne @ Margaret Court Arena
11/12 — Brisbane @ Fortitude Music Hall
11/15 — Sydney @ The Hordern Pavilion
