Rema's rise in the Afrobeats scene has been quick and filled with new ideas and Albums. Starting with his early EPs that mixed trap and Afropop, he has grown significantly as an artist. His first full album, Rave & Roses, showcased this evolution, and his latest album, HEIS (2024), continues this trend by blending traditional African music with modern electronic sounds and global influences.
Let’s take a look at Rema’s albums ranking worst to best:
7. Bad Commando EP (2019)
Best Tracks: Lady, Bad Commando
Rema’s third EP, Bad Commando, is a fine example of his early experimentation with the emerging sound that would eventually make him a global sensation. While it's packed with hits and shows off his signature style, it falls a little flat compared to his more cohesive projects. The EP highlights Rema’s versatility but lacks the depth and consistency that his later releases would bring. Tracks like Lady and Bad Commando are undeniable bangers, but overall, the EP feels like a warm-up to the greatness that follows.
6. Freestyle EP (2019)
Best Tracks: Trap Out the Submarine, American Love
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Released in 2019, Freestyle EP is a showcase of Rema’s trap roots. This project leans heavily into the rapper side of his persona, with moody, bass-heavy beats dominating the soundscape. While Rema’s vocals and flow are impressive, the EP lacks the Afrobeat influence that makes his music distinctive. Freestyle EP serves as an important stepping stone in his career, showing off his versatility as a trap artist, but it doesn't fully capture the unique blend of Afrobeats, trap, and pop that would come to define his later work.
5. Rema Compilation (2020)
Best Tracks: Dumebi, Iron Man, Beamer (Bad Boys)
The Rema Compilation is a collection of tracks from his first three EPs (Rema, Bad Commando, and Freestyle EP), marking his rise to stardom. This project plays more like a greatest hits album for an artist who had only just begun his journey, with hits like Dumebi and Iron Man gaining international traction. However, as a compilation, it lacks the singular vision of his studio albums. While the collection displays Rema’s infectious energy and charisma, it doesn’t offer the same narrative or musical depth that can be found in his full-length works.
4. Rema EP (2019)
Best Tracks: Dumebi, Iron Man
Rema's debut EP is where it all began. Released in March 2019, the self-titled project Rema introduced the world to his genre-blending style, with tracks like Dumebi and Iron Man immediately going viral. The EP marked Rema as an artist to watch, combining Afrobeats with elements of trap, pop, and dancehall. While it’s short and concise, the EP helped shape the trajectory of modern Afropop, making Rema a leading figure in the industry. Its only downside is its brief runtime, leaving listeners wanting more.
3. Rave & Roses (2022)
Best Tracks: Calm Down, Soundgasm, FYN
Rema’s highly anticipated debut album Rave & Roses is a masterclass in genre fusion, blending Afropop, trap, and R&B effortlessly. Released in 2022, it solidifies Rema as a global force in Afrobeats. The album delivers standout hits like Calm Down, which became a massive international success, and Soundgasm, a sensual track that showcases Rema’s ability to fuse Afrobeats with global rhythms. The production is sleek, the hooks are addictive, and the songwriting is elevated compared to his earlier releases. It’s a project that feels complete, with Rema balancing his dual personas as both a singer and a rapper. Rave & Roses is where Rema steps out fully as an artist with a distinct vision.
2. Rave & Roses (Ultra) (2023)
Best Tracks: Calm Down (Remix), Charm, Holiday, Dunno Me
Rave & Roses (Ultra) takes Rema’s debut to another level, adding six new tracks to an already outstanding project. This deluxe edition is not just a simple re-release; it expands upon the themes and musicality of the original, further cementing Rema's place as one of Afrobeats’ leading voices. Songs like Charm and Holiday introduce more sonic experimentation, while the remix of Calm Dow featuring Selena Gomez propelled the track to new heights, breaking international records and dominating global charts. The Ultra version of Rave & Roses feels like the most complete version of Rema's artistry to date, with the additional tracks offering both hit potential and introspection. The album showcases the full range of his talents, from Afropop to R&B and trap, making it his second most polished and compelling body of work.
1. HEIS (2024)
Best Tracks: HEIS, Benin Boys, Ozeba, March Am
Rema's sophomore album HEIS, released in 2024, marks a bold evolution in his career. Named after the Greek word for "Number 1," the project pushes Afrobeats boundaries while staying rooted in its origins. Rema blends 60s percussive elements inspired by Fela Kuti with modern influences like trap, EDM, and amapiano. Highlights include Benin Boys featuring Shallipopi, March Am, and Ozeba, which have gone viral since their release. Then, there is the iconic title track, which tells a story of Rema’s artistic choices. Ultimately, HEIS solidifies Rema’s Afro-Rave genre as a fully realized sound.
Rema’s discography, though relatively brief, is packed with hits and memorable moments that have shaped the landscape of modern Afrobeats. As he continues to experiment and evolve, it’s clear that his best work is likely still ahead of him. HEIS stands as his most definitive work to date, combining his early raw energy with his later, more refined artistry.
Key Links
- Facts about Rema
- Rema and Selena Gomez: Calm Down's effect on Afrobeats genre
- Rema's Calm down Hits over 2 billion streams on Spotify
- List of all Rema's Albums
- Rema songs that are popular
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