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]
| Ravage | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|
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| EP by | ||||
| Released | October 27, 2023 | |||
| Genre | ||||
| Length | 14:36 | |||
| Label | ||||
| Producer | ||||
| Rema chronology | ||||
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Background and release edit
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 edit
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 edit
| Review scores | |
|---|---|
| Source | Rating |
| Pulse Nigeria | 9/10[12] |
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]
Track listing edit
| No. | Title | Writer(s) | Producer(s) | Length |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1. | "Trouble Maker" | Divine Ikubor | Blaise Beats | 2:36 |
| 2. | "DND" | Divine Ikubor | P. Priime | 2:46 |
| 3. | "Smooth Criminal" | Divine Ikubor | P. Priime | 3:16 |
| 4. | "Don't Leave" | Divine Ikubor |
| 3:06 |
| 5. | "Red Portion" | Divine Ikubor | London | 2:54 |
| Total length: | 14:36 | |||
Release history edit
| Region | Date | Format | Version | Label |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Various | 27 October 2023 | Streaming, digital download, CD | Standard | Jonzing World, Mavin, Virgin Music |
References edit
- ^ a b c d Hattie, Lindert (October 26, 2023). "Rema Ravage EP". Pitchfork. Retrieved January 27, 2024.
- ^ "Rema Drops New EP Titled 'Ravage". Hypebeast. October 29, 2023. Retrieved January 27, 2024.
- ^ tolsen (January 2, 2013). "Billboard Hot 100". Billboard. Retrieved January 27, 2024.
- ^ "REMA ANNOUNCES NEW EP RAVAGE". Guardian. October 24, 2023. Retrieved January 27, 2024.
- ^ Osas, Gregx. "Rema teases new songs from upcoming EP 'Ravage'". Parallel Fact. Retrieved January 27, 2024.
- ^ Album Talks (October 27, 2023). "Rema Delivers Heat With New "RAVAGE" EP". Album Talks. Retrieved January 27, 2024.
- ^ BellaNaija. "Rema Releases New EP "Ravage", Listen". BellaNaija. Retrieved January 27, 2024.
- ^ BellaNaija. "New Video: Rema — Trouble Maker". BellaNaija. Retrieved January 27, 2024.
- ^ Otolorin, Olabode (October 30, 2023). "5 Takeaways From Rema's New 'RAVAGE' EP". OkayAfrica. Retrieved January 27, 2024.
- ^ "Ravage EP by Rema, is like the final confirmation of his global ascension". News Sletter. November 1, 2023. Retrieved January 27, 2024.
- ^ "RAVAGE - EP Rema". Genius. Retrieved January 27, 2024.
- ^ a b Adeayo, Adebiyi (October 28, 2023). "Rema lays claim to the throne with 'RAVAGE' EP A Pulse review of 'RAVAGE' EP by Rema". Pulse Nigeria. Retrieved May 31, 2024.
- ^ "Ravage- EP". Apple Music. Retrieved January 27, 2024.