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Songwriter's Block: Inspiration Tuning in From Around the World

January 26, 2023

Writer’s block is real, and it’s not just authors, but also songwriters and composers. Thinking of top hit songs can be difficult, so how do the pros do it? Where do they get their inspiration from?

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Arcane: How A Video Game Adaptation Ended Up With A Banger Soundtrack

January 26, 2023

What does a TV show based on a video game and the music industry have in common? Near the end of 2021, Arcane took the world by storm after debuting on Netflix. Not only did it dazzle us with its...

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How Black Pink Should Negotiate Their New Contract with YG Entertainment

January 23, 2023

As the contract between Blackpink and YG Entertainment nears its end, fans of the popular South Korean girl group are wondering if the group will renew their contract with the agency...

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Writer's Block is Real, Even for J.Cole: Here are 8 Tips to Overcome

January 19, 2023

Rapper J. Cole has recently announced that he had been struggling with writer's block, but found a way to break free from it by using a type beat from Youtube music producer BVTMAN's YouTube...

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Hania Rani: A Virtuoso in the World of Classical and Electronic Music

January 19, 2023

Hania Rani is a Polish pianist and composer whose music has been described as "hauntingly beautiful" and "evocative." She is known for her unique blend of classical and electronic music, which she...

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Ryan Tedder’s Studio Review: Writing Three Songs From Scratch

January 16, 2023

Ryan Tedder is a highly accomplished and sought-after music producer and songwriter. He is known for his work with a wide range of artists including: Adele, Beyoncé, Taylor Swift, and OneRepublic...

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Quentin Miller only got paid $30,000 for writing 6 Drake songs.

January 6, 2022

Drake's ghostwriter controversy has been a topic of conversation since the rapper's feud with Meek Mill in 2015. Quentin Miller, a lesser-known rapper from Atlanta, was named as the ghostwriter....

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Timbaland’s Beatmaking Masterclass Review: A Class on Feeling the Flow

December 28, 2022

Many artists are using their personal brand and influence to educate artists, from beginners to fellow professionals. Timbaland has partnered with Masterclass to teach musicians how to make unique...

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Rina Sawyama -- The Voice of a Genre-Spanning Pop Star

December 7, 2022

Rina Sawayama has burst into the consciousness of queer music listeners in recent years. My first time listening to her work was Cherry, a track that is bubbly ...

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YouTube Announces New “Creator Music” Platform

October 4, 2022

In the wake of Tiktok’s rapid expansion and growing dominance in the short-form video market, YouTube has felt the pressure to adapt to keep up with the shifting demands of its audience...

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Deep Dive: How Conan Gray Writes His Songs

October 5, 2022

Conan Gray is an American YouTuber turned singer-songwriter, most well-known for his songs about heartbreak and unrequited love. Throughout his career, Conan has written songs like “Crush Culture”...

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Phoebe Bridgers: A Deep Dive into Songwriting

October 17, 2022

Phoebe Bridgers is an American songwriter, singer, and producer who has, in recent years, gained mainstream recognition with the release of her sophomore album “Punisher” in 2020...

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Rema Kicks Off 2024 with Explosive New Track “Benin Boys” Featuring Shallipopi

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Nigerian superstar Rema has made an electrifying return with his new track, "Benin Boys," marking his first musical release of 2024. This collaboration with Shallipopi is a significant moment for Rema, coming after the massive success of his Selena Gomez-assisted hit "Calm Down," which became one of the biggest Afrobeats crossover hits in U.S. history.

On June 20th, Rema unveiled "Benin Boys," a dynamic track that features heavy drums and stirring background strings. The song highlights the synergy between Rema and Shallipopi as they trade verses, celebrating their wealth and solidifying their positions as two of the most influential young stars in the global music scene. The release is accompanied by a visually stunning music video directed by DK. In the video, Rema and Shallipopi are seen in various vibrant settings, including a neon-lit nightclub, a private jet, and atop what appears to be a church, all while sporting their freshest outfits.

Just two days prior, on June 18th, Rema was honored with two ASCAP London Music Awards for his song "Calm Down": song of the year and top streaming song. This recognition comes as no surprise, given the track's remarkable achievements. "Calm Down" reached No. 3 on the Billboard Hot 100 and maintained a record-setting 58 weeks at the top of the U.S. Afrobeats Songs chart. It also climbed to No. 1 on the all-genre Radio Songs chart, a historic feat for a song by an African lead artist. The track served as the second single from Rema's debut studio album, "Rave & Roses," which peaked at No. 81 on the Billboard 200 and No. 2 on the World Albums chart.

In the past year, Rema's musical journey has been marked by notable collaborations. Despite releasing a few solo tracks on the deluxe version of "Rave & Roses," such as "Charm" and "Reason You," Rema has been prolific in teaming up with other artists. His collaborations include "Bubalu" with Feid, "Pretty Girl" with Ice Spice, and the "Soweto" remix with Victony, Tempoe, and Don Toliver, which reached No. 65 on the Hot 100. Rema's last solo project was the "Ravage EP," released in October, featuring the fan-favorite "DND."

"Benin Boys" also signifies Rema's first official release as a newly-signed artist with Interscope Records, under the label's UMG-assisted partnership with Mavin Global. This move is expected to further propel his career and expand his reach to even broader audiences.

The release of "Benin Boys" is not just another milestone for Rema but also a testament to his evolving artistry and global appeal. Fans can now stream "Benin Boys" and witness the continued rise of this Afrobeats sensation.