Hip-Hop Lives Here
Hip-Hop Lives Here
Temilade Openiyi, known professionally as Tems, was born in Lagos, Nigeria—a city brimming with uncontainable energy much like the artist herself. Rooted in Afrobeat and influenced by an array of genres, Tems' musical skill can only be likened to a master chef who knows just the right ingredients to create a culinary marvel. The eloquence of her voice pairs beautifully with her narrative lyricism, providing the world with songs that are felt as deeply as they are heard. A talent incubated in the Nigerian music scene, her resonance has now enveloped the globe. As of 2023, the artist's resonance has certainly paid off, with a net worth estimated at $2 million, according to CAknowledge.
While Tems gained the international spotlight for her feature on WizKid's "Essence," this was not a coattail ride but a harmonious alignment of stars. Her solo projects like For Broken Ears and the critically acclaimed If Orange Was a Place substantiate her independent artistry. "Essence" may have been the match, but her body of work is the slow-burning, enduring flame. Not just the sheer numbers—millions of streams and counting—but the valuable impact on her listeners that measures her real success.
Tems is a study in contrasts: a public figure with a well-curated private life. In interviews, she's been less keen to speak about personal relationships, emphasizing her love for her craft and her responsibility toward her community. She embodies the 21st-century woman—empowered, focused, and driven by ambition and desire to elevate her milieu. Further, Tems isn't just a crooner; she's a savvy business entity. Merchandising, endorsements, and strategic partnerships demonstrate that her insight extends far beyond the recording studio. Her brand collaborations echo her artistic ethos: authentic, diverse, and deeply connected to her roots.
What stands out about Tems is her refusal to plateau. Each song, each collaboration, and each business venture is a stepping stone to a higher vantage point, not a final destination. To snapshot her in the year 2023 would be like capturing a photograph of a comet; spectacular, but still in motion, promising to light up skies not yet seen.
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Cameron Winter has remained mysterious as rumours continue that he contributed vocals to two songs from Phoebe Bridgers’ forthcoming album Lost Weekend.
The Geese frontman is believed to sing backing vocals on Kill Me and share a duet with Phoebe on I Can't Wait.
Whoever recorded the parts has been listed in the credits under the name Son-John Johnson.
When Rolling Stone asked Cameron whether he was the mystery singer, he joked: “I will need to speak with my attorney.”
The 24 year old indie musician has a highly distinctive voice, although everyone involved appears determined to maintain the mystery.
Phoebe’s album campaign has already included plenty of unexpected developments.
She recently revealed the Lost Weekend tracklist after the details reportedly appeared online ahead of schedule.
Before that, she was required to stop using her record label’s name because of a “disagreement involving the trademark.”
Sharing the confirmed list of songs on Instagram, she wrote: “Since someone already shared it online, here is the official version!
“Only 16 more days to wait!!!!!”
Lost Weekend is scheduled for release through Dead Oceans on August 14.
The Garden Song singer established the independent label Saddest Factory Records in 2020 as an imprint of Dead Oceans.
Six years later, however, she was forced to retire the name and begin issuing her artists’ releases through Dead Oceans. The Saddest Factory Records logo remains in use and features a delicate drawing of a skeleton hand holding an ordinary hand.
A message shared through the label’s Instagram account in June explained: “Following a trademark disagreement connected to our label name, every future SFR project will now be released through Dead Oceans. Our symbol will appear beside the Dead Oceans logo to show our continued participation. Follow @DeadOceans for announcements and information about the artists in our community.”
In keeping with the label’s title, its roster features emotionally expressive musicians including Charlie Hickey, Claud, Katie Gavin, Muna and Sloppy Jane.
The name itself is a humorous take on the word “satisfactory,” a term that regularly appears in recording agreements.
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