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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Drake’s Christmas giveaway stream with Adin Ross may have been about giving back to fans, but his ongoing beef with Kendrick Lamar also lingered in the winter air.
During the lengthy broadcast, which took place on Thursday (December 26) and saw the pair donate large amounts of money and other expensive goodies to viewers, Drizzy mocked one of the many lyrical jabs that K.Dot threw at him during their diss song battle earlier this year.
While gushing over his friendship with Sexyy Red, the 6 God joked: “When I see her, I see two bad ones, n-gga. What’s up? [laughs] Fuck what y’all talmbout.”
He was referencing the line from Kendrick’s “Euphoria” where he rapped: “When I see you stand by Sexyy Red, I believe you see two bad bitches.”
Elsewhere, Drake surprisingly stopped himself from dissing the Compton rapper all over again while reading out an email from a fan hoping to secure free tickets and travel to his upcoming tour in Australia.
“In the beautiful land Down Under, it would be an unforgettable honeymoon filled with laughter, fun and, of course, the Drake charisma. And it’s always fuck Ken–,” he said, cutting himself off. “Oh, I am not reading that.”
Drake previously jabbed Kendrick Lamar during a separate stream with xQc, prompting a response from the Pulitzer Prize winner.
Sitting down with the Canadian streamer and gamer following the release of Kendrick’s GNX album, Drizzy told viewers: “I’m here — mind, body and soul fully intact, in case you were wondering. You need facts to take me out; fairytales won’t do it.”
His defiant statement seemingly referenced the salacious allegations on Kendrick’s diss songs, such as him being a pedophile, associating with other sex offenders and secretly fathering a daughter.
A text message from Kendrick’s close friend Reli that was shared online revealed his reaction to Drake’s comments.
“You done turned blood into a streamer on Phillies [laughing face emojis],” Reli texted K.Dot, who replied with several laughing face emojis of his own.
Reli then said: “That’s a damn shame,” to which Kendrick asked: “He trippin??!”
Reli wrote back: “Blood don’t won’t [sic] no smoke Philly gang,” before censoring his next message.
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