Fat Joe Declares Tems’ ‘Free Mind’ Song Of The Year 

Fat Joe has declared Tems’s hit single “Free Mind” as the year’s best song. The Bronx native hopped on Instagram Live this past weekend to share his thoughts on a few topics but began the clip singing the song’s praises as it blares in the background.

Joe said of all the songs he listened to in 2022, the best came from Nigerian singer, songwriter, and producer Tems with her breakthrough hit, “Free Mind.”  

“It’s the biggest in the game,” the Terror Squad leader says of the Nigerian crooner’s breakthrough solo release. “I played this because to me, this is the song of the year.” Grooving along to the music, the 52-year-old further stamped “Free Mind” as the definitive track of 2022, adding, “Song of the Year to me, I don’t know about you.”

The NYC icon hopped on Instagram Live this weekend with a 2022 year-end recap and began the session with “Free Mind” playing in the background. 

“Free Mind” was initially released in September 2020 as part of Tems’ debut EP For Broken Ears, but garnered increased fanfare following her appearance on Wizkid’s smash hit “Essence.” The track, which peaked at No. 46 on the Billboard 100, also climbed to No. 1 on Billboard’s R&B/Hip-Hop Airplay chart and received Gold certification by the RIAA. 

She also hit the headlines in October after co-writing Rihanna’s comeback single “Lift Me Up” from the Black Panther: Wakanda Forever original soundtrack. 

Gracing the cover of Dazed recently, Tems revealed she hopes to usher in a new image of the African woman. Despite her empowering message, some fans pushed back against the raunchy shoot, prompting Tems to clarify, “I am not your Christian savior.” 

Author: Seyi Awoleye

Los-Angeles, USA

seyiawoleye@yahoo.com