Rema kicked off 2025 with Baby (Is It A Crime)—a smooth blend of Afrobeats and jazz that samples Sade’s 1985 classic Is It A Crime.
Released on February 7th, the track marks his first release since receiving a Grammy nomination for his album HEIS.
Rema first teased Baby (Is It A Crime) back in November 2024, sharing a snippet on social media that immediately sparked anticipation.
However, the song took months to officially drop, leaving fans speculating about potential sample clearance issues and industry delays.
How Rema Reinvented a Classic with ‘Baby (Is it a Crime)?’
Sampling Sade’s Is It a Crime from her 1985 Promise album was a bold choice, but Rema pulls it off effortlessly.
Right from the start, Sade’s smoky vocals cut through the staticky intro before Rema slides in with his unmistakable flow.
The song opens with Sade’s iconic voice asking, Is it a crime? before Rema responds with Baby, sun mọ́ mí (come closer to me), setting up a conversation between past and present.
It’s a contrast that works—her soft, melancholic tone against his confident, melodic delivery.
The jazz undertones of the original track remain intact, but they’re met with a rhythmic Afrobeats pulse that gives Baby (Is it a Crime) its distinct groove.
Decoding the Meaning Behind ‘Baby (Is it a Crime)?’
P. Priime produced this laid-back tune where Rema explores themes of availability, compatibility, and unrestrained attraction.
He isn’t just confessing feelings; he’s asserting his presence. The opening line—Baby sunmọ mi, you know say you match my steeze—isn’t just a flirtation; it’s a declaration.
Rema reassures his love interest with lyrics that signal unwavering commitment—I dey available, anytime you need me—while also weaving in a promise of balance and devotion—Make I enter your life, make everything dey balanced.
The interplay between Sade’s sample and Rema’s lyrics reinforces the song’s core question—when it comes to love and passion, is there really any crime in wanting more?
A Production That Feels Like Midnight Confessions
P. Priime’s production sets the mood without forcing itself into the spotlight.
The beat is smooth but never static, with crisp percussion and a bassline that grooves without overshadowing the song’s mood.
Sade’s sample isn’t just a reference—it’s a foundation. Rather than aiming for a high-energy club banger, Rema leans into a nocturnal vibe, where jazz undertones meet modern Afrobeats percussion.
The track thrives in its restraint. Subtle saxophone flourishes, an atmospheric soundscape, and the way Rema’s voice effortlessly glides over the beat all contribute to a song that feels both intimate and cinematic—like a late-night drive with city lights flickering past.
Social Media Reacts: Is This Rema’s Best Work Yet?
Naturally, the internet had a lot to say. Some fans declared it song of the decade, while others felt the second verse didn’t hit as hard as expected.
There was even speculation about a missing J Hus feature, which could have taken the song in a different direction.
But overall, the consensus remains: Rema delivered a vibe. Whether streaming on repeat or debating it on social media, listeners are engaged—and that’s a win.
Our Verdict: Rema’s Boldest Move Yet
Whether you’re here for the Sade nostalgia, the smooth production, or Rema’s effortless charm, Baby (Is it a Crime)carries an undeniable allure.
The track also signals Rema’s continuous evolution as an artist unafraid to experiment, proving that Afrobeats can be both nostalgic and boundary-pushing at the same time.
Rema Baby (Is it a Crime) Lyrics
Intro: Sade Adu
Is it a crime?
Is it a crime
That I still want you
And I want you to want me too?
Chorus: Rema
Baby (Rema), baby sun mọ́ mí
You know say you match my steeze
You know I’m a G
Shawty, I’ma always keep it real
I no dey for too much whining, dey for too much whining
As e dey be (Ooh)
As the shayo dey enter, oya, make we kolobi
Oya, show yourself, do over-sabi
Love is in the air, baby, breathe in
Verse 1: Rema
I dey available
Baby, anytime you need me, I dey available
Compatible, two of us dey compatible
Girl, I be bad boy, forget say I dey mellow
Ah, baby, I dey fold, baby, take it slow
Baby, go down low, nobody gats to know
Oya, I know I play around, but me no fit to let you go
Ooh
Chorus: Rema & Sade Adu
(Is it a crime?) Baby, baby sun mọ́ mí
You know say you match my steeze
You know I’m a G
Shawty, I’ma always keep it real
I no dey for too much whining, dey for too much whining (That I still want you?)
As e dey be (Ooh)
As the shayo dey enter, oya, make we kolobi
Oya, show yourself, do over-sabi (Ooh)
Love is in the air, baby, breathe in
Verse 2: Rema
The way you move this your body na weapon, ah-ahn
Catch me off guard, me I hands up kparam
Beautiful with personality, jara
Make I enter your life, make everything dey balanced, huh
As I get opportunity, why I no go mount am?
IG algorithm no fit comot my hand for your matter
I dey see girls wey bad, but you badder
Verse 3: Rema
Omoge, your waist put me for bail up, oshe bebe nlo
Ajé, this your demeanor, baby, na major
Your case dey above the law (Above the law)
After you, na you, before nko?
Oh, baby, show off, get other gyals jealous
Buy you a Birkin matching my AP color
Treat you like omo-mo
Pampering on a hunnid
Baby, you the one for me, ooh
Chorus: Rema & Sade Adu
(Is it a crime?) Baby, baby sun mọ́ mí
You know say you match my steeze
You know I’m a G
Shawty, I’ma always keep it real
I no dey for too much whining, dey for too much whining (That I still want you?)
As e dey be (Ooh)
As the shayo dey enter, oya, make we kolobi
Oya, show yourself, do over-sabi
Love is in the air, baby, breathe in
Outro
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