Live Review: Jesswar taps Erica Banks for high energy new single, 'BAD LIKE RIRI'

Jesswar, a proud Fijian rapper and award-winning artist who currently creates on Yugambeh/Kombumerri land, today returns with ‘BAD LIKE RIRI’, the new single featuring Erica Banks. The track follows Jesswar's incredible TROPIXX EP, and Erica Banks' TikTok-anthem 'Buss It'. With the track, Kesswar continues the foundation which she's built her sonic universe, reflecting on her community and experiences, utilising music to tell her story. She's become known to tackle resilience and resourcefulness, while reflecting the key notion of empowerment. It's off the back off this strong sonic ethos her EP TROPIXX won over a heap of listeners, eventually winning a Gold Coast Music Award for ‘Breakout Artist of the Year’, and a QMA Award win of ‘Best Hip Hop’ release for ‘Venom’. 'BAD LIKE RIRI' once again celebrates the strong voices of Jesswar's community, while suggesting a new state of mind, one that resembles confidence and strength, just like Rihanna.

“Rihanna’s power has inspired us all”, explains Jesswar. “When I see her thrive it makes me feel like everything is possible.”

Roraing synths combine perfectly a roaring percussion section, creating the perfect trap bed for Jesswar to dominate the track. Sharp verses combine perfectly with her witty chorus. then enters Erica Banks, who holds the tracks energy following Jesswar's delivery.

“We sent Erica a rough demo of the song, she sent her verse back in a day and as soon as I heard it, I knew the song was complete,” continues Jesswar. “It’s wild to collaborate with someone on the other side of the world without meeting properly and somehow they match you creatively.”

Image via Georgia Wallace

Words by Parry Tritsiniotis

LISTEN TO NEW MUSIC HERE

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