Free Mind

"Free Mind" is a song by Nigerian singer and record producer Tems. It first appeared on 25 September 2020 as the third track from Tems's debut extended play, For Broken Ears. Tems wrote and produced the song alongside co-producer Omeiza. The song was debuted on 2 April 2022 at number 5 on Billboard's new Afrobeats Songs chart.[2][3]

"Free Mind"
Single by Tems
from the EP For Broken Ears
Released9 August 2022 (2022-08-09)[1]
GenreAfrobeats
R&B
Length4:07
LabelLeading Vibes
Songwriter(s)Temilade Openiyi
Producer(s)
Tems singles chronology
"No Woman, No Cry"
(2022)		 "Free Mind"
(2022)		 "Me & U"
(2023)

"Free Mind" peaked at number 1 on the US Afrobeats chart in late June,[4] and in October 2022, the song reached number 46 on the Billboard Hot 100.[5] It impacted US rhythmic contemporary radio as a single on August 9, 2022.

Composition

The Native wrote that "Free Mind" begins with "soft piano keys and a thumping bass" and its "catchy, self-produced (alongside Omeiza) beat sets the foundation for Tems' honest confessional. With recurring bass after every four bars, one will find themselves bopping their head to the bounce and in agreement with what she's saying in unison."[6] Pulse.ng found that Tems "sings about doubt, fear and the mental strains of tough situations. It basically feels like a diary entry by the mentally strained. But instead of succumbing, she embraces the peace that comes with a 'Free Mind.'"[7]

Critical reception

In review for The Native, Tami Makinde wrote "On the groovy standout "Free Mind", she mulls over thoughts of escapism trying to navigate life with a clouded mind."[8] In review for Pulse Nigeria, Motolani Alake said in his final thought on "Free Mind", Motolani says: This way, Tems could have told a story of self, her manifesto, a short love story, and personal tales of empowerment for downtrodden. Another flaw of Tems’ use of her vocal range - it might feel non-explorative and singular to some finicky listeners.[7]

Commercial performance

On 4 November 2021, Tems performed a live version of "Free Mind" at Tiny Desk Concerts.[9] "Free Mind" debuted at number 90 on the US Billboard Hot 100 on 25 July 2022.[5] On 21 June 2022, "Free Mind" reached number one on the US Afrobeats Songs chart.[4] It also debuted at number 5 on the US R&B Songs chart,[10] and reached number 22 on Mainstream R&B/Hip-Hop Airplay.[11] "Free Mind" debuted at number 28 on Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs,[12] and number 22 on R&B/Hip-Hop Airplay, where it hit #1 after 33 weeks, becoming only the second song to ever do so.[13] It reached number 60 on the South African Local & International Streaming Chart Top 100, in the 23rd week of 2022.[14]

Charts

Certifications
Certifications for "Free Mind"
Region CertificationCertified units/sales
Canada (Music Canada)[20] Gold 40,000‡
United Kingdom (BPI)[21] Silver 200,000‡
United States (RIAA)[22] Platinum 1,000,000‡

‡ Sales+streaming figures based on certification alone.

Release history
Release history for "Free Mind"
Region Date Format Label Ref.
United States August 9, 2022 Rhythmic contemporary radio
  • Leading Vibes
  • RCA
 [1]
February 7, 2023 Urban contemporary radio [23]

References
  1. "Top 40 Rhythmic Future Releases | R&B Song and Hip-Hop Music Release Dates". Archived from the original on 9 August 2022.
  2. https://www.billboard.com/charts/billboard-u-s-afrobeats-songs/2022-03-29/
  3. https://www.billboard.com/pro/tems-free-mind-number-1-rb-hip-hop-airplay-chart/
  4. Cusson, Michael (29 March 2022). "Billboard U.S. Afrobeats Songs". Billboard. Retrieved 23 June 2022.
  5. "Billboard Hot 100: Week of October 15, 2022". Billboard. Retrieved 11 October 2022.
  6. "Best New Music: Tems is on her best form with a "Free Mind"". The Native. 29 September 2020. Retrieved 23 June 2022.
  7. Alake, Motolani (1 October 2020). "Tems makes music for 'different strains' on 'For Broken Ears' [EP Review]". Pulse Nigeria. Retrieved 24 June 2022.
  8. Makinde, Tami. "Review: Tems' 'For Broken Ears'". The Native. Retrieved 23 June 2022.
  9. "Tems Performs "Damages," "Free Mind," & More During Her Tiny Desk Concert". HotNewHipHop. 5 November 2021. Retrieved 23 June 2022.
  10. "Hot R&B Songs". Billboard. Retrieved 23 June 2022.
  11. "Mainstream R&B/Hip-Hop Airplay". Billboard. Retrieved 23 June 2022.
  12. "Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs". Billboard. Retrieved 23 June 2022.
  13. "R&B/Hip-Hop Airplay". Billboard. Retrieved 23 June 2022.
  14. "Local & International Streaming Chart Top 100 Week 23-2022". TOSAC. Retrieved 23 June 2022.
  15. "Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs: Week of October 15, 2022". Billboard. Retrieved 12 October 2022.
  16. Anderson, Trevor (18 May 2023). "Tems' 'Free Mind' Breaks Female Record for Most Weeks at No. 1 on R&B/Hip-Hop Airplay Chart". Billboard. Retrieved 20 May 2023.
  17. "Rhythmic Airplay: Week of October 22, 2022". Billboard. Retrieved 18 October 2022.
  18. "Billboard U.S. Afrobeats Songs – Year-End 2022". Billboard. Retrieved 2 December 2022.
  19. "Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs – Year-End 2022". Billboard. Retrieved 2 December 2022.
  20. "Canadian single certifications – Tems – Free Mind". Music Canada. Retrieved 23 October 2023.
  21. "British single certifications – Tems – Free Mind". British Phonographic Industry. Retrieved 21 October 2023.
  22. "American single certifications – Tems – Free Mind". Recording Industry Association of America. Retrieved 4 October 2023.
  23. "Urban/R&B Future Releases". All Access. Archived from the original on 6 February 2023. Retrieved 8 February 2023.
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