Completely unfazed by public opinion and negative critique, Ghanaian rapper, Freda Rhymz, preaches self empowerment through her single “Don’t Kiss Me!” Implementing a fun and lighthearted flow, Freda Rhymz denounces men who do not bring any value to her life, and emphasizes that her personal style will prevail through a sea of delusion.
With lines such as “get this money any means” and “plenty nights no sleep” Freda Rhymz highlights her unmatched work ethic done to better herself and live in economic prosperity. Throughout the single, Freda Rhymz stresses the importance of continuing to work towards her goals and stay on high alert; in a means of announcing that she has no time for distractions by outside influences; and also as a way to distant herself from others who are not as action oriented. In addition to her attention to striving for her own personal success, Freda Rhymz is not shy when it comes to communicating her own self identity, fashion sense, and mindset. Through her lyrics that scream self confidence and being proud within one’s own skin, Freda Rhymz delivers a hook that refreshes the audience by spreading self encouragement and empowerment. Unashamed to uplift her own accomplishments, Freda Rhymz cements herself as the top-dog as she expresses disinterest in those who claim to be better than her, and assures that she “spits better” than the competition regardless.
Through “Don’t Kiss Me!” or “D.K.M,” Freda Rhymz creates a song for individuals who do not want to deal with men’s lies or inadequacies, encourages individuals to chase after their goals, and reveals the importance of having confidence within one’s own identity and skillset. In a genre historically overrun by hyper-masculinity, female degradation, and oversexualization, Freda Rhymz places emphasis on a female voice that lives by her own rules, turns the tables on male dominance by embodying the essence of women empowerment unfazed by male influence, and encourages tight lipped practices through her emphasis of “I don’t kiss, I don’t kiss and tell.” When Freda Rhymz follows her standout line of “I don’t kiss, I don’t kiss and tell” with “if you kiss and tell don’t kiss me” she not only intentionally ostracizes men who overshare, but she shutdowns assumptions deep-rooted in toxic masculinity that women have to lower their standards because they are not as valuable as men.
Listen to: “Don’t Kiss Me!”