What You Need (Tems song)
| "What You Need" | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|
.jpeg) | ||||
| Single by Tems | ||||
| from the EP Love Is a Kingdom | ||||
| Released | 21 November 2025 | |||
| Length | 3:54 | |||
| Label | ||||
| Songwriter | Temilade Openiyi | |||
| Producers |
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| Tems singles chronology | ||||
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| Music video | ||||
| "What You Need" on YouTube | ||||
"What You Need" is a song by Nigerian singer Tems, released on 21 November 2025, via RCA Records.[1][2] The song was written and produced by Tems alongside frequent collaborator GuiltyBeatz, it serves as a single from her EP, Love Is a Kingdom (2025).[3][4] Following the release of a Colors performance of the song which was released on 29 January 2026, it debuted on the Billboard Hot 100, earning Tems her seventh entry and her second solo entry.[5][6]
Critical reception
What You Need received acclaim across major publications,[7] being considered by Boutayna Chokrane of Pitchfork "the EP’s turning point".[8] Emmanuel Muna of Premium Times defined the song as "Tems in complete command" in which she "delivers one of her fiercest performances, choosing solitude over an unfulfilling relationship", comparing the producion to Timbaland music style.[9]
Commercial performance
"What You Need" debouted on the Billboard Hot 100 on week ending 12 February 2026, becoming her seventh entry on the chart and her second solo song. It peaked at number 29, becoming Tems' highest placement on the chart as a solo artist.[10]
Music video
The official music video of the song, directed by Ayinde Anderson, was published on June 3, 2026.[11]
Charts
| Chart (2025–2026) | Peak position |
|---|---|
| New Zealand Hot Singles (RMNZ)[12] | 22 |
| Nigeria (TurnTable Top 100)[13] | 78 |
| UK Afrobeats (Official Charts)[14] | 2 |
| US Billboard Hot 100[15] | 29 |
| US Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs (Billboard)[16] | 7 |
| US R&B/Hip-Hop Airplay (Billboard)[17] | 1 |
| US Rhythmic Airplay (Billboard)[18] | 21 |
References
- ↑ Chokrane, Boutayna. "Tems: Love Is a Kingdom". Pitchfork. Retrieved 12 February 2026.
- ↑ Butta (6 February 2026). "Tems Captivates 'COLORS' With 'What You Need'". SoulBounce. Retrieved 12 February 2026.
- ↑ C.J, Nelson (21 November 2025). "Tems Revels in Her Independent Streak". Rolling Stone. Retrieved 12 February 2026.
- ↑ Hussain, Shahzaib (21 November 2025). "Tems Surprise Releases New EP 'Love Is A Kingdom' | News". Clash. Retrieved 12 February 2026.
- ↑ Itodo, Sunny Green (10 February 2026). "Tems becomes first African female artist to have 7 entries on Billboard Hot 100". Daily Post. Lagos, Nigeria. Retrieved 12 February 2026.
- ↑ efosataiwo@vanguardngr.com (10 February 2026). "Tems makes history as first African female artist with 7 entries on Billboard Hot 100". Vanguard. Lagos, Nigeria. Retrieved 12 February 2026.
- ↑ "Tems – Love Is A Kingdom Album Review: A Queen In Her Own Kingdom". African Folder. 27 November 2025.
- ↑ "Love Is a Kingdom by Tems Review". Pitchfork. 10 December 2025.
- ↑ "Music Review: Tems doesn't need noise to reign, 'Love Is a Kingdom' makes it clear". Premium Times. 23 November 2026.
- ↑ "Tems | Billboard Charts History". Billboard. Retrieved 4 August 2026.
- ↑ Saint-Vil, Sweenie (3 June 2026). "Tems releases music video for 'Love Is a Kingdom' song, 'What You Need'". Yahoo! News. Retrieved 4 August 2026.
- ↑ "NZ Hot Singles Chart". Recorded Music NZ. 6 February 2026. Retrieved 6 February 2026.
- ↑ "TurnTable Nigeria Top 100: Jul 3rd – Jul 9th, 2026". TurnTable. Retrieved 15 July 2026.
- ↑ "Official Afrobeats Chart on 21/2/2026 – Top 20". Official Charts Company. Retrieved 21 February 2026.
- ↑ "Tems Chart History (Hot 100)". Billboard. Retrieved 4 August 2026.
- ↑ "Tems Chart History (Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs)". Billboard. Retrieved 26 August 2026.
- ↑ "Tems Chart History (R&B/Hip-Hop Airplay)". Billboard. Retrieved 18 August 2026.
- ↑ "Tems Chart History (Rhythmic Airplay)". Billboard. Retrieved 26 August 2026.