YG ft. Reem Riches – “Otis (freestyle)”
YG Adds His Spin to Jay-Z and Kanye West’s “Otis”
With Jay-Z and Kanye West’s “Otis” dominating the airwaves, Compton rapper YG has officially thrown his hat into the ring with a fresh freestyle featuring Reem Riches. Known for his infectious charisma and authentic West Coast sound, YG delivers an energetic, unapologetic take on the instrumental that has become a favorite among artists for freestyle sessions. Released today, YG’s freestyle captures the raw energy of Compton rap, standing as a testament to his lyrical growth and confidence.
The Original “Otis” and Its Impact
The original “Otis” track, released as the second single from Watch the Throne on July 20, 2011, is a celebration of wealth, fame, and camaraderie between Jay-Z and Kanye West. Produced solely by West, the track samples Otis Redding’s classic “Try a Little Tenderness,” chopping the soulful melody into a head-bobbing beat that echoes Kanye’s early production days. Critics have lauded the track for its nostalgic undertones and innovative sampling. Also, many are praising the rappers’ seamless back-and-forth delivery.
The accompanying Spike Jonze-directed music video, released just last week, added visual flair to the song’s success. Jay-Z and Kanye, in carefree synergy, stripped down a Maybach luxury car and cruised joyously. Thus, embodying the song’s high-energy vibe. As a result, “Otis” has already become a cultural phenomenon. As a result, inspiring remixes and freestyles from artists across the globe.
YG Joins the “Otis” Freestyle Wave
Jay-Z and Kanye West’s “Otis” was released as a single on July 20, 2011, only weeks ago, and has already sparked a wave of freestyles across the hip-hop world. YG and Reem Riches’ take on the track arrives at the perfect time, as the excitement surrounding Watch the Throne and its standout single is still fresh.
With the buzz around “Otis” at an all-time high, YG’s decision to tackle the instrumental showcases his hunger to stand out among his peers. As other artists like The Game, Busta Rhymes, and Papoose have delivered their versions, YG’s freestyle solidifies his place in the conversation, adding a West Coast perspective to a track rooted in the decadence and power dynamics of East Coast royalty.
By capitalizing on the current buzz surrounding “Otis,” YG demonstrates his ability to stay relevant and seize the moment, ensuring his voice is heard during a pivotal time in hip-hop.
Reem Riches Joins the Spotlight
Reem Riches, YG’s frequent collaborator, brings his own energy to the freestyle, complementing YG’s verses with his unfiltered delivery. Known for his raw style and chemistry with YG, Reem Riches ensures the freestyle feels cohesive and impactful. Together, the two showcase a partnership reminiscent of the camaraderie between Jay-Z and Kanye, albeit with their own West Coast twist.
Reem’s contributions elevate the track, proving that YG isn’t the only talent from his circle making waves. Their collaborative effort underscores the power of collective creativity in hip-hop, particularly when drawing inspiration from such an influential track.
“Otis” Freestyles: A Trend Among Rappers
Since its release, “Otis” has become the go-to track for freestyles among hip-hop heavyweights and up-and-coming artists alike. Its stripped-down beat and soulful sample make it an ideal canvas for lyrical experimentation. Artists like Papoose, The Game, DMX and Busta Rhymes have all taken a swing at the instrumental, using it as an opportunity to showcase their skills and individuality.
However, most critics are saying Jadakiss and Styles P’s rendition of the record is the standout.
YG’s freestyle joins this growing roster, adding a distinctly West Coast voice to the mix. While many freestyles aim to mirror the energy of the original, YG’s approach feels personal, offering listeners a glimpse into his life and aspirations.
YG’s Ascent in the Hip-Hop Scene
For YG, the “Otis” freestyle is just another step in his journey toward mainstream recognition. The 21-year-old Compton native has been making waves since his breakout single “Toot It and Boot It” hit the airwaves in 2010. Signed to Def Jam in 2009, YG quickly established himself as one of the standout voices of the emerging New West movement, blending the party anthems of Southern California with the raw storytelling of classic West Coast rap.
His 2011 mixtape Just Re’d Up further solidified his reputation, featuring tracks like “Patty Cake” that showcase his versatility and charisma. With a growing fan base and co-signs from hip-hop heavyweights, YG is proving that he’s more than just a one-hit wonder—he’s a force to be reckoned with.
The Significance of Freestyling in Hip-Hop
Freestyles have always been a cornerstone of hip-hop culture, allowing artists to demonstrate their lyrical prowess and adaptability. For YG, this “Otis” freestyle is an opportunity to prove that he can stand toe-to-toe with some of the best in the game. By taking on a track as popular as “Otis,” YG aligns himself with the greats while showcasing his own unique style.
Freestyles like this one also serve as a reminder of hip-hop’s roots—raw, unfiltered, and unapologetically authentic. For fans, hearing YG’s take on “Otis” is a moment to appreciate the artistry and creativity that define the genre. Meanwhile, YG is showing that he can hang on the big stage. Not only are Jay-Z and Kanye West titans in the industry, some industry heavyweights have jumped on the track.
Conclusion
YG’s “Otis” freestyle featuring Reem Riches is more than just a response to a popular track—it’s a declaration of his place in the hip-hop world. By adding his voice to the growing list of artists who’ve tackled the instrumental, YG proves that he has the skill, confidence, and creativity to stand out in a competitive landscape.
As he continues to rise through the ranks, freestyles like this one serve as both a reminder of his roots and a promise of what’s to come. For fans of YG, the West Coast, and hip-hop as a whole, this is yet another reason to keep an eye on Compton’s next big star.
YG may be a newcomer, but with each release, he’s carving out a legacy that feels as timeless as the beat he’s rapping over.