With his latest album “THERE’S A WAR OUTSIDE”, rapper Tembipowers doesn’t just step into the ring—he tears the roof off it. Hip-hop has always been a battlefield of identity, of resistance, of self-expression. Without a doubt, if there’s one artist who knows how to navigate the trenches, it’s Tembipowers. The project, a blazing collaboration with multi-platinum producer LD Beats, is a pleasant sonic fusion of Tembi’s raw lyrical authenticity with LD’s deep, adrenaline-pumping production. From the jump, it’s clear this is no ordinary drop. This is a call to arms. Therefore, you’d better believe Tembipowers came strapped with bars, intent, and a vision.
The dopeness behind THERE’S A WAR OUTSIDE lies in its creators’ chemistry. LD Beats borrows his high-octane, trappy textures to Tembi’s liberal expression. It results in a project that feels at once cinematic and street—like the soundtrack to a revolution you didn’t know you were part of. “Working with LD was seamless,” the Cape Town-born Tembipowers says. “There’s a calm in our creative flow—no forced conversations, no over-analyzing. Just music. Just instinct.” LD didn’t just produce beats—he pulled the fire out of Tembi’s chest and laced it across eight tracks of unapologetic firepower. Their synergy truly wrapped this album together well.
Tembipowers doesn’t mince words. This is his most honest work to date. THERE’S A WAR OUTSIDE, the follow-up to his 2022 album IF ALL ELSE FAILS, is as thematic as it is thumping. Basically, it’s about breaking through barriers—both external, like industry gatekeeping and societal expectation, and internal, like fear, doubt, and hesitation. He sounds pissed off, sure—but certainly seems focused, empowered, and hungry. Moreover, it’s that hunger that hits hardest. Whether it’s the barbed-wire aggression on anthems like “WAR CRY” or the poignant vulnerability on tracks like “ANETTA” and “HEARTBREAK,” there’s an honesty here that refuses to be ignored.
The album also boasts features from stars like Dee Koala, Kane Keid, and Flow Jones Jr., each bringing their own weight to the war table. However, with this lineup, Tembipowers never gets lost in the mix. Generally, the guest appearances feel like reinforcements—each verse and hook adding another layer to the narrative. Nevertheless, it’s more than just music. It’s about legacy, identity, and about making noise loud enough to shatter ceilings. “My only goal is for more people to know my name, and to understand what Only Dope Records represents,” Tembi shares. He isn’t chasing trends—he’s building a movement. One that’s gritty, genuine, and grounded in purpose.
Naturally, mainstream hip-hop often leans into polished perfection and brand-safe aesthetics. However, Tembipowers shows us there’s still room for the radical and the rebellious. He doesn’t ask for your attention—he commands it with every bar, every beat drop, and every breath. Therefore, if you’re ready to step outside and face the fire, put on THERE’S A WAR OUTSIDE. Available now on all streaming platforms.
