Shallipopi and Gunna come from two very different ends of modern rap’s evolving ecosystem, yet “HIM” manages to find a surprisingly coherent middle ground where their contrasting identities collide in a way that feels intentional rather than forced. The record positions itself not just as a cross continental collaboration, but as a statement about how global rap has become less about geography and more about shared rhythm, shared flex culture, and shared sonic language. What makes this pairing interesting is not just the names involved, but the underlying tension between Shallipopi’s raw, street rooted Nigerian street pop energy and Gunna’s smooth, Atlanta polished melodic trap cadence. The song does not fully resolve that tension, but it uses it as its creative fuel.
From the opening moments, “HIM” sets a tone that leans heavily into atmospheric production built on rolling percussion, airy synth textures, and a bassline that feels deliberately restrained rather than aggressive. The production does not attempt to dominate either artist; instead, it creates a neutral playground where both can impose their personality. This is a critical choice because it prevents the track from becoming lopsided. Instead of forcing Shallipopi into a purely American trap pocket or pushing Gunna into an Afro fusion experiment, the beat sits somewhere in between, allowing both artists to remain recognizable while still adapting slightly to each other’s rhythm.
Shallipopi’s presence on the track is immediately noticeable because of his distinct vocal texture and delivery style. He does not approach the beat with restraint or subtlety; instead, he injects it with his signature streetwise cadence and a playful confidence that has become central to his appeal. His performance carries that unpredictable Benin street energy he is known for, where his phrasing often bends the rhythm rather than strictly following it. This creates a sense of controlled chaos that contrasts sharply with Gunna’s more fluid and evenly spaced delivery. In many ways, Shallipopi acts as the spark that prevents the track from becoming too polished or predictable.
Gunna’s contribution, on the other hand, is rooted in refinement and melodic control. He approaches the instrumental with his characteristic laid back delivery, stretching syllables across the beat in a way that feels almost weightless. Where Shallipopi is textured and jagged in rhythm, Gunna is smooth and gliding. His verses provide balance, acting as a stabilizing force that anchors the track’s energy. However, what is particularly interesting is how Gunna does not completely ignore the Afro inspired rhythm of the production. There is a subtle adaptation in his flow, as he slightly adjusts his cadence to sit more comfortably within the bounce of the beat, showing that he is not merely a guest but an active participant in the song’s hybrid identity.
Lyrically, “HIM” does not aim for deep conceptual storytelling. Instead, it operates within the familiar territory of self affirmation, status signaling, wealth imagery, and romantic dominance. Both artists lean into the persona of being “that guy,” which is reinforced by the title itself. The repetition of dominance themed messaging may feel familiar to listeners of both artists, but the value here lies less in originality of subject matter and more in execution and chemistry. Shallipopi brings a more playful and sometimes humorous edge to his assertions of success, while Gunna delivers his lines with calm certainty, almost as if his status is already established beyond question.
The chemistry between both artists is not immediate in a traditional sense, but it grows as the track progresses. At first, the transition between their sections can feel slightly abrupt, almost like two separate songs stitched together. However, repeated listening reveals a subtle cohesion built through shared rhythmic motifs and complementary energy levels. The contrast between them becomes the defining feature rather than a flaw. Shallipopi pushes energy forward while Gunna smooths it out, creating a push and pull dynamic that keeps the listener engaged.
One of the most notable aspects of the song is how it reflects the current global direction of rap music. African and American rap are no longer operating in isolation, and “HIM” stands as another example of this merging boundary. However, unlike collaborations that feel purely transactional or algorithm driven, this track carries a sense of mutual curiosity. Shallipopi is not trying to imitate Gunna, and Gunna is not attempting to fully adopt Afrobeats patterns. Instead, both artists maintain their identity while finding overlap in rhythm, tone, and thematic content. This is what gives the record a more organic feel compared to many international collaborations that often struggle with authenticity.
The hook of the song is designed for repetition and virality, leaning into simplicity rather than complexity. It does not overwhelm the listener with layered lyricism or intricate wordplay. Instead, it prioritizes catchiness and emotional immediacy. This approach aligns with both artists’ strengths in different ways. Shallipopi has a history of creating catchy, street viral phrases, while Gunna excels at smooth, easily digestible melodic hooks. Together, they create a chorus that is easy to remember even after a single listen, which is clearly intentional in terms of commercial appeal.
Production wise, the track avoids unnecessary clutter. There is a deliberate minimalism that allows space for both vocalists to breathe. The drums are crisp but not overpowering, the bass is present but not dominating, and the melodic layers float above rather than crowd the frequency range. This restraint is important because it prevents the collaboration from becoming chaotic. Instead, it feels controlled, even when Shallipopi introduces bursts of energetic unpredictability.
However, the song is not without its weaknesses. One of the main critiques is that it occasionally feels like two parallel ideas rather than a fully merged artistic vision. While the contrast between both artists is interesting, there are moments where deeper integration could have elevated the track further. A more experimental middle section or a shared bridge could have strengthened the sense of unity. As it stands, the collaboration is more additive than transformative, meaning each artist contributes their part without fully evolving into something entirely new.
Another point of critique is lyrical depth. While the song is not attempting to be introspective, it does rely heavily on familiar themes that may not offer long term replay value for listeners seeking substance over vibe. That said, within its intended lane, it succeeds. It is a mood driven record rather than a message driven one, and judging it outside that framework would be unfair.
Despite these limitations, “HIM” succeeds most in its cultural positioning. It reflects a moment in global music where boundaries are dissolving, and artists are increasingly willing to step into each other’s sonic worlds without fully abandoning their own. Shallipopi benefits from exposure to a wider international audience, while Gunna reinforces his adaptability in global collaborations. The track becomes less about artistic reinvention and more about cultural exchange.
In terms of replay value, the song sits in a comfortable middle zone. It is not an instant classic that demands obsessive replay, but it is also not forgettable background noise. Its strength lies in mood setting, particularly in social settings, playlists, and casual listening environments. It is the kind of track that grows on the listener through familiarity rather than immediate impact.
Ultimately, “HIM” is a study in contrast and balance. It does not attempt to erase the differences between Shallipopi and Gunna, but instead leans into them. The result is a collaboration that feels modern, globally aware, and strategically crafted for cross market appeal. While it may not push artistic boundaries in a radical sense, it does reinforce the direction mainstream rap is heading, where collaboration is less about blending identities into one and more about allowing distinct voices to coexist on the same sonic platform.
In the end, “HIM” stands as a solid, commercially aware collaboration that thrives on contrast, mood, and accessibility. It may not redefine either artist, but it successfully captures a moment where their worlds intersect, offering listeners a polished, culturally layered experience that reflects the current state of global rap evolution.
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