“Freak” by Sub Urban

Sub Urban’s “Freak” is a mildly-complex song being presented by a somewhat-unorthodox artist. Sub Urban does get philosophical, and in the process he takes on sort of a Dr. Frankenstein type of role. That is to say that the titular “freak” is not only a reference to himself but also one of his ‘creations’.

But what appears to be going down, fundamentally, is that the word “freak” as used in this song, refers to someone who gives into their animal, as in sexual, nature. 

And the bottom line in it all is that the primary artist at hand is not offended by such a disposition. Basically he acknowledges that we human beings are purely imperfect. And he is asserting that individuals do themselves a disservice by trying to ‘hide their imperfections’. 

Song’s Primary Theme

So in a roundabout, allegorical way, this is one of those ‘don’t be afraid to be who you truly are’ kind of tracks. 

And even beyond that if you are in fact a “freak” by nature, then you should embrace it.  Or at least Sub Urban himself ain’t trying to fight the freak within. 

And basically, by asserting he is part of “freak show” and owns his own “monsters”, he is encouraging others to behave similarly.

Rei Ami takes Over

Meanwhile Rei Ami’s verse seems to possess more of a blatantly-amorous undertone within the overall context of the song. She is apparently addressing a romantic interest. 

And in that regard she is using the word “freak” more in its common-colloquial sense, i.e. referring to someone who is freaky in bed, who would indeed be herself. 

Thus she is telling this individual to come and ‘rattle her whole cage’, i.e. to put it on her thoroughly. That’s how the verse reads in between the lines. But on the surface, she is basically asserting that she is a willing participant in Sub Urban’s “freak show”, willing to be his “favorite monster”.

What the lyrics of “Freak” are all about

So again, if one of were compelled to derive a definitive subject from this track, it can be said to be sex. Or rather let’s say that embracing your “freak” nature, to most people, would probably equate to something like sexual liberation. 

But even beyond that, Sub Urban doesn’t seem like the type to judge anyone. And he apparently idealizes a reality where we can more or less embrace our animal sides without being “put down” for it. Or put differently, he doesn’t feel that we should be chastised for our natural urges.

Release Date of “Freak”

This is the second single from “Thrill Seeker”, Sub Urban’s debut EP, which Warner Records put out on 13 March 2020. And “Freak” managed to break the top 30 of Billboard’s Alternative Songs chart.

Sub Urban and Rei Ami

Sub Urban is a musician who, as of the release of this track, would be 19 years old. He was born in Nyack, a city just north of NYC, though was raised in a part of New Jersey known as Ridgewood. 

His background reads as if he is a bit of a bada-s – for instance quitting high school in the name of pursuing his musical aspirations. 

But in his case doing so paid off, as his 2019 track “Cradles” topped the US Alternative Songs chart in addition to being certified gold Up North. And as alluded to earlier he has earned himself a contract with Warner Records, one of the biggest players in the industry.

Meanwhile Rei Ami is an artist of South Korean descent, being born in Seoul though actually raised in Maryland, USA. 

Her name is derived from two characters featured on the Sailor Moon cartoon franchise, which she “grew up watching a lot of”. And whereas she is by and large classified as a pop artist, there is definitely a hip-hop/urban slant to her persona.

More Interesting Facts about “Freak”

In August of 2020 Sub Urban hosted an online event, dubbed Freak Show, which was named after this song.

He also came out with a music video for “Freak” which was based on sort of a circus-horror theme. Said clip, as of mid-March 2021, has attracted in excess of 150,000,000 views on YouTube.

“Freak” was written by Sub Urban and Rei Ami, being the first time they have collaborated. 

And it’s interesting to see how Rei describes her verse in her own words, as if it doesn’t possess any sexual connotation whatsoever.

Rei Ami’s Explanation of “Freak”

For instance as far as the songstress is concerned, her personal “freak show” would be her three-year old dog. And the reason why, according to Ami, is because said pet “is a f-cking freak”. 

The breed of the canine is a Shiba Inu. And concerning its freakiness, Rei depicts her as a very-excitable, attention-drawing animal who would steal the show wherever you place it.

Then in terms of the “favorite monster” quote, the songstress actually references anime company Studio Ghibli or even more specifically My Neighbor Totoro (1988). The latter is full-length animation film which is considered one of the greatest works of art ever produced as far as anime is concerned. 

And the titular character, Totoro, is actually a large spirit who appears as a cuddly combination of different types of animals, sort of like a stuffed animal with no discernible species. 

And this is whom Rei Ami considers to be her “favorite monster”, if Totoro were in fact a monster, which in the truest sense of the word he isn’t. In other words, he is a fun-loving, not aggressive or off-putting, kind of spirit.

So of course being an adult, Rei knows that “Freak” is like 75% a bedroom fun song, and she played her own role in creating it. But she also possesses somewhat of a youthful spirit, being a fan of anime (as elaborated above) and what have you and in her own mind hasn’t particularly embraced the tune as such.