Niko Is Swaps Audacity for Allure on ‘Queima’- and It Works by NWO Sparrow

Rapid Review of Niko Is "Queima" Song

Beats: 10/10

Lyrics: 8/10

Concepts: 6/10

Replay Value: 8/10

Visual Appeal: 10/10

Niko Is & J. Rawls – “Queima” Track Review

There’s something magnetic about when a rapper decides to show range. For me, Niko Is has always been that type of artist , unpredictable but intentional. He can bark out dense, raw, wordplay-heavy bars that’ll have you rewinding the track five times just to catch the punchline. Then, with the flip of a switch, he can smooth out his delivery and craft a song that feels ready for both the radio and a rooftop playlist. Queima arrived at the perfect time because it’s the kind of pivot that sets up an artist before an album drop. His new project "The Optimist Son" is dropping October 24th, and Queima feels like the perfect bridge between the rapper Niko Is is and the star he’s becoming.

What pulled me in immediately is how he’s not performing in that usual in-your-face, fire-spitting mode. On Queima, Niko sounds relaxed, his voice textured and husky, almost gravelly in a way that feels intentional. There’s a confidence in restraint here. The production from J. Rawls leans lush and cinematic, giving Niko space to deliver in a conversational, melodic pocket. It reminds me a little of “Whisper” by the Ying Yang Twins , not sonically, but in how both songs pull you in with tone and tempo instead of aggression. The hook is what seals the deal here , catchy, warm, and perfect for radio. It’s pop-like, original, and shows off the kind of crossover appeal that’s rare to execute this smoothly.

Then there’s the second verse. When Niko opens with “Baby, I want to know, do you trust me, do you trust me,” it immediately shifts the energy of the record. That question grounds the song , it’s vulnerable and direct, setting the tone for the story he’s telling. What makes Niko special is that he doesn’t just write bars; he writes moments. Even when he’s making something smooth and romantic, he’s still storytelling. This isn’t some throwaway love song. This feels like Niko translating his artistry into a conversation. It’s reminiscent of when Biggie dropped “Big Poppa” or “One More Chance” , both records carried a dialogue and a timeline. Queima has that same DNA. It’s relaxed, it’s confident, and it’s real.

And then that line hits , “Kisses on your cold heart Mr. Freeze, your body is a grocery list to me.” That’s the signature Niko I was waiting for. The imagery, the humor, the swagger. It’s the kind of line that reminds you this man can’t help but be lyrical, even when he’s trying to keep it smooth. That’s what makes Queima such a win. It shows that even in a “light” moment, he can still flex his pen and personality without forcing it.

Visually, Queima matches the mood perfectly. Directed by Chino Chase, the video is colorful, intimate, and cinematic. It’s escapism done right , sunlit scenes, island tones, and chemistry that feels organic. This might be the most we’ve seen Niko Is open up and show intimacy with a co-star on screen. And that matters because it adds another layer to his artistry. His co-star is stunning, and their chemistry is believable, which brings the song’s romantic tension to life. The inclusion of J. Rawls in the video , playing piano and vibing in the background , was a smart touch. It ties the song and the visual together like a live performance moment. Whether this was shot in Florida or the Caribbean, the setting amplifies the energy of the record , warm, free, and lush. Chino Chase captured the essence of Queima beautifully.

The X Files

Track Breakdown

Beats: 10/10

The production is flawless. J. Rawls delivers a soundscape that complements Niko’s shift in tone. The instrumental feels warm and fluid, perfectly balancing the hip-hop foundation with smooth, rhythmic undertones. It’s the kind of beat that builds a vibe without overwhelming the artist.

Lyrics: 8/10

Niko keeps it light here. The lyrics aren’t meant to be dense , they’re conversational and melodic, yet still sharp enough to remind you who’s rapping. This isn’t about lyrical acrobatics. It’s about showing that he can switch lanes without losing authenticity.

Concepts: 6/10

The idea of a romance record isn’t groundbreaking, but it’s executed well. What elevates it is the delivery and tone, Niko’s approach makes a familiar concept feel fresh. The storytelling element keeps it from falling into cliché territory.

Replay Value: 8/10

If you’re a hardcore Niko Is fan looking for punchlines and pure bars, Queima might not be your favorite record , but as a music lover, this belongs in your rotation. It’s the type of track that fits anywhere, date night, late drive, or chill playlist.

Visual Appeal: 10/10

The video nails the vibe. It’s colorful, intimate, and gives the record new life. Chino Chase’s direction enhances the song’s warmth and makes it a full experience.

Total Music Score: 8.5/10

Queima is the record that proves Niko Is can do both. He can be raw, aggressive, and unapologetically lyrical when he wants to , but he can also step into the crossover lane and make something smooth, catchy, and cinematic. This track isn’t a departure from who he is , it’s an expansion of it. You can hear a man preparing for his next chapter, testing out new sounds while keeping his foundation intact.

As a fan, this record excites me because it feels like a signal. It’s Niko saying, “I’m not staying in one lane.” He’s not chasing the mainstream , he’s building his own version of it. Queima is that perfect middle ground between artistry and accessibility. With his new album dropping October 24th, this song sets the tone for what’s to come. If this is the warm-up, the main event is going to be special. Queima is confident, controlled, and charismatic , everything you want from an artist who’s ready to evolve.

Watch Niko Is "Quiema" Here via Youtube

Trending/Related Stories by NWO Sparrow

Follow my VOCAL MEDIA page for more Hip-Hop reviews and more.