“It’s Me or the PS5”: How Salem Ilese Turned a Gamer’s Ultimatum Into a Viral Anthem

What do you get when you mix clever lyricism, TikTok virality, and a painfully relatable relationship dilemma? You get 'PS5' the pop-meets-gaming track from rising star, Salem Ilese.

With a hook that cuts straight through modern romance,“It’s me or the PS5”, the song taps into the tech-age love triangle between partners and their consoles.

Almost 3 years on, 'PS5' is still a BIG track with over 200 million streams on Spotify alone!

Watch the music video here:

For anyone that's chronically online, or at least hasn't been living under a rock, Salem Ilese put out an open verse challenge on TikTok, which is essentially where you 'duet' with someone by writing your own verse on their song.

The challenge blew up with thousands upon thousands of duets, and heck, even I joined in! After all the song is catchy, kind of toxic (in a fun way) and above all genius marketing, since she invited people to 'roast' her in their verses.

Here's one of the raps I wrote in response, which garnered 250k views!

Salem Ilese already had a blossoming career, following from the success of her viral song 'Mad At Disney' but her comeback track 'PS5' was so timely and captured a generation's attention.

In a world where singer-songwriters come a dime a dozen, she's carving out her own path with infectious instrumentation, catchy choruses and millennial/Gen Z-poised song names like 'Coke & Mentos', 'PainHub' and 'Hey Siri'.

'PS5' features TOMORROW X TOGETHER and Alan Walker, which helped the track gain even more traction across K-pop fanbases and EDM circles, broadening Salem’s reach beyond her original bedroom-pop roots.

She's not just a one-hit wonder, she’s a modern voice with sharp wit and a knack for cultural timing.

In picture: Salem Ilese

Beyond ‘PS5’, Salem Ilese continues to build a repertoire of bold, concept-driven pop. Whether she’s challenging romantic norms or poking holes in childhood fairytales, her music speaks directly to a hyper-aware, emotionally fluent audience.

Definitely an artist to keep on your radar and this week's favourite find.

Follow her at, @SalemIlese on all platforms.