I have laughed myself silly over what has been happening in the ever 'interesting' Nigerian rap scene in the last few days. This I have got to admit- a lot of Nigerian rappers have got jokes or are jokers depending on how their careers have panned out.
The source of my rib cracking ecstasy started from Yung 6ix's tweet where he declared himself the best rapper in Nigeria. Now I don't have anything wrong with freedom of speech, everyone is entitled to his or her opinion. However declaring yourself king of rap of whatever region isn't child's talk. Rap music has always been and will always be competitive, edgy and territorial. Many rappers have laid claimed to the crown of whatever. Nigeria's rap community might not be vibrant as America's but it is gradually taking shape. I am therefore not surprised that some rappers have started claiming to be king.
Much as I am happy that rap is getting competitive here, I am also sad because the series of events in the last few days shows how little we know about rap and the Hip Hop culture. To come out and say you are the best is a serious statement and you need at least one undisputed classic album to be regarded as a true contender of the rap crown. Yung 6ix where is yours? Biggie was crowned King of New York after he released the classic Ready To Die. Prior to that, Nas was the king thanks to the seminal Illmatic. Snoop Dogg obviously was crowned King of the West Coast after Doggystyle. Yung 6ix has made a bold statement but sadly it is a foolish one that lacks concrete evidence. His biggest song still remains his remake of 'Oleku'. Judging from his recent releases, Yung 6ix needs to still chill in the artiste development incubator for a while. Mindlessly copying Kendrick Lamar (whose Good Kid m.A.A.d City album had heads vigorously debating whether it's a classic) is not the way to the top. Hard work is.
The responses to Yung 6ix's audacious tweet have been more hilarious. As an upcoming rapper you should be more focused about creating a bad ass mixtape rather than dissing Yung 6ix who isn't in the Top 20 list of Best Nigerian rappers. A lot of young spitters are chasing the wrong thing. Work on your craft rather than blog headlines that nobody will remember in the next 2 days. There are levels to these things young boys. Last time I checked M.I was king and the only true contender to his throne for now is Olamide. If you don't have a hot album or classic album please sit down and work on your raps. Thank You. One Love.
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