Veteran Nigerian rapper Reminisce has weighed in on what truly defines success in hip-hop, and according to him, it’s not about wealth or streaming numbers but pure skill. The respected lyricist and Local Rappers hitmaker made this clear while discussing the ongoing supremacy debate in Nigeria’s rap scene, particularly the buzz surrounding Odumodublvck and Blaqbonez.
Reminisce shared his candid thoughts during a recent episode of the On The Record podcast, where he appeared alongside fellow rap heavyweight Vector. The conversation delved into the essence of hip-hop culture, especially amid the growing commercialization of music and the blurring lines between rap and pop.
Making a strong case for lyrical credibility over material success, Reminisce said:
“Hip-hop is the only genre that doesn’t respect numbers or money. No matter how much money you make as a rapper, you can’t buy it [the respect of the Hip-hop world]. That’s one thing I love about Hip-hop. You have to earn it. People have to say, ‘Vector is a good rapper, he’s a legend.’”
The timing of his comments is especially significant, coming at a moment when Nigerian rap is experiencing a cultural revival with acts like Odumodublvck, Blaqbonez, PsychoYP, and others making waves both sonically and online. Still, Reminisce warns against mistaking virality or commercial dominance for true artistic respect within the hip-hop community.
He cited the recent rap battle between American rap icons Kendrick Lamar and Drake as a global example of how skills ultimately determine the winner in hip-hop battles not charts or celebrity.
“If you like see 5 trillion streams, if you like name your album the greatest. Nobody cares. Rap respects pure skills. That’s why Kendrick Lamar is widely adjudged the winner of his hip-hop battle with Canadian superstar Drake. If you look at the margin between Drake and Lamar in terms of commercial, it’s very wide. But because it’s about skill set, which is the primary thing in hip-hop, Lamar won.”
Reminisce’s sentiments were echoed by Vector, who also highlighted the importance of lyrical integrity, storytelling, and cultural awareness in maintaining hip-hop’s authenticity. Together, the rap legends reinforced the belief that longevity and legacy in hip-hop are built on respect earned through bars not bank accounts.
As the Nigerian rap scene continues to evolve and attract a younger fan base, Reminisce’s reminder is both timely and necessary: In hip-hop, clout fades, but skill stands forever.
