Veteran Nigerian hip-hop artist, Remilekun Abdulkalid Safaru, popularly known as Reminisce, has made a bold statement about what truly earns a rapper respect in the hip-hop community.
According to him, wealth and streaming numbers don’t determine a rapper’s worth; pure lyrical skill does.
Reminisce made this declaration during a recent appearance on the On The Record podcast, where he was featured alongside fellow rapper, Vector. The conversation touched on the ongoing rivalry between Nigerian rappers Odumodublvck and Blaqbonez, and the larger issue of how rap artists are judged both locally and internationally.
“You can’t buy respect in hip-hop” – Reminisce
Speaking passionately about the culture of hip-hop, Reminisce stressed that the genre has always placed talent above numbers. Unlike other genres where commercial success often overshadows artistry, he argued that hip-hop remains one of the few spaces where skill speaks louder than streams.
“Hip-hop is the only genre that doesn’t respect numbers or money,” he said. “No matter how much money you make as a rapper, you can’t buy respect. That’s one thing I love about hip-hop, you have to earn it.”
Reminisce added that for a rapper to be respected, it must come from peers and fans who recognise the artist’s lyrical strength and authenticity. “People have to say, ‘Vector is a good rapper, he’s a legend.’ That kind of respect can’t be forced or bought.”
Stream counts don’t prove skill
He went further to criticise the obsession with streaming numbers and online metrics. In his words, a rapper could gather “five trillion streams” or claim to have the best-selling album, but it wouldn’t matter if the skills weren’t there.
“If you like, name your album the greatest. Nobody cares. Rap respects pure skills. That’s the currency here,” he said.
His words appeared to indirectly address the recent tension between Odumodublvck and Blaqbonez, two fast-rising rappers known for their confidence and strong online presence. While both artists enjoy growing fan bases and impressive numbers, Reminisce suggested that it’s lyrical quality, not popularity, that will ultimately determine their legacy in the genre.
Kendrick vs Drake: A case study in skill
To drive home his point, Reminisce pointed to the ongoing lyrical feud between American rappers Kendrick Lamar and Drake. He acknowledged that Drake is far ahead commercially but argued that Kendrick won the battle because of his superior skill.
“Kendrick Lamar is widely adjudged the winner of his hip-hop battle with Canadian superstar Drake,” he said. “If you look at the margin between Drake and Lamar in terms of commercial success, it’s extensive. But because it’s about skill set, which is the primary thing in hip-hop, Lamar won.”
Reminisce used this example to illustrate that, within the culture of hip-hop, sharp lyricism, strong storytelling, and originality are the true measures of greatness, not wealth or media attention.
A reminder to young rappers
His comments serve as a timely reminder for younger artists in the Nigerian music scene. In an industry increasingly driven by social media trends, digital plays, and brand endorsements, Reminisce is urging rappers to return to the roots of the genre.
He concluded by affirming that hip-hop is not for the faint-hearted or those chasing only fame. “If you want to be respected, put in the work. Polish your craft. Let your lyrics speak. That’s how legends are made,” he said.
Final thoughts
Reminisce’s words reflect a broader truth about the hip-hop culture, one that values authenticity, resilience, and raw skill over glamour. In a time when music metrics often overshadow message, his statement is a powerful call to artists: in hip-hop, you don’t count unless you can rap.
Read Also: Why I discourage my kids from pursuing music- Reminisce
