In the past couple of weeks, we’ve witnessed an interesting series of events. It began with Psycho YP boldly declaring that he had no competition in the Nigerian rap scene currently, a claim met with resistance from a fan who opined that dndSection was a worthy opponent. Apparently not one to pass up on a challenge, dndSection rose to the occasion, defending his prowess on his instagram stories. Clearly this was something Psycho YP expected as he stood his ground, maintaining his initial position. dndSection who didn’t have time to trade words then challenged YP, picking May 21st as the day to make rap history.
The battle began with dndSection dropping the very disrespectful Best Rapper in Africa track which was immediately responded to by Psycho YP, but dndSection was not backing down. In no time, DND returned with the sensational Story of Nicholas which created quite a stir, leading to a discussion on the relevance of the back and forth hosted on a Twitter space.
https://twitter.com/dndsection/status/1528127776934580224?s=21&t=yhPHXLoM6fnq5Rl9vdDABw
Not long after, Psycho YP dropped Bando Diaries featuring Odumodu Blvck alias Big Gun, a testament to his best-in-the-game claim. One would expect all artists involved in the exchange to capitalize on the buzz created and drop a single or two, however YP has taken the game up a notch with the #bandodiariesremixchallenge where he encouraged other rappers to remix an open verse reel for an opportunity to get on the official Bando Diaries remix.
Since then, several artists have stepped forward, putting their spin on YPs latest release across social media platforms. Psycho YP saw a window and quickly seized it, shifting the focus from himself to the Nigerian rap community in general.
More than once it has been touted that rap, and hip-hop in general does not appear to be expedient in the Nigerian music industry. There is almost no middle ground, you’re either viral or you do not exist. Rap battles, beefs, or anything similar to the YP/DND situation is a crucial component of rap – and as an extension, hip-hop culture. Even though it remains a tricky line to tow, “beef” makes rap what it truly is, and the aftermath of said “beef” makes a rapper. This probably explains why in 1981, Kool Moe Dee, a member of the Treacherous Three and renowned lyricist couldn’t sit back and let Busy Bee Starski’s diss slide, leading him to deliver a freestyle response now recorded as one of the greatest moments in rap battle history.
Rap beefs are responsible for some of the best bars to ever grace the hip-hop scene – 50 Cent on Back Down, Dr Dre on Dre Day, JayZ on Supa Ugly, Eminem on Nail In The Coffin, M.I on Beef – the list could go on. However, one might wonder what the relevance of these feuds are without a call to action – actual music, reaching a much wider audience, creation of a platform and so many other endless possibilities.
Like with everything else, out of sight means out of mind and for rap to secure an unwavering position in the Nigerian music industry, reminders in the form of rap battles, challenges and even beef, are necessary. Competition is essential for rap to thrive, and continuity – what YP is doing with the #bandodiariesremixchallenge, is essential for growth. Watching a small back and forth on social media spiral beyond just another publicity stunt to live out its full potential as a viral challenge is a ray of sunshine in the very bleak Nigerian rap scene.
The #bandodiariesremixchallenge is an exciting view of the bigger picture – it is not enough that rappers stay consistent, it is pertinent that they continue to step up their game.