MI Abaga, one of the pioneers of Nigerian-style Afro Hip Hop, has finally responded to what the rap community in the country has described as a ‘reckless comment’ made by Wizkid about this genre of music.
Recall that the Babanla insisted that ‘Rap is Dead’ which aroused various reactions from different camps as many supported his notion while others picked offence with the unguided statement.
Today, Tuesday 6, Abaga took to his Instagram Live to address the issue once and for all, since the initial response from the Hip Hop community only triggered a more provoking comment from Wizkid and his supporters.
Abaga started some of his points from Vector and himself, explaining in detail how difficult it is for rappers to get any support financially from investors that only believe in the numbers they see from streaming data acquired over time.
He spoke about Show Dem Camp, SDC’s New Project, Erigga’s Album, Iva’s new digital streaming platform in Ghana, Odumodu Blvck and Psycho YP, Blackbonez, AQ, Ill Bliss, Oladipoe, YCee, Battleraps, among other rappers and genres.
MI Abaga reiterated how he suffered for the rap music genre, admitting it was a great year for Hip Hop, stressing that criticisms are part of the building blocks that have made rappers climb to new heights.
He said Hip Hop is so important because it’s for the people that have seen the most pain.
He stressed that the negative words used to describe rappers have been said since his childhood, adding that “it can’t break us. Telling me I/m talking too much, that Hip Hop is dead, is not going to break me.”
He advised Biz Wiz to open his heart and listen to Hip Hop, stressing that rappers have put out projects that reveal their roots and identity, and it should be appreciated.
Abaga, while addressing the issue, sampled two new songs from his brother Jessy Jagz and revealed that he’s back to managing his career.