Reminisce calls out clout chasers in hip-hop

Veteran Nigerian rapper Remilekun Abdulkalid Safaru, popularly known as Reminisce, has reaffirmed the core values of hip-hop, stating that respect in the genre is earned strictly through skill and authenticity—not money or popularity.

In a recent interview, Reminisce drew a clear distinction between hip-hop and other music genres, where he said financial success often takes center stage.

According to him, hip-hop remains one of the few music forms that demand genuine talent and credibility over commercial appeal.

“Hip-hop is the only genre you can’t buy. No matter how much money you make as a rapper, you can’t pay for the respect; you can’t buy it. That’s one thing I love about hip-hop. You have to earn it,” he said.

Using the example of rap heavyweights, he emphasized that titles like “legend” must come from the community, not self-proclamation or streaming figures.

He added, “You could have zero shoes, zero whatever and be the best MC in the world. And everybody knows, respects, and agrees. Rap is about respect and skill.”

Reminisce also criticized the growing influence of money in today’s music industry, particularly in Africa, noting that artists now often follow the money trail while neglecting the roots and essence of hip-hop. However, he was careful to distinguish that while he respects financial success in other genres, it should not come at the expense of undermining hip-hop’s unique culture.

“Don’t disrespect this genre because this genre is based on pure skill. Respect, pure skill. Nobody cares how much you have. That’s secondary,” he concluded.