Veteran Nigerian rapper Reminisce has emphasized that in hip-hop, respect isn’t earned through wealth, popularity, or streaming numbers—but through raw talent and lyrical ability.
Speaking on a recent episode of the On The Record podcast alongside fellow rapper Vector, Reminisce weighed in on the ongoing conversation around authenticity in hip-hop, particularly in light of the rivalry between Nigerian rappers Odumodublvck and Blaqbonez.
According to the Local Rappers crooner, the hip-hop culture globally is one of the few music genres where commercial success doesn’t automatically translate to respect. Instead, it’s the skill—the bars, delivery, and lyrical depth—that truly matter.
“Hip-hop is the only genre that doesn’t respect numbers or money,” Reminisce said. “No matter how much money you make as a rapper, you can’t buy respect. That’s what I love about this culture—you have to earn it. People have to say, ‘Vector is a good rapper, he’s a legend,’ based on merit.”
He went on to use the high-profile rap feud between Kendrick Lamar and Drake as an example, noting that despite Drake’s massive commercial success, it was Lamar’s superior lyrical prowess that made him the widely accepted winner of their lyrical battle.
“Look at the gap between Kendrick and Drake when it comes to streams and commercial success—it’s huge,” he explained. “But in hip-hop, it’s about skill first. That’s why Kendrick won. Streams don’t impress true hip-hop heads. It’s your bars that do.”
Reminisce’s remarks serve as a reminder of hip-hop’s roots in authenticity, lyricism, and the unspoken rule that respect is earned—not bought.
