Veteran Nigerian rapper, Reminisce, has spoken candidly about the core values of hip-hop, asserting that respect within the genre is not something that can be purchased.
In an interview, he emphasized that, unlike other music genres where commercial success can often overshadow artistic merit, hip-hop holds authenticity and lyrical prowess above all else.
Reminisce noted that within the hip-hop community, the recognition of a rapper’s greatness is earned through skill, not popularity or financial success.
He pointed out that even massive streaming numbers or self-proclaimed titles mean little if the artistry does not measure up.
“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. Like, you have to earn it. People have to say Vector is a legend. If you like, 65 trillion streams. If you like, name your album The Greatest. If you look at the margin in terms of commercial success, popularity, the margin is too wide, but because of the skill set, which is the primary thing in hip-hop. So, yeah.”
He added that hip-hop remains untouched by financial influence, in contrast to genres that thrive primarily on monetary appeal.
“Rap is a genre that does not respect funds or money or whatever you have. F3ck your money, f3ck whatever you have. Rap is not about that.”
Using the ongoing comparisons between international rappers Drake and Kendrick Lamar as an example, Reminisce said there should never have been a rivalry in the first place due to the clear disparity in artistic depth.
“There was supposed to be no battle between Drake and Kendrick in the first place. The margin is too wide. You understand what I’m saying? So rap is about respect and skill. Rap is the only genre that actually respects skill sets. You could have zero shoes, zero whatever and be the best MC in the world. And everybody knows and respects, and agrees. So, rap is the only genre.”
Reminisce also reflected on the challenges of maintaining hip-hop’s integrity in the African entertainment space, where commercial viability often dictates creative direction. He acknowledged the reality of artists needing to survive financially but warned against undermining hip-hop in the process.
“Unfortunately, on our side of the map, everything has been monetised and there’s a bit of social effects where people go where the money is, people follow where the money is. And that’s okay. But where I kind of draw the line is, don’t disrespect the other genres because this is a genre that pumps in the money and respects it. I give kudos to that. But don’t disrespect this genre because this genre is based on pure skill. Respect, pure skill. Nobody cares how much you have. Not data. Yeah, not data. Nobody cares how much you have. That’s secondary. You need to have it in you. So I’m not really… Of course, people have to move where they want. People have bills to pay,” he said.
Reminisce’s comments serve as a powerful reminder of the core essence of hip-hop: an art form built on skill, respect, and authenticity—far beyond fame or fortune.
