Reminisce Defends Hip-Hop Culture

Reminisce defends hip-hop culture, insisting respect in the genre must be earned through skill and authenticity, not wealth or popularity in the music scene

Reminisce defends hip-hop culture as a sacred space in music where only skill and authenticity matter, rejecting the growing influence of money as a badge of honour in the genre.

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In a recent interview, veteran Nigerian rapper Remilekun Abdulkalid Safaru, better known as Reminisce, reaffirmed that hip-hop remains unique in how it defines success.

He argued that unlike other genres, financial gains or popularity do not command respect within the rap community.

“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 stated.

Reminisce reflected on the shift in today’s music landscape, particularly across Africa, where he believes many young artistes now prioritise income and virality over lyrical depth and originality.

He warned that this trend risks eroding the core values of hip-hop, which has historically celebrated realness over riches.

He pointed out that honour in rap is never self-declared but awarded by peers and the community. “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,” he said.

Although Reminisce expressed admiration for financial success in commercial music, he maintained that rap must resist attempts to be measured by external markers of fame or wealth.

According to him, hip-hop has always been about verbal prowess, street credibility, and staying true to one’s message.

“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, reiterating his commitment to preserving the integrity of the culture.

As a respected figure in the Nigerian music industry, Reminisce’s words resonated with long-time fans and younger artists seeking to understand the roots of hip-hop.

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His defence of the genre serves as a reminder that even in an age dominated by streaming figures and image-driven marketing, rap remains a craft built on respect that must be earned.