Ever wonder why some artists just can't seem to connect with certain music trends? Ghanaian rapper Strongman, born Osei Kwaku Vincent, is making a bold statement about staying true to himself in the music industry. He's drawing a clear line, and it's all about authenticity. He's not jumping on the 'scammer rap' bandwagon, and here's why.
Strongman, a well-known figure in the Ghanaian rap scene, recently shared his perspective on Angel FM in Kumasi. He emphasized that his music is rooted in his genuine experiences and character. He's choosing not to rap about themes like fraud, drugs, or the street life, even though these topics are popular among some young artists.
He explains, "Some songs reflect who I really am, but there are others that don’t." He believes that to create authentic music, an artist needs to have firsthand experience with the subject matter. But here's where it gets controversial...
Strongman admits that rapping about fraud or drug culture would sound forced and inauthentic because it's not part of his life. He uses the example of party songs, which he can now comfortably create because his friends have introduced him to those environments.
"When it comes to hate or love songs, I do them well because that is my lifestyle. But when it comes to scamming, weed, and the rest, I don’t do them well," he added.
Strongman also credits his social circle for shaping his music. His close friends live a calm, disciplined life, even abstaining from alcohol. This lifestyle significantly influences his artistic choices, preventing him from being exposed to certain habits or environments.
“My circle is full of gentle people who don’t even drink alcohol, so they won’t expose me to certain things for me to rap about them,” he stated. And this is the part most people miss... It's not just about what he can't rap about; it's about the positive influences in his life that shape his music.
What do you think? Do you agree with Strongman's stance on authenticity? Does an artist need to live a certain lifestyle to rap about it convincingly? Share your thoughts in the comments!
