A while back Rick Ross was in Lagos for a concert. And he used the opportunity to shoot a video in the slums of the City of Hustlers. A lot of Nigerians weren't happy with the outcome, perhaps because they were of the opinion that it wasn't right for a foreigner to remind us about history and the poverty that's eaten deep into this country.
Oh well, I had a convo with my big bro, Terry tha Rapman, we talked extensively and touched on the topic. I decided to share it with our fans cos I believe we addressed some very important issues. Read on below.
Fecko: You've seen Rozay's 'hold me back-nigeria' video?
Tha Rapman: Saw it
Fecko: Stirring up controversies. In my opinion, I think it's reality. Maybe a little bit over exaggerated
Tha Rapman: I know, but its not like they added anything to the video na. That's how
messed up our slums can be. The other was grimy so he was looking for
that here too, no be where the nigeria guyz carry am him shoot? Who's to
blame? Do you know how many people Rick Ross don inspire by shootin in their hood?
Fecko:
Word. The only thing that was added were those guys that played 'niger
delta militant/pirates'. And that was actually a regalia scene from a
wedding ceremony.
Tha Rapman:
Ok that's true sha, I feel it was the doing of those people who brought
him. They musta wanted to show Ricky dat we sef sabi gangsta too
Fecko:
Yeah, na true!
Tha Rapman:
Oh well like I said hiphop has a way of exposing truths that society is
scared of seeing. You no dey see some jamo videos wen dem show police
with AKs and real live prostitutes?
Fecko:
I dey see am oh. The truth is most Nigerians are scared of cluing in to
the fact that the truth isn't meant to be sweet. Breeze don blow now...
Tha Rapman:
But we like lies of chillin in luxurious clubs poppin champagne when most of us aint really ballin like that
Fecko:
Yeah, that's why most of us aren't totally happy with rozay's approach to that vid
Tha Rapman:
Yep
Fecko:
Not me tho...I'm cool with it...I support the truth anyday, any time.
Tha Rapman:
Talib Kweli no show guyz dey kpoli for shrine? Cele people dey pray for beach
like some fetish religous shit? But this is our reality like it or not.
When these people come here they're not looking for skyscrapers or posh
buildings na. Is nigeria not really messed up? Aren't there more poor
people than the rich?
Fecko: Hmm. When they come here, they're in search of the truth. The Rich folks
are minority. From the int'l airport down to the island...reality slaps
them in the face as they look out through their car window while
cruising the streets of the Lagos.
The way I see it, more of these guys will or might follow Rozay's footsteps when they visit. Aint nothing new under the sun.
Tha Rapman:
Hmm it's up to us to not give permission again na
Fecko:
Right? The int'l community is watching. But when money is involved, permission isn't really that necessary.
Tha Rapman:
But BBC have been showing stuff like that since
Fecko:
Yes o. No be today BBC don dey cast Africa
Tha Rapman: Oh well
Fecko:
Most Nigerians in diaspora seem to be the ones fighting the battle of
re-branding the motherland by narating our history via films and
literature. They're the ones that suffer the stigma more.
Tha Rapman:
Rick showed just another side of Nigeria for Godsakes, the slums! Cuz he
did same with the foreign one. Fecko I don tire talk about this sef, e
no even mk sense. We chose the wrongest times to be patriotic jor
Fecko:
Na so!
Tha Rapman:
Yeah
