Nigerian Rapper Reminisce has highlighted the unique essence of hip-hop, emphasising that respect within the genre cannot be purchased. In an interview, he stated that hip-hop values skill and authenticity above material wealth.

Reminisce pointed out that commercial success and popularity are subordinate to a rapper’s artistry and talent. He contrasts this with other genres, where financial gains often take precedence.

Reminisce underscored the importance of honouring hip-hop’s artistic integrity and not disrespecting the genre for its differences.

He further added that genuine greatness in hip-hop comes from within, and that financial success does not automatically garner respect.

“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.

“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.

“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.