Susan Abayomi
Nigerian rapper Sodiq Abubakar Yusuf, popularly known as CDQ, has sparked debate in the country’s hip-hop community after making a bold claim about his abilities compared with some of Nigeria’s established rap acts.
CDQ made the statement during an appearance on the Faloh Frequency podcast, where he discussed how rappers should be assessed and argued that popularity and commercial success should not be the main measures of rap ability.
The rapper said greater emphasis should be placed on factors such as lyrical quality, depth and technical ability when determining the strength of a rapper.
In making his point, CDQ declared that he considered himself a better rapper than Blaqbonez, Phyno, Olamide and MI combined.
The statement has generated reactions among music fans, particularly because the artistes mentioned have established significant careers and reputations within Nigeria’s hip-hop scene.
CDQ’s comments have also drawn attention to the longstanding debate over how rap talent should be measured. While commercial performance, popularity and audience reach can be assessed through various indicators, judging lyrical quality and technical ability is more subjective and can differ among listeners.
The rapper has built his career around indigenous Yoruba rap, street-oriented themes and contemporary hip-hop. His rise in the Nigerian music industry has included collaborations with several prominent artistes.
His remarks come at a time when conversations around competition and lyrical ability continue to generate interest within Nigeria’s rap community.
CDQ’s assessment, however, remains his personal opinion, rather than an independently established comparison of the artistes’ abilities.
The rapper has not indicated that he intends to withdraw his comments, which continue to fuel discussion among fans of Nigerian hip-hop.
