‘I don’t think Ghana will lose hardcore rap’ – Teephlow

Rapper Teephlow has expressed his confidence in the enduring presence of hardcore hip-hop in Ghana. He made this declaration in an interview on Hitz FM, emphasizing that melodic rap's rising popularity doesn't signal the genre's decline in lyrical depth or traditional roots. Teephlow, impressed by Ghana's hip-hop culture's growth, assured that artists would keep exploring different sounds while keeping the heart of rap intact.

On Hitz FM, he highlighted that many musicians, including himself and Kweku Smoke, have adopted a more melodic style in their music. However, Teephlow emphasized that the direction of a song should be based on the beat and the message the artist aims to convey. "I don’t think we’ll lose it because every artist who knows, who is really in deep with this thing called art and music, understands that the heart speaks first," Teephlow stated.

He mentioned that even if certain beats invite melodic elements, there will always be instances when rappers opt for lyrics to express themselves, ensuring that hardcore rap remains a part of the music scene. Teephlow believes the media has a crucial role in influencing public perception of Ghanaian hip-hop and how listeners value the genre.

He urged for greater focus on the lyrical quality and substance of rap music, arguing that discussions about what is beneficial for the culture should not be dictated by rigid expectations of what hip-hop should sound like. The rapper also commended emerging artists for infusing fresh energy into the genre by blending melody with strong songwriting and meaningful storytelling.

He gave Kweku Smoke as an example of an artist who can tell relatable stories while preserving the core elements of hip-hop, appreciating the balance of melody and lyrical depth. Teephlow also highlighted his own songs, such as "Six Feet", "The Resurrection", and "Memories", as instances where he has attempted to merge technical rap skills with meaningful messages.

He acknowledged the contributions of earlier Ghanaian rappers, including Sarkodie, EL, J.S.O., among others, who laid the groundwork for present-day artists to build upon. For Teephlow, the evolution of Ghanaian hip-hop shouldn't be misconstrued as the disappearance of hardcore rap. Instead, he sees it as artistes refining the legacy with new sounds and approaches, ensuring that lyrical expression and substance continue to thrive.