Nigerian rapper Sodiq Abubakar Yusuf, better known as CDQ, has sparked debate in the Nigerian hip-hop scene after declaring that his rap ability surpasses that of some of the country’s most established veterans.
CDQ made the assertion while speaking on the Faloh Frequency podcast, where he discussed the qualities he believes should be used to measure a rapper’s ability.
According to the rapper, commercial success and popularity should not be the primary yardsticks for determining who is a good rapper. He argued that greater emphasis should be placed on lyrical quality, depth and technical ability.
Explaining his position, CDQ said he believes his strength in those areas places him ahead of several prominent names in Nigerian hip-hop.
“I am a better rapper than Blaqbonez, Phyno, Olamide and MI combined,” he said.
The statement is likely to generate discussion among Nigerian music fans, particularly because the names mentioned have each established significant careers and reputations within the country's rap scene.
CDQ, who has built his career around a blend of indigenous Yoruba lyrics, street-oriented themes and contemporary hip-hop, has remained a notable figure in Nigerian music. His claim, however, shifts the conversation from commercial achievements to the more subjective question of lyrical ability and depth.
While popularity and commercial performance can be measured through factors such as audience reach, streaming numbers and record sales, assessing lyrical quality is more subjective and often depends on individual listeners' preferences and interpretations.
CDQ's comments therefore place the focus on the artistic criteria he considers most important when judging rappers, rather than on the size of their audiences or commercial achievements.