Teephlow insists hardcore rap is not dying in Ghana

Story By: Zainab Ali

Ghanaian rapper Teephlow has expressed confidence that hardcore rap will continue to thrive in Ghana despite the growing popularity of melodic and commercially appealing sounds within the music industry.

Speaking in an interview on Hitz FM on November 4, the rapper maintained that the evolution of hip-hop should not be mistaken for the disappearance of traditional rap, insisting that artistes can experiment with different sounds without abandoning lyrical depth.
Teephlow acknowledged that several rappers, including himself and Kweku Smoke, have increasingly incorporated melodies into their music. However, he explained that the direction of a song often depends on the instrumental and the message an artiste intends to communicate.

According to him, there will always be moments when musicians prefer to express themselves through deep lyrics rather than melodies.

He also called on the media to pay greater attention to the lyrical quality and substance of Ghanaian rap music, arguing that discussions about hip-hop should not be limited to the sounds currently dominating the airwaves.
The rapper praised emerging artistes for bringing fresh energy into the genre, particularly Kweku Smoke, whom he commended for combining relatable storytelling with the traditional elements of hip-hop.
Teephlow further acknowledged the contributions of established rappers, including Sarkodie, EL and J.S.O., saying their work helped establish a foundation for younger musicians.

He maintained that Ghanaian hip-hop is evolving rather than losing its identity, expressing optimism that hardcore rap will remain an important part of the country’s music culture.