Ghanaians love ‘Beef’ – Lyrical Joe

Lyrical Joe, the Vodafone Ghana Music Awards (VGMA) 2022 Rapper of the Year, has shared his thoughts on the prevalent “beef” culture in Ghana’s music industry. According to him, Ghanaians love beef.

While acknowledging that beef may not always be healthy, he believes it has its benefits in promoting music.

In an interview with Mr Black, host of Kumasefie, he emphatically stated that a rapper’s survival in the industry does not depend on engaging in beef. As long as one has talent and can create good music, there is no need to rely on beef for success.

However, he cautioned that one should be careful about the people they have a beef with, as it could potentially ruin a music career.

“If you are a good rapper, you can do without beef. One must be mindful of the kind of people they have a beef with since that can kill a music career,” he said.

Lyrical Joe also believes that sometimes, beef happens naturally, and as a musician, it’s important to respond to it. He feels that it’s not right to allow people to say whatever they want without consequences, and that a rapper needs to defend their art and reputation.

Although he has never planned a beef, Lyrical Joe says he will respond if something needs his attention. For him, it’s about showing the world what he’s capable of, and not allowing anyone to disrespect him or his craft.

“I have never planned a beef. It just comes. If something needs my attention, I will respond. What kind of a rapper will I be if I allow people to say whatever they like to me? I need to show something,” he said.

In the music industry, beef refers to a conflict or rivalry between two or more artistes, often played out through their music or public statements. It can stem from personal or professional differences, and is sometimes used as a marketing strategy to generate attention and publicity for an artiste.

Lyrical Joe and Amerado created a stir on social media with their diss tracks aimed at each other. Lyrical Joe released a track called ‘Baboon’ which he maintains was not intended as a diss song towards Amerado. However, Amerado responded with his own track titled ‘Ponky Joe’ which was aimed squarely at Lyrical Joe.

Story by Adwoa Serwaa Danso