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On the new song “Nwoke Esike,” Phyno defends the controversial Hushpuppi feature.
Nigerian rapper Phyno has addressed criticism over featuring Hushpuppi, the controversial internet figure facing legal issues related to international fraud, on his latest song, “Nwoke Esike,” from his new album, Full Time Job.
The backlash began when social media user @Temmyt_Official questioned Phyno’s choice, challenging his decision to include Hushpuppi’s voice in the track despite the allegations surrounding him. Phyno responded with a pointed message, arguing that Nigerians often condemn their own while embracing foreign figures with similar reputations.
“Go and sleep if you don’t understand the game,” Phyno fired back. “If Young Thug or El Chapo dropped a song, you’d be the first to play it.”
Go and sleep if u no sabi game!!! If young thug or el chapo talk for song now you go rush first play am.. ngwere isi red 🫵!! https://t.co/QeiW51E1wT
— EZEGE 1 (@phynofino) October 26, 2024
His response ignited a social media debate, with fans divided some defending his artistic choice, while others criticized the association. In “Nwoke Esike,” Hushpuppi’s contribution is a message encouraging young people to stay honest, work hard, and avoid shortcuts despite life’s challenges.
Recall that, Phyno has voiced his frustration over a social media post that ignited a heated debate comparing him to fellow rapper and close friend, Olamide.
The controversy started when an influencer on X (formerly Twitter) posed the question of who the “Greatest of All Time” (GOAT) was in Nigerian rap between the two artists.
Phyno quickly responded, expressing his disapproval of the comparison and urging fans to stop fueling divisive conversations. “Yo!!! Tf is wrong with u guys for God sake .. stop putting me up against my brother or anybody else for that matter,” Phyno wrote, making it clear that he doesn’t support being pitted against Olamide or any other artist.