“The Rap Rivalry That Shaped Igbo Hip-Hop: Mr. Raw vs Slow Dog”
In the early 2000s, Igbo hip-hop was on the rise, and two titans emerged: Mr. Raw (aka Okechukwu Edwards) and Slow Dog (nwa nkita). Their lyrical battles became legendary, each pushing the other to new heights. It was like a friendly rivalry between two old friends, with diss tracks flying back and forth like jabs in a boxing match.
Mr. Raw, the self-proclaimed ” Igbo rap god,” brought the heat with his sharp lyrics and aggressive flow. Slow Dog, on the other hand, was the “king of storytelling,” weaving intricate tales that painted vivid pictures. Their contrasting styles made their rivalry all the more intriguing.
Their influence on Igbo hip-hop cannot be overstated. They paved the way for future generations, inspiring artists like Phyno, zoro ,hype MC,jeriq,bosalin,beepee, zigi Nuno and senior maintain Their legacy continues to shape the sound of Igbo rap, with their songs remaining anthems in the Southeast region.
In the end, it was a draw – both artists won the hearts of fans, and their contributions to Igbo hip-hop will forever be celebrated. As Mr. Raw would say, “O di egwu masters!” (They are masters of the game!) Slow Dog would nod in agreement, smiling, “Uwa ebukwanu!” (The world is watching!)
