Ghanaian rapper Lyrical Joe has opened up about his past lyrical beef with fellow rapper Amerado, saying the two are now on good terms despite the rivalry that once dominated conversations within Ghana’s rap community.
Speaking on Y107.9FM’s ‘Myd Morning Radio Show’ with Rev. Erskine, Lyrical Joe described the Amerado clash as his only major lyrical beef with another Ghanaian rapper. He explained that the dispute was eventually resolved through mediation and that, despite lingering tensions among some sections of their respective fan bases, he and Amerado are now cool.
According to Lyrical Joe, the rivalry did not permanently affect his relationship with Amerado, and both artistes remain open to working together in the future.
“From back in the day we (Amerado and Lyrical Joe) were like the closest,so we were that cool. (After our beef) we’re okay, but not as we were before the issue (beef) happened,” Lyrical Joe.
The rapper’s comments come as he reflects on his experiences with lyrical beefs, which have included exchanges with Cameroonian rapper Jovi and another rapper, Calderon.
Recounting one of the disputes, Lyrical Joe said it began after a Ghanaian social media user responded to a post, tagged him and Blackway, and claimed they were being disrespected. He admitted that he responded before fully researching the situation, which subsequently sparked wider reactions across Ghana and Cameroon.
Lyrical Joe said the controversy ultimately had an unexpected benefit, helping expose his music to new audiences. He noted that more people began exploring his catalogue, while content creators also started reacting to his music and lyrical performances.
Beyond the rivalries, Lyrical Joe reflected on his growth as an artiste and the evolution of his decade-long August Flow series.
He revealed that the 10th edition of August Flow will transition into an EP, featuring an August Flow track alongside additional songs and possible collaborations.
The rapper said self-motivation and his desire to continually improve have been key to sustaining the series over the years.
Lyrical Joe also shared his definition of a lyricist, describing one as someone who expresses ordinary ideas in original and creative ways. He said years of writing and practice have made it easier for him to flow once a beat is ready, although he continues to write regularly.
He added that his music draws inspiration from his personal experiences, the successes and failures of others, and the work of accomplished rappers. Listening to strong rap verses, he said, challenges him to improve his own writing and sharpen his craft.
On the state of rap music in Ghana, Lyrical Joe maintained that Ghanaians still enjoy the genre, although listeners have diverse and constantly evolving tastes.
He also recalled instances when he forgot his lyrics during music video shoots, forcing him and his team to restart scenes or use takes in which he had forgotten his lines.
By: Mary Anna Cofie