Rick Ross: M.I Laments Over Lack Of Respect For Hip-Hop In Nigeria

Nigerian rapper M.I Abaga has reacted to the absence of rappers at the Rick Ross Live In Concert held on Thursday, April 14, 2022, in Lagos.

Abaga, in a series of tweets on Friday, revealed that he was invited to meet global hip-hop legend, Rick Ross, but his request to see the star “one-on-one” was declined.

The concert which was held at the Eko Hotels and Suites had some of Nigeria’s artistes including Tiwa Savage, Davido, Mayorkun, Patoranking, Buju, Pheelz, Rema, and DJ Obi.

In a series of tweets on Friday, MI lamented the lack of respect for the hip-hop music genre and its artistes in the Nigerian music industry.

He also revealed that he wanted to meet Rick Ross, but his request to see the star “one-on-one” was declined.

“Lastly .. I was invited to meet Rick Ross.. I responded by saying if I could do it one on one.

"Of course they declined.. the afrobeats industry will not respect Hiphop just because.. that’s fine.

"Let’s accept it as what it is and make GREAT MUSIC FOR THE ONES who do care

“That’s how I created the wave the first time!!! Every single time I gave them music I never cheated them..

"I made classic after classic and am relentless still.. the guy is my best album yet coming soon!

"Classic.. give your best and the music will grow!

“My first big gig ever was in 2008 with Jay Z and Rihanna and Usher.. how I was treated that day taught me a valuable lesson.. them no go respect us.. until we respect ourselves.”

MI's tweets were shortly after his colleague, YCee, questioned the absence of rappers at the event of Rick Ross, who is one of the biggest rappers in the United States of America.

YCee had tweeted: “Bruh this ain't even about me cos I haven't put out rap music in a while but how do you have a Rick Ross show in Nigeria and not have ONE SINGLE NIGERIAN RAPPER ON THE LINE UP???

"And tomorrow you wanna come on twitter and ask why rappers are switching.”