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The freestyle is probably the most controversial one this young Detroit rapper has ever put out. It got aired on various platforms, including On The Radar, where Rio Da Yung OG boldly declared himself the better rapper over the so-called dead star Jay-Z. Clips of the battle swiftly found their way into media circles, shared by none other than DJ Akademiks. Some might have found it amusing, while others confronted with fury.
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The freestyle featured Rio with his raw and unapologetic bars, and his unpredictable delivery style was perfectly complemented by a mellow bare-bones beat laying under him. His nonstop flow and casual street banter about money and problems carried on throughout the track. One line almost etched itself in the memories of all listeners was, “I had a crib, that was a million dollars cash, and they have a couch.” One cannot begin to think the placement was casual as it was definitely in direct insult to Jay Z’s much-publicized advice: “Buy your furniture before you buy the mansion.”
The juxtaposition of both artists became the hot topic in the comment section of this release. An Internet user perfectly stated the irony: “Jay Z: Buy your furniture before you buy the mansion. Rio: I got a million dollar house with no furniture.” That comment went downhill into a heated debate supporting financial literacy against instant gratification. Some argued furniture was a must, while the others went vulgar against Rio: “I rather buy a mansion fck some furniture.” It showed a generational divide and different philosophy in how success is defined.
There was an abundance of disbelief in this self-proclamation by Rio. The attacks started in every direction. One unimpressed listener wrote, “Nah this freestyle, also trash 🗑️ if this is rap, I can rap, shiiittt.” Others felt, “Heeeeen eeeeeem better than Bossman Dlow and I can’t eeeeeem stand him. 🤡.” So great was the feeling of disbelief that many outright rejected the premise behind such a comparison.
Other older hip-hop aficionados were left quite baffled at such a claim. “How a dope fiend better than the hova?!?!” was one resounding response expressing the thoughts of those who consider Jay-Z’s catalog and business acumen as it were out of reach. Then, for a more balanced look at Jay-Z’s legacy, one gave, “Yea It’s Like 10 – 20 Other Rappers Nicer Than Jay Z. Jay Just Always Had The “Big Bag” So He Automatically Win 🥇” This acknowledgment just highlights how much commercial success tends to mute discussion on pure lyrical prowess in mainstream discourse.
The crowd was not unanimous about the negative criticisms aired earlier. One enterprising individual went on to stand up for Rio regarding the line about Jay Z: “it was a INSIDE JOKE about jay z he wasnt being frl niggas gotta stop being dull 😂😂.” Hence, the implied meaning is probably more of a publicity stunt declaration than a solemn artistic consideration. Another observer commented on the authenticity of the performance: “You can actually tell it’s off the dome,” and obviously, this is a compliment when bestowed upon someone’s improvisational talent.
Set a chain of reactions, which were anything but all that concerned Jay Z. Some concentrated on Rio’s looks. Finally, one user commented rather crudely about the scars on his face, “That shyt on his face got shyt on its face.” Other viewers questioned the very worthiness of this post as news, with one inquisitive gentleman wondering, “This must be a slow day for news.. 😅💯.” Yet another comment went straight for that hotline angle, stating simply: “Them drugs got them YN’s trippin’.”
Rio Da Yung OG went on to become a controversial figure, his music sometimes drifting into truthful subjects. Or in his words, he’s been “in life situations,” meaning the actual experiences of the 28-year-old with legal issues and time in various correctional institutions have often gone into his music. This approach has gained him somewhat of an underground following-in that his raw, documentary-style detail laced with black humor has sometimes separated him from mainstream cultures. This freestyle goes that way too, forcing conversation-again, whether about his art or about these boundaries his bold assertions walk.
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There’s some shade being thrown around reminiscent of different incidents in hip-hop. From LL Cool J allegedly calling himself back then the greatest MC that ever existed, up to the dozens who champion the cause today in a similar vein, everything thrives off its extremes. Whether he genuinely believes it or it was just a very calculated provocation, Rio Da Yung OG just named himself in the conversation. Though the sequel is supposed to place Jay Z in a completely different stratosphere of achievement and influence, the very argument will give Rio that coveted spotlight every up-and-coming artist wants so passionately: a much-needed opportunity for his music to be heard. Maybe the freestyle did not quite convince anyone that he is the real deal vis-à-vis a billionaire mogul, but now everyone knows he is somebody who commands a response. Reginae Carter was recently in the news for her own celebrations.
