Years after his memorable lyrical exchange with Sarkodie, rapper M.anifest says it would take extraordinary circumstances for him to be drawn into another full-blown rap feud.
Speaking during a conversation with Kafui Dey, the award-winning artiste said he still has complete confidence in his pen, but no longer approaches rap rivalries with the same mindset that shaped his response on the 2016 track GodMC. According to him, his position in the industry now comes with a responsibility to set the right example for younger artistes and those looking up to him.
“We are older now, so one is still fierce with the pen, but you take on a different role. It would take a lot for somebody to pull me into that realm of things, outside of just regular braggadocio or one or two shots. Full-on engagement would take a lot because you also have to look at what you represent now, as a beacon, not just to artistes, but to the people coming after you,” he said.
The rapper noted that personal growth naturally changes how people respond to conflict, explaining that maturity brings a deeper appreciation of the image they project and the legacy they hope to leave behind.
To illustrate his point, M.anifest said it would be unusual to see two people in their 60s involved in a physical fight. While rap battles are entirely different, he believes there comes a time when people become more intentional about the way they carry themselves.
When asked if fans should completely rule out another lyrical showdown, M.anifest responded that he has never considered himself a battle rapper. Instead, he sees himself as an artiste capable of answering through music whenever the circumstances genuinely demand it.
“Because I’ve never been a battle rapper. I was just someone who could engage that way on records. It’s still possible, but it’s such a far-fetched thing because that time has largely passed. Never say never, because circumstances can change. It’s just about decision-making now,” he stated.
Despite his reservations, the musician stressed that he is not shutting the door entirely on future rap exchanges. He explained that any response would have to reflect his values rather than being motivated by ego or the need to win a public contest.
“I wouldn’t be as careless. Not that I ever was, but it has to represent more than just an ego thing. Especially if it’s somebody much younger than me trying to engage. We have to respect ourselves more.
“The way I am, and because I’m for the culture, I haven’t ruled it out completely. It’s still a possibility. It might just look a little different because times have changed. We’re becoming more respectable human beings. I have a teenager now,” he further stated.
Watch what he said below.
It will take a lot for somebody to draw me into a full on rap engagement, there is still a possibility though. It might just look a little different, I have a whole teenager – @manifestive
— Kafui Dey (@KafuiDey) July 5, 2026
Watch full interview here https://t.co/GZFFuT3XEH#KafuiDeyInterviews pic.twitter.com/3jAGrOr1h0
