Yaa Pono has dismissed clais that his rap lyrics are driven by a personal issue with Sarkodie, saying there is no problem between them.
The rapper made the clarification during an interview with Dr. Pounds on Hitz FM, where he was asked why some people believe he has a problem with the Sarkcess Music boss.
According to Yaa Pono, not every lyrical line should be interpreted as a direct attack on another artiste. He said similarities in lyrics or ideas can happen without any deliberate intention to target someone.
“You can be singing a song in your head, and when you get out, somebody is singing the same song. It’s strange, so don’t take every shot personally.”
Yaa Pono explained that his approach to rap has always been influenced by the competitive environment in which he developed as an artiste.
He described himself as a “battler” and said Sarkodie knows that he has never been afraid of direct lyrical confrontations.
“Me, Yaa Pono, I am straight; I am a ‘battler.’ We did battles back to back while growing up, and Sarkodie himself knows this. If there’s a battle, I will call you out straight and throw my shots.”
For Yaa Pono, competitive rap requires artistes to make strong statements about their abilities and position in the genre.
He argued that an artiste who believes he has attained a certain level should be able to express that confidence without being silenced because another rapper claims superiority.
“But there are some rap styles or things we need to say to claim supremacy. With that, you don’t have to let anybody keep your mouth shut if you think you have reached that level. So, if someone is saying he is there and you shouldn’t say it, it doesn’t make sense.”
His comments offer an explanation for why some of his lyrics may be interpreted by fans as subliminal messages aimed at Sarkodie.
Yaa Pono, however, maintained that his competitive style should not be confused with personal animosity. He insisted that he is simply continuing with his craft and has no dispute with Sarkodie.
“There’s no problem. I’m just doing my music. I have to rap; rap can’t stop,” he stated.
