Dr Cryme, born Darlington Kwasi Agyekum, has explained the meaning behind his stage name and dismissed long-held assumptions that it is linked to crime.
Speaking on Angel FM in Kumasi, the Ghanaian musician said the name has often been misunderstood, prompting him to set the record straight.
“My name ‘CRYME’ is an abbreviation and is nothing closer to any criminal activity,” he said.
He explained that the name was carefully chosen at the start of his music career as part of building a distinct identity.
“As a creative person, when you are starting something, you have to come up with something unique, and this is the first and only name I have chosen for my music career,” he said.
According to him, CRYME is an acronym that carries a creative message. “CRYME stands for Creative Rhymes You Most Enjoy,” he revealed.
He also clarified the use of “Dr” in his stage name, linking it to the purpose he believes music serves.
“We all know doctors are people we visit when we are sick, so in my line of work, my music should be a source of motivation, encouragement, and healing,” he said.
He described his craft as therapeutic. “My work is like therapy in music, a remedy for those who are weak in rhymes and in life,” he added.
Dr Cryme noted that some people assume the “Dr” refers to his first name, Darlington, a suggestion he is comfortable with.
“When others hear ‘Dr.,’ they think it is my first name, which is Darlington, and I accept it,” he said.
He added that part of his branding decision was meant to generate curiosity and discussion.
“As humans, we have to be an abstract of what we are to spark curiosity and create conversations, and that is the reason behind my brand name,” he explained.
He concluded that the name has not caused him any professional setbacks. “There has not been any situation where my choice of name has caused me issues,” he added.
