Nairobi News

Controversial Kenyan rapper Khaligraph Jones has divided online opinion with his tribute to slain American rapper and song writer Nipsey Hussle.

This after Khaligraph on Saturday uploaded a video of himself on Twitter freestyling a tribute to Nipsey Hussle, who was shot dead outside his clothing shop last week.

#RIPNippseyHussle Freestyle Tribute ???#respecttheogs pic.twitter.com/asjTcjdalV

— Khaligraph Jones (@KHALIGRAPH) April 6, 2019

The harshest criticism came from those who questioned why the celebrated Kenyan rapper was paying tribute to an American rapper.

They even singled out a Kenyan rapper Kantai who passed on in February at St Francis Hospital in Kasarani after suffering from acute peptic ulcers.

Am your fun willingly.But charity starts at home.We have many fallen heroes you can pay tribute to.If you die now,am sure @OCTOPIZZO @magix_enga & many other home based celebs will pay your tribute.But never anywhere in the world.East or West Home is Best.

— ??Caxton (@chalcax) April 7, 2019

Lakini OG si ungeangusha tribute ya Kantai pia

— Kigules (@Kigules) April 6, 2019

If you did not do one for KANTAI Onge gi mi ng’isa bwana

— ANTONY (@i_am_okoth) April 7, 2019

Kantai was the real OG . In a time where there was no Internet and Twitter to propell him . .. ni aibu kubwa hungeweza kumpay tribute pia . What do you Mean he wasnt your responsibility

— KIPSIGIS MAN (@kipsigisman) April 7, 2019

This fella runs around na kelele za #playkenyanmusic halafu anapea Nipsey tribute but not Kantai who he worked with..funny world,plastic OG??

— Leo (@The_dude_leon) April 7, 2019

But an unfazed Khaligraph came out guns blazing to explain himself and to tell off his the haters.

“Those asking About Kantai, I Did Contributions in ways which some will never understand, Plus it’s also not my Responsibility, We have many Talented rappers in Kenya who were Also influenced by Kantai, He was a Kenyan Rapper not a Khaligraph Rapper, OG ni OG,” he tweeted.

Then there were Khaligraph’s fans who similarly sought to put the records straight on the matter.

Guys are we forgetting @KHALIGRAPH did a song with Kantai? When no one wanted to work with Kantai?, Let’s not even get to the funeral arrangements, the hommie raised and mobilized people and raised so much money for the family.

— Ben Cyco (@Ben_cyco) April 7, 2019

Was it a Must for @KHALIGRAPH to do a Song for Kantai, No it wasnt and He chooses what he wants to do when he wants.

Kila mtu apambane na hali yake.

— CFE (@___MALIKS) April 7, 2019

nyinyi mkiongelea Khaligraph… nyinyi mlifanyia nini Kantai… did you ever buy his music, did ya’ll critics set up a funds drive for him, or his kids, Khaligraphs tribute ain’t just a tribute to Nipsey…he talks to you about you.. about being in the hood your role in society

— Oliver_Amtai?? (@AmutaiOliver) April 7, 2019

Mama they’re here, the same people who mourned the death of Avicii but didn’t take a moment for Kantai are now bashing @KHALIGRAPH for doing #NipseyHussle freestyle, they were born to criticize, give us a sign

— Sopharizo™ ?? (@CleophasIsaac) April 7, 2019

Khali did so much for Kantai before the collab, where were his peers? Watu wa Shawn Mendes waketi. The feature was to inspire a King back to his feet, unfortunately he had sunk too deep.
Fam reached out to Khali when bills were crazy. He was in charge of the funeral fundraiser.

— FormerNiceGuy (@mistatash) April 7, 2019