Hiplife: The True Definition; searching for the soul of the godfather

The roots of hiplife music has been associated with legends such as K. K. Kaboobo and Gyedu Blay-Ambollay way back in the 1980s, when they made highlife songs with fast flowing lyrics that resemble what was officially popularised by Reggie Rockstone in the 90’s (1997). Many refer to him as the “Godfather of Hiplife” because of this, and especially, because of the nature in which he executed his music style and its relevance today. However, it is still arguable for those who know their hiplife history so well. I may be wrong but don’t you remember as far back as early 1996, an underground hiplife artist called Mahonny P (aka Mahonnie P) had a number of hiplife tracks on some of the airwaves (radio)? This is way before Reggie took it to mainstream success. This may sound unbelievable or come to you as a shock, but I do remember a track that sounded like “Ebe ye yie nti mempe aba…” way back in early 1996 when I was preparing to sit for my final advance level (A’ level) exams. I believe some Presecans (Odadee): Riis House (5) will agree with me on this one. Charley! Please understand that I am not a “hater”, and neither do I intend robbing Reggie of his legacy, but I have an honest obligation to keep it real as a hiplifer. No doubt he will forever be the revolutionist of the art. And I’m proud of you, brother.