Ghanaian rapper Lyrical Joe has expressed concern over what he describes as a growing “cult following” culture in today’s music industry, where fans are often polarised in their loyalty and quick to dismiss opposing voices.

Speaking on BTS With Creatives with JoyNews’ Jacqueline Ankomah Yeboah, the TGMA award-winning rapper said the current environment allows little space for neutrality. 

“Once someone is a fan of an artiste, they’re either for you or completely against you. There’s no middle ground anymore,” he stated. 

“And sometimes, those fans can make other artists feel like they don’t matter, but you just have to block out the noise.”

Lyrical Joe, real name Joseph Gamor, is known for his sharp lyricism and unapologetic stance on artistry. His comments point to a rising wave of music tribalism, where fan allegiance often borders on hostility.

Despite his fiery delivery and reputation as one of Ghana’s top rappers, Lyrical Joe maintains a distinct identity in the industry. He avoids flashy trends like tattoos and chains, preferring instead to let his words speak for him.

In the interview, he also shared his early influences, admitting he did not heavily study Ghanaian rappers at the start of his career.

“Even though I saw what they were doing, I looked up to foreign rappers a lot more,” he revealed.

When asked to name his top five Ghanaian rappers, he gave Sarkodie the number one spot, a nod to the industry legends who paved the way.

Lyrical Joe also weighed in on a 2024 controversy sparked by Jamaican reggae icon Buju Banton, who described Afrobeats as “uninspiring”. 

Disagreeing with that view, the rapper said, “People don’t go to the club to hear deep conscious lyrics. They want to vibe. There’s a time and place for everything; Afrobeats is giving people that release.”

On a lighter note, he shared a quirky cultural observation: “Ewes like reggae music a lot.”

Known for his fierce independence and lyrical dexterity, Lyrical Joe continues to carve a path that sets him apart.