He made the revelation in an interview with George Quaye on Joy Prime’s Prime Time Show, clarifying the bold move that would later define his brand and career.

“Yeah, I actually started as a Twi rapper,” Tinny said when asked about his early music days. “I was doing more Twi and English than a bit of Ga, but I wasn’t a Ga rapper.”

He explained that language choice in music often comes down to reach and marketability.

“You see, Twi is the most spoken language in Ghana, so when you’re doing something in Twi, you perceive that it will go faster. Consider merchandising and market-wise—it goes fast. So I decided to do my thing in Twi.”

But something didn’t sit right.

“Later on, I realised that I’m not original. I have to be me and represent where I’m coming from. That’s why I went back to my pen and my paper and I wrote songs like Makola Kwakwe and others.”

Read also: I was appalled anytime I heard Tinny rapping in Twi – Hammer of the Last Two recounts

When asked who advised him to make the switch to Ga, Tinny was emphatic: “No one, I decided myself.”

George Quaye probed further, citing rumours that famed producer Hammer was behind the shift. Tinny dismissed the claim.

“No, this was way before meeting Hammer. I was a Ga rapper before meeting him. I remember I met Hammer through Doggo. When Doggo was going to record his album, Hammer was looking for a Ga rapper.

“So Doggo actually told Hammer about me, and I was home when he called me. I drove there, and I met him—and the rest is history, as they say. So it wasn’t Hammer at all.”

On working with Hammer, Tinny had nothing but high praise.

“The feeling alone was great. Because Hammer is the type that can mute everything and just drop you some baseline that makes you go crazy… wow… even before dropping the strings and everything.

“So it brings the feeling out of you. It brings out the creativity. I love working with Hammer—one of the best engineers so far.”

Asked about claims that Hammer was difficult to work with, Tinny laughed it off.

“Maybe it is the understanding. I dey worry, but Hammer still works with me.”

“Maybe it’s the understanding. I dey worry, but Hammer still works with me,” he said in an interview on Joy Prime’s Prime Time Show with host George Quaye.

Known for his signature Ga rap style and pioneering role in Ghana’s hiplife movement, Tinny opened up about his early musical journey and creative evolution.

He disclosed that he didn’t start out as a Ga rapper.

“Yeah, I actually started as a Twi rapper. I was doing more Twi and English than Ga, but I wasn’t a Ga rapper,” he admitted.

“You see, Twi is the most spoken language in Ghana, so when you’re doing something in Twi, you perceive that the faster it will go. Consider merchandising and market-wise, I mean, it goes fast.”

However, something about that path didn’t feel authentic to him.

“So I decided to do my thing in Twi. But later on, I realised that I’m not original. I have to be me and represent where I’m coming from. That’s why I went back to my pen and paper and I wrote songs like Makola Kwakwe and others.”

Asked if it was someone else’s idea to switch from Twi to Ga, Tinny was direct: “No one, I decided myself.”

He also addressed rumours that Hammer was behind the switch in language.

“No, this was way before meeting Hammer. I was a Ga rapper before meeting him,” he clarified.

Tinny recounted how he was introduced to Hammer: “I remember I met Hammer through Doggo. When Dogo was going to record his album, Hammer was looking for a Ga rapper.

“So Dogo actually told Hammer about me, and I was home when he called me. I drove there, and I met him, and the rest is history, as they say.”

Describing their creative chemistry, Tinny spoke passionately about their connection.

“The feeling alone was great. Because Hammer is the type that can mute everything and drop you some baseline that you go crazy… wow… even before dropping the strings and everything.

“So it brings the feeling out of you. Like the creativity to come out. I love working with Hammer, one of the best engineers so far.”

Despite his own admission of being difficult at times, Tinny said their mutual respect and strong artistic bond have kept the collaboration going.

“I dey worry but Hammer still works with me,” he reiterated with a smile.

Although Hammer says this doesn’t apply to songs, he believes the reach of rap on the global stage is dependent on the language used.

He said this in an interview with Kwame Dadzie on Joy FM’s Showbiz A-Z.

“It’s easy to sell vernacular in a singing format than in rap because ‘sing-songs’ have melody. Rap songs are words. So the beats drive rap songs. Listen to Zibote, we still don’t know what they were talking about but we love it because it is a song-song.

It is easier for a ‘sing-song’ to cross over, like Asake with the Yoruba. He can cross over with it because it is a ‘sing-song’ but if you rap in Yoruba you will go hungry,” he said.

Explaining further, Hammer explained why Sarkodie now does more English rap than he used to do in the past.

“Sarkodie has suffered out there. The reason he has transformed into an English rapper, is that he has to move on because the vernacular rap will limit you,” he stated.

He said he was impressed with Sarkodie’s English rap delivery on his ‘No Pressure’ album.

Recently, Sarkodie dazzled rap music fans with his impeccable flow on the Hennessy Africa Cypher 2024.

The eight-minute cypher also features other lyrically-gifted rappers on the African continent: Maglera Doe Boy (South Africa), Didi B (Ivory Coast), Young Lunya (Tanzania), Khaligraph Jones (Kenya), and Ladipoe (Nigeria).

This comes a few weeks after he released ‘Brag’, a hiphop song that generated a lot of excitement in the rap fraternity.

Hammer, after taking a break from active music, announced his return last year. In the meantime, he is preparing to release an album titled ‘Upper Echelon’.

Speaking on the  D-Black’s ‘Uncut’ show, Uncut Show with D-Black, Hammer revealed that his marriage lasted five months after realizing they were not compatible.

Explaining what happened, Hammer said that he and his ex-wife welcomed a child before their marriage.

He stated that at the time, they saw it fit to tie the knot so she would not be seen and criticized as an unmarried mother of one.

“So even though we were not mutually very much in love, I still thought it would work. So I decided to wed her, like a traditional quiet one,” Hammer said.

However, the couple found out quickly that they did not have enough affection for each other to keep the marriage going, the producer indicated.

“So we had to agree that, look, this won’t go anywhere. And the further it goes, the more damage it will do. So that’s why we’re able to become good friends. The match wasn’t made in heaven but we were great friends, especially because we raise a kid together,” Hammer said.

Decades after his divorce, Hammer noted that he is not interested in remarrying; adding that his children have been his priority.

But, he added that he is not opposed to the idea of tying the knot once again, saying “I am currently with a very great woman and with time and God, you know, it will happen, but I am not in a hurry.”

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Mantse had sued rapper Obrafour and producer Hammer for allegedly claiming sole ownership of the famous ‘killer cut blood’ phrase used in the popular song ‘Oye Ohene’.

However, on Thursday, February 15, the case was struck out by an Accra High Court, presided by Justice John Eugene Nyanteh Nyadu citing technicalities.

The court observed that Mantse had filed separate claims against the producer and rapper, leading to the dismissal.

Speaking to Joy Entertainment, Lawyer for Obrafour, Bobby Banson said he identified the technical loopholes.

According to him, “he should not have sued Obrafour and Hammer for different cause of actions (claims) but he did and the law is the law. So, I asked the case to be struck out and the court agreed.”

He explained that the defendants had to be treated as separate persons in two separate suits.

Lawyer Bobby Banson confirmed that an amount of GH₵10,000 has been awarded against Mantse.

Despite the setback, a spokesperson for the Chalewote Street Art Festival founder stated that they are undeterred by the court’s decision.

Anny Osabutey noted that despite being a similar case, the court ruled that Obrafour and Hammer had to be sued separately.

He affirmed their commitment to pursuing the matter stating “I have been informed that a cost of GHS10,000 was awarded against us but Mantse will go again.”

Background

In January 2024, it was revealed that Mantse Aryeequaye had sued rapper Obrafour and producer Hammer for allegedly claiming sole ownership of the famous ‘killer cut blood’ phrase.

The ownership of the phrase, used in the popular Obrafour track Oye Ohene, came under scrutiny after the rapper sued Canadian artiste Drake for using it in his track without the former’s permission.

In the suit, Mantse accused Obrafour of claiming ownership of the phrase and copyrighting it in the US in September 2022.

He noted that Obrafour had registered the track, Oye Ohene, with the phrase inclusive in the US “robbing him (Mantse) of his intellectual property and seeking to receive payment for plaintiff’s work exclusively.”

The Chalewote founder called the rapper’s actions malicious with “clear nefarious intent” to divert and use royalties belonging to him. He insists that he owns the intellectual property of ‘killer cut’ and thus, he is praying on the court to declare so.

In addition, he is calling on the court to restrain Obrafour from demanding and receiving payment for ‘killer cut’.

Mantse is also praying to the court to order Hammer to not only relinquish all his works to him but, also submit a record of all his works (with Hammer), including ones that have been used in other tracks.

Among other things, he is also demanding “general damages against 1st defendant for misappropriating Plaintiff’s work and actively seeking to profit from it whilst evading all calls and efforts to rectify his duplicitous conduct” and “costs including full indemnity for legal costs which could have been avoided.”

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According to him, he is committed to developing artistes after investing in artistes like Obrafour, Sarkodie, Kwaw Kese, ‘Ayigbe’ Edem and many others.

As part of his commitment, Hammer is set to organise boot camps to train emerging talents.

Taking a hiatus from the music scene to concentrate on his A1 bread business, Hammer explained that, the demanding nature of the industry and prolonged studio sessions led him to take a break after working with Tee Phlow.

He also said the long hours in the studio had a toll on his health hence his decision to step back temporarily.

However, the huge investments being made in the music industry is lured Hammer back to the studio.

He said Sarkodie, in particular, has been encouraging him to return, recognizing the evolving landscape of the industry.

Hammer is gearing up for a comeback, investing in studio equipment to resume his role not as a front man but as a dedicated developer of musical talent.

“Sarkodie was talking about it and how money was in the business so last week I tendered my resignation, but my stock and equity is still intact, so I will get money from the A1 bread business. I am buying studio equipment because I gave out all my equipment. I wasn’t a front man but just a developer,” he said in an interview on Onua TV.

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In a touching post, Hammer shared a nostalgic journey back to 2004 when the recording of the iconic “Sounds of our time” album became intertwined with the joyous arrival of his beloved daughter.

“2004 during the recording of the ‘Sounds of our time’ album, me and about 15 artistes stormed the Tema women’s hospital when your mother went into labour. So much excitement resulted in an entire iconic album being dedicated to you,” Hammer fondly recalled, highlighting the unique and heartfelt origin of the album.

Reflecting on Nana’s growth over the past two decades, Hammer expressed immense pride in the intelligent woman she has become.

“20 years and many straight A’s later, I can’t emphasize enough how proud I am of the intelligent woman you have become,” he shared, illustrating the academic achievements that have marked Nana’s journey.

Hammer extended warm wishes and blessings for Nana’s ongoing academic pursuits, stating, “God continue to bless u and guide you through your life in university.”

The proud father concluded his heartfelt message with a wish for good health and happiness in all of Nana’s future endeavours, showing the depth of his love and admiration for his daughter.

“Happy happy birthday, my beautiful,” Hammer expressed, signifying the joy and love that accompanies this momentous occasion.

Meanwhile, fans and well-wishers flooded the comments section, joining in the celebration of Nana’s milestone birthday and commending Hammer for his touching tribute to his daughter.

Check out the post below:

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The ownership of the phrase, used in the popular Obrafour track, Oye Ohene, came under scrutiny after the rapper sued Canadian artiste Drake for using it in his track without the former’s permission.

In the suit, Mantse accused Obrafour of claiming ownership of the phrase and copyrighting it in the US in September 2022.

He stated that “his artistic work, in the form of a spoken word titled “Killer Cut”, was used on the song ‘Oye Ohene’ by 1st defendant (Obrafour) with permission, but without transfer of any rights, nor permission to 1 defendant to register the work as his own, or receive any payments from its subsequent use by anyone in any form.”

He added that “the “Killer Cut” which was used by the 1st Defendant in his song, is separate and distinct from the song recorded by Defendants. It was recorded separately and subsequently infused into the 1st Defendant’s song by the 2nd Defendant (Hammer), mainly to enhance/improve the song.”

Mantse said that after knowing of Drake’s request to use that part of the ‘Oye Ohene’ track, he called for a meeting with both Obrafour and Hammer, however, none of his requests materialised.

He noted that he later found out Obrafour had registered the track with the phrase inclusive in the US “robbing him (Mantse) of his intellectual property and seeking to receive payment for plaintiff’s work exclusively.”

The Chalewote founder called the rapper’s actions malicious with “clear nefarious intent” to divert and use royalties belonging to him.

He insists that he owns the intellectual property of ‘killer cut’ and thus, he is praying on the court to declare so.

In addition, he is calling on the court to restrain Obrafour from demanding and receiving payment for ‘killer cut’.

Mantse is also praying to the court to order Hammer to not only relinquish all his works to him but, also submit a record of all his works (with Hammer), including ones that have been used in other tracks.

Among other things, he is also demanding “general damages against 1st defendant for misappropriating Plaintiff’s work and actively seeking to profit from it whilst evading all calls and efforts to rectify his duplicitous conduct” and “costs including full indemnity for legal costs which could have been avoided.”

Meanwhile, although the suit was filed in July 2023, Mantse in a Facebook post revealed that Hammer and Obrafour had been evading being served by the court’s bailiff.

As such, his lawyers applied for an Order of Substitution, allowing them to serve the two on their personal WhatsApp, Facebook, and Notice Board of the High Court, Accra.

Background

In June 2022 Ghanaians woke up to a surprise when they saw Canadian rapper Drake had not only released an album but he sampled Obrafour, one of Ghana’s favourite artists.

On ‘Honestly Nevermind’ Drake sampled Obrafour’s Oye Ohene remix released in 2003 for his track ‘Calling My Name’.

The sample is found at 0:53 seconds of the Drake tune, where it transitions into a house music vibe sending the song into a different type of ambiance compared to its initial trajectory.

“Killa cut blood!” is the chant heard multiple times. That part was sung by Mantse Aryeequaye as an opener to the late 2003 remix of ‘Oye Ohene’ off the Ntete Pa album.

However, nearly a year after the song was released Obrafour sued Drake in a New York court to the tune of $10 million.

The rapper in court documents indicated that the ‘Hotline Bling’ hitmaker did not have his permission to sample the track.

The Ghanaian rapper indicated that Drake and other defendants following the release of ‘Calling My Name’ have greatly benefited from his work.

But, Mantse after knowing of the suit did not sit quietly.

In a series of tweets directed at Drake, Mantse, as he is popularly called, said that he is the sole owner of the phrase ‘Killa cut blood’ on Obrafour’s ‘Oye Ohene’ remix.

He stated that he did not relinquish his rights to Obrafour and Da’ Hammer, producer of the track and thus not only can Obrafour not claim sole ownership of the sample but he also cannot be given sole compensation.

Hammer has responded to agitations by Mantse Aryeequaye.

Speaking to Kwame Dadzie on Joy FM’s Showbiz A-Z, Hammer said everyone who played a role in the production benefits if the verdict goes in favour of Obrafour. 

He said that Mantse Aryeequaye had nothing to worry about. 

“It is everybody on the song against Drake. Obrafour is only leading the conversation. So I don’t know what the hullabaloo was about,” he said.

Asked how the writ includes all the actors when their names were not written, Hammer said “we are mentioned in the docket. The publishing of the song has Tina, Tinny, Mantse, me and Obrafour. Obrafour is the one leading because it’s his song. He owns the copyright.”

Hammer also indicated that Obrafour had a conversation with Mantse and everybody involved before he went in for the suit. 

“He spoke to everybody. I connected the conference call. We were all on the call. We all agreed and Obrafour went on with the suit,” he stated.

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In an interview on Daybreak Hitz on Hitz FM, Mr Logic expressed his dissatisfaction with the current state of hip-life and blamed the exit of Hammer for it.

He insisted that, Hammer failed to uphold the legacy of the genre, leaving a void that is yet to be filled.

“Our problem is with leadership. It’s important Okyeame Kwame acknowledged they didn’t do something right. I respect Hammer, but he left a generation down. If we are talking about why Hip Life doesn’t matter, and they don’t have a category on the digital stores, popularize it, and they will find a way for it,” Mr Logic stated.

He indicated that, Hammer played a pivotal role in shaping the careers of notable artistes such as Sarkodie, Kwaw Kese, Edem, Tinny, and TeePhlow.

Mr Logic praised Hammer’s ability to modernise hip-hop, introducing new trends in instrumentation and culture to the genre.

However, he said many talents would have nurtured if Hammer had continued to play a key role in hip-life.

“People lost the excitement for hip-life when Hammer and co resigned and said they were going to sell bread. You have instituted a movement and ignore to go and sell bread? he fumed.

Mr Logic also drew attention to the impact of Hammer’s departure on the next generation of artistes who may have missed the opportunity to work with the influential producer.

“Hip Life got lost. He brought in a certain trend of instrumentation and a certain culture. Obrafour singing highlife and Sarkodie rapping hip-hop… that’s it. Hammer modernised hip-hop, and then one day he leaves. How about the next generation that wanted to work with him?” Mr Logic questioned.

Nonetheless, Mr Logic made a case for the potential growth and recognition of the genre on the international stage.

He added that, if Hammer had continued, genres like “Asakaa Drill” could have been categorized at prestigious awards like the Grammys.

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Black Sherif showing us just one part of him – Hammer 

According to him, a lot of people in the entertainment industry do not portray that they need help.

He told Kwame Dadzie on Joy FM‘s Showbiz A-Z that these celebrities live profligate lifestyles unbecoming of people in need of financial assistance.

He further stated that, most of these celebrities who drive in luxurious cars have other sources of income apart from music.

“We are not displaying suffering to them. We are buying cars with different money. We are flexing. Most people in the creative [music] industry are not buying cars with the music money.

“If you are doing Forex Trading at home and you buy an X Class, and you are pulling up in it and a tax man is looking at you, what are you talking about? We have to speak the truth to power. Let’s show them we are suffering. But we can’t go around shopping at the expensive places, driving the biggest cars and expect them to feel for us,” he said.

He added that some are doing this just for show but it has implications.

“If you want to show that your works are promoting the tourism industry, show it. Prove that you are an up-and-coming artiste, and you can’t afford these things,” he further noted.

Hammer made the comment on the back of pleas from some creatives for government to give creative entrepreneurs tax incentives, so more investors will be interested in injecting money into the system.

Meanwhile, Hammer has announced the release of his new album titled ‘Upper Echelon’.

This will be his first major work after returning to active music production, after taking a foray into bread and juice businesses.

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Hammer has responded to agitations by Mantse Aryeequaye whose voice was used by Drake that Obrafour led the suit on behalf of every body who contributed to the composition of the song. 

Speaking to Kwame Dadzie on Joy FM‘s Showbiz A-Z, Hammer said everyone who played a role in the production benefits if the verdict goes in favour of Obrafour. 

In the wake of the controversy, Nii Mantse took to Twitter to assert that he should have been included in the suit because it was his voice that was sampled.

However, Hammer says that there is nothing to worry about. 

“It is everybody on the song against Drake. Obrafour is only leading the conversation. So I don’t know what the hullabaloo was about,” he said.

Asked how the writ includes all the actors when their names were not written, Hammer said “we are mentioned in the docket. The publishing of the song has Tina, Tinny, Mantse, me and Obrafour. Obrafour is the one leading because it’s his song. He owns the copyright.”

Hammer also indicated that Obrafour had a conversation with Mantse and everybody involved before he went in for the suit. 

“He spoke to everybody. I connected the conference call. We were all on the call. We all agreed and Obrafour went on with the suit,” he stated.

The chant ‘killer cut, blood’ on the 2003 remix of Obrafour’s ‘Oye Ohene’ is what Drake used for ‘Calling My Name’ taken off the ‘Honestly Nevermind’ album.

The Mantse controversy

In a series of tweets directed at Drake, Mantse wrote on Twitter (X) that he was the sole owner of the phrase ‘Killa cut blood’ on Obrafour’s ‘Oye Ohene’ remix.

He stated that he did not relinquish his rights to Obrafour and Da’ Hammer, producer of the track and thus not only can Obrafour not claim sole ownership of the sample but he also cannot be given sole compensation.

“I Mantse Aryeequaye maintain my intellectual property rights and claim over all my artistic works including the ‘Killer Cut’ sound you sampled off ‘Oye Ohene’ remix used on Obrafuor’s album My lawyer  Kofi Bentil esq. of Lex Praxis Incorporated  kbentil@lexpraxis.net who is pursuing this matter has informed me of a lawsuit against you solely in the name of @IamObrafuor,’ he wrote.

“This is to confirm I [Mantse Aryeequaye]  insist that although @IamObrafuor has an interest in the matter, he is not the owner of the right, and cannot assert it, definitely not alone, or make any demands for sole compensation for its use,” he noted.

In the meantime, Obrafour is seeking about $10 million in damages, among other things.

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Hammer made the announcement in a post on his official Facebook page.

He detailed the reasons behind his decision and expressed his gratitude to the management of A1 Bread for accepting his resignation.

Hammer revealed that, he has been diligently working on his new compilation album, which features new school of artistes and contributions from seasoned veteran musicians.

According to him, the production of the album commenced around August 2022, with an initial release date scheduled for April 2023.

However, the project delayed due to his “lack of balance between his creative pursuits and his responsibilities as the Managing Partner and Head of Sales/Marketing at A1 Bread.”

Faced with these demands, he has made the decision to step down from his position at A1 Bread to fully concentrate on his musical endeavours.

The music maestro concluded his announcement with a positive outlook, expressing his excitement for the upcoming album, ‘Upper Echelon,’ to be released in 2024.

He wrote:

“I’ve been working on my new compilation album for a while now. The album is mostly dominated by the new school artists and blessed by some veteran artists as well. Production commenced around August 2022 and targeted a scheduled release date of April 2023.

The problem is, this album’s completion has become protracted due to my trying to balance the demands of my creative process and my day job as Managing Partner and Head of Sales/Marketing at A1 Bread, all whilst simultaneously trying to manage RedEye’s comeback album as well… so I had to make a decision.

Im glad to report that A1 Bread has accepted my resignation in good faith to allow me to focus on my return to music, and my decision to resign from my day job will not impact my standing in the company as an equity stakeholder whatsoever.

Ekumfi Juice, on the other hand, isn’t as demanding because we’re only key distributors of the brand; thus, the team will continue serving you the best pineapple juice in the world today.

Look out for my new album ‘Upper Echelon’ in early 2024.

Thank you and Happy Holidays.”

Check out the post below:

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Speaking to Kafui Dei on GTV’s Breakfast Show, he explained that while producing, he was stuck in his studio day in day out, eating late, barely walking outside just to make beats for musicians.

“I was bored, I felt like a prisoner. For 15-plus years, I was locked up in a room with no window. The artistes come and go….these boys were out on stage jumping around, when they come back, you are still in that space,” he said.

Hammer added that “I sat down for eight hours playing, making beats, producing and it got boring at some point. So, I became like an uncaged dog when I got the chance to get out. That’s why you see me on the street.”

The renowned producer blames his weight on the endless hours he spent in the studio rarely getting any exercise just so he could work.

“My name is ‘Slim The Hammer’ I wasn’t fat, I was an athlete in Presec. So, this business of becoming big was the studio,” Hammer said.

Hammer noted that after putting a pause on production, he got into other businesses including partnering with a baker to introduce one of Accra’s popular bread brands and most recently Ekumfi juice.

But, Hammer stated that after seven years he is ready to start producing and making music again.

“I have a small set up at home that my children use, so after the playing around, I want to get the thing back to my fingers. I’m gonna need some help though. It’s been seven years since I touched equipment.”

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According to him, he is not perturbed about the ill comments and attacks on him for his post on social media that purports that Black Sherif, Amaarae, Camidoh and KiDi are the future of Ghana music.

This follows social media attacks on the ace producer by a cross-section of music industry players for naming the above-mentioned artistes as the future of Ghana music.

Some critics believe that Hammer’s post is not a true reflection of what is going on in the music industry.

Others have also labeled his selection of Black Sherif, Amaarae, Camidoh and KiDi as the future of Ghana music as biased and unfair to the many young and talented musicians who are breaking their backs to see the industry grow.

But speaking on Daybreak Hitz on Hitz FM, Edward Nana Poku Osei, as he is originally called, explained that he chose the four musicians as just a representation of the new school of musicians in Ghana now.

“I am talking about the new school. What I said was designed to let people know that there is a new school at hand, not necessarily these four people. Artistes like Lasmid, Vanilla just like other new artistes are all doing well, but the names I mentioned were just to throw light on the fact that there is a new generation of musicians who are taking the industry by storm,” the producer of hit tracks for great artistes like Tinny, Obrafour, Sarkodie, Kwaw Kese said.

He argued that the baton has been handed over from the old to the new school musicians, and that he only wanted to draw the attention of the industry players to that fact.

“We are witnessing another switch, it does not mean that these old artistes are going to sleep. But it means that there is a new school that is going to influence the future of our music. And gladly these people have begun on the international stage, unlike the others who strived their way to make it to the international stage, and that is impressive,” he opined.

Hammer went ahead to give a chronology of how batons have been changed from one generation to the other in Ghanaian music industry, especially with regards to the Hiplife genre.

“I have witnessed the baton being handed over a few times after the revolution Reggie Rockstone brought. The one I remember was the first one that I think was handed over from the Okyeame Kwames, the Buk Baks, VIP, Lord Kenya, Ex-Does, Nkasie, Tic Tac to the Samini’s, the Prayes, the Kontihenes and the Kwaw Keses, the Five Fives, Mzbel and K. K. Fosus among others.

“Then eventually another new school came where Asem, Edem, Sarkodie, EL and the rest. Then it switched again for Medikal, Joy B, Pappy Kojo and others also took over before the Wales and a host of others. I see a new school coming up and that is what I wanted to put out,” he said.

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The producer, according to his captions, urged Ghanaians to render unconditional support to the new breed because the music baton has been successfully passed onto them.

The post had images of Amaarae, Black Sherif, Kidi and the Sugarcane hitmaker Camidoh.

He wrote: I see the baton has transferred successfully and this new breed all have an international presence. I can proudly say our industry has made progress despite our many hurdles. A rose gradually growing out of concrete. Let’s render unconditional support and help the new school steer the future of our music. Good luck

Shortly after Hammer made his assertion, some industry players attacked him for not being fair to pacesetters, who are still active in the music industry.

One Facebook user, Prince Atta Owusu Junior, told Hammer: You are being selective Da Hammer! There are many out there who are on the same level or even higher than these! I beg to differ!

Another queried the producer: But legend, you didn’t include Kuami Eugene.

One comment about Kuami Eugene came up again thus: Where’s Kuami? You can’t eliminate Kuami from the top artistes in Ghana. Don’t forget, he just won artist of the year just the last two years.

One of Hammer’s fans, Yung Barrista also had this to say: It is unhealthy and uncalled-for when some of you who ought to know better engage in this petty discriminative crusade. Which baton sir? Is this extract by an extension benching the supposed ‘baton holders? Oh! Yes! These new breeds need our maximum support and their recent international exposure can not be underestimated, but let’s do that at the expense of our big guys who are certainly hoisting the flag of Ghana in their little way. Our industry is suffering today because some of you failed awfully to put the right structures in place when you had the mileage.

On Hitz FM’s Daybreak Hitz show, Mr Logic also disagreed with the music producer’s gesture because “there is no baton when it comes to music.”

Mr Logic said Hammer is a pillar in the music space, and such opinions don’t have to come from a person of his calibre.

But reacting to statements from his critics on the same Daybreak Hitz show, Hammer said his post has been taken out of context.

According to him, he is calling for support for every new breed and not necessarily the four people he posted.

“I didn’t make the collage myself, and that is not what I actually meant. If you pay attention to my caption, you will know I am talking for everyone.

“Let’s not look at that picture… it is not these four people… Lasmid, Vanilla, King Promise, all of them are part. I am not petty, I go beyond that, and I support anyone. When someone is unfair… I am the first to speak. I have even supported artistes I have not met,” he explained.

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According to the music veteran, the young producer has a bright future in the industry and certainly stands out in 2022.

“That boy is amazing. He’s shy when it comes to going out there; I’m trying to push him. I just signed him actually,” Hammer said on Joy FM’s Showbiz A-Z.

The record producer, known in real life as Edward Nana Poku Osei, touted the potential of Smokey Beatz when he highlighted some of the things that informed the decision to sign the young music producer.

The prolific lyricist recalled a moment when the sound engineer suddenly declared that he had a ‘superstar’ in his presence, leaving the young rapper, Sarkodie, puzzled at the time.

“I remember one time when I was cruising with him, I was seated at the back and, he [Da’ Hammer] looked at me through the rear-view mirror and said: WOW! I have a superstar in my car… And these were the days when I was still wearing chalewote,” the ‘Baby’ hitmaker revealed in an exclusive interview with Andy Dosty on The Library on Hitz FM.

Obidi also shared how Hammer of the Last Two used to urge other people to leverage on the opportunity of taking photographs with Sark before they miss the chance to do so in the following years.

“I remember when Hammer used to tell people all the time… He went like: Take pictures with this guy. You might not be able to take it two or three years to come,” he said.

In the fourth episode of The Library show, the ‘Rollies and Cigars’ rapper also talked about the record producer’s foresight and the positive influence he had over his artistes.

“Hammer of the Last Two is one of those people who likes to bring the best out of you. He sees you beyond how you see yourself. He is like a prophet – he says stuff that’s going to happen later on.”

Furthermore, ‘The Highest’ disclosed that, Hammer of the Last Two praised his artistes and made them realize their self-worth at the beginning of their careers – he made them feel like they were the biggest musicians in the game—and that he describes as a remarkable trait of the legendary record producer.

The CEO of Sarkcess Music, Sarkodie, currently has eight projects (seven studio albums; one EP) to his credit.

His contributions to the Ghanaian music industry has earned him numerous accolades, including the VGMA ‘Artiste of the Decade’ in 2019.

The Library is a show designed to uncover the hidden facts behind record producers, their productions, and the artistes they have worked with. It airs on Hitz 103.9 FM on Fridays from 10:00 a.m. to 12 noon.

However, one of the producers to give him exposure, Hammer of the Last Two, was not impressed with his flow in the aforementioned language, knowing very well the rapper was a Ga by birth.

“Tinny also fell victim to that Twi stigma, the status quo… he had to break it because everybody was rapping in Twi. Ga wasn’t popular so nobody wanted to risk it. So he himself as a Ga, he didn’t want to rap in Ga,” Hammer of the Last Two told Andy Dosty on The Library on Hitz FM.

Hammer was speaking to Hitz FM morning show host, Andy Dosty on ‘The Library’.

The stories behind Hammer’s productions and the artistes he coached continue – the next episode of The Library with Andy Dosty airs on Friday, 4th March 2022 at 10 a.m. on Hitz 103.9 FM.

According to Hammer, Obrafour put his career on the line to work with him even when he did not have the experience and a brand as a renowned music producer. He opined that he would not have been who he is today if the ‘Pae Mu Ka’ hitmaker had not believed in him.

“I always give Obrafour the credit for discovering me. He put his career on the line to work with an amateur like me. He didn’t have to work with us. My partner and I were amateurs. Even when I was not familiar with studios, he still believed in me.”

Hammer also heaped praises on the rapper for his spontaneous writing skills.

“One thing about Obrafour is that he is a spontaneous singer. When he hears a beat, the chorus is seconds away.”

The second part of the Chronicles of Hammer will continue next week, 25th February 2022 on Hitz FM.

‘The Library’ is a show designed to tell stories of music producers and their journey through the music scene. The maiden edition opened the archive of legendary producer David Kwamena Bolton of DKB Studios.

The show airs every Friday from 10:00 am to 12noon on Hitz FM.

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Speaking on Showbiz A-Z, on Saturday, he stated that some artistes have blamed DJs for not playing their music. Rather, they give prominence to Nigerian music or Amapiano.

But, Hammer believes the DJs only play the best music to boost the crowds at the respective events they host.

Thus, they cannot be blamed if Ghanaian songs don’t make it on their list or the audience groove to music from other parts of the continent

Hammer said “we keep on putting them (DJs) on the spot that they are not playing enough of our music or they are playing Amapiano or Nigerian music. They are playing the best that is in demand.”

The renowned producer urged musicians to up their game and make great music for fans to enjoy. He added that this will ensure DJs play their music to entertain the crowd they have been billed to play for.

“So we have to step up our game. We can’t hold the DJs to ransom, they have to move the crowd,” he noted.

To ensure the quality of Ghanaian music improves, Hammer announced that he has decided to sign young music producers on to his label.

This move will see some producers get trained and managed by Hammer and his team. He will also educate them on packaging and promoting themselves properly.

He added that he will also facilitate collaborations between the producers and big artistes.

Hammer said there will be a team to ensure that the producers signed to his label are duly recognised and paid for their works.

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Hammer, while giving his two cents in an interview, touted Bullet as the songwriter for his signee, Wendy, and demanded that all credits be given to him.

This was after Ghanaians applauded Wendy Shay for her wordplay in her latest song Heat.

However, registering her displeasure, Wendy subtly called out Hammer on social media for paying too much attention to her music, while she is not doing nothing out of the ordinary.

She wrote: Almost every female artiste in Ghana has a songwriter but nobody really cares who writes for them but anytime Wendy Shay drops a hit song they want to credit everything to the so-called songwriter. Ghana wake up!

Hammer, who caught his subliminal shot, was quick to apologise, admitting what he said was loose talk.

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He added that it wasn’t his intention to disrespect the Shaygang boss’ efforts though his utterances were totally out of line.

Miss @wendyshayofficial I’m so sorry for disrespecting your efforts by suggesting your song was probably written by Bullet. I was totally out of line and it wasn’t my place to say something like that without proof on such a large platform like @nkonkonsa. I totally apologise to u and your outfit for the loose talk. Big up and Keep on soaring Lil sis.

Shortly after the announcement by the government, A Plus took his Facebook to question why teachers will be given laptops while some students do not have textbooks for study.

Children don’t have textbooks but you are giving teachers laptops. To watch porno or what? He said.

But the music producer, who couldn’t keep calm over the matter, replied A Plus, saying: Eih massa Akoti!!! I’m pretty sure if children were being given textbooks you’d say teachers aren’t even well equipped with laptops sef…

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Hammer wasnt the only public figure who commented against A Plus’s assertion. Singer Iona Reine equally lambasted the The People’s Party leader for complaining about every happening in the country.

She wrote: Please sir the way you love to complain about everything are you sure your ancestry do not run from the Israelites? God gave them manna and they said everyday manna we want fish ebiaa na wo yer no oo ayoo.

Earlier, Vice President Dr Mahamudu Bawumia launched the initiative to distribute laptops to all teachers in public schools in the country to help improve the quality of education.

Under the programme, teachers will bear 30 per cent of the cost of the laptops while government absorbs the remaining 70 per cent.

However, a teachers group calling itself Innovative Teachers is worried about the quality of laptops under the ‘One Teacher One Laptop’ programme in fulfilment of the government’s pledge to equip Ghanaian teachers.

The Last Two record label boss, also known as Edward Nana Poku Osei, could not fathom why an artiste would be nominated in as many as nine categories without winning any.

Speaking in an interview with Adu Kumi on Tete-a-tete on Asempa FM, the veteran music producer cited the cases of the likes of Okomfour Kwadee and Pappy Kojo, claiming they went into depression as a result of their inability to win these accolades.

“Some time ago Pappy Kojo went into depression, I believe it was as a result of the VGMA ordeal, he was nominated for nine but won none,” he recounted.

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Hammer further explained that these schemes, instead of rewarding the works of artistes, sometimes leave a mental toll putting the artiste at risk.

“This act has a huge potential of breaking an artiste’s mental health. The mind is very fragile, if you joke with it, it’s very dangerous. Don’t push these boys to the wall and just walk away from them, it breaks them,” he advised.

He expressed disappointment in the phenomenon of musicians getting nominations in several categories and ending up winning none, suggesting that, “when you nominate an artiste for nine awards at least he/she must leave with two. If you know that that person is not getting even one award, don’t give him nine nominations. It’s too much to go home empty-handed; you can nominate that person for three awards.”

According to him, he has been to many countries and most of them do well to protect any trademark they have against a foreign product.

He explained that, China has still not given Facebook, Instagram and other social media apps access to their citizens because they already have a local WeChat app that they use, which does almost everything the foreign apps provide.

Citing Nigeria as an example, he said the West African country doesn’t allow foreign content in their entertainment boundaries.

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According to Hammer, booking for an interview in Nigeria as a foreign musician can take forever because they do not want any outsider to take them by storm and benefit from their market.

I feel pain when I see the opportunities around us… China hasn’t let Facebook in still. It’s still outside. And it’s because of one thing Facebook is mammoth and when they let it in WeChat won’t stand a chance. The Chinese are trying to protect their interior company… he said.

If you go to Nigeria and you want to get interviews, you will suffer. The Stonebwoys have to link many connections… they are actually paying money for this… but if Davido comes to Ghana and he says he wants one interview, they will even paint the place. We are not selfish, Hammer explained on Joy FM‘s Showbiz A to Z show.

Watch the video below:

According to the A-list producer, many of them are heading towards an uncertain future due to spike of selfishness among industry players in the entertainment sphere.

He cited Daddy Lumba as one artiste, who needed to be projected to the world, but due to selfishness in the industry, he will retire a local champion.

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Hammer, speaking on Joy FM’s Showbiz A-Z show over the weekend, said until “each one for himself” attitude is changed, new crop of artistes such as Kuami Eugene, Mr Drew, and Worlasi among others can’t reach the peak of their careers.

We didn’t have to make Lumba a local champion. We could have made him sell auditoriums and stadiums around the world.

But our attitude as each one for himself has taken us there. These young boys will be victims of our interior selfishness… We need to be selfish as a country very important that we don’t let people in else we cannot win, he said.

Watch the video below:

The throwback photo captured the trio in 2010 when they were just up-and-coming industry players at the Ghana Music Awards’ 10th anniversary.

Looking at the photo, Mr Attoh was the host then with young Sarkodie and Edem representing their craft under Hammer’s music record label, The Last Two at the awards ceremony.

Hammer shared the photo with his followers to tell how one must be patient for the right time and moment in life.

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He explained that the caption that was given to the photo ignored Sarkodie’s name, thus, Chris Attoh with Ayigbe Edem & co but now it cannot be so because his brand is equally solidified.

His caption read: The first time I took them to the Ghana music awards, star boy was referred to as ‘And co’. Be patient in this life, your time is coming. Good morning!

In a statement, the Chief Executive Officer of The Last Two Music Group, born Edward Nana Poku Osei, said he has decided that his business interests won’t end his service to the fragile music industry.

To all music producers who want to be heard by A-list musicians, he asked them to forward their beats with the assurance that their projects will be copyrighted.

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Read the full statement below:

Speaking on Daybreak Hitz on Hitz FM, Hammer said many artistes have been proving their worth in the music industry and Joey B is certainly one of them who is turning the game around.

Rapper Joey B has been praised continuously for his different style of rap. Although he does hardcore rap, he adds a soft side to it which makes him stand out.

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“I love him for daring to be different. He is doing these cowboy songs and others would not dare [do those],” he added.

The ‘Tonga’ hitmaker was featured in the producer’s list of best 20 emcees in the country which also had Sarkodie, M.anifest and Obrafuor featured.

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Hammer, known for training many popular musicians, explained that a hall of fame should be available to document and celebrate artistes like Joey B.

“The names and works of some of these young artistes working had to change the game should be documented in art history books,” he added.

Source: myjoyonline.com

Ghanaian music producers, Hammer and Kaywa joined a studio discussion on Hitz FM via phone to discuss what it takes for a musician to produce a hit song.

Their invitations follow comments by musician, Sarkodie, that recording a hit song was not as difficult as most people perceive.

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But reacting to those comments on Daybreak Hitz on Hitz FM, both Hammer and Kaywa supported Sarkodie’s assertion that having a loyal fan base is what does the trick for “hit” songs.

According to Kaywa, aside the strength of the fan base, great production, sensational music videos and deep lyrics can also guarantee the blow up of a song.

“When you’re popular and you have a proper fan base it becomes a hit. Considering great records, it hasn’t been dependent on the artiste only but great production from the studio to music videos can give you a great hit. Even the instrumentation contributes. Sarkodie has seen a super way of getting hits…” Kaywa said.

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On his part, Hammer thinks the first step to getting a hit song is to own a better instrumentation.

“70 per cent is the beat; the beat does the whole work. It gets your attention. A very bad song can be promoted to be a hit song…” he said.

According to Hammer, “you don’t need extensive knowledge to make it a hit song. Popularity of a song makes it a hit song.