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RZA has dismissed the idea that the popularity of Afrobeats and the growing number of Podcasting platforms somehow pose a threat to Hip Hop.

RZA has dismissed the idea that the popularity of Afrobeats and the growing number of podcasting platforms somehow pose a threat to Hip Hop. The comment came after Lil Duval sparked a debate over the weekend following the NBA All-Star Games all-Afrobeats halftime show which featured performances by Nigerian stars Burna Boy, Tems and Rema The comedian took to Twitter on Sunday (February 19) to share his thoughts in a series of posts. Afrobeats might be the death of hip hop as we know it, read Duvals principal tweet which was met with a lot pushback. Asked his opinion about the comment, RZA said that he simply saw the genre as an extension of urban American music. Afrobeat is Hip Hop, the legendary producer told TMZ. They basically are doing their form of Hip Hop. Just like Trap was Hip Hop, just like G-Funk was Hip Hop, its just their rendition. And you know what: they deserve a chance, just like the rest of us deserve a chance, of our music to be heard around the world, inspire and feed families. Lil Duval had immediately added to his original thought on Sunday, with words in defense of Afrobeats. I wasnt saying hip hop is over i said hip hop as we know it, he explained, meaning like evolved into something bigger, he clarified. Meaning giving afrobeats props. I dont how some took offense. Earlier this month, Duval had similarly stated that he felt like podcasting was more relevant than musicto the Hip Hop community. RZA also waved off that comment, remarking that regardless of how else rappers may be expanding on their careers, the music itself will always remain vital. Nah, I think those people are on a different planet than us, the Wu-Tang Clanfounder said of fans who place podcast content over music. Joe is being successful, NOREs being successful; they deserve their success. But at the same time, we just did the N.Y. State Of Mind tour no algorithms, not streaming sold out in so many places. Hip Hop is embedded within this culture and nothings gonna stop that. Its just gonna continue to grow and find other outlets. Read more