Reggie Rockstone Blames The Decline Of The Hiplife Genre On Payola. Veteran rapper Reggie Rockstone has blamed the decline of the Hiplife genre on Payola, saying the practice has stifled the growth of the musical genre in Ghana.
Payola is the practice where musicians or entertainers have to pay DJs on radio or television before their songs are spun. This means that artists who have the wherewithal will get much airplay. The term originated in the Ghanaian creative industry, and according to Reggie Rockstonethe practice has impeded the growth of the Gnere.
Speaking on an entertainment show on Akoma FM, the veteran rapper explained the assertion by some artists like M.anisfest that Hiplife is dead. He said he could not make conclusions that the genre is no longer relevant but he believes other genres have become more attractive in the industry and that Payola has played a major role in that.
He said as reported by Pulse.com.gh “The brand Hiplife has become quite unattractive to associate with for various reasons. One of which is radio stations demanding Payola before playing our music. This was what they were doing to us when we had just started laying the foundation of the genre where we had little to pay for the music to be played”
Hiplife is a Gnere that is credited to Reggie Rockstone as the main originator. The Genre came into being in Ghana. Basically, It is a blend of Hip Hop sounds and Highlife music. Many musical entertainers had performed the genre notably the VIP group.
