Why Khaligraph Jones Is And Will Always Be A Better Rapper Than Octopizzo

Khaligraph Jones is arguably the best pure MC ever by definition of raw spitting skills. He holds a combination of insight and evocative storytelling ability previously unseen in Kenyan hip-hop. By last year, he was cemented as an elite artist, a status that was unquestioned until he threw several jabs at Octopizzo in an infamous diss track.

The track was condemned by legions of Octopizzo sympathizers as lame and full of non-truths. ‘I run 254’ became the source of various theories that were used to pan the artiste behind the lyrics. Some said he was using Octo as a stepping stone, upon which to make himself widely known. However, the most stinging claim by Khaligraph’s haters was that with his style, he would never amount to much – he shall forever be bubbling under. This claim has been used to crucify him again and again.

So will Khaligraph always be a mini-dog? The short, difficult-to-accept answer, is no.

Octopizzo is where he is today because he got help. DJ Pinye and a few other people behind the scenes believed in him and offered him a guiding hand. Everyone needs help from time to time right? True. I remember seeing both Octopizzo and Khaligraph perform at Wapi Festival while they were both underground artistes. Khaligraph of course received a standing ovation from fellow artistes who had crowded the dome while the majority felt Octopizzo had too many punchlines that his music felt suffocating. His bars radiated monotony. Khaligraph was swagged out as usual despite being a kayole boy while Octo portrayed the appearance of a humble Kibera kid. Which brings me back to my point.

Khaligraph has never looked like the guy that needs anyone’s help. One look at him and you tell yourself “This guy will do just fine on his own.” Octopizzo is the opposite. Before the bling and shiny outfits, he always had the look of a desperate kid who had mad talent but didn’t know how to go about things.

Octo has also been pushed a lot by his ‘rags to riches’ tale. People love a ‘woiyee’ story. In almost every show I’ve seen the namba nane king perform, he never forgets to mention how he used to walk barefoot but now he has collections of Nike snickers. How he had nothing and now he has plenty. I think we are past that now. We know the story Octo.

To be considered a god MC in these streets, you also have to be a ladies’ man. I have countless lady friends but I have never seen one that’s gaga over Octo. Never!! not even one. They all admit he’s a good rapper but wouldn’t scream for him or throw thongs at him. .But it seems Khali is so good that he can even convince a ‘muthungu’ to be a vixen in his video then make her sit aside and wait for her wages via ‘M-besha’

Back to music, Come dada isn’t a good enough track for an artist of Khaligraph’s caliber to feature in. It’s definitely the weakest link in his catalog, but it isn’t the universally-panned abomination that most haters make it out to be. In fact, it hasn’t even universally-panned—the reception was mixed. However, one thing comes out clear from the Taarab sounding track – Khaligraph has the strongest rhymes per minute skill in Kenya. I know Voodoo seller would beg to differ but I think the only African artiste who beats Khaligraph when it comes to supersonic r flow is Sarkodie.

Veteran approval is another factor that has been used to define great MCs. You can spit a million bars but in order to be considered a dope rapper, you have to be approved by the veterans of the game.Kendrick was approved by Dre and so was Eminem and 50. Weezy was approved by Jiggerman before Birdman clung to him. The likes of Abbas and Bamboo have all endorsed Khaligraph. And they hate Octopizo. I’m not sure why but these rappers who we grew up listening to definitely have their reasons.

It has taken Khaligraph a long time to get the not so widespread recognition that he has. But good art takes time to be moulded. I believe he is only one unique anthem away from being a superstar. Octo on the other hand has looked rusty and past his prime ever since ‘Ivo Ivo’. He’s done his best to stay relevant. A goofy hook and Christmassy melody in his latest ‘Something For You’ hit has kept his voice in our ears but for how long? The Khali vs Octo war is just a classic case of ‘SEE YOU AT THE FINISH LINE’