History is a cruel beast, it won’t be kind to everyone. Some rappers will be remembered as the greatest to ever do it, while so many who gave us brief moments of brilliance will be soon forgotten and/or ridiculed. On his new record “Legend”, rapper A-Q found a remarkable way to do the two.

On the one hand, he praises the likes of MI, Jesse Jagz, Ice Prince, Sinzu, Naeto C and Eedris, paying homage to them and thanking them for paving the way for him. However, with the other hand, he appears to take a jab at Flowssick, a once-promising rapper whose biggest record was the official creep anthem of 2012 “Low Key”.

While contrasting his dexterity on the mic and the longevity of his career over that of his imaginary competitor, A-Q said this –

I flow sick plus my vocals are clear /
Your career ended low key, that’s a Flowssick career

To understand the context, let’s refresh your memory about who Flowssick is. Flowssick is a rapper/singer who bust into the scene in 2011 when he signed to fledgling record company Kollertunz Records. He released his first official single “Low Key” the year after and the song became so popular that he was nominated for the Headies Next Rated award in 2012, after Chuddy K was disqualified on technical grounds. Davido would take home the award that year but being fresh-faced, youthful and full of energy himself, Flowssick was touted by some to also go forth and do big thing.

Unfortunately Flowssick’s follow-up singles didn’t do as well as “Low Key” and the rapper would part ways with his record label in 2013 under acrimonious circumstances. Things started to go downhill from there and Flow seemed to step away from making music actively for a couple of years. Having never been able to realize his full potential, the rapper relocated to the US. He has tried to make a comeback in recent months but unless he’s able to eventually make one, I guess it’s safe to say that Flowssick’s time in the sun was short-lived.

It’s this brevity that A-Q is referring to on “Legend” a record that is scattered with name drops like these. A-Q also referenced Runtown’s alleged affair with a show promoter’s fiancee in Ghana.

I run town that’s why I’m deep inside your missus /
Over some McVitae’s biscuit, she released it /
That’s a cheap meal, I can’t wait for her to visit /

Current affairs, paying homage to the greats but also talking about the also-rans. Say whatever you want about A-Q but there’s no denying that, with the microphone in his hand, the man says whatever the hell he wants.