Renowned rapper Bulldogg, whose real name is Malick Bertrand Ndayishimiye, has addressed recent claims about tensions between old school and new school rappers. He disputes the notion that older artists are critical of newer generations, or that the new wave of rappers dismisses the contributions of their predecessors. ALSO READ: Hip Hop generational conflict holding back its growth The music industry is highly competitive, with numerous platforms emerging to showcase talent. A hot topic of debate is the generational divide in hip-hop, where older artists are sometimes accused of resenting the innovation of new school rappers, while newer artists claim that the old guard stifles creativity. “Rap has evolved significantly over the years,” Bulldogg explained in an interview with The New Times. “While there is a noticeable generational difference, it’s not as adversarial as people suggest.” ALSO READ: EP Review: Riderman-Bulldog’s ‘Icyumba Cy’Amategeko’ “Hip-hop is a lifestyle that encompasses everything from fashion to flow. Each generation and artist has their unique style and approach, much like football teams have different formations and tactics. This diversity is what keeps the genre vibrant and interesting,” he said. The 36-year-old rapper, widely acclaimed as one of Rwanda’s finest in the genre, believes each generation brings its own flair to hip-hop, and that’s a good thing. “When Tough Gang first hit the scene, we focused on street life. Then came Danny Nanone with his romance rap, and later, mumble rap emerged. If the new generation had simply imitated us, they’d have been seen as copycats. Instead, they forged their own paths and created new movements. Diversity is essential in hip-hop. It's a big family, and we must embrace and respect each artist’s unique style.” ALSO READ: Is Rwandan hip-hop dead or has it evolved? What industry players say Reflecting on the diss culture in hip-hop and its implications, Bulldogg shared his thoughts on the role of authorities in such matters: “While Rwanda values freedom of speech, we also have cultural norms and taboos that we should respect. As the saying goes, ‘a country without culture disappears.’ In Rwandan tradition, insults were once used but let's not lose sight of our values. If we overstep, laws will come into play.” He continued, “Dissing has always been a part of hip-hop—something we did, those before us did, and the new generation continues. However, we need to be cautious not to let it escalate to the point where innocent people suffer. No parent would want their child to be involved in such negativity, and unfortunately, this can lead to serious consequences. In Rwanda, our approach to dissing should not result in violence or harm. Fans might fuel conflict, but we must remember the real-world impact, which can be tragic.” Offering advice to those considering venturing into dissing, he advised: “Dissing someone is part of the game, but it should be targeted solely at the individual. Avoid involving their family, as they are not part of the music world and should remain unaffected by these disputes.” Bulldogg, who is gearing up for the Icyumba Cy’Amategeko concert on August 24, named after his collaborative project with Riderman, emphasizes that the event will celebrate all generations of hip-hop. The lineup includes emerging artists like Ish Kevin, Bushali, Kenny K Shot, and Bruce the 1st, alongside his own crew, Tough Gang. Additionally, Tough Gang recently collaborated with new school rapper Papa Cyangwe on the track “Ikitanyishe.”
