LOCAL hip hop artist Lyrikal Busta has clarified social media rumours linking him to a feud with rapper Young Zesh following recent diss track exchanges.
Conversations surrounding the two artists intensified over the weekend after a series of songs released by both rappers sparked reactions across social media platforms.
The discussions quickly became a trending topic among hip hop followers, with fans reposting lyrics, debating the tracks and interpreting the releases as signs of a growing rap battle between the former Upscale labelmates.
The tension first gained attention on Friday when Lyrikal Busta released KingsBack 2.0, a track containing lines many listeners believed were aimed at Young Zesh.
Within 24 hours, Young Zesh responded through DJ Navie’s track Eswatini IRepresentProud, which attracted over 14 000 YouTube views within three days.
Lyrikal Busta later followed with another response track titled ‘Inyoka Yebafati’, which also generated thousands of views online. “I love Young Zesh and I respect his talent,” said Lyrikal Busta.
Despite the growing online narrative, the artist explained that his recent releases were not motivated by hatred, but rather by his decision to defend himself and artists associated with Upscale through music instead of physical confrontation.
He revealed that several incidents, including TikTok videos and podcast discussions, pushed him to finally respond through his art after remaining silent for over a year.
The rapper also reflected on comments Young Zesh allegedly made about him during podcast appearances, including claims questioning his talent and competitiveness within hip hop circles.
Lyrikal Buster maintained that Kings Back 2.0 mainly reflected personal experiences and frustrations that had built up over time. “I used music because I did not want physical fights,” he explained.
Social media reactions continued flooding online spaces throughout the weekend as fans passionately debated the lyrical exchanges.
Some users praised Lyrikal Busta’s return to hip hop, while others described the ongoing exchanges as one of the hottest conversations currently dominating local entertainment platforms. “King is back, there is a reason they call him Busta,” reads one of the comments from Facebook.
He further stated that the situation had also affected their music business, claiming that negative comments and online attacks were becoming increasingly common whenever Upscale artists released projects.
Despite the heated reactions online, he maintained that his response remained professional and focused entirely on music.
I only responded through music – Young Zesh
HIP hop musician Young Zesh says his latest single was never meant to start conflict, but to respond through music after being mentioned first.
The rapper explained that his single ‘Eswatini Represent Proud’ by DJ Navie was never intended to start conflict, but rather to respond to what had already been addressed in ‘Kings Back 2.0.’
The track quickly attracted attention online, with fans debating on the lyrical exchanges between the former Upscale label mates across social media platforms over the weekend. “I was responding to what Buster started,” said Young Zesh.
The artist maintained that he has always tried to handle matters professionally within the music industry, especially because of the growing support he continues to receive from fans and event promoters.
He stated that professionalism remained important in protecting an artist’s image and maintaining strong working relationships within entertainment spaces.
Young Zesh also opened up about unresolved issues following his departure from Upscale last year, revealing that certain posts made afterwards did not sit well with him.
However, he insisted he avoided taking personal matters to social media because he respected other people’s brands and reputations within the industry. “I always try to keep things professional,” he said.
The rapper further explained that he felt forced to respond after hearing his name being mentioned in ‘Kings Back 2.0’.
Young Zesh also reflected on the impact the ongoing exchanges could have on younger artists associated with the label, particularly As 4 JerryP. “That artist is still new in the game and being dragged through such conversations could harm his future,” he stated.
He described the artist as talented and warned that continued online tension could eventually affect future opportunities and bookings for upcoming musicians trying to build strong careers.
