By mohamedj.bah@awokonewspapersl.com
Freetown, SIERRA LEONE – In a powerful moment that left fans stunned and hopeful, former Black Leo rapper Roybreems issued a public apology to Sierra Leonean hip-hop legend YOK-7, effectively ending one of the industry’s most talked-about rivalries.
The unexpected olive branch came during a livestream that drew thousands of viewers from across the country and beyond. With raw honesty and visible emotion, Roybreems acknowledged his past missteps and praised YOK-7 for his contribution to the game.
“I was young, hot-headed, and didn’t understand the weight of my words,” Roybreems confessed. “Looking back now, I realize I had no reason to come at YOK like that. He’s an elder in this game, someone who paved the way for artists like me.”
His words struck a chord with fans and industry insiders alike, many of whom flooded social media with messages of support, using hashtags like #RoybreemsApology and #YOK7. Influencers, DJs, and artists across platforms shared clips from the stream, calling it a defining moment for Sierra Leonean music.
The feud between the two rappers had lingered for years, sparked by a heated diss track that spiraled into online jabs, subliminal bars, and widespread division within the hip-hop community. The beef became symbolic of a deeper generational rift—young, brash rappers versus seasoned veterans.
But according to Roybreems, everything changed after a private meeting earlier this month.
“We sat down, man to man. No cameras, no crowd—just two brothers in the culture who needed to talk,” he explained. “And we did. We cleared the air.”
Though YOK-7 has not yet issued a formal statement, sources close to the rapper say he welcomed the apology and appreciated the sincerity behind it. Fans are already buzzing with speculation that this reconciliation could open the door to a long-awaited collaboration between the two—a prospect that once seemed unthinkable.
Music lovers and critics have hailed the moment as more than just personal closure. For many, it signals a cultural shift.
“This is a huge win for Sierra Leonean hip-hop,” said one industry insider. “Roybreems showed maturity and strength in apologizing publicly. It’s the kind of leadership we need—less beef, more bars.”
The livestream’s impact was immediate and viral. Comment sections lit up with praise for Roybreems’ vulnerability and calls for more unity in the scene. Fans were quick to note that the apology wasn’t just about repairing a broken relationship—it was about moving the entire genre forward.
Roybreems closed the stream with a message that echoed far beyond the screen:
“Hip hop is alive! It’s time we rise as one. No more war, only bars.”
With those final words, he turned the page on a bitter chapter in Sierra Leonean hip-hop history—replacing it with one of growth, respect, and the healing power of music. MJB/28/6/2025