U3 THE DEMIGOD — “THE CROWN, THE BIAS & THE BARS”

By BigDan (Emmanuel Daniji) – Multiple Award-Winning Hip-Hop Journalist <blockquote>From Facebook text battles to international platforms, from Port Harcourt road trips to global stages — U3 The Demigod has quietly carved one of the most consistent and underrated legacies in Nigerian battle rap. In this exclusive conversation, he opens up about origins, losses, politics, growth, crowns, and the vision beyond the ring.</blockquote> <img alt="" src="/media/inline_insight_image/IMG-20260204-WA0028.jpg"/><h3> </h3><h3>1. Origins</h3>BigDan:Let’s start from the roots — who is U3 The Demigod beyond the battles? What does the name “Demigod” really represent to you?U3:After a lot of self-reflection, I’ve realised I’m a very esoteric individual. I actually got nicknamed “The Demigod” during my textcee days. I’m the type to pick up a new hobby and push it to the max like it’s a professional sport. I racked up a lot of wins, became known as that “unkillable guy,” and the name just stuck. <h3>2. The Birth of a Battler</h3>BigDan:When did you first realise you could actually do this — not just rap, but stand toe-to-toe and win in front of people?U3:It started on Facebook in a group called Rhyme and Pattern. That space was stacked — Okey Mega (RIP), Tega Gat, Improvah (Casper Kratz), Timi Kei (then Prelyrical Staze), Blaqbonez, Sidney “Siddog,” Slimbuck… real pens.We began with text battles, moved into audio tournaments, then someone reached out about a higher-level scene. My biggest inspiration was my secondary school classmate, Tega Gat. Seeing someone so calm and shy spitting bars on stage shocked me. That was when I knew I had to try.Mingla motivated us with incentives, Flowshow created the WhatsApp hub, and that became Battle Rap Nigeria. I entered their World Cup video tournament and made the semis. After that, they knew I wasn’t a rookie. KhaffBangz booked my first live battle — and everything changed. <h3>3. Tech Meets Bars</h3>BigDan:Your profile reads: Demigod. Lyricist. Systems Engineer. How does a Chemical Engineering graduate become a feared battle rapper?U3:I lost both my parents early. I studied Chemical Engineering, but breaking into oil and gas was a high wall, so I pivoted into IT. The beauty of tech is flexibility — you can work from anywhere. That freedom allowed me to keep pursuing battle rap seriously. <h3>4. The WOTS Connection</h3>BigDan:You’re one of the standout names from the BRN/WOTS ecosystem. What really happened there, and how did it shape you?U3:Battle Rap Nigeria was co-run by Flowshow and Jung Magin. Plans for expansion eventually ran into licensing, ownership, and financial issues. That split birthed Word On The Streets for international positioning.In the early WhatsApp era, I battled the most and went undefeated in league phase — 13-0 — when the culture needed material. When we transitioned to live battles, I kept that momentum: KhaffBangz, Spikey, then main-eventing by my third battle, 30’ing Penpriest, who was top four at the time.Travelling 18–26 hours from Port Harcourt to Lagos with no support tested my commitment. But that grind sharpened me. <h3>5. The Process</h3>BigDan:When you get an opponent’s name, what happens next?U3:First thing — I extend a hand of friendship. For me, there are two types of battles: a respectful classic, or total destruction if you cross lines. I don’t care who you are — just don’t piss me off. <img alt="" src="/media/inline_insight_image/IMG-20260204-WA0026.jpg"/><h3> </h3><h3>6. The Slimbuck Battle</h3>BigDan:Your clash with Slimbuck had real tension. What was your mindset, and how do you see it now?U3:That battle did more harm than good. Slimbuck and I were close friends. We were even in a crew together called Xlite. But when he joined Hydra, things changed. There was already tension with Penpriest and Damideasy, and politics entered.We always battled as friends — no personals. He suddenly said he didn’t want a friendly. That’s when I knew agendas were in play.We even turned down a bigger bag before this. But he was about to relocate to the UK, so timing forced it. My strategy was simple: rap. Public opinion split the votes. It was a great battle. Salute to him. <h3>7. The Bias Question</h3>BigDan:Do leagues play favourites? Has bias affected you?U3:Every league has franchise rappers. I’ve seen leaders play favourites, sabotage battlers, and punish independent moves. I’ve been pulled from cards just for battling elsewhere. <h3>8. Industry Politics</h3>BigDan:How dirty does it really get behind the scenes?U3:In the BRN days, there were OGs, new cats, textcees, northerners, designers, bloggers — and a lot of egos. Banter crossed lines. Grudges became permanent.There’s tribalism, arrogance, opportunism. I’ve dealt with private information being leaked and subtle attempts to undermine my growth. The scene needs unity and professionalism. <h3>9. Your Impact</h3>BigDan:What’s your biggest contribution — seen and unseen?U3:I’ve helped push Nigerian battle rap globally. I’ve battled champions across foreign leagues and made fans outside my comfort zone.Behind the scenes, I’ve been a bridge — linking platforms, mentoring a few people, showing up consistently. Some of us poured our souls into this when others couldn’t even tweet a flyer. And it worked. Eyes came. <img alt="" src="/media/inline_insight_image/IMG-20260204-WA0023.jpg"/><h3> </h3><h3>10. The Crown Talk</h3>BigDan:Why do you deserve the crown?U3:Crowns aren’t handed out. They’re earned.I’ve battled across 20+ leagues worldwide and stacked wins. Locally, I claimed the BRN title, won the first WOTS Champion of the Year twice, and I’m current champ on South Africa’s TCT.I don’t think anyone outwrites me or matches my consistency. I’m a champion on stage and a visionary off it. <h3>11. Known vs Unknown</h3>BigDan:Which battles deserved more light?U3:My battle with Thrillz. My battle with RBICS. Two COTYs, six crazy rounds — low support because of crew politics. The culture used to show up for everyone. Now it’s selective. <h3>12. No Pen Energy</h3>BigDan:What does that “No Pen outchea” aura really mean?U3:I study my opponents’ minds. Freestyling lets me swing momentum and control crowds. That’s where danger lives. <h3>13. Rivalries</h3>BigDan:Who pushed you hardest?U3:Only Penpriest and Damideasy ever took it outside battle rap. They didn’t survive in the ring. <img alt="" src="/media/inline_insight_image/IMG-20260204-WA0027.jpg"/><h3> </h3><h3>14. Tough Moments</h3>BigDan:Any regrets?U3:No bad battles. But months of unpaid prep taught me wisdom. <h3>15. The Legacy of WOTS</h3>BigDan:What needs fixing?U3:Decentralise events. Pay battlers. Provide safety. Stop rewarding drama over skill. <h3>16. The Business</h3>BigDan:Is battle rap paying yet?U3:Mostly passion. My vision is professionalism. <h3>17. Global Dream</h3>BigDan:International stages?U3:Last year, Gulag and Smack URL attention. That’s encouraging. <img src="/media/inline_insight_image/IMG-20260204-WA0024.jpg"/><h3> </h3> <h3>18. Fixing the Scene</h3>BigDan:If you had the power?U3:Unity would be a great start. <h3>19. Legacy</h3>BigDan:What should U3 stand for?U3:The Grim Reaper.Your favourite killer’s killer. <h3>20. Final Words</h3>BigDan:Last message?U3:Keep rocking with me.We’re building an empire.

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