What Makes a Rap Song? A Case Study on Shallipopi & Odumodublvck’s ‘Cast’

Rap music, originating from hip-hop culture, has taken many forms worldwide. In Africa, particularly within the Afrobeats space, rap has evolved into a unique fusion of rhythm, language, and storytelling. While traditional rap relies heavily on lyrical dexterity and rhyme schemes, African rap music infuses elements of local dialects, street slang, and indigenous sounds to create a distinct identity as seen on a song like ‘Cast.’.

‘Cast,‘ by Nigerian artists Shallipopi and Odumodublvck is a collaboration that showcases the characteristics of an African rap song while maintaining its Afrobeats appeal.

A rap song typically consists of several key elements:

1. Lyrical Content and Wordplay – Rap is built on clever wordplay, metaphors, and storytelling.
2. Flow and Delivery – The way an artist rides the beat, switches cadences, and emphasizes words.
3. Beat and Production – Instrumentation that complements the rapper’s cadence and energy.
4. Cultural Influence and Slang – Use of local dialects, proverbs, and street lingo to make it relatable.
5. Attitude and Energy – Confidence, aggression, or playfulness that enhances the message.

How ‘Cast’ by Shallipopi & Odumodublvck Fits the Mold

1. Lyrical Brilliance & Street Slang in ‘Cast’

Shallipopi, known for his viral and street-smart lyrics, delivers a witty and chant-like flow in ‘Cast.’ His style leans towards a freeform rap delivery, using Nigerian Pidgin English and Benin street slang, which makes the track highly relatable to the youth.

Odumodublvck, on the other hand, brings a hardcore rap approach, characterized by aggressive delivery, punchlines, and a mix of English, Igbo, and Pidgin. His verse in ‘Cast’ demonstrates a mastery of flow variation, making his rap distinct yet seamless with the song’s Afrobeats vibe.

2. Unique Flow and Delivery

The contrast between Shallipopi’s laid-back, playful flow and Odumodublvck’s high-energy, battle-ready cadence exemplifies the diversity in modern African rap. Their synergy keeps the song engaging, as the listener experiences different rap textures in one track.

3. Afro-Influenced Beat & Production

The beat of ‘Cast’, produced by Busypluto, incorporates percussive Afrobeats elements with a hard-hitting hip-hop bounce. The producer ensures the rhythm supports both Shallipopi’s chant-style delivery and Odumodublvck’s fast-paced, gritty bars. This fusion allows the song to be played in clubs, on the streets, and in hip-hop circles alike.

4. Cultural Relevance & Street Credibility

African rap thrives on authenticity, and Cast embodies this by referencing real-life street experiences, using indigenous slang, and narrating success stories in an entertaining way. The song connects deeply with listeners who see reflections of their everyday hustle in the lyrics.

The Future of African Rap & Afrobeats Synergy

With artists like Shallipopi and Odumodublvck bridging the gap between rap and Afrobeats, African hip-hop continues to evolve. The fusion of street lingo, infectious rhythms, and global rap elements ensures that African rap remains unique while appealing to a broad audience.

In conclusion, Cast is a song for understanding what makes a rap song within the Afrobeats movement. It checks all the boxes of flow, lyricism, production, and cultural relevance, solidifying African rap’s place on the global stage.