A review of ‘Where Dem Boyz’; the much-talked-about ‘diss’ song off Black Sherif’s ‘Iron Boy’ album

Beyond his artistry and creativity, the song has topped social media trends due to its bold lyrics, which many are interpreting as a jab at certain industry figures.

The song is also seen as a reflection of Black Sherif’s thoughts and a response to various controversies he has been involved in over time.

Analysis of the song:

In the opening verse, which also serves as the hook, Black Sherif calls out industry players who blab, offer suggestions, set standards, and constantly give advice on how they think the industry should thrive, yet fail to live up to the very counsel they preach.

“Where dem boyz, counterfeiting boys, the wannabees and the talking toys, standard raising boyz. Tell’em make them make some noise. Industry employees, I say wassup. Everybody get something. Something to say, suggestions to make. But nobody wanna practice. Practice none of the things they say and preach, I mean it’s easy that way,” he stated in Pidgin and English.

Then he talks about receiving a message from a certain industry figure whom he once respected, inquiring about his well-being.

He expresses regret for initially showing love to this person, calling him a “mess” and accusing him of causing conflict in the industry.

Black Sherif goes on to say he would never aspire to be like the unnamed individual, implying a strong disdain for his behaviour.

“Texti me s3 me ho tes3n? Years ago, I’d be so impressed cause I gave man love and enough respect. But that boy is a mess, he is ganging up and tagging teams. Talking beans and talking on me, with the cowboy from AliExpress. Man to man, you’re standing in stress.

“Tell your boy to keep that verse because we are doing splendid, and not a day in my life was I begging… Dreaming to be like you. God forbid,” Black Sherif raps on.

Black Sherif, in his final verse, touches on how some group of individuals are fond of preaching peace and fairness yet hide to stir up conflict in the industry.

He challenges these group of individuals to “save themselves”.

“Talk is free, it’s sweet and cheaper, than to be a believer. Anka Messiah fa he b3y3 peter. Woakyele wiase wo y3 teacher. They cry over gatekeeping, then grow and do the same. Interview ose unity nso hide behind boys and spread hate. All you spread I heard. Somebody find that boy inhaler,” he stated

“Brother you are well-known master funfooler. We nuh rate your validation if you claim you da saviour save yourself. And it took you so long to take off your santa face,” he switches to patois.

Watch the video of the song below: