Lalid’s “The Matter” Lyrics: Unpacking the Song Everyone’s Talking About

Lalid Lyrics

Cover art for The Matter by Lalid
The Matter Cover Art

Lalid – The Matter Lyrics

The West African music scene keeps evolving, blending homegrown talent with global influence. A thrilling example of this creative energy is Lalid’s “The Matter”—a song that’s been steadily growing in popularity across Nigeria, Ghana, and beyond. For those who love lyrics that reflect city life, aspirations, and everyday hustle, “The Matter” holds particular appeal. In this engaging look, we deep dive into Lalid’s musical journey, dissect the resonance of his lyrics, and consider why tracks like this speak so strongly to Nigerians, Ghanaians, and listeners around the world.

A Buzzing Anthem for Urban Life

With a chorus that repeats, “What the matter there,” Lalid launches into a rhythmic exploration of social realities. This hook is catchy—and perhaps intentionally ambiguous. It echoes a popular West African way of checking in when something is off or when someone seems unsettled. For many in Nigeria’s busy cities—Lagos, Abuja, Port Harcourt—and in Ghana’s Accra or Kumasi, such phrases are everyday currency. The song’s opening lines already connect the artist to listeners navigating daily uncertainties.

What the matter there
What the matter there

Lyrics Rooted in Street Culture

As Lalid raps about “stepping a foot” and “shattering” those in his path, he’s channeling energy, ambition, and a commitment to self-determination. These are traits many Nigerian youths admire, especially given the country’s dynamic but often challenging economy.

What the matter there
Me step a foot then me shatter dem
I organize and I scatter dem
A bagga money stack ah dem
Pretty girls me I…
Ah only benz and Bima me I spacka dem

  • Organize and scatter: Many Nigerians and Ghanaians use this phrase to describe dominating a situation or creating opportunities.
  • Benz and “Bima” (BMW): Owning such cars is a visible symbol of having “arrived” in West African society.

The Language of the Streets: Pidgin and Vernacular Infusion

The lyrics move back and forth between English, West African pidgin, and what seems to be Ghanaian Twi. This seamless language blending resonates for listeners across the region. For Nigerian fans especially, the use of pidgin and slangs (such as “guyyy” and “flier b3n”) signals authenticity. As reported by Lagos-based music analyst Chinedu Obiora, “Rappers and singers that can switch codes and slide between languages instantly connect with people. It’s more real, more local, and more fun.”

Guyyy
Wo killer no b3kyer3 me stagga b3n
Fully strapped b3 try de3 ah ne time ab3n
Flier b3n
Gone too soon

These lines hint at bravado but also touch upon West Africa’s realities—uncertainty, competition, and sometimes loss. The repetition of “gone too soon” will resonate with many, especially among Nigerian and Ghanaian youth, for whom social risks are a real concern.

Money, Popularity, and Modern Relationships

Lalid’s verses also dwell on themes common to Afrobeats and street-hop anthems: stacking cash, attracting pretty women, and making a name for oneself. As the artist declares a taste for dinner and supper with “pretty girls”, he references the aspirational lifestyles popularised by West African pop culture.

We have dinner, we have supper there
I’m your daddy baby but you know real papa there
She says I’m too freaky…

The mention of “Snapchat girls” and Ashaiman—a vibrant district in Accra with a lively arts scene—grounds the song in contemporary urban experiences. With social media deeply entwined in West African youth culture, references like these make “The Matter” even more relatable for those shaping and responding to digital trends.

Rivalry, Betrayal, and Resilience

Beyond bravado, Lalid’s lyrics examine themes of rivalry and trust. Lines about friends turning foes mirror the real-life struggles many face in Lagos, Abuja, Accra, or even rural communities. The sentiment, “I fought all my battles, I did it on the low,” underscores the resilience typical of many West African creatives and hustlers. As sociologist Dr. Kojo Agyeman explains, “Urban music often serves as an informal diary of life’s hardest lessons—and young people connect deeply to that honesty.”

I fought all my battles I did it on the low
Anshocki me when my own friend turned a foe
Na medwen s3 mo y3 real but now yall moving a hoe

Not to brag but I can turn a good girl to a hoe
Last year na hwee nk)

These confessions reflect the mixed fortunes of rising stars and regular folks alike. According to Nigerian rapper Falz, “When a song gets this real, people see their own journey reflected—and it builds loyalty to the artist.”

Realities of Lagos, Accra, and West African Youth

The song references credit cards (“swiping with the cc”), betting culture, and vices like smoking. These lines deal frankly with habits and pressures familiar across West African cities, raising both nods and occasional concern. In Nigeria, sport betting reportedly grew 40% between 2020 and 2023 (according to data from the National Lottery Regulatory Commission, 2023), highlighting its growing impact among the youth—though some warn about its risks.

Swiping with the cc na hwee nt)
Cross checked the bet slip but team biaa amb)
Mood bi ah mak)m yi mep3 weed bi as)
Weed bi as)

These admissions are not glorifications but reflect reality for many—a pattern that underscores the need for both creative outlets and support systems for young Africans navigating modern pressures.

Celebrating Creativity, Talents, and Dreams

Songs like “The Matter” do more than entertain. They serve as a mirror: shining light on ambition, resilience, and the struggles that are part of life in some of West Africa’s fastest-growing cities. They also acknowledge how hard work, support networks, and a bit of luck can change fortunes. Artists like Lalid champion the dreams of millions—and provide soundtracks for the next chapter in Nigerian and Ghanaian pop culture.

What’s Next for the West African Sound?

As Afrobeats and urban hip-hop catch global attention—charting on platforms like Billboard, receiving Grammy recognition, and sparking world tours—the storytelling in tracks such as “The Matter” is only becoming more valuable. Nigeria’s influence on global pop, together with Ghana’s vibrant creative scene, signals an era where local voices shape how the world hears music from Africa.

  • Mainstream stars like Burna Boy, Wizkid, and Stonebwoy continue inspiring a new generation.
  • Younger artists—often blending genres and languages—are pushing boundaries and creating new subgenres.
  • Online platforms, TikTok challenges, and viral trends mean songs like these can quickly reach audiences from London to Johannesburg, or from Accra to New York.

But as music spreads, it also brings new scrutiny: Are lyrics accurately reflecting realities, or are they sometimes glamorising risky behaviours? Industry stakeholders and advocacy groups say musicians have a growing responsibility to tell honest, balanced stories.

Local Reactions and Global Connections

According to fans in both Nigeria and Ghana, Lalid’s candid approach helps “The Matter” stand out in crowded playlists. Haruna, a student in Lagos, commented, “You hear that beat and you just feel seen. It’s not fake, it’s not polished for foreign ears—it’s ours.” Similarly, community DJ Ama Mensah in Accra said, “These songs show what we live. It’s bigger than entertainment; it’s culture.”

What the matter
Me step a foot then me shatter dem
I organize and I scatter dem
A bagga money stack ah dem
Pretty girls me I…
Ah only benz and Bima me I spacka dem
Guyyy
Wo killer no b3kyer3 stagga b3n
Fully strapped b3 try de3 ah ne time ab3n
Flier b3n
Gone too soon
Mese flier b3n
Gone too soon

Final Thoughts: Where Music Meets Everyday Life

Lalid’s lyrical storytelling builds bridges between the experiences of West Africans on the ground and the wider world listening in. From the everyday “what the matter there?” to the deeper reflections on friendship, hustle, and dreams, the song delivers both the pulse of the streets and the hope for tomorrow. For music lovers in Nigeria, Ghana, and across Africa, it’s a reminder that art both reflects and inspires—and that the world is finally listening.

What do you think about the message in Lalid’s “The Matter”? Does it reflect your own story, or do you see things differently? Drop a comment below and let us know—your view could start the next great conversation in African music. Want more Afrobeats lyrics and stories? Follow us for the latest updates!


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