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Nigerian street-hop sensation Habeeb Olalomi Badmus, popularly known as Portable, has once again found himself at the center of controversy — this time involving fellow singer Ric Hassani. The uproar stems from their recent collaboration, 4x2x16, a track that has steadily been gaining traction on various streaming platforms. While the song’s growing success should be a cause for celebration, it has instead ignited a heated dispute between the two artists.
Portable, known for his unfiltered opinions and unpredictable behavior, took to social media to air his grievances regarding the project. In a series of videos posted on his official Instagram account, the Zazoo Zeh hitmaker expressed displeasure over what he perceives as an unfair arrangement surrounding his involvement in the track. According to Portable, the initial agreement for his appearance on 4x2x16 was handled by his manager without his direct input. However, with the song now enjoying increasing popularity, Portable feels he is entitled to additional compensation.
In his characteristically blunt style, Portable claimed that his unique street-hop flavor was a major factor behind the song’s rising success. He didn’t stop at just voicing his complaints, the Zeh Nation boss went as far as to demand an extra ₦5 million from Ric Hassani, coupled with a peculiar request for “Canadian loud,” a slang term for premium-grade cannabis. The demand immediately drew attention, with many fans and industry observers noting Portable’s tendency to blend business disputes with sensational public theatrics.
During his outburst, Portable referenced his previous collaboration with UK rapper Skepta, highlighting the professionalism and respect he received in that instance. He explained that after their joint track in 2023, Skepta personally reached out to commend him for his performance and contribution. Portable suggested that Ric Hassani should have done the same, accusing the Thunder Fire You crooner of attempting to downplay his involvement and contribution to the track’s success.
The drama quickly went viral, sparking a wave of reactions across social media platforms. While some followers criticized Portable for what they described as opportunistic behavior and excessive demands, others questioned Ric Hassani’s decision to collaborate with the often-controversial artist in the first place. Critics argued that Hassani, known for his clean, soulful sound and calm persona, should have anticipated the unpredictable nature of working with someone like Portable, who has built a reputation for stirring controversy.
Fans of Ric Hassani expressed their disappointment, noting that Portable’s antics risk overshadowing the artistic merit of the song itself. Several commenters pointed out that while 4x2x16 was a bold attempt to bridge the gap between alternative soul and street-hop, the aftermath of the collaboration might discourage similar genre-crossing experiments in the future.
On the other hand, some supporters rallied behind Portable, defending his right to demand fair compensation, especially in light of the song’s growing commercial performance. They argued that while his methods might be unconventional, the underlying issue of artists being properly acknowledged and rewarded for their contributions is a legitimate concern within the Nigerian music industry.
In the midst of the controversy, neither Ric Hassani nor his management team has publicly responded to Portable’s accusations and demands. The singer has instead continued to promote 4x2x16 across his social media pages, allowing the music to speak for itself. Industry insiders suggest that Hassani is likely opting for a no-drama approach to avoid escalating the situation, preferring to focus on the positive reception of the song rather than the surrounding drama.
Interestingly, the incident seems to have done little to dampen the song’s popularity. 4x2x16 continues to rack up impressive numbers on streaming platforms, with listeners drawn in by the unlikely pairing of two vastly different musical styles and personalities. The controversy has, in its own way, served as free publicity, keeping both artists in the spotlight for reasons beyond just their music.
For Portable, the episode adds to a long list of headline-grabbing incidents that have come to define his career. From public altercations to social media rants and unpredictable business decisions, the Zeh Nation boss remains one of the most polarizing figures in the Nigerian entertainment scene. As for Ric Hassani, the ordeal serves as a reminder of the risks involved in stepping outside one’s artistic comfort zone — a bold move that, for better or worse, has left both artists at the center of public attention.
Whether this latest controversy will lead to any formal resolution or further escalate remains to be seen. One thing is certain: in the world of Nigerian entertainment, drama is never in short supply, and Portable continues to be one of its most prolific contributors.
