Ghanaian singer Smallgod, who started out in the music industry as a producer and manager has been making quite a successful transition into artistry since 2021 with popular releases like “Holy F4k” and his most recent release “Fallen Angel.” His collaborations with artists such as Black Sherif and Tory Lanez along with his roots in Ghana, the U.K., and the Netherlands help propel his music across country borders. Though Smallgod is perhaps better known for his contributions to the Afrobeats genre, his 2022 song “My Way” featuring Headie One, Eugy Official, and Medikal represents a shift to a blending of rap and Afrobeats. The song also tackles social issues such as poverty and the temptations of joining gang life.

“My Way” discusses hardships like surviving off of a quarter as well as running from Feds after getting into trouble. The artists rap about the ways family and faith in God kept them from falling into a bad life path. Additionally, the first verse mentions that it feels like authorities are just waiting for them to slip up, to throw away all their success in the music industry and fall back into old habits. In this verse, Smallgod and Headie One appear to call out cops for engaging in stereotyping and for not recognizing people’s ability to evolve. Though on the surface, “My Way” may just seem like another rap song discussing riches and success, the artists’ willingness to discuss vulnerabilities and the past pressures of poverty add a depth and relatability to the track. The second verse uses a metaphor of trenches, “still tryna fill up my trenches with trophies.” Even though all the artists have reached significant achievements, they cannot forget the disadvantages they were born into nor fully heal the wounds of their pasts. Lack of wealth has long-lasting effects, even when individuals start having financial security.

Moreover, Smallgod’s decision to combine rap and Afrobeats allows “My Way” to appeal to a much wider audience, further spreading his message. The collaboration with three different artists, one from each of the countries Smallgod calls home, makes the track even more of an autobiographical account.