CHAPTER 50

The week passed by swiftly, but it wasn't uneventful; rather, it was brimming with moments. Hamza found himself on the receiving end of Sofia's attention, and he reciprocated in kind. His constant smile didn't go unnoticed by Adekunle, Hafsat, and Zara. They observed a change in him; he had become a meticulous cleaner and even asked for cologne from Adekunle. While Adekunle found it amusing, he recognized that it was probably related to Hamza's newfound interest in a certain girl.

Meanwhile, Hamza relished the time he spent with Sofia. As Friday rolled in and Hamza arrived at school, he sought out his friends who habitually arrived earlier. "Hey, how are you doing, bros?" he greeted them.

Abayomi, quick to respond, teased, "Loverboy, we're fine. Thanks for noticing us today. Seems that Sofia has you wrapped around her finger!" He chuckled as he said this.

David, while not against Hamza spending time with Sofia, was eager to check if Hamza hadn't forgotten his commitment to teach him guitar. "I couldn't agree more, Abayomi. It seems you've forgotten about us," he teased, then turned to Hamza, squinting, and inquired, "I hope you haven't forgotten what I asked you about?"

Recognizing the playful banter from his friends, Hamza chuckled. "Firstly, you guys know I could never forget you. And David, my parents said you can come over if that makes you happy."

David, pleased with the confirmation, expressed his joy, "Now I know you're my guy!" They shared a laugh before the class resumed as usual.

During break time, Hamza was engrossed in a pleasant conversation with Sofia, who wore a bright smile. However, a sudden commotion diverted his attention. He turned to see his three friends surrounded by classmates, murmuring about something, walking hastily toward him.

Abayomi gazed at Hamza with a hint of seriousness and curiosity. "Bro, can you rap?" he asked abruptly.

Surprised by the unexpected question, Hamza replied with a counter-question, "What happened? Why this question out of the blue?"

Abayomi sighed, contemplating his words carefully. "Someone actually challenged you, claiming that just because you were seen talking with Don Jazzy doesn't mean you're good. I feel it's because of jealousy, but he offered a challenge. Though he's good, I believe you're better."

Hamza, taken aback, wore a blank expression, puzzled about why this situation arose at this moment. He began to realize that this person intended to use him as a means to gain attention. Sighing, he looked at his friend, acknowledging that he knew how to rap, yet hesitated, "I do have the skill, but I don't think it's right for me to respond. He's simply a clout chaser seeking a fast and effortless path to fame."

Kennedy smirked inwardly, thinking that Hamza might be hesitant to face the challenge, interpreting Hamza's reluctance as fear of confronting another person. He then initiated a plan, taunting Hamza by saying, "Oh, Hamza, did I hear fear in your voice? Are you chickening out? Don't tell me you're scared?"

Despite knowing that Hamza wasn't afraid, David and Abayomi chuckled at Kennedy's teasing, urging Hamza to face the boy who claimed he could surpass him in rap. Abayomi joined in, encouraging Hamza, "Prove it, Hamza. Show him who's the boss, heheh."

Hamza looked at his friends, feeling their support for accepting the challenge. Chuckling, he responded, "Seriously, I don't think there's a need for that. I won't accept it."

Seeing Hamza's hesitance, David leaned in and whispered an idea to Hamza. The glint in Hamza's eyes indicated he might consider accepting the challenge.

Surprised but also liking the suggested idea, Hamza agreed, "Okay then, since you all want me to accept the challenge, let's go. Where are we holding it?"

Kennedy smirked at Hamza, eagerly anticipating Hamza's potential embarrassment. He had instigated the challenge and knew the person whom Hamza had accepted the challenge from. This person was skilled in rap, unlike Hamza, who was

known for singing slow and soft songs. Kennedy was looking forward to seeing Hamza out of his element.

Abayomi stood up, taking the lead, and informed, "The location is in SS3B, so we need to head there now if you want to meet him on time before he assumes you're not coming."

Sofia, who had been quiet all day, stood up and informed Hamza, "Okay, Hamza, I have to go for my break, unlike you guys. See you later."

Hamza waved goodbye to Sofia and accompanied his friends toward the opposite class. As they entered the room, they found an unusual arrangement—a square-shaped space in the center, formed by moving the tables and chairs. The area was crowded with unfamiliar faces, along with a few classmates who had come to witness the challenge.

Hamza observed his surroundings as someone approached him. The individual was shorter than him, with an average height, dark complexion, unruly hair, and a shirt unbuttoned nearly to the last button. He sensed a hostile energy from the boy and knew instantly that he was his challenger. Hamza extended his arm and said, "I heard you wanted to challenge me; here I am, bro."

The boy, identified as Segun, smirked and hit Hamza's hand, saying, "Bring it on, boy."

Abayomi stepped into the center, capturing everyone's attention. "Ladies and gentlemen, today we are here to witness a rap battle between two upcoming stars. To my right, we have Segun, also known as Shanks." The crowd erupted with excitement, signaling Shanks's popularity. Abayomi continued, "And on my left, we have the newcomer Hamza, also known as HamZee." Though not as loud as Shanks's reception, there was a cheer from Hamza's classmates and a few others who knew him. Abayomi announced, "Let the battle begin, Shanks!"

Segun stepped forward, and a small music box started playing a rap beat. He turned toward Hamza before commencing his rap. The crowd began chanting his nickname "Shanks!" as he walked towards Hamza and started rapping.

"Yo, listen up, here's my chance to spit,

But I'm looking at you, man, you're just full of wit.

You talk big, but where's the fight?

Your rhymes are weak, pure as the night."

Heads up, everyone, I'm in the zone,

But you, my friend, you're just skin and bone.

You act all cool, but that's where it ends,

No strength in you, just words, no amends."

"Segun approached Hamza, rapping a verse close to his face. The classmates, eager for a showdown, began cheering and hollering, "Go on! Show him what you've got!" Their excitement was more about igniting a conflict than appreciating the quality of the rap. They were all hyped up and cheering."

"Your lines are light, no substance, they lack,

I'm gonna tear you down, I've got the knack.

You strut around, but you can't back the game,

Your words are hollow, just empty, so lame."

The enthusiastic friends in the crowd erupted into cheers and applause, rallying to support their fellow student. "Bring it on! Show him what you've got!" Their enthusiastic chants were more about instigating a rap battle rather than appreciating the art of the rap. Meanwhile, Segun positioned himself in front of Hamza, seemingly aiming to provoke and stir up anger.

"You bluff and you boast, but where's your might?

Your barks are loud, but your bite's too light.

You're all talk, just a petty streak,

No muscles in you, just a voice, so weak."

Hamza nodded his head in response, contemplating his next move. Shanks continued rapping in front of him. The classmates maintained the boisterous atmosphere, enthusiastically shouting and clapping in support. They chanted loudly, expressing their support, "He's winning already!" and "You're gonna beat him, no doubt Shanks!" The encouragement was exuberant, focused more on boosting their friend's confidence.

"You're soft, no strength, you're light as a feather,

I'll crush you down, I've got that tether.

You think you're tough, but where's the clout?

Your rhymes are meek, my rap's about to flout."

The crowd continued to rally behind Segun, cheering loudly with shouts of "You're the champ!" and "Go for it, man!" Their encouragement seemed geared more toward inciting a competitive battle. As the rap drew to a close and Segun, feeling triumphant, despite the support, the crowd persisted, chanting his nickname "Shanks!"

Hamza, observing the situation, chuckled to himself. He had been contemplating singing a song from his previous world, maybe one of Eminem's tracks. But witnessing Shanks' mockery, he decided to reciprocate. Despite the crowd's continued excitement, with Abayomi acting as the MC, the support seemed uneven. Abayomi announced, "Let's hear it for SHANKS!" The crowd erupted in cheers. Then he continued, "Next up, give it up for HamZee!" However, only a few people in the crowd cheered for Hamza. Abayomi, feeling slightly unsettled, gave Hamza an encouraging tap on the shoulder.

Hamza observed the unfolding scenario with a smirk. He directed a nod to the individual controlling the music box, signaling to restart the beat. Instantly, the crowd fell silent, fixating their attention on Hamza as he confidently approached Shanks, ready to respond with his own rap verses.

"Yo, I hear you talkin', but let me set the record straight,

You claim to be the king, but that's just a fake debate.

I'm the real deal, the ruler of this rap game,

You're a clout chaser, seeking only for hollow fame."

Hamza's opening verse struck like a thunderclap, catching everyone off guard. The searing truth in his words left the crowd in utter amazement. His lyrics were a direct signal to Shanks, asserting dominance and exposing Shanks as a clout chaser, making it evident why the challenge was called for. The crowd erupted in excitement, their voices ringing out with an enthusiastic "Ohh!"

"You say my lines are light, lacking substance, it seems,

But let me show you, I'll shatter all your dreams.

I've got the power, the skill, the lyrical might,

While you're stuck in the shadows, lost in the night."

As Hamza continued, the crowd's anticipation swelled. Each of his words carried a resounding weight. His response to Shanks' criticism was met with a collective gasp, as it unveiled the depth and strength of his lyrical prowess. The audience burst into cheers, deeply impressed by Hamza's unshakable confidence, chanting his name—HAMZEE!

"You claim my bark is loud, but my bite's too light,

Well, get ready, my friend, to witness my true might.

I'll take your words and turn them into dust,

Leaving the audience astounded, in me they'll trust."

Hamza's response carried an electric energy that seemed to momentarily silence the room, eliciting an audible "oohh" of surprise and awe. With every verse, he exuded an undeniable command, showcasing his skill and unwavering resolve. The audience couldn't contain their excitement and erupted into thunderous cheers, some even exclaiming "damn," clearly astonished by Hamza's ability to cleverly flip his opponent's words against them. "smoke him," they cheered in acclaim.

"So bow down, the so-called king of weak rhyme,

I'm here to dominate, it's my time to shine.

You're just a clout chaser, hungry for fleeting acclaim,

But I'm the real king, leaving traces of my reign"

With his lyrics echoing through the room, Hamza confronted Shanks, locking eyes with a look of disdain. The words he delivered left no doubt about his claim as the true rap king. The crowd responded with a frenzy of applause and cheers, wholly won over by Hamza's undeniable talent and lyrical prowess.

"I'm the king of rhythm, the master of verse,

You can't touch me, you're about to be dispersed.

So keep hating and doubting, it won't affect my reign,

I'm here to stay, while you fade away in disdain."

"As Hamza delivered his final punch, the crowd couldn't help but be blown away by the sheer confidence and dominance in his voice. His rhythmic flow resonated with everyone, showcasing his expertise in the art of rap. The words flowed from his lips, immediately captivating the audience with his confidence and swagger. People nodded their heads in admiration, feeling the power of his words. When Hamza looked at Shanks, who wore a surprised look on his face, he raised his hands, prompting the crowd to cheer louder than Shanks had."

The effect of Hamza's performance was breathtaking, leaving the crowd in absolute awe. His words echoed with authenticity and strength, undeniably establishing his dominance as the rap battle's reigning champion. The atmosphere crackled with electrifying energy, filled with excitement and anticipation for the next moves.