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In the whirlwind of hip-hop headlines, Hakeem Prime's bold diss tracks against Kendrick Lamar in April 2025 turned heads and sparked debates across the culture. But let's set the record straight: Prime wasn't some overnight sensation riding the wave of controversy. This Boise-based artist, with deep Bay Area veins, has been crafting his unique sound for over a decade, blending silky R&B vocals with razor-sharp rap bars. From his early days as Hyphy Da Spider to building a catalog that screams authenticity, Prime's journey is a testament to grit, cultural fusion, and an unyielding work ethic. Before the disses dropped, he was already a force—recognized locally, dropping gems, and proving that true artistry doesn't need beef to shine.
The Early Spark: From Oakland Streets to R&B Beginnings (2011-2012) Hyphy Da Spider was born
Hakeem Prime - Try It Again (Official Music Video)
Born in Oakland, California, and raised until age 14 in the heart of the Bay Area's hyphy movement, Hakeem Prime (real name Hakeem) absorbed the raw energy of West Coast legends like E-40 and Mac Dre. But his entry into music wasn't through aggressive rap battles—it was pure, heartfelt R&B. In 2011-2012, under the alias Hyphy Da Spider, he released his first singles: "Try It Again" and "Don't Forget Me." These tracks were soulful pleas, showcasing his velvety voice and emotional depth, drawing from influences like Usher and early Trey Songz while infusing that Bay Area bounce.
"Try It Again," dropped in 2012, is a smooth, mid-tempo groove about second chances in love, with Prime's falsetto gliding over production that hints at his hyphy roots without overpowering the melody. It's got that irresistible hook that sticks, proving he could croon with the best of them. Then came "Don't Forget Me" in 2013 (though rooted in 2012 sessions), a poignant ballad pleading for remembrance amid heartbreak. Uploaded to YouTube, these videos racked up views early on, with fans praising his vulnerability and vocal range. As Genius notes, Prime is a "rapper, singer, songwriter and producer from Smyrna, Georgia," but his early years in Oakland shaped a "best of both worlds" style—Southern soul meets Bay hyphy flair.
These weren't just bedroom demos; they marked Prime as an R&B artist first, one who raps with precision when the moment calls. He wasn't chasing trends—he was building a foundation on introspection and spirituality, themes that would define his later work.
Enters into Hip-Hop and into the Hakeem Prime Era (2015-2016 Onward) 
By 2015, Prime leveled up, releasing "Slip Up" as his first full-fledged hip-hop track under Hyphy Da Spider. This banger was a game-changer: aggressive yet clever lyrics over a trap-infused beat, clocking nearly a million streams and views across platforms. Hakeem was able to branch out and start performing live." It was heavily promoted, hitting local airwaves and playlists, even if his fanbase was grassroots at the time. mgt at the time though it would be best to show his personal side by introducing a new name to the masses so no "hyphy" talk would be put on hakeem's belt.
From there, the floodgates opened. Prime dropped EPs like "Apex 3" in 2016, featuring teasers and full tracks that blended his R&B roots with hip-hop edge. Videos like "Plane Crash (Lyric Video) ft. JR The Golden Ticket" (2016) later he released his EP Signs (2018). which featured fan favorites like "Faith" "Peel off" Pull Up and more now featured on DSPs. This got him to his first big underground look and touching publications. The next year in 2019 Hakeem Prime drop Detour which ranked up over 70K views on Datpiff bring in almost 57K Streams & 9.7K downloads he even got a Datpiff stamped badge though after getting that traction and meeting new investors the world had undergone a massive shift with Covid-19 months before covid hit hakeem had announced a 10 date tour with a hand full of sponsors though short lived. shortly after hakeem was incarcerated from oct 2019- jan 2021 and a pond release supporters of his were shocked to find he had been creating more music. Hakeem Dropped "Truth Is" (First Day Out) showcasing his rap ability had only gotten better. releasing then a single exclusively on soundcloud called ' Imm Let You Go'
Next "Rather Die (Teaser)" show his evolution—lyrical prowess tackling themes of resilience, love, and street wisdom. His music has been described as a "gumbo of culture," mixing Bay Area hyphy's high-energy vibes with Southern hip-hop's trap elements and R&B's emotional core. Medium highlights this fusion in a 2025 piece, noting Prime's "distinctive and versatile style."
And the work ethic? Undeniable. By 2023, he'd released albums like "DeTOUR 2," reviewed by CBS 4 as channeling his "hyphy da spider persona" in tracks about vulnerability and growth. "Apex 3" followed, dedicated to blending R&B and hip-hop, as per his Facebook bio. He's performed alongside industry names, collaborated on features, and built a catalog of mixtapes that scream consistency. HIP Video Promo recalls: "Beginning his career as 'Hyphy Da Spider,' a nod to his Oakland upbringing, he was proud of the representation he offered his city."
Local Ties and Recognition: Bay Area Shoutouts Before the Spotlight
Prime's Bay Area roots aren't just backstory—they're etched in local media. Thizzler On The Roof, the iconic Bay Area music platform, acknowledged his longevity with a throwback post: "Hakeem Prime 10 years ago today was 'HyphyDaSpider'," celebrating his decade-plus grind and hyphy origins. This nod from Thizzler, a staple for West Coast talent, underscores that Prime wasn't unknown; he was embedded in the scene, repping Oakland's energy even after relocating to Boise, Idaho.
All Bay Music doubled down, posting about him and highlighting his pre-name-change era in their review of "Boise Mutation" (released August 2025, but building on years of work): "Before the name change, before the viral hits, he was Hyphy Da Spider—a raw, relentless voice repping his hyphy roots with pride." These platforms, focused on Bay Area culture, prove his local ties were strong. Vocal articles and The Bash profile him as a "singer/songwriter with a friendly down-to-earth manner," combining "Soulfull American life" with hyphy flair, performing gigs and earning respect from peers.
His Congolese heritage (via his mother) adds another layer, infusing global rhythms into his sound. As The Source put it in a 2025 review (pre-diss hype), Prime's music represents a "seismic shift" in hip-hop, challenging norms and defending underrepresented voices.
Accolades and Skill: Why Prime's Artistry Stands Alone 
What sets Prime apart? His lyrical style—introspective, spiritual, sometimes playful—delivered with a voice that can switch from buttery R&B hooks to hard-hitting bars. Tracks like "Imma Let You Go" (2022, with a DOPE clip praised for its visuals) show his versatility, earning promo from HIP Video Promo and streams in the hundreds of thousands. He's not afraid to challenge the industry, as noted in Vocal pieces, standing for authenticity outside mainstream glare.
Accolades pile up: Millions of collective views on YouTube, features on platforms like Genius (where fans annotate his bars), and a discography spanning 10 projects by 2025. He's performed live, interviewed on stations like Power 102.8, and collaborated with artists like JR The Golden Ticket. His 2024 release "Imma Let You Go" was hailed for its emotional depth, proving his R&B core remains strong even as he raps.
Prime's skill isn't just technical; it's purposeful. He reclaims regional identity, flipping hyphy into something fresh while addressing generational themes. Before any diss, he was known for this "unique sound," as fans on X (formerly Twitter) echoed pre-2025: blending Bay hyphy, Southern grit, and R&B silk into something undeniable.
Beyond the Beef: A Legacy of Depth and Defiance 
The Kendrick disses? They're just the latest chapter, a platform to amplify what Prime's been about: protecting hip-hop's roots and calling out inauthenticity. But rewind the tape, and you'll see an artist who's been grinding since 2011, evolving from R&B crooner to hyphy-infused rapper, earning local love from Thizzler and All Bay Music, and building a fanbase on pure talent. Hakeem Prime isn't defined by controversy—he's elevated by it. With a catalog that demands respect and a style that's all his own, he's proof that real ones shine with or without the drama. Dive into his early work, and you'll hear why he's been a name worth knowing for years. 🕷️ #HakeemPrime #HyphyDaSpider #BayAreaRoots