Controversial Nigerian singer Habeeb Olalomi Badmus, popularly known as Portable, is once again in the headlines, this time for calling out singer Ric Hassani over their recent collaboration titled “4x2x16.”
The outspoken Zeh Nation boss stirred controversy on social media after the song, which features him, began gaining traction on streaming platforms. Portable claimed he was unaware of how successful the track had become and expressed displeasure over what he described as an unfair financial arrangement. According to him, the deal for his feature was facilitated by his manager, but with the song’s growing popularity, he now believes the compensation he received is inadequate.
In a series of videos shared online, Portable accused Ric Hassani of reaping the benefits of the song without adequately acknowledging or rewarding his contribution. He demanded an additional ₦5 million as well as “Canadian loud,” a street slang for premium cannabis, as part of what he believed he was owed for his role in the song’s success. Portable emphasized that his presence on the track significantly boosted its reach and popularity, citing past collaborations — notably with UK rapper Skepta — as examples of respectful and professional conduct in the industry.
He warned Ric Hassani against downplaying his involvement, stating that his energy and street credibility played a crucial role in the song’s impact. Portable also criticized Ric for allegedly distancing himself from the controversy while enjoying the benefits of their collaboration.
The online community has been sharply divided in response to Portable’s demands. Some netizens sided with Ric Hassani, accusing Portable of being unprofessional and greedy. They argued that artists should respect the agreements initially signed and not attempt to renegotiate terms after a song gains popularity. Others, however, pointed fingers at Ric Hassani, questioning why he chose to collaborate with someone as unpredictable as Portable, given his history of public outbursts and erratic behavior.
Despite the backlash, “4x2x16” continues to enjoy impressive streaming numbers across multiple platforms. While Ric Hassani has chosen to remain largely silent on the issue, Portable’s rants have kept the track — and both artists — in the public eye. Industry watchers note that this publicity, while controversial, has inadvertently driven more attention to the song, further fueling its streaming success.
This isn’t the first time Portable has clashed with fellow artists or collaborators over compensation and recognition. His rise to fame has been marked by both viral hits and equally viral controversies, cementing his status as one of Nigeria’s most unpredictable music personalities. Still, his ability to generate buzz — whether for good or bad — keeps him relevant in the ever-competitive music space.