The Ghanaian music scene is buzzing with controversy as popular singer Mr Drew has issued a stern warning to music production duo DopeNation, demanding they stop mentioning his name in interviews. The heated exchange stems from explosive claims about songwriting credits for his 2020 hit single “This Year.”
DopeNation Reveals Behind-the-Scenes Drama Over ‘This Year’ Credits
The twin brothers behind DopeNation, B2 and Twist, recently dropped bombshell allegations during an interview with a Headless YouTuber. The producer duo claimed they co-wrote and produced Mr Drew’s chart-topping track “This Year” but never received proper acknowledgment for their creative contributions.
According to DopeNation, the collaboration process was far more involved than fans might imagine. They alleged that Mr Drew arrived at their studio with nothing more than “scribbled lyrics and no clear structure,” requiring extensive guidance to transform his rough concept into the polished hit that would dominate Ghana’s music charts.
The Studio Session That Sparked Controversy
“When he got to the studio, he had just scribbled words; he did not have the actual words for the song, so we had to take him through our process of recording,” DopeNation explained during their candid interview. The duo painted a picture of a collaborative creative process where they claim to have played a crucial role in shaping the final product.
The producers didn’t stop at Mr Drew, also calling out singer Sefa for similar alleged credit oversigGhanaian music industry. This broader criticism suggests a systemic issue within Ghana’s music industry regarding proper attribution for behind-the-scenes contributors.
Industry-Wide Problem of Uncredited Collaborations
DopeNation’s frustrations highlight a persistent challenge in the industry, where producers and co-writers often struggle for recognition. The duo emphasized their commitment to their craft, stating, “It got to a time when you produce and artists don’t go to acknowledge you as the producer or even as a co-writer on the song. That is a big deal for us because we are about the work.”
This revelation sheds light on the complex dynamics between artists and producers, where creative contributions may not always translate to public recognition or proper crediting on streaming platforms and official releases.
The Power of Proper Attribution in Music
In today’s digital music landscape, proper crediting affects more than just ego—it impacts royalty distributions, streaming revenue, and long-term career recognition. For producers like DopeNation, public acknowledgment can be crucial for securing future collaborations and building their professional reputation.
Mr Drew Fires Back with Social Media Warning
The “Dw3” hitmaker didn’t take the allegations lying down. On July 29th, 2025, Mr Drew responded forcefully via his X (formerly Twitter) account, warning DopeNation to cease mentioning his name in future interviews.
“Yo @GhDopeNation, I love what y’all do, but don’t disrespect me or my brand. You could have had your interview without mentioning my name. Next time you go interview, when you mention my name, you’ll hear a bunch of lame guys throwing tantrums,” Mr Drew wrote, clearly agitated by the public callout.
His response suggests the artist views DopeNation’s claims as damaging to his brand and artistic credibility, framing their revelations as disrespectful rather than legitimate grievances about industry practices.
Social Media Amplifies Ghana Music Industry Tensions
The public nature of this dispute, playing out across social media platforms and YouTube interviews, demonstrates how modern artists handle professional disagreements. Rather than behind-closed-doors negotiations, these conflicts increasingly become public spectacles that engage fans and industry observers.
‘This Year’—The ‘Song at the Center of the Storm
Released in 2020, “This Year” became a defining moment in Mr Drew’s career trajectory. The track achieved massive commercial success, dominating radio airplay across Ghana and accumulating impressive streaming numbers on digital platforms. Industry observers widely credit the song with cementing Mr Drew’s status as a major player in Ghana’s competitive music scene.
The song’s success makes the current dispute even more significant, as both parties likely have strong financial and reputational stakes in how the creative process is remembered and documented.
This developing story reflects broader conversations about creative ownership, industry ethics, and proper attribution that continue to shape Ghana’s evolving music landscape. As both sides maintain their positions, fans and industry professionals will be watching closely to see how this high-profile dispute resolves.