Who?
Bilikon Ent is a Liberian musical collective (or label) known for its efforts to promote local talent and blend genres ranging from hipco, dancehall, and Afropop. Their 2017 project Press Play brought together several artists from the Liberian music scene, including collaborations with Young Zee across multiple tracks such as Boiling, Lover Boy, Take Note, and HayforIt
Young Zee (Dewayne Battle) is an American rapper hailing from Newark, New Jersey. A prominent underground emcee, he gained prominence as a member of the Outsidaz and is known for his energetic lyricism and enduring presence in East Coast hip-hop. Though this particular collaboration with Bilikon Ent is more cross-cultural than his typical output, it showcases his adaptability and international appeal
The song’s production appears credited to Quincy B—a notable Liberian musician and producer. While direct details about Quincy B’s role on this track weren’t explicitly found in the search results, his reputation in the Liberian music scene suggests he likely had a hand in shaping the sound of Press Play and possibly HayforIt itself.
What?
“HayforIt ” is a track performed by Bilikon Ent featuring Young Zee. It’s part of the compilation album Press Play, released in 2017. The track has a runtime of approximately 4 minutes and 37 seconds
The song is accessible across multiple streaming platforms, including Apple Music, Spotify, Shazam (which provides lyrics, music videos, and album context), Napster, and Amazon Music
Stylistically, while the song itself isn’t deeply detailed in our sources, its context—a Liberian ensemble collaborating with an American underground rapper—suggests a rich blend of Liberia-rooted rhythms, possibly Afro-flavored beats or hipco influences, with gritty, East Coast rap delivery.
When?
The album Press Play, housing “HayforIt ”, was released on April 16, 2017
Although precise release dates for the single HayforIt weren’t independently listed, its inclusion in the album places its release around that mid-April timeframe.
Where?
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Liberia: The home base of Bilikon Ent; likely the production and creative launchpad for Press Play. The Liberian music scene—especially genres like hipco and Afropop—is known for its lyrical vibrancy, rhythmic energy, and cultural storytelling.
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Newark, New Jersey (USA): Young Zee hails from here. His contributions bring an East Coast hip-hop texture to the collaboration.
Therefore, the track is a transnational artistic exchange: Liberian production sensibilities meeting American rap heritage—a notable fusion highlighting global musical connectivity.
Why?
Several motivations underpin the creation of “Hay for It”:
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Cross-Cultural Fusion: Collaborating with Young Zee gives Bilikon Ent international exposure and bridges musical worlds. It highlights how African and diaspora artists can co-create to expand influence and creativity.
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Platform Boost for Both Artists: For Bilikon Ent, working with a seasoned underground US rapper adds prestige and diversity to their catalog. For Young Zee, collaborating with African producers opens him to new audiences and stylistic experimentation.
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Showcasing Liberian Talent: Press Play as a whole appears aimed at elevating Liberian artists on a larger stage. “Hay for It” contributes to that mission by blending local sounds with global voices.
Summary
“HayforIt ” is a 4-minute, 37-second track released on April 16, 2017, as part of Bilikon Ent’s Press Play album. The song features American underground hip-hop artist Young Zee alongside Liberian musicians, exemplifying a cross-continental musical collaboration. Available on streaming platforms like Apple Music, Spotify, Shazam, Napster, and Amazon Music, the track stands as a fusion of Liberian rhythms and Newark-style rap delivery, representing creative globalization and cultural exchange.
So What?
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Cultural Significance: The song embodies how music transcends borders. It’s more than a track—it stands as a testament to global artistic synergy, offering a model for future collaborations between African and diaspora artists.
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Audience Expansion: For Bilikon Ent and Liberian artists, working with Young Zee opens doors to audiences in hip-hop markets like the US. Conversely, Young Zee gains exposure in African and global Afrofuturist music spaces.
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Legacy Building: Tracks like “Hay for It” bolster the narrative of Liberian music’s relevance on the world stage. They help position Bilikon Ent—and by extension other African labels—as serious creative forces in global music.
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Creative Inspiration: This sort of collaboration can inspire other artists to seek partnerships outside their domestic scenes, enriching artistic output and fostering innovation.
