Toxic Lyrikali vs Buruklyn Boyz Beef: Eastlands Rivalry Shaking Kenyan Hip-Hop
Kenyan hip-hop is on fire right now. The biggest conversation in the streets and online is the beef between Toxic Lyrikali and Buruklyn Boyz.
Both acts come from Nairobi — specifically the Eastlands side. Both have strong catalogues. Both command loyal fan bases. Now, their rivalry has turned into one of the most talked-about moments in Kenyan music.
Let’s break it down.
Who Is Toxic Lyrikali?
Toxic Lyrikali’s real name is Timothy Omondi. He grew up in Kayole, Eastlands. He started gaining serious attention around 2022.
His breakout track Chinje changed everything. The song pulled massive YouTube numbers. It positioned him as one of the most streamed young rappers in Kenya.
Toxic built his brand on:
- Street storytelling
- Raw delivery
- Heavy Sheng punchlines
- Confident Eastlands pride
He mixes lyrical rap with street energy. Fans connect with his authenticity.
His Diss track was posted on Youtube
Who Are Buruklyn Boyz?
Buruklyn Boyz is a drill duo from Buruburu, Eastlands. The group consists of:
- Mr Right (real name: Samwel Mwangi)
- Ajay (real name: Alvin Ochieng)
They formed the group in 2019. They helped pioneer Kenyan drill music. They blended UK drill beats with Sheng and Nairobi slang.
Their project 58 Flava pushed their profile higher. They built a strong identity around “the block” and neighbourhood pride. Their sound feels international but rooted in Nairobi streets.
Their Diss track was posted on Youtube
How Did the Beef Start?
The tension started through music. Subtle shots turned into direct disses.
Toxic Lyrikali released a diss track that questioned Buruburu’s Eastlands identity. Fans reacted immediately. Social media heated up.
Buruklyn Boyz responded with their own track. The energy escalated. Fans began choosing sides.
The rivalry did not stay online. Reports of a tense confrontation in Donholm made headlines. The situation almost spilled into real-world chaos.
Toxic later urged fans to keep the beef musical. He asked supporters to avoid violence.
That moment shifted the narrative. People realized this was bigger than entertainment.
Why This Beef Matters to the Kenyan Music Industry
This is not just drama. It affects the business.
1. Streaming Numbers Are Rising
Beef attracts attention. Attention drives streams. Both camps benefit from higher visibility.
2. Eastlands Is Owning the Spotlight
For years, other regions dominated mainstream Kenyan music. Now Eastlands controls the urban conversation. This rivalry highlights the power of street culture in shaping the industry.
3. Drill vs Street Rap Debate
Buruklyn Boyz represent Kenyan drill.
Toxic represents lyrical street rap.
Fans now debate sound, flow, authenticity, and influence. That debate grows the culture.
4. Brands Are Watching
When artists trend, brands pay attention. But conflict can also scare investors. If the beef stays lyrical, it helps the scene. If it turns violent, it hurts opportunities.
Competition or Division?
Hip-hop was built on competition. Diss tracks push artists to sharpen their pens. Kenya now shows that same energy.
The key question is simple:
Will this rivalry build the culture or divide it?
Right now, fans are listening more. Conversations are louder. Kenyan hip-hop feels alive.
One thing is clear — Toxic Lyrikali and Buruklyn Boyz are shaping the future of urban music in Nairobi
