Inside ‘HATE’: Toxic Lyrikali speaks on growth, haters and outgrowing the hood
By William Muthama, April 16, 2026Toxic Lyrikali has released his new track “HATE,” a dark, introspective trap record centred on themes of growth, envy, and outgrowing the streets.
Released on Wednesday, April 15, 2026, and produced by Sxrgical with additional production from M+M and Ares66, the song is built on heavy 808s and moody, atmospheric synths that reinforce its gritty underground sound.
It has already sparked conversation among fans for its sharp lyricism, Sheng wordplay, and reflective tone.
At its core, “HATE” explores the tension between success and perception. Toxic positions himself against envy and outside criticism, repeatedly emphasising a mindset of focus and emotional detachment.
This is captured in lines such as “mi never hate on a boy akimetameta,” where he rejects jealousy toward others’ success and instead promotes a mindset of mutual elevation.
Family pride over public opinion
One of the track’s most grounded elements is its emphasis on family pride. He highlights that external validation holds little weight compared to making his mother proud, reflected in the line “sijali wakibonga, bora matha ako proud.” This adds a human layer beneath the aggressive delivery, balancing street confidence with personal grounding.
The song also reflects on growth and distance from the hood. Toxic does not fully reject his roots, but instead acknowledges a shift in mindset, one where he can look back without being emotionally trapped by his environment.
This duality between loyalty and evolution runs throughout the track, giving it emotional depth beyond its hard-edged surface.
Lyrically, “HATE” stands out for its dense wordplay and street logic. Toxic incorporates Sheng expressions and math-inspired metaphors to describe division, pressure, and attempts to undermine his progress.
Lines like “boy kutuma boy mwengine ft6 haicount” highlight his critique of indirect confrontation and cowardice in street dynamics.
If you’re drawn to raw underground Kenyan hip-hop with strong wordplay as seen in “Chinje”, “Bad Everyday”, and “Dumpsite”, then “HATE” stays true to that style, focusing on a stripped-back underground sound instead of a commercial approach.
The production complements this approach, keeping the sound dark, minimal, and immersive.
Overall, “HATE” presents Toxic Lyrikali in a reflective yet assertive mode. It is not designed as a mainstream hit but as a statement piece that documents mindset, growth, and resistance to negativity.
The track reinforces his identity as an artiste rooted in street experience while gradually moving toward a more self-aware perspective.