Barsee criticizes TeddyRide following speculation about verse removal on "Wleesayma" and his hiring of CIC, in a commentary titled "A Recipe for Industry Retrogression"

Monrovia, Liberia: Renowned and certified music artist “Destination Barsee” has publicly criticized TeddyRide for replacing his verse on the hit song "Wleesayma" with a verse from CIC. 

This controversy emerged a month after a heated exchange on social media between Barsee and rapper Mr. Church, who is also known as "Papi Elephant."

Barsee was reportedly excited when TeddyRide initially expressed interest in featuring him on the track. However, he was left shocked and disappointed when a snippet of the song surfaced online, revealing CIC as his replacement.

In early February, Barsee took to his social media page to express his discontent, accusing TeddyRide of sidelining him without any notice.

He did not hold back, bluntly calling TeddyRide “a female in a male body” and someone who disregards the emotional validation of others.

His reaction was captured in a post where he stated, "Lol... So TeddyRide removed my verse from Wleesayma just to get murdered. I think Sis Teddy is a bitch in a male body."

TeddyRide swiftly responded, cautioning Barsee to be mindful of the conflict he was instigating, a statement that quickly garnered public attention.

He warned, "If I take the gunshot for you, I don’t want to hear any spider stories."

Released on December 13, 2024, "Wleesayma" has become a major hit in Liberia, topping several local and international music charts.

The record has ignited conversations across social media and continues to dominate streaming platforms.

In an interview on KoolWeekendXclusive with Christopher Onanumus Onanuga, Vicky Blinkz, and Odarty Blackie, Barsee claimed that TeddyRide replaced him out of fear of being outshined.

Ironically, he argued that CIC, who took his place, performed even better than TeddyRide, ultimately embarrassing him instead.

Barsee, known for his versatility and lyrical depth, made history in 2019 by becoming the first Liberian artist to release a 20-track mixtape without any features.

His reputation as a feature specialist is well established, highlighted by collaborations on hit songs like "Engine Oil" featuring Stunn and "Hipco/Trapco" featuring JB D’General, among others.

Despite his renowned skills, TeddyRide’s decision to replace him with CIC has left many in the industry puzzled. This move has raised concerns about fairness and competition within the Liberian music scene.

The popularity of "Wleesayma" has skyrocketed, sparking viral TikTok challenges and gaining traction among Liberian celebrities, socialites, and the diaspora community.

The song was a major highlight at the 2024/2025 National County Sports Meet, weddings, and other events and continues to make significant waves.

The title "Wleesayma," derived from the Bassa dialect, translates to "Money Can't Spoil." Barsee believes that TeddyRide’s decision reflects a larger issue within the Liberian music industry.

He emphasized that love and respect are crucial values to uphold among entertainers if the industry is to experience meaningful transformation.

Edited: E. Geedahgar Garsuah, Sr.