“America Did Not Favour Me, All I Got Was Criminal Records” – Speed Darlington
27 January 2026
Controversial Nigerian rapper Speed Darlington has opened up about his experience living in the United States, revealing that his over two decades abroad brought him more trouble than success.
The outspoken entertainer said that despite spending 23 years in America, he left with nothing tangible to show for it, claiming that his time there only resulted in multiple arrests and criminal records.
Speed Darlington made the remarks in a recent video circulating online, where he compared his life in the US to his achievements in Nigeria. According to him, his success back home far outweighs anything he gained overseas.
He explained that the mansion he currently owns, complete with a swimming pool, was built with money earned in Nigeria—not America.
“America did not favour me, and I’m not ashamed to say it,” he said. “All I got from the US was arrest after arrest. Criminal records. That’s it.”
The rapper stated that while he still has access to travel to the US to visit family, he prefers not to stay there for long periods. He described American society as unfriendly to his mental and emotional well-being, particularly as a Black man.
“In America, my confidence is very low,” he said. “I can’t even talk to women freely. I’m always thinking about my accent—will she laugh at me? Am I good enough?”
Speed Darlington claimed that racism and social pressure in the US made him feel insignificant, adding that Black men often have to “overprove” themselves before gaining respect.
“When I’m there, I’m lonely. If I stay nine months or two years, it’s just loneliness throughout,” he said, adding bluntly that the isolation affected his personal life.
In contrast, he said living in Nigeria has given him a sense of belonging and confidence.
“Here, everybody is Black. Everybody looks like me. Here, I matter,” he said.
He also referenced his widely publicised clash with fellow singer Portable, noting that the incident— which happened in Lagos—helped him financially.
“That fight with Portable helped me finish my house decking,” he said. “That money didn’t come from Las Vegas. It happened in Lagos, Nigeria.”
Summing up his feelings, Speed Darlington said he would rather live freely in a less glamorous environment than remain confined in a place that limits his happiness.
“It’s better to be in a forest, climbing trees and free, than to be in the centre of everything and feel caged,” he added.
Watch him speak 🗣️
Share:
“America Did Not Favour Me, All I Got Was Criminal Records” – Speed Darlington
Speed Darlington
Artists
