It’s been 14 years since prolific Nigerian rapper Dagrin passed away, and we remember him through the music he left behind. If you’re getting into his music for the first time or you haven’t listened to his work in a while, here are fourteen popular songs he made and featured on.
Pon Pon Pon
Pon Pon Pon is Dagrin fully in his element as a rapper, bragging about his skills and coolness and trolling his competition at the same time. This is arguably Dagrin’s and Nigerian biggest rap song. It’s also a rite of passage for budding rappers— if they don’t use the instrumental for a freestyle, it’ll come up in a rap battle.
Democracy
If Dagrin released Democracy this year, it would bang so hard and people would crown him the “mouthpiece of the masses.” From education to insecurity, undeveloped economy and neglected creative industry, Dagrin spoke to the powers that be. And indeed, it’s still important as ever to ask ourselves if what we have in Nigeria is democracy or demonstration of craziness.
If I Die
To many listeners, If I Die is a premonition of Dagrin’s death due to its timing. Whether he saw it coming or not, he faced his mortality and communicated his grime thoughts clearly.
Kondo (Magic Stick)
Kondo is Dagrin’s coded way of talking about his phallus and sexual engagements. During the peak of this song, its hypersexuality made it one of the jams that Nigerian parents said their kids weren’t allowed to sing.
Thank God featuring Omawumi
If Dagrin made a gospel record, it’d be Thank God. While reflecting on his humble beginning and the harsh experiences he saw on his journey, Dagrin bursts into gratitude mode. Singer Omawumi assisted with the chorus.
Ghetto Dreams featuring Sossick
As an inner-city child, aiming high can be a long shot due to environmental factors like unfinished education, poverty, lack of direction. Dagrin rapped about his aspirations before music took him out of the slums. Ghetto Dreams speaks for those held back by systematic problems and motivates people stuck in or trying to find their way out.
Owo Ati Swagga featuring Dagrin
The time of Owo Ati Swagga in Nigerian rap was the fly and bougie guys era. This song revolved around money and swag. Alongside Eva Alordiah, Terry tha Rapman, Gino, Dagrin designed a verse about sporting G-Wagons and rocking luxury brands like Gucci and Prada.
123 Remix featuring Dagrin
DJ Neptune assembled the best rappers of that time — M.I, Naeto C and Dagrin — for this remix in 2010. This isn’t a battle of the best verse, but a showcase of emceeing and craftsmanship.
Mercies of the Lord featuring Dagrin
Dagrin opened up the remix of Ortisefemi’s Mercies of the Lord and in his usual fashion, he stuck to the song’s motivational theme.
Gboro
This song is about Dagrin’s popularity and credibility in the streets. One of the interesting things about it is the singer on the hook. Listeners mistook him for 9ice due to their vocal similarity, but his name is Isolate.
Jimmy Jump Off featuring Dagrin
Dagrin’s session at DJ Jimmy Matt’s Jimmy Jump Off remains one of the most memorable. It’s a launchpad that allowed Dagrin spazz heavily with bars and also gave him more of the mainstream attention.
Everyday
Dagrin’s past, upbringing and life was a big part of his music. Everyday details the daily life of people hustling nonstop to get out of the rat race.
Loni featuring 9ice
On 9ice’s “Versus” album, he had Dagrin on Loni (meaning “today”). Although it’s about attending every party in town, Loni emphasises the essence of time and kicking against procrastination.
