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Nina Simone once said, “It’s an artist’s duty to reflect the times,” so Nigeria deserves all the artistic scrutiny it gets. While there are uncountable songs about the many social issues that resonate with Nigerians at the moment, we highlighted the seven that are articulate about our collective sentiments on electricity issues.
NEPA — Tony Allen
In 1985, the late Tony Allen released Never Expect Power Always (NEPA), and he just might’ve jinxed us for good with that title. The song was all about how useful electricity supply is to society and how its inconsistency affects people.
Just Like That — Fela Kuti
Fela trolled the government on “Just Like That”, a track off his 1986 Teacher Don’t Teach Me Nonsense album. “White man rule us for many years, we get electricity constantly. Our people come take over, dem come build Kainji Dam. Dem come build the dam finish. Electricity come stop.”
N.E.P.A. Bring The Light — Neo
N.E.P.A. Bring the Light is a 2007 pop-rock song by a Nigerian band called Neo. Listeners will croak at the part that goes, “I went to NEPA office, they told me they never took the light.”
2010 Light Up — Sound Sultan feat. M.I Abaga
Sound Sultan sang, “When we ask our government o, when Dem go give us light, dem say na 2010,” over a decade ago. It’s 2024 and nothing has changed. We’re still asking when we’ll have stable electricity.
Rara — Tekno
In 2016, Tekno bemoaned how frustrating generator noises are on this danceable hit. He talked about fuel scarcity and encouraged government officials to invest in structural development. That was eight years ago. Nothing till now.
Nepa — A-Q
On “Nepa” off his 2020 God’s Engineering album, A-Q reminds us that Nigerian electricity always disappears anytime rain comes around. He compares NEPA to rappers that splurge on shiny jewellery but have no longevity. Another proof Nigeria’s messy situation is still bad enough to remain a relevant pop culture reference.
UP NEPA — XYZ
When hip-hop music producer and rapper, XYZ, lamented about the light issues on UP NEPA in 2023, he told us ceiling fans don’t roll when there’s no light. But the call-and-response chorus is where all the fun is at — “When I say Up, you say NEPA / Up! Nepa!” NEPA, please, answer our desperate cries.
Psst! Have you seen our Valentine Special yet? We brought back three couples – one now with kids, one now married and the last, still best friends – to share how their relationships have evolved in the last five years. Watch the second episode below:
The current burst of youthful energy in Nigerian Hip-Hop is thanks to drill music, a bubbling subgenre. +234 Drill, as Nigerian rappers call it, has enjoyed visibility and churned out great records this 2023.
In March, we introduced you to the Nigerian drill artists you should know about. To celebrate the end of year, we picked out 30 impressive drill tracks of 2023 and narrowed it down to 14 undisputed jams of the year.
Bump this:
AGBALAGBI – OluwaMillar
The intro to AGBALAGBI flows with joyous flutes that cue in a sample of a Baba Suwe classic, “Agbalagbi to ju agbalagba lo”. The chorus is catchy, but the verses are even more infectious. It doesn’t only tick the boxes of puns and punchy one-liners, it’s a showcase of superiority that distinguishes MC OluwaMillar from the crowd with spellbinding tongue-twisting rhymes and apt football references in mostly Yorùbá. You may be good, but Millar says he’s better.
AGBALAGBI artwork
No Excuses — MOJO AF & EESKAY
MOJO AF and EESKAY are skilled rappers and braggarts. On this upbeat drill record, EESKAY’s verse hammers on the years he’s spent in the game, consistently working hard to stay in the conversation. He passes the baton to MOJO AF, who drops self-appraisal bars, stoner quotables and money brags. These guys are always an exciting duo when they come together, and some rap listeners’ new favourites.
Omo Yahoo — Norchkingz
This song went viral on TikTok and exposed indigenous rapper, Norchkingz, to a broader audience. Omo Yahoo captures the youthful exuberance of the internet fraud lifestyle with uncouth bars. It sarcastically asks “ballers” from wretched homes if their parents know they’re squandering millions — a Nigerian reality.
FLATLINE – Tomi Obanure & KVV (Kinfxlk)
“If you’re not gang, why you throwing up gang signs?” Obanure and KVV of Kinfxlk take a swing at pseudo-gangsterism with the hook of this track. With the music video, they paint vivid imagery that’ll comfortably sit under horrorcore, an anthem bursting with the obtrusive energy of Olympic weightlifters. Their music may be niche, but it’s quickly gaining traction with Abuja at the forefront of Nigerian Hip-Hop — thanks to the meteoric rise of ANTIWORLD GANGSTAS and Psycho YP.
Grealish — Runjozi
Titled after Jack Grealish, a Manchester City football club player, this song talks about feasting on opps and beats like “Popeye’s spinach”, but its sweetest part is the thematic beat that protrudes over Jozi’s baritone vocals. A skilled rapper, music producer and sound engineer, Runjozi distinctly designs his sound around his flow, cadence and voice texture. Grealish is the third track on eight-man rap band, BAD INFLUENCE’s Under the Influence EP, and it’s an absolute sports car stereo tester.
Apapa — Alpha Ojini
The sapa tale on Alpha’s self-produced jam is more celebratory than sympathetic. Of course, he had to douse the heavy lines on finding beauty in the struggle with humour. Alpha has lofty dreams of owning shipping containers in Apapa, living his best life and compensating for all the times he was down. Don’t we all?
Oloun — PayBac iBoro feat. Payper Corleone
Oloun, the 12th track on PayBac’s latest album, West African Goat, had him diluting his passion and persistence with prayerful yearnings to succeed. PayBac iBoro has cemented himself as one of the most consistent and diverse Naija rappers. From boom bap trap and drill to soulful rap songs, Afropop and alternative music, he proves to be a trailblazer on the modern Nigerian rap scene.
Hamilton — T.O.D SZN feat. Mo’Gunz
Hamilton sparks with a tone sinister enough to wake night marauders. Although juiced up in metaphors and street slang, T.O.D SZN and Mo’Gunz paint a picture of explicit street violence and what it means to be territorial. Their charismatic back and forth is simply a rap lover’s delight.
Jaiye or Not — D.S.6
“Jaiye” is Yoruba for “enjoy”. This hard-hitting tune about only living once, in multilingual delivery, skippy drums and haunting melodies, has become the Nigerian driller’s template for a local resonating hit. In the current music climate, anthemic songs in four minutes are rare. Jaiye Or Not by D.S.6 (Droxx and Slimsyxx) is one of those rarities.
Numero Uno — Mo’Gunz feat. President Zik
In a rap world complicated by ego and one-man movements, Mo’Gunz stakes his claim as “number one”. He is insatiable about taking over the game, but he’s also open to healthy collaborations. Numero Uno is a brute, bouncy, sing-along rap jam.
Darth Vader — Kaylu
It’s a different feeling when you’ve been in the game for a while but you don’t get the accolades you think you deserve. Kaylu sees that the mainstream music game differs from his champion days in Unilag. Strapped up to ignite momentum on bigger stages, Darth Vader is his entry as one of Naija’s most powerful rap Jedi ever.
OSHAMOR — Qeeb feat. Mo’Gunz
Qeeb has been silent since 2021, but his latest EP, ROUGH & READY, released in October 2023, mirrors his go-getter mindset. He channelled this energy especially with Mo’Gunz on OSHAMOR (meaning “You know”). If head-knocking verses and an aggressive chorus about pushing through hurdles get you pumped, here you have it.
Superman — Kene Himself feat. Droxx & Soto Eon
Kene Himself’s baritone vocals erupt with the command of a sophisticated Igbo chief as he runs through this beat with a sharp verse about poise. Superman’s chorus is infectious and memorable. And Droxx’s and Soto Eon’s contribution took the song from a nice rap joint to a spirited one.
Afghanistan — Rebelwav & Droxx
Collaboration has been one of the most vital elements of drill music. It’s why Rebelwav and Droxx have been more visible in 2023. On this track, they liken their daily Nigerian experiences to harsh living in Afghanistan — a well-understood exaggeration. Afghanistan is the last track on their joint EP, Haram Pack, which dropped in November.
After making fans wait eight years for his fifth studio album, releasing and changing his tracklist three times, Reminisce finally released it to the public on October 27, 2023.
Many Nigerian OGs are tiring out, and their new albums barely give the value of their previous work. But not Reminisce, who’s been in the game since 2003. He returns with Alaye Toh Se Gogo, his first body of work since El-Hadj in 2016, and it’s worth the wait.
On first listen, there’s no ascertaining what direction he’ll attack in, even though a general idea of his brand pops in one’s head — clever one-liners and lamba, charging quotables and daring subliminals at foes, sexcapade and high-libido anthems, with some romantic cuts, of course.
He’s been in the limelight for eleven consecutive years since 2012, remaining highly rated and critically acclaimed through it all — “do am if e easy,” Reminisce dares naysayers on the opening of this new album.
Alaye Toh Se Gogo is a street laurel that loosely translates to “certified boss” or simply “top boy,” but the type that Dushane in the grimy British TV show Top Boy would aspire to become. It’s a different beast when a veteran steps out, especially after hibernating for almost a decade.
The first track, Eyes, is a look-back at the uneasy come-ups he achieved against odds. He shares how if music hadn’t paid off for him, an unclean route would’ve likely made a way. This is a story that finds resonance with many individuals around the world.
Mayorkun’s support in chorus duty makes it the perfect album opener — a good combo of rap and singing — as Reminisce fires two shells of boastful yet introspective verses. He had to remind listeners and the competition that he gets sharper with age. He already proved he’s among the meanest rappers in the country.
Awon Aye follows. In Reminisce’s singing bag, another ammo spawned, shot at animosity and jealousy. He cleverly interpolates Pasuma’s Ligali into the hook, giving a local tongue-lashing vibe to it. This song is potent enough to give supposed detractors a wobbly walk when they pass by.
Since Omo X 100 dropped in 2021, Olamide only sings the chorus on their music collaborations, the heavy rap-lifting left to Reminisce. However, on their latest, Orin, the third track on ATSG Vol. 1, they relayed their silent battles and unexpressed emotions, which they compensate with a rewarding bank account and baller lifestyle. They talk about how hard it is for men to bottle up their feelings and keep rising to the occasion. Though soul-lifting, this track is a classic case of men drowning in hustle as a suppressant or escape from vulnerability and life’s drama.
If you’re familiar with Reminisce’s catalogue, all the man wants is his money and more money. This is the theme of Hustle featuring Bnxn and D Smoke. Alaga recounts his struggles to succeed and the vim to push his hustle and never stop.
Well, what’s a Nigerian to do?
The next track plays, and with it comes a realisation that Reminisce’s rap cuts are getting shorter with each song. In just a minute and approximately thirty seconds, Reminisce went full rapper mode on Recycle, just flexing his lyricism. It’s unsatisfying, but there’s more rap on the next track, E.N.K.R. The album version of the previously released song includes Ycee and artist-producer, Rhookcastle, who had the most outstanding performance on it.
Reminisce gets on his “sex symbol” assignment with innuendos at the core of his music on this album. On Shina Peters with Mohbad, he paints a picture of his sexual affairs — straight to the “ta-ta-ta” playlist.
Although Rotate brings out your waistline and legwork, it ends before four steps are made. Another display of Reminisce’s versatility, he effortlessly sings fuji with a new-age delivery that maintains its tempo and modulation, making street-pop his domain. Olu Maintain, the next track, showed him in his fresh pocket; a drill jam alongside youngins Dremo Drizzy, OdumoduBlvck and Powpezzy.
Oxlade’s falsetto cued in Why?, a romantic song in which Reminisce remained uncouth. The longing expressed on the song segued into Mora, a folklore performance — one of the best songs on the album — quite similar to his 2017 hit, Ponmile.
Although a filler Reminisce insisted on keeping on the album despite his team’s stance, Tight featuring Kayode, is a chilled braggadocious song about making money and having fun. It also speaks to Reminisce’s dedication to propelling young talents to a wider audience. Kayode, Powpeezy and even OdumoduBlvck, who recorded his verse for Reminisce before his breakout song, Declan Rice, dropped earlier in the year. On the Zero Conditions podcast, Reminisce mentioned how he’d rather do this than tweet about his support for the “young cats”.
The album ended with an acoustic rendition of Mora, the perfect street song to express love that doesn’t want to end.
Alaye Toh Se Gogo is a solid body of work away from his previous works and successful formula. It offers cohesive production and stellar performance at the age of 42. Age is just a figure in hip-hop. Legends in their 40s and 50s, like Show Dem Camp, M.I Abaga, Nas, Wu-Tang, still make music, cancelling the old “too old to rap” narrative. Fact is, if you got it, you got it.
Reminisce got it.
Alaye Toh Se Gogo is the new honour the street has bestowed on him. This title encapsulates his evolution as an artist, solidifying his superstardom and street legend.
It’s three days to our meat festival in Lagos. Get your Burning Ram ticket ASAP.
We have English-speaking rappers people often mistake for “hardcore rappers”, and Ibile United — an umbrella term for local Yoruba rappers. Although some of them mix some pidgin here and there, they’re not the same as rappers who strictly rap in Pidgin. Also, these pidgin rappers don’t enjoy as much attention as their counterparts expressing through other tongues.
This is a list of seven hard Hip-Hop artists who rap in Pidgin. You should be rinsing and repeating their work.
Erigga
Erigga, a.k.a. Paper Boi, is highly revered for spitting in Nigerian pidgin, telling relatable stories from the streets of Warri. When Erigga flows on soulful Hip-Hop beats and reflects on his life or talks about the ills of the music industry, he’s a different beast. Please start with the intro, Industry, and Death Bed on his Okorowanta album.
DanDizzy
DanDizzy,a Port-Harcourt-born artist, became famous for his impeccable freestyle ability.
Get a music box and play DanDizzy any instrumental, and he’s ready to go on and on. It’s interesting how he switches flows and makes bars out of anything in pure pidgin and PH slang.
His studio releases include Who Goes Der!, Denge Pose feat. BadBoyTimz and Yawa feat. Skales. DanDizzy sings, too, a lover at heart on Garni.
ODC
If soulful, Boombap and Lo-fi raps is your taste, ODC is the guy you turn to. His hard-knocking delivery and classic Hip-Hop samples, but the stories come from the gritty streets of Surulere.
ODC kicks knowledge, lifelines, hard punchlines, and puns that make you go “Ugh”. Yes, that’s how crazy he goes with the bars. He has The Illest series (three volumes) with South-African-based Nigerian producer MHP. They are a perfect pair because their styles are complimentary.
Abstraktt
If you see Abstraktt, you’ll think he’s never stepped foot on Lagos mainland or heard of Ikorodu. But when he drops his pidgin lamba, a big surprise hits you. Trap, drill, and afro-swing are his usual play stations.
[ad][/ad] Bops like 2Fresh, Guyman, and Allow Me to Rap will convince you on the first listen due to their relatability and fun choruses. When you see Abstrakkt outside, hail him as one of the unique rappers out right now instead of confusing him for DJ Consequence — he remarked on No Wahala.
Knowledge (of Ajebo Hustlers)
Knowledge weaves words together in pidgin and Port-Harcourt dialects, handing you vivid imagery of his socio-political thoughts, relationship issues, and his raunchy side. He’s also comical, which makes his raps more digestible. Most of his verses are on songs and projects like Kpos Lifestyle Volume 1 and Bad Boy Etiquette with his fellow Ajebo Hustler, Piego.
hyph!
hyph! has a mystical personality; there’s no face to the brand. hyph! just drops the music. He spills his mind on moody beats that sound comforting, especially after a weary day. hyph! has three tapes to his name — Bicycle Lane, blue+black and [h.i.M] on which he showcases his production skills and tells stories of his unemployment, the 2020 lockdown, cash chasing and lost faith.
His music is currently available on Soundcloud.
Reeplay
Straight out of Abuja, Reeplay has made a name for himself as one of the distinctive spitters in the federal capital’s music scene. Although he’s humourous, Reeplay raps in an aggressive way that amuses and keeps the listener engaged — every bar is either a claim or a brag or just a funny comparison of something. You want to hear what more he has to say. In songs like Comot for Sanko, Na Now, Not Sorry and Who Is Reeplay, he details his time in jail and the tough streets of the Buj.
We were surprised by this discovery too. And there’s more.
Sweet Boy
After dropping his controversial This is Nigeria in 2018, Falz made an anthem that brought all men under one umbrella. As members of Sweet Boy Association, every Nigerian man could identify as male slay queens.
Note: “Sweet boy” is not the direct opposite of “Yoruba demon”.
Soft Work
Two years before he became a soft boy, The Bahd Guy did the soft work that gave him his soft lifestyle. Off his 2016 Stories That Touch album, Soft Work was a hit that went on to become a phrase for “rich behaviour”.
Soft like Tony
In 2022, M.I Abaga released The Guy, his long-awaited fourth album and eleventh project. The biggest song off the album, it namedrops Tony Elumelu, and “Soft like Tony” has become the phrase of choice to show admiration for a wealthy businessman.
Chop Life Crew
Chop Life Crew is a musical collective that stormed into the mainstream in 2019 with the self-titled, viral single, Chop Life Crew, featuring Prettyboy D-O. “Chop Life Crew” isn’t just a cool name for a group of people who love enjoyment, it’s a lifestyle.
Something Light
Falz collaborated with another Nigerian rapper, YCee, to give stellar verses on one of the hottest songs of 2017. They go back and forth on the song, exploring Nigerian women’s wants and needs. “Something Light” is one of the popular sarcastic phrases Nigerian music has created.
Bad Belle
Late Nigerian comedian and actor Jagua, born James Afolabi Afolayan, had a popular sitcom on NTA that ran from the 70s to 80s. His series My Belle O, My Head O, mainly revolved around “neighbours” that waste their time being angry on unimportant things. Decades later, M.I a.k.a The Guy applied similar message and title in his 2014 single Bad Belle that featured popular OAP, Moti Cakes. The rap song dominated the airwaves and streets, and gave the phrase more popularity amongst younger generation.
Notable Nigerian rapper and voice of the street, Reminisce, integrates the phrase “OG before IG” in this song to describe how legendary he’s been even before the advent of IG. The phrase has since become a salutation in the streets.
KPK (Ko Por Ke)
Rexxie and Mohbad did a serious thing with the record, KPK (Ko Por Ke), in 2021. Every line stuck, pulsating throughout that year. KPK and its mates, OPP and OPG, are posh acronyms of Yoruba words that mean “abundance.”
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Alaye Jor Jor Jor
True Nigerian hip-hop fans were present at the peak of Vector tha Viper and M.I Abaga’s beef in 2019, when they attacked each other with diss tracks. But only one of them gave us a memorable phrase that’s become the Naija version of “Bitch, pleeease.”
Who U Epp
Undoubtedly one of the biggest Nigerian songs of 2017, Olamide Baddo — popularly known for dropping street OTs — linked up with Wande Coal and Phyno to give us Who U Epp. The jam and iconic street slang encourage us to dismiss arrogance and “smelling” entitlement.
Ekelebe Stunner
OdumoduBlvck’s latest single, named after English footballer Declan Rice, has a relaxed vibe but is lyrically focused on overcoming enemies. And “Ekelebe Stunner”, a phrase from the song, is now slang for a dirty Nigerian Police slap.
Omo x100
Respected rappers, Reminisce and Olamide, came together again on the sensational Omo x100. Immediately it dropped, other rappers did covers and freestyles that pushed the song as the inspiration for a generic internet term that describes feelings of shock, admiration and disgust.
Japa
When Naira Marley released Japa in 2018, his style was still strange to listeners, but his sound was irresistible. Japa came out at a time travelling out of Nigeria in search of greener pastures. The desire to avoid a situation or leave Nigeria for a new dispensation is best expressed with “Japa.”
Boys Are Not Smiling
This is a classic statement that captures the hot anger and frustration of being Nigerian. It quickly became cool and gained public acceptance after Boys Are Not Smiling came out in 2011. It featured veteran rapper Terry tha Rapman, off Olamide’s debut album, Rapsodi.
Mafo
With Naira Marley on the verses and Young John handling the production, this 2019 banger made a huge impact on the Nigerian soundwaves and vocab. “Mafo” is a Yoruba word that means to “don’t be broken.” It was the Marlian president’s way of telling us not to fret in face of adversities. Even though you’re a Nigerian living in Nigeria, you’re stronger than your cross. Mafo.
You have to be living under a rock not to have heard (or heard of) Odumodublvck’s Declan Rice. Less than a week since the song was released, the Abuja-based rapper has gotten co-signs from both Wizkid and the footballer the song was named after. But before Declan Rice became a smash hit, Odumodu had been kicking it in a rap subgenre everyone needs to get into — drill music.
Influenced by the UK and Chicago drill scene, Afro-Drill is the table all the cool kids are currently seated at. How do you get a seat at the cool table? Start by getting into these eight mind-blowing drillers who are grabbing the industry by the jugular.
Tomi Obanure
Source: Ajay Abalaka
Whether you call him Big T or The Wickedest, one thing is for sure, Tomi Obanure‘s music (and black and white visuals) demands your attention and respect — and it’s not hard to understand why. One of the most eclectic drillers in the game right now, Tomi is at the forefront of Abuja’s rap movement. This, thanks to Kinfolk — the record label he co-owns with fellow rapper, Nvthy — and his menacing flow on projects like No Rest for the Wicked and I’ll Sleep When I’m Dead.
With Odumodublvck transitioning from underrated Abuja rap hero to global superstar, Tomi is getting ready to take the next spot — lookout for the Kinfolk EP dropping in 2023 — proving that you don’t have to be in Lagos to make an impact on the music scene.
EESKAY
Source: Instagram/DisrespectThe_Gram
If EESKAY decides to retire today, he can do so confident that he’s already made two Afro-Drill classics: his 2020 Odumodublvck-assisted banger, Agbalagba, and his 2021 album, Drill.Or.Nah. But best believe the drill scene will be at a loss if he makes that move.
The energy and cadence with which EESKAY delivers his music can turn even the most composed audience into a mosh pit of overzealous drill lovers. One minute, you’re trying to figure out his sound. Before you know it, you’re spreading the EESKAY gospel far and wide.
Zilla Oaks
Source: Instagram/Zilla_Oaks
Whether you consider Zilla Oaks a driller or not — because of all the other subgenres of rap he’s ventured into — it’s still impossible to deny his mastery of drill music on songs like Still Up, Bussdown and Psycho YP’s 2022 standout, IC3 with Backroad Gee.
Zilla’s dabble into different sounds makes his delivery of drill music unique. He’s not coming at the sound as someone hyper-focused on being the best driller. Instead, his attack of the beat hints at an artiste who’s hell-bent on being the best, regardless of subgenre. Zilla said it best on Still Up, “Is it grime or drill? Anything Zilly Z touches, he kills.”
It’s hard to talk about the #EndSARS protest of 2020 without touching on the role music played in gingering protesters across the country. From Davido’s FEM to Ajebo Hustlers’ Barawo, music was everywhere during that period. However, one song that accurately described what everyone was protesting happens to be Droxx and Mo’gunz’ Officer.
Combining the urgency of drill music with Yoruba, Officer talks about navigating police culture as young Nigerians who get harassed, abused and killed by the people employed to protect them. The Lagos-based rapper has continued to swing between expressing the complex and hedonistic sides of life in Nigeria, across collaborations with Slimsyxx (fellow D.S.6 member) and Emmanuel Best.
KVV
Source: Alexander Beamer
KVV might be new to the game, but it’ll be in your best interest not to underestimate him. While the rapper’s bars might be jarring to a first-time listener, a specific potency to how he narrates his experiences and dreams makes for an exciting story, whether you believe it or not. In the face of a willingness among most rappers to make their version of drill palatable for a Nigerian audience, KVV stands out with an uncompromising sound reminiscent of the type of music your parents probably warned you about.
It’s safe to say Jaiye was on this drill thing before the subgenre found its Nigerian audience. Itchin, his 2018 single, came first, and by the time Jaiye dropped his first EP, Foreign, in 2019, he’d quickly built a cult following of curious rap lovers ready to follow him off the edge. A combination of the hard-hitting UK drill flow and that Lagos “main character” energy distinguishes Jaiye from the new pack of drillers in Nigeria.
His 2022 EP, Disappointed But Not Surprised, with songs like Enemies and Kweng It, shows that Jaiye’s done trying to prove himself or get Nigerians on board with his music. If you don’t fuck with Jaiye’s music at this point, it’s quite honestly your loss.
Legendary Styles
Source: Instagram/ILegendaryStyles
If there’s one drill artiste who shouldn’t need mainstream introduction, it should be Legendary Styles. While his name might result in some head-scratching here and there, his 2021 viral hit, I See I Saw, is one of Nigeria’s most popular drill songs, even if most people can’t tell it’s drill.
Unlike most drill rappers who tilt towards intimidating lyrics and British slang, Legendary’s drill style creatively merges funny Nigerian slang with Igbo bars — think Nigga Raw, but drill. If you thought I See I Saw was a one-time thing, you clearly haven’t listened to Legendary’s other gems, like Selfish (Papa Peter) and Old Roger.
Reeplay
Source: Instagram/ReeplaySumtin
Reeplay’s The Jig Is Up is one of the hottest projects of 2023, and we’re not even halfway into the year. Making drill as Nigerian as possible, Reeplay’s music leans on Pidgin English and a rap-sung delivery that removes the foreign barrier between the imported sound and a Nigerian audience.
Since grabbing our attention alongside Odumodublvck on the 2018 track, Finesse, Reeplay has grown as a rapper, keeping his bars tight and maintaining the commanding presence that made him stand out.
If you dream of being a rapper and don’t know how to tell your Nigerian parents, this article is for you. If not, you might want to read something else and be blessed.
Now, my future rap kings and queens, let’s get into these tips.
Tell them you want to rap for Christ
So many musicians started out as gospel artists. Who says that can’t be your story? There’s a higher chance your parents will allow you to start your rap career if they know you’ll rap your way through the gates of heaven.
At least, drop one gospel album before you start rapping about bagging shorties and imaginary Ferraris.
Bribe them with grandkids
If you won’t be the first tech inventor in your family, the least you can do is give your parents a new batch of children to project their hopes and dreams on. Or what do you think?
Show them how much Nigerian doctors and lawyers are making
It’s important to remind your parents that doctors are the ones going on strike every week, not rappers. Doctors and lawyers were ballers back in your parents’ era, but these days, not so much. If your parents don’t believe you, take them to Quilox to see who’s buying tables and Azul. Why do you think people say, “dinner with Jay Z” and not Dr Ben Carson?
Tell them you saw the rap career in your dream
Imagine your parents telling you not to be a rapper after you’ve told them it came to you in a dream. In fact, If they start to argue too much, just pull out receipts of all the times they stopped you from going out or doing shit because they had a dream. Sorry o, Martin Luther King. Unless they can dream a dream that’ll match your own, case closed.
In a delicate situation like this, it’s essential to speak to Nigerian parents through the medium they understand — WhatsApp. Send a broadcast message to one of your aunts, and watch the gist spread everywhere. By the time the story gets to your parents, all the people they would want to hide it from would’ve already heard the gist. No need for them to say, “What will people say?”
Rap about your plans to become a rapper
Do you know what’s better than talking to your parents about your rap dreams? Rapping to them about your rap dreams. The best way to convince anyone you’re good at something is by doing that thing. Freestyle for your parents. If it slaps, they’ll support you. If it’s trash, well, at least you tried.
Remind them of all your sibling’s fuck-ups
Your parents need to know you’re not the only disappointment. Let them weigh all their children’s fuck-ups and realise you’re a saint in the grand scheme of things.
Blow first…e get why
How can your parents argue when you have thousands of followers and a song that’s everywhere? Money stops nonsense, so move in silence until you have enough fame and success to shut your parents up.
Psycho YP isn’t exactly sure where he stands on the “rap music is dead in Nigeria” conversation. On the one hand, the 24-year-old rapper is proud of his healthy catalogue — YP has released EPs back-to-back since he debuted in 2018 with Ypszn. But on the other hand, he doesn’t really fuck with the industry.
“I know my music will always slap,” he tells me with an air of confidence that’s almost intimidating. “But the industry is fucked. If I dropped A-Q’s last album as YPSZN3, boys would’ve dragged me on social media for putting out something mid. But that same album might win the Headies for Best Rap album next year. Rap music is moving at the same pace as Nigeria right now. You have to accept the fact and try to kill it in your own lane.”
YPSZN3, YP’s 2022 EP and the final chapter in his YPSZN series, is a hard-hitting project chronicling his experiences navigating life between Abuja and London. Cutting across multiple hip-hop subgenres like drill, grime and trap, YP paints a vivid picture of internal battles with self-doubt (Sinner), encounters with the Nigerian Police (Silent Mode) and the conflict of juggling multiple relationships (Commitment Issues).
The project is unapologetic, emotional and loud AF, with guest appearances from Zlatan, Odumodublvck, Ycee, Reeplay, Backroad Gee and more.
When we talk about the story behind Silent Mode, one of my favourite tracks on the EP, YP laughs as we swap stories about the different times we’ve either been arrested or harassed by the Nigerian Police for simply existing. Even though humour is a recognisable Nigerian trait used to disguise trauma, YP’s story about sleeping in jail and mastering alternative routes to avoid the police is, unfortunately, the reality of most young Nigerians.
“I don’t really talk about my life experiences on social media or in person,” he explains. “I pour everything into my recording sessions. Rap is all I know.”
YP grew up listening to a combination of Young Money and P-Square, although he identified more closely with the former. Despite citing the works of Chocolate City rappers, M.I, Jesse Jagz and Ice Prince as early Nigerian rap influences, it was until Blaqbonez’ dropped Mr Boombastic in 2019 that something changed for YP. “That album made me realise rap could actually cause a wave on the Nigerian music scene,” he tells me, taking a deep pause before adding, “But Blaqbonez doesn’t even rap anymore. Everyone is singing now. I still haven’t listened to his new album, Young Preacher.”
This pressure to sing like everyone else is something YP is all too familiar with. Afropop seems to be the major genre selling out shows and climbing the charts in Nigeria. “There’s a sense of self-doubt that comes with being a Nigerian rapper,” he says. “Everyone keeps asking when I’m jumping on the amapiano sound. Then I go home and still get questions about why I’m not singing like Buju (BNXN). I have to keep grinding until they see that my grind is paying off.”
With five well-received EPs, a 2020 Headies nomination for Best Rap Album, a North American tour opening for Rema and his title as the Best Rapper of 2021 from Native Magazine, I put it forward to YP that his grind is actually paying off. He agrees to an extent, but he’s also conscious of the pressure that comes with people projecting this rap saviour identity on his image and music. After all, look what happened to former rap saviour, Kanye West.
“I can’t make an album that’s mid or full of skips,” he admits. “People aren’t rapping like they used to. So, one slip up and everyone starts saying, ‘Rap is dead’ again. I have to keep pushing myself.”
Although he’s a bit tight-lipped about what he’s currently working on, YP assures me his debut album will soon make its way to the public. But for now, he’s picking up the flowers being thrown at him for YPSZN3. “Everyone is happy I didn’t fuck up,” he says. “I can’t have anything less than greatness right now.”
Consistently shooting for greatness sounds like a lot of pressure. But something tells me YP will be just fine.
2022 has been the undeniable year of Black Sherif. Since breaking into the Nigerian market with the Burna Boy-assisted remix of his hit single, Second Sermon, the Ghanaian rapper has offered us back-to-back hits and features like Kwaku the Traveller and Always with DARKOO.
At just 20 years old, Black Sherif, popularly known as Blacko, has created a fun, introspective mix of hip-hop and drill that reflects his complex background and emotions. With the release of his debut album, The Villain I Never Was, I reached out to Joseph Nti of the wildly popular Sincerely Accra Podcast to help me understand some of Blacko’s Twi lyrics on four of my favourite tracks.
45
There’s a distinct grit and energy to Black Sherif’s music, and 45 is one track on The Villain I Never Was album that aptly reflects this fiery energy.
While lyrics like “If I fail, I needed that I’ll come back stronger” and “A tough skin, that’s the trauma child code” remind me of Cast, Ayra Starr‘s middle-finger-to-failure Gen Z anthem, Black Sherif’s 45 exudes a sense of desperation and urgency that makes it a harder hitting song.
Standout line in Twi: “Sɛ meyɛ aa na mewu aa na meko”
Meaning: “If I do and die, then I’m gone”
Prey Da Youngsta
Are you really a rapper if you aren’t flexing with double entendres unprovoked? Prey Da Youngsta could work as preying on the youngster or praying as a youngster in the spotlight.
Firing at the haters who want to see him fail, Black Sherif is confident in his spirituality as he continues to sing, “Holy father holding me right now.”
It’s the way I’ll submit my entire salary to watch Black Sherif perform Sad Boys Don’t Fold live. This crowd-pleasing anthem finds Black Sherif shouting out his crew and everyone else who’s hustling to make it despite the shitshow called life. A visual example of the quintessential grass-to-grace story, Blacko is quick to tell his listeners that the hustle always pays off in the end.
Standout line in Twi: “We’ll be great enti moda a monda”
Meaning: “We’ll be great, so sleep easy.”
Oh Paradise
Blacko has shown us time and time again that he’s not afraid to confront different parts of his emotions, from anger to desperation — and on Oh Paradise, grief. Inspired by his late girlfriend, Clementina Konadu, who died five years ago, he complains about being left behind and broken promises while taking out time to ask what life is like over in paradise.
No, it’s not allergies, man. It’s real tears over here.
Standout line in Twi: “For paradise s3 wuduru aa kae s3 meow fie. Bisa blessings for your man na meebr3 eh”
Meaning: “Remember me when you get to paradise. Ask for blessings for your man because life is hard.”
From Eedris Abdulkareem dragging President Olusegun Obasanjo on Jaga Jaga to M.I making a whole rap song from the titles of other popular songs on Safe, Nigerian rap has been anything but boring. And while we may have switched actual rap beefs for Twitter fights, newer rap gods are taking the game to a whole new level.
Is rap still the way it was when Modenine, Sasha P and Dagrin ruled the game? No. But that’s not to say the genre’s not alive and kicking in 9ja.
These are some of the Nigerian rappers you should have on your radar in 2022.
Zlatan
You know you’ve made an impact on pop culture when there’s a dance named after you. Despite being on the scene for a while, 2018 was the year we all got our real dose of Zlatan with his breakout hit, Zanku (Legwork). Since then, the rapper has scored big hits with Burna Boy, Naira Marley, Tiwa Savage and Davido.
Continuing the legacy of rappers like Dagrin and Olamide, Zlatan’s Yoruba-heavy flow has crossed over into the mainstream and made him one of the leaders of new school street Hip-Hop artists. Still can’t get over the “You’re not Ayefele, so what’s your excuse?” line from Killin Dem.
Psycho YP
Psycho YP is one of the most dynamic rappers in the country right now. Going through every emotion from his rage on songs like Smoke 4 Free to badass confidence on Big Moves, Psycho is creating his lane when it comes to rap and no one can cross his line. From trap music to Afropop, Psycho is doing the thing and we’re fully invested.
SGawD
You may not know SGawD now, but trust us when we say you need to get into her now. With a sick flow that can stand toe to toe with most of the rappers in the game right now, it’s no surprise that her 2021 Savage Bitch Juice EP made our albums/EPs of the year list. SGawD is anything but subtle when it comes to telling her stories through rap. With every bar, SGawD demands our attention.
While the world may view Lagos as the only entertainment hub in Nigeria, a not-so-quiet storm of experimental rappers is brewing in the capital city of Abuja with Tomi Obanure at the forefront. Flipping drill music made famous by artists like Chief Keef, Pop Smoke and Unknown T on its head, Tomi has created something unique to the Nigerian flavour. From his 2019 drop, FFPO to this year’s I’ll Sleep When I’m Dead, Tomi reminds us that he is 6’ 3”, sexy and one of the ballsiest rappers around.
DETO BLACK
The world was in deep lockdown mode when Odunsi (The Engine) dropped the EP, EVERYTHING YOU HEARD IS TRUE. But while we were all excited to hear brand new Odunsi, Body Countwas the song everyone just couldn’t stop talking about. Exiting the stage for female rappers to shine, the track introduced us to the badass DETO BLACK. There’s no way you could’ve missed the rapper whose unapologetic lines remind us of the fun, in-your-face flow in the style of faves like Doja Cat and Megan Thee Stallion. With women taking centre stage in rap on a global scale, rappers like DETO are holding it down for the women here.
EESKAY
If you’ve been to an EESKAY show, you’d know that the rapper has a habit of turning the crowd into a mosh pit. Owning a big part of the drill scene in his own right, EESKAY’s flow is witty, hedonistic and infectious. On his new mixtape, Drill.Or.Nah — Nah here means New Afro Hip-hop — which features the rave-starter, Agbalagba, EESKAY shows us once again that he’s not your average rapper, instead he’s an artist ready to shift the culture.
The Nigerian rap scene is pretty exciting right now, with some of the top rappers having a go at each other. Vector and M.I are currently getting the most buzz, due to the release of their diss tracks, “The Viper” and “Judas The Rat.”
You can get actively involved, too, and attempt to write your name in the sands of time. First, you have to find out which of these two great rappers you need to battle, and that’s why you should take this quiz.
You never listen to mainstream Nigerian songs for the content. If you need content, find Asa or Bez.
So get a banging beat and you’re good to go. But the fact that we don’t listen to the lyrics doesn’t mean there’s no limit. Sometimes, try. We are begging.
1. Check Up – DJ Mewsic POM ft. Skales, Vector, Hakym the Dream
This sounds suspiciously like he got this line from Ice Prince.
2. Export – MI ft Yung6ix
No. Ehn ehn. Nah.
3. The Game – Olamide ft. Phenom
This is just disgusting.
4. Icholiya – Phyno ft. Ice Prince & M.I
I’m hungry.
5. The Truth – Vector (Mode 9 Diss)
Smelling rap. You can do better?
6. RIP Drake & Meek Mill – Vic-O
Greatest. Rapper. Ever.
7. Prick No Get Shoulder – Brymo
What?!
8. Bullion Van – MI ft. Phyno and Runtown
Lyrical evangelist terrorist.
9. Freestyle – Davido
Well hello, Nigerian Iggy.
10. Thank You – Ice Prince ft. Choc Boiz
Dear Jesse, this is sad.
11. Kpansh – Yung6ix ft. MI
Now we know he can read the alphabet…wait!
12. Elbow Room – Mode9
Why in the name of all that is good and evil will I be holding a lemon and a torch?
13. The Infiltration Mixtape – Cyrus tha Virus
STOP!
14. 2Mussh – Reminisce ft. Sinzu & Ice Prince
How dare you, Ice Prince? How dare you?!
15. Comment Tu T’appelle – LeriQ ft. Burna Boy, Dammy Krane, Ozone, & Mojeed
Flying saucer ni.
16. Ta Lo Sobe – Omo Akin ft. Dotstar, IcePrince, Jesse Jagz, Shadow D Don
This. Is. Not. A. Good. Thing.
17. Too Much Money – Iceberg Slim ft. Banky W
That’s not even… Sigh…
18. Eziokwu – Lynxxx ft. Various artistes
This is why Glo dropped him.
19. Taxi Music – X.O Senavoe
We didn’t want to get it.
20. Ghostmode – Phyno ft. Olamide
Like a toolbox, I’ve got all your tools.
21. Omo Naija Remix – Reminisce
Baba Hafusa, what is spastic?
22. Back When – Davido ft. NaetoC
Are you done with that Masters yet? We hope not.
23. Anamachikwanu – Ill Bliss
The horror!
24. Naija Delta Money – Pryse
Just as well there’s no balcony. I would have pushed you off for this.
25. In My bed – Wizkid
LMAO!!!! What??? How???
Look at all these lines. Just see.
Just stop. Please.
So seriously, what are the worst Nigerian raps/lyrics you’ve heard?
