Nigerian Hip-hop may not be mainstream yet, but it’s not dead or tired, you’ve just been looking in the wrong direction. While the OGs pop out once in a while, the new guys are making a loud noise. These are Naija’s most unique rap drops of the month.
Street Jam by Olamide
Olamide rhymes about his heavy bank account in street lingo, while having fun with the jiggy DMX/Ruff Ryder-esque flow. The sauce of the song — the last track on Baddo’s latest studio album, UNRULY, which came out on August 9 — is in its carefree attitude.
Pressure by Caleb Clay
Blowing up as an artist in this part of the world is a waiting game, and it’s even worse for rappers. Lagos-based Caleb Clay, and PH City emcee, Sknny, weaved some clever penmanship to express their underdog frustrations. Everyone who’s working hard for a good life would relate.
Air by Lifesize Teddy
Air is the opening track of Lifesize Teddy’s titular EP. On it, she displays her ability to deliver smooth hooks and clean-cut rap verses. It’s soulful as it effectively announces the arrival of a new rap chick in the +234, with lines like “Gat many women underneath this skin. They all fighting to be seen.” Don’t play with this babe.
E.N.K.R by Reminisce
If you know Reminisce’s music well, you’d know he never misses a chance to fire at his haters on any song. This track is no different. “E.N.K.R” is an acronym for “Eni kure”, which means “You won’t die well”. Alagba Ibile raps about performing daddy duties while maintaining his credibility in the streets and music scene. Braggadocious rap at its smoothest.
Boju Boju by D.S.6
Inspired by the local game also known as hide-and-seek, D.S.6 (Droxx and Slimsyxx) gives us a taste of their perfected afro-drill sound. Drawing an angle from the streets, Slimsyxx did his smooth sing-rapping on the chorus and first verse, leaving Droxx to finish off with an aggressive delivery and some details of his upbringing from Lagos to London and back to Lagos.
Run! remix
Abuja-based rappers Yôrkk and PsychoYP linked up for the remix of Run! off of Yôrkk’s two-song pack that came out in May 2023. It’s a trap song that warns other rappers to “japa” when these two guys step into the same space.
Operation Sweep by Falz
Falz confidently raps on his new single about his return to rule the airwaves and music charts. With a commanding title to match the theme, the rapper calls his guys up as he hits the streets.
11:11 by Jeriq
It’s get-the-money o’clock. On this track, Jeriq is only concerned about his financial freedom. Whether 11:11 is his personal manifestation, or he made the song at 11 a.m. or p.m., the artist leads the comeback of eastern rap in a fashionable way, with heavy drill music and catchy flow patterns.
To the Moon by Tonee C
Listen to this one to witness the beautiful transition from singing to rapping as Tonee C reflects on his music journey. To The Moon is the dope hip-hop track that will get your head bumping and hand wagging in the air. Enjoy.
Dump All Your Worries on the Dance Floor by SGaWD
In two verses, hopping from flow to flow on GMK’s house music production, SGawD raps about her talent, hotness and unshakable confidence. After a long or stressful day, you can close your eyes, plug this to the ears and lose yourself like the extras in Party Rock Anthem.
My Way by Benjamz & Dremo
My Way is the last and best track on Tunnel Vision, a collaborative EP by music producer, Benjamz, and former DMW-signee, Dremo. On a dark, cinematic beat best for reflection or expressing pain, the rapper talks about paying his dues, doing things how he sees fit and his perceived setback since his disappearance from the mainstream. You’ll hear Dremo rap with that fierce energy reminiscent of Meek Mill’s Dreams and Nightmares.
Sure Odd by Gen Uru
For this song about being sure of success and respecting other people’s choices, members of Gen Uru (a south-east and south-south music group), Kolaboy and Kodopearl join forces. Using the betting term, “sure odd”, they express how certain they are that there’ll always be a way, whether they’re in Okuku or Kafancha. Gen Uru employs Igbo gyrate music with trap elements, another example of what Nigerian rap should sound like — easy to pinpoint its cultural origin with a beat that leans more towards African than conventional Western rap elements.
ENJOY.
