Hip-hop has played a prominent role in Nigerian music culture since the early 2000s. Recognized as one of the finest in Africa and the world, Nigerian hip-hop stands out for its unique blend of melodies, beats, and rhythms. Over the years, the genre has evolved and flourished, giving rise to exceptionally talented and accomplished rappers across Africa.
Key figures in the Nigerian hip-hop scene, such as Mode 9, M.I Abaga, Olamide, Phyno, Reminisce, and Vector, have been pivotal in shaping the genre and pushing it forward.
This blog post will take you through a journey of the Nigerian hip-hop evolution, highlighting 12 tracks that have defined different eras.
Table of Contents
1. Oya by Da Tribe (2001)
“Oya by Da Tribe” stands as a collaborative track that marked a pivotal moment in the early days of Nigerian Hip-Hop. Released by the group Da Tribe, this track acted as a catalyst for the emergence of the genre.
The music group comprises two collectives: Trybesmen, consisting of three talented rappers – Eldee, Kaboom, and Freestyle – and their label mates. These label mates include artists such as Sasha P, 2 Shotz, Blaine, Dr. Side, Oradell, Double O, Dr. Timid, and Myst. Together, this entire collective, comprising Trybesmen and their label mates, forms Da Trybe.
In “Oya,” they skillfully blended indigenous Nigerian sounds with urban beats, thus setting the stage for the exciting evolution of rap in the country.
2. Ehen by Ruggedman (2003)
Ruggedman was one of the pioneers of Nigerian hip-hop. “Ehen” was his biggest hit that defined the early years of the genre, where the beats, rhymes, and fashion involved were still new to the music industry. Ruggedman’s clever wordplay and flow made him the king of rap in Nigeria.
3. Elbow Room by Modenine (2004)
Modenine’s ‘Elbow Room’ marked a pivotal moment in Nigerian Hip-Hop’s mid-2000s transition. Released during the genre’s early years, this iconic track showcased Modenine’s sharp lyricism, unique flow, and undeniable passion for the art form. With its thought-provoking verses and infectious beats, ‘Elbow Room’ quickly became an anthem that resonated with hip-hop fans across Nigeria and beyond. It not only reflected the innovative style and evolution in Nigerian Hip-Hop during that era but also served as proof of Mode Nine’s undeniable talent and contribution to the genre.
4. Anoti by M.I ft Gabriel (2008)
“Anoti” by M.I featuring Gabriel is a standout track in Nigerian Hip-Hop. Released in 2008, this song showcases M.I’s exceptional talent as a rapper and storyteller. With Gabriel’s soulful vocals beautifully complementing M.I’s rap verses, the song offers a unique and captivating blend of genres. It’s a truly memorable addition to the evolution of Nigerian Hip-Hop. The thought-provoking lyrics of “Anoti” added depth and substance to the track, making it even more impactful. It’s clear that M.I and Gabriel are incredibly talented artists who effortlessly captivate listeners with their musical synergy and ability to create a profound impact through their music.
5. Pon Pon by Dagrin (2009)
Dagrin released “Pon Pon” in 2009, aimed at celebrating the “streets” and the everyday struggles of the common Nigerian. The track’s lyrics narrate the hardships faced by people living in ghetto areas of the country. It became an anthem for the Nigerian youth and propelled Dagrin to become a shining star in Nigerian Hip-Hop culture.
6. Eni Duro by Olamide (2010)
“Eni Duro” by Olamide holds a special place in the history of Nigerian Hip-Hop. Released in 2010, it marked Olamide’s emergence onto the scene. The song’s raw energy and candid lyrics addressed societal issues, showcasing his talent for storytelling.
“Eni Duro” not only defined an era but also gave us a peek into Olamide’s promising career, hinting at the superstar he would later become in Nigerian music.
7. Oleku by Ice Prince ft Brymo (2010)
Ice Prince’s “Oleku” is considered one of the biggest songs in Nigerian hip-hop history. The song showcased Ice Prince’s lyrical capability and featured Brymo, one of the most prominent voices in the Nigerian music industry.
“Oleku” defined the era of conscious hip-hop in Nigeria and paved the way for Ice Prince to become one of the most successful rappers in the country. 2010 marked the breakout year for Ice Prince, thanks to his hit single “Oleku.” The track was on high rotation on radio and TV stations and was widely regarded as one of the most significant Hip-Hop tracks in Nigeria.
The success of “Oleku” helped establish Ice Prince as a leading star in Nigerian Hip-Hop.
8. Ghost Mode by Phyno ft. Olamide (2012)
Phyno and Olamide’s collaboration on “Ghost Mode” remains one of the most celebrated collaborations in Nigerian Hip-Hop. This powerful song introduced both artists as exceptional lyricists and sparked a friendly rap competition that elevated both artists to superstar status. The track’s compelling verses, heavy beats, and unapologetic attitude resonated deeply with fans, solidifying their place in the Nigerian rap pantheon.
Ghost Mode” remains an iconic anthem among Hip-Hop fans in Nigeria and helped to popularize Igbo rap globally.
9. Alobam by Phyno (2014)
“Alobam” by Phyno, released in 2014, marked a significant moment in the evolution of Nigerian Hip-Hop. This track, with its infectious beats and clever lyricism, not only made Phyno a star but also celebrated Igbo rap culture in a special way. It played a pivotal role in bringing together different parts of Nigerian Hip-Hop, showing that various cultural influences could thrive together.
“Alobam” became an anthem of pride and unity, resonating deeply with audiences across Nigeria. Its impact went far beyond the airwaves. It solidified Phyno’s status as an icon and added unique indigenous elements to Nigerian Hip-Hop.
10. Jagaban by Ycee (2015)
“Jagaban” was a massive hit in 2015 that took the Nigerian hip-hop scene by storm. The song featured Ycee’s unique style which was new to the Nigerian music industry, making him stand out as an upcoming rapper. “Jagaban” was the defining song of the new wave of hip-hop in Nigeria. To this day, the track is regarded as one of the most significant songs in Nigerian Hip-Hop history. It earned Ycee critical acclaim and opened the door for him to work with other stars in the industry.
11. Local Rappers by Reminisce ft. Olamide & Phyno (2015)
In 2015, Reminisce, Olamide, and Phyno, who are all well-known in their own way, teamed up to give props to indigenous rap styles, and it changed the game.
“Local Rapper” really connected with Nigerians and was everywhere on the radio. While some critics believed it was a diss track against rappers in Nigeria who rapped in English, the song celebrated and boosted the local rap culture, reminding people about the importance of staying true to their roots. It had fans across the nation chanting “Street ti takeover!”
“Local Rappers” had awesome lyrics and catchy beats that didn’t just bring back the love for rapping in local languages, it also made people proud of their culture and brought everyone together. It’s a big deal in Nigerian music history and it left a lasting mark.
12. King Kong by Vector (2015)
In 2015, Vector reintroduced himself onto the Nigerian Hip-Hop scene with his invigorating single “King Kong.” This track shook the airwaves and society and gained popularity for its compelling lyrics, which promoted self-confidence and resilience against adversity.
Vector’s skillful wordplay and sharp social commentary showcased the evolution of Nigerian rap, pushing boundaries both in terms of music and its messages.
“King Kong” ignited discussions on the role of rap in contemporary Nigerian society, addressing pressing issues with a blend of intelligence and creativity. It served as a catalyst for aspiring rappers, inspiring them to raise their lyrical standards.
“King Kong’s” impact reverberated through the industry, cementing Vector’s legacy as a true lyrical King Kong.
In Closing
Over the past two decades, Nigerian hip-hop has come a long way since its birth. The genre has undergone a huge transformation, from the early pioneers to the new school with iconic tracks like Ruggedman’s “Ehen” and Vector’s “King Kong” marking distinct eras. These 12 songs are proof of the evolution of Nigerian hip-hop, showcasing its unique qualities and the impact it’s had on the country’s music industry.
As the genre continues to thrive, we can’t wait for more defining songs and a hip-hop scene that resonates with people all over the world.
