It’s very easy to say Modo ain’t Naija hip-hop’s G.O.A.T, in 2018. Probably ’cause of the charts, Awards, ratings, money, views, and all that. But, you can’t ignore the fact that whoever gets the G.O.A.T title is beating Modenine to it. Just how relevant the man is to the culture.
The Yoruba MC is a very intelligent rapper, whose lyricism is the core point of his game. He also has that dexterity in his flow that makes him one of the hardest in the game. While you may know him for a couple of songs (Death Blow, Cry, Elbow Room etc), you may know him better as the rapper that kept taking the “Lyricist On The Roll” plaque at The Headies. At a time, he had to ask if there was no other person.
You may, however, know him best as the man that murdered Rugged Man, in that epic beef, which led to the biggest beef song, in Nigeria’s hip hop history. He literally murdered Ruggedy, and in that sense got compared to the Almighty Nas.
Whichever way you know him better, the truth is, Mode9 is one of the greatest rappers
It’s very easy to say Modo ain’t Naija hip-hop’s G.O.A.T, in 2018. Probably ’cause of the charts, Awards, ratings, money, views, and all that. But, you can’t ignore the fact that whoever gets the G.O.A.T title is beating Modenine to it. Just how relevant the man is to the culture.
The Yoruba MC is a very intelligent rapper, whose lyricism is the core point of his game. He also has that dexterity in his flow that makes him one of the hardest in the game. While you may know him for a couple of songs (Death Blow, Cry, Elbow Room etc), you may know him better as the rapper that kept taking the “Lyricist On The Roll” plaque at The Headies. At a time, he had to ask if there was no other person.
You may, however, know him best as the man that murdered Rugged Man, in that epic beef, which led to the biggest beef song, in Nigeria’s hip hop history. He literally murdered Ruggedy, and in that sense got compared to the Almighty Nas.
Whichever way you know him better, the truth is, Mode9 is one of the greatest rappers to ever grab a microphone. And, the best in Africa, in terms of rap skills. The Nas comparison ain’t over-hype!
He came onto the scene, first as part of the hip-hop group SWAT Roots, prominent in the early 2000s. He hit limelight, as a solo act, with his 2006 single “Elbow Room,” which made him a name, amongst hip hop heads. It’s considered Naija hip-hop’s most lyrical till date. His single, “Cry” also off his debut album; “E’ Pluribus Unum,” put him in the mainstream, even with the deep content of the song. His peak might have been shorter if not for the beef with Rugged Man, which got everyone talking. However, Ruggedy Baba was getting all the spotlight, with a whole album taking shots at him.
Although Nigerians have succeeded in sending the 41-year-old rapper packing from the industry, he’ll forever be idolized in Nigeria’s hip-hop. He already said he’s done putting out albums in Nigeria.
Whether he’s your favourite rapper, or not, Modenine remains a relevant part of Nigerian hip-hop. And the history won’t be complete without him. You can only forget him, you can never ever evict him from the history!