The early to mid 2000s were a good period for the Hip Hop community in Nigeria as a number of Nigerian rap songs came out and went mainstream.

Over the years, Nigerian hip-hop has gone through multiple periods with various actors and notable scenes.

Rap in Nigeria has advanced considerably. There have been songs that have changed the music industry, expanded its boundaries, and set new guidelines for rappers to follow. T

The music genre is more than just spitting out words after lines; it’s about recognizing the environment, identifying the needs of the audience, and meeting those needs.

The reason many rappers were such big hits back then was because of the energy they put into their songs.

The majority of them were anthems that people repeatedly sang and recited. Regrettably, the values that rap ought to promote have been losing ground in Nigeria.

The Nigerian music scene has been overshadowed by a growing love of Afrobeat and its many children sending rap into the background.

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However, many millennials would remember some of these songs that at one point dominated the airwaves during the 2000s.

Cry – Mode 9 (2007)

Mode 9 is considered as the leading pioneer of hip-hop music in Nigeria after earning the prestigious Lyricist on the Roll award multiple times. Cry was one of the tracks that solidified his position on the A-list.

The song, which was taken from Mode 9‘s 2007 album E’ Pluribus Unum, features beautiful singing by Nnenna and powerful lyrics by Mode 9.

It gained widespread critical praise and topped charts across Africa, winning three Channel O music awards for hip-hop, among others. The hip-hop music culture in Nigeria still finds Mode 9′s Cry to be relevant many years later.

Baraje- Ruggedman

Released in 2005, from Ruggedman’s ‘Thy Album Come‘ project, Baraje was that song that was played in parties and clubs. Ruggedman was able to tell the truth even though the song was composed with upbeat music when he said:

“Get crazy when u hear this instrumental, and most definitely, my voice is fundamental. Na the essential ingredient wey dey make my people dem no want 2 see the end. I’m bad more than that…stay forever like culture. You better make a move cos I dey watch u like vulture.”

This song was a real blend of rap and club music from one of Nigeria’s top rap innovators.

Too Much – DJ Jimmy Jatt ft Blaise, Sasha P, Bouqui, Kemistry (2007)

The fact that there aren’t many female rappers in the music industry motivated the legendary DJ Jimmy Jatt to record a song with some of the established female rappers at that time.

In light of social norms, this song promoted the authority of a woman in a field dominated by men. When it was released in 2007, the song served as a platform for female rap artists to showcase their skills and lyrical prowess.

No be God (2008) – Gino

In this song, Gino discusses his difficulties and his unwavering faith that one day, his Creator will intervene and save him from his plight. Those on the bottom rung of the social ladder might readily relate to the song since it is pure motivation.

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Anoti – M.I (2008)

M.I Abaga, hailed as one of the best lyricists in Nigeria, released Anoti from his first studio album, Talk About It, in 2008.

This song helped pave the way for the rise of other popular songs during a time when rap was popular in Nigeria.

Produced by Jesse Jagz and M.I, the song’s lyrics displayed the rapper’s boastful reputation as a shrewd poet and his aptitude for delivering punchlines through methodical rhymes.

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The Nigerian Music Industry is blessed with a vibrant rap history and over the decades the rap culture has evolved dishing out prolific rappers and collaborations.

Collaborations and cosigns which are one of the core traits of rap music, have seen Rappers team up with either their fellow rappers or singers to dish out hits.

Over the years, this partnership has bare fruitful hits that even to date, will always stand the test of time.

Here are the Top Classic Collaborations between Nigerian Rappers.

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Ghost Mode- Phyno, Olamide

The alliance of Phyno and Olamide on this song didn’t only bring two tribes of the indigenous rap art together but set the foundation of a long-term friendship.

Both artists are now at the peak of their game and have released a collaborative album. However, if you go back to the commencement of all their good deeds, ‘Ghost mode’ is the single that marked the passage of time and set Phyno on the way to glory.

Phyno released “Ghost mode” off his “No Guts No Glory” album, which is a blend of Igbo and Yoruba rap. The 4-minute track, which features Olamide, was well-liked by the public and garnered widespread broadcast not only in Nigeria but also around the world.

At the 2012 Headies Awards and the 2013 Nigeria Entertainment Awards, the song won Best Collabo. Clarence Peters shot and directed the music video.

Local rappers- Reminisce, Phyno, Olamide

With the rise of indigenous rappers, Reminisce, Phyno, and Olamide, who were at the forefront of the trend, stepped forth to honour the occasion. The resulting track caused a stir in the music industry, inspiring a slew of subs and shoots.

“Local rappers” was an anthem that made English-speaking rappers realize that Hip-Hop had evolved and that punchlines wasn’t the only thing selling rap in Nigeria.

Joor remix- Jahbless, Ice Prince, Reminisce, Durella, Ruggedman & Eldee

In 2011, Jahbless put together a group of artists to make rap music. The song featured Ice Prince, Reminisce, Ruggedman, and eLDee and even Durella added a verse to the mix.

The video, which was shot in an open-air boxing ring saw the artists go against themselves in pairs. The song was one of music producer, Sarz’s earliest works that were popular in the Industry.

Jagaban remix- Ycee, Olamide

By 2015, Ycee was a popping artist who had earned audiences with “Jagaban” and ‘Omo Alhaji“. When he enlisted Olamide on the remix, “Jagaban“, his career went through the roof.

It was a commercially successful song and this was the song that introduced people to Ycee, the rapper.

123 Remix- DJ Neptune, Dagrin, M.I Abaga, Naeto C

In 2010 DJ Neptune released the record 1,2,3 which featured M.I, Naeto C and the late Dagrin.

“123 (Remix)” was released in 2010 and was preceded by its original song from the previous year, which featured only M.I, who delivered a head-spinning verse loaded with his unique wordplay and flow.

By the time the remix was released, it had grown in importance, not only because of the additional elements but also because of the way it captured the pinnacle of Nigerian hip-hop and its limitless possibilities.

Each of the featured musicians was a well-known rapper at the time, both in terms of precision and economic value, and “123 (Remix)” provided an opportunity for them to flex alongside one another in a way that was both regal and free.

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King Kong remix- Vector, Phyno, Reminisce, Classiq, Uzi

Vector is unquestionably one of Nigeria’s most talented rap artists. Vector paved his way to being a favourite of music fans by consistently generating soundbars.

In 2015, he released one of his commercially successful and best works, King Kong.

That same year, a remix of “King Kong” was released, and it became a great hit, surpassing its original.

Despite the fact that the song has two remixes, one of which is by Sarkodie, the first remix is the one that has blown up speakers owing to its diversity.

The song is the second official single from Vector’s album “King Kong,” and it features four skilled rappers: Phyno, Reminisce, Classiq, and Uzi.

Every Rapper came through, delivering bars that proved why they were the best among best.

Delicious- 2shotz, Big Lo

The instrumental from Beenie Man’s ‘Dude‘ was sampled a lot all around the world, and it became the foundation for a lot of outstanding songs. Nigeria has hers, thanks to 2shotz and Biglo’s famous track “Delicious.”

The track was taken from 2shotz’s magnum opus album, “Pirated Copy.”

When it first came out, this song was a smash hit. It ruled the radio, the clubs, and the streets. The hunting Igbo flute and well-laced percussion in “Delicious” keep you on the dance floor.

As a result of their efforts, the duo was the first recipient of the Hip Hop World Awards, which are now known as the Headies. They took home the award for best collaboration. ‘Delicious’ was a truly delectable song.

Too much- DJ Jimmy JATT ft Blaise, Sasha P, Kemistry, B.O.U.Q.U.I

The “The Definition” album by DJ Jimmy Jatt is considered one of Nigeria’s best albums. This single was one of the causes for that. ‘Too much,’ a track fueled by girl power, features Kemistry, Sasha P, Blaise, Kemistry, and B.O.U.Q.U.I.

This song reminds one that even Female emcees were as powerful as their male counterparts.

Nobody Test Me- Jesse Jagz, M.I Abaga, Ice Prince

The Choc Boiz, comprised of Jesse Jagz, M.I, and Ice Prince, were unquestionably Nigeria’s best rap artists during their peak.

The group was unstoppable as hit single after hit single rolled off the label’s conveyor belt. ‘Nobody Test me,’ a track from Jesse Jagz’s “Jag Of All Tradez” album, is still considered one of their best works.

The song got us on that hip-hop evolution that year and ever since the game has never been the same.

Owo Ati Swagga (remix)- CartiAir ft. Gino, Da Grin, Eva, Terry Tha Rapman

While most people might not remember who CartiAir is, but most millennials would definitely remember his hit song, “Owo Ti Swagger“. The song was a hit but the remix was bigger.

The remix of ‘Owo Ati Swagga’ contains dope work from Gino, the prolific Terry Tha Rapman, a then surging Dagrin, and the budding Eva. It was released in 2009 to mixed reviews.

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Top Classic Collaborations between Nigerian Rappers

• Ghost Mode- Phyno, Olamide
• Local rappers- Reminisce, Phyno, Olamide
• Joor remix- Jahbless, Iceprince, Reminisce, Durella, Ruggedman & Eldee
• Jagagban remix- Ycee, Olamide
• 123 Remix- DJ Neptune, M.I Abaga, Naeto C, Dagrin
• King Kong remix- Vector, Phyno, Reminisce, Classiq, Uzi
• Delicious- 2shotz, Biglo
• Too much- DJ Jimmy JATT ft Blaise, Sasha P, Kemistry, B.O.U.Q.U.I
• Nobody Test Me- Jesse Jagz, M.I Abaga, Ice Prince
• Owo Ati Swagga (remix)- CartiAir ft. Gino, Da Grin, Eva, Terry Tha Rapman

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Back then, Nigerian Female Rappers were the equivalent to the current Afro-Pop Divas that dominate the music industry presently.

During those period most female categories in Award shows were won by Female rappers. Sasha P was one of the biggest recipents.

In 2007, DJ Jimmy Jatt has released the critical acclaimed song, “Too Much” which featured Sasha P, Blaise, B.O.U.Q.U.I and Kemistry.

Each lady gave their very best and kept the tempo of the song to the highest degree they could. They ere unstoppable indviadually and as a team.

However, as time passed the Nigeria rap music scene has been missing some girl power for a while. This is contributed by a lot of reasons which include the rise and popularity of Afropop/Afrobeat genre and the evolution of the rap industry.

Today, we would be celebrating the Ladies that held the Rap Industry down and gave us hits to remember.

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Sasha P

Singer/rapper, Anthonia Yetunde Alabi popularly known in the music industry as Sasha P once ruled the airwaves, from Radio to TV with her amazing voice.

Sasha P thrived in what was considered a male-dominated industry, where artistes dished club bangers that rocked and set music lovers on their feet. The rapper in her heyday was the most prominent woman in Nigerian hip-hop, even bagging the title, first lady of Nigeria hip-hop.

She gained success at a time when there were very few Nigerian women in Hip Hop music. Her success helped pave the way for other female rappers and musicians in Nigerian hip-hop.

Her hit singles, Emi Le Gan and Adara, earned her accolades as she was also extremely decorated and achieved a number of firsts for Nigerian women.

In 2008, she became the first Nigerian female artist to perform at the World Music Awards, and two years later, she became the first Nigerian to win the Best Female Artiste award at MTV Africa Music Awards (MAMA) and Women in Entertainment Awards, UK in 2009 for single titled Adara.

Since her break from music to focus on her clothing line, Eclectic by Sasha, little or nothing has been heard from her musically.

Blaise

Blaise, born Obafunke Martin Luther, is a Nigerian music artist with a distinct sound. She was born in Lagos but spent a portion of her childhood in the United Kingdom and Ibadan.

She began her rap career as a member of one of Nigeria’s most infamous rap crews, Da Trybe. They gained a lot of popularity with their hit song, Oya.

After the dissolve of Da Trybe, she became a solo artist and paired up with one of her ex-group member’s who produced her number 1 singles, “The Definition” and “Bragging Rights.” After this, she gained a lot of respect and popularity in Nigerian Hip Hop.

Her unique approach to Hip Hop was what brought her into the limelight. Her slick delivery could definitely bring her back and take her all the way up on the charts.

Bouqui

Real name- Bukola Afolayan, B.O.U.Q.U.I is a Rapper/Singer/Songwriter. Born at Ife, Nigeria, she started out her musical career as part of an all-female Gospel group, G-Vibes whilst a student of the University of Ife in the 1990’s.

She branched out on a solo career in 1999 and got her break-through in 2005, with the album – “BOUQUI” with hits like “Vanity”, “Molejo” and “Get it started”

BOUQUI hit the air waves with a bang when she released her hit track- Molejo. From then she went from glory to glory. Though her focus is on gospel music, this didn’t deter her from making an impact. She has since relocated to the US.

She has released a total of four albums and an EP.

Mo’Cheddah

When most people think about Mocheddah, they remember a tomboyish girl who stormed into the music scene at a young age.

Modupe-Oreoluwa Oyeyemi aka Mo’Cheddah is both a Nigerian rapper and singer. She released her debut studio album, Franchise Celebrity (while signed to Knighthouse Entertainment.

The album was preceded by the 2009 promotional single “If You Want Me”. 80% of the songs on Franchise celebrity were hits. She parted ways with Knighthouse in February 2012 and established her own label, Cheddah Music.

Eva Alordiah

Elohor Eva Alordiah best known as Eva is one multi-talented young lady. She is a rapper, entertainer, make-up artist, fashion designer and entrepreneur.

Eva has bars for days. The Award-winning rapper got inspired to start rapping after listening to a song by Eminem.

She released her debut EP, The GIGO in 2011 which was supported by four singles: “I Done Did It”, “Down Low”, “Garbage Out (Your Fada)”, and “High”.  She later released her first album, ‘1960’ in 2016

Weird MC

Shola Idowu aka Weird MC is arguably one of the pioneers of female rap in Nigeria. Right from her time in the UK, Weird MC was already rapping and topping charts.

When she came back to Nigeria, The rapper released her first hit song “Allen Avenue” off her debut album, “Simply Weird” in the early 90s.

Then in the early 2000s, she ruled the airwaves with the hit song, ‘Ijoya” which is still a classic to date. Her performance on P-square’s “Busybody” can’t be forgotten.

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Kemistry

Kemi Olisemeka known as Kemistry was more popular for her role as an O.A.P than a rapper. After moving back to Nigeria in 2003 she started out at Raypower then joined the sports radio, Brilla FM before moving again to Rhythm FM .

During her time at Rhythm FM, she released tracks like ‘Ijo ti ya’, ‘Shake’ and a did a few collaborations like the hit ‘Too Much’ by DJ Jimmy Jatt ft Bouqui, Blaise, Sasha P and herself.

Hall of Fame

In 2011, Tha Suspect released the Naija Femcees version of his hit song, “I No Send You featuring Sasha, Muna, Eva, Mo-Cheddah, Blaise, and Zee.

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