During a recent episode of the Hip-Hop to Afrobeats podcast, the 44-year-old rapper pointed to veteran lyricist Mode 9 as his all-time pick.

M.I didn’t just name him—he went on to explain why Mode 9 stands in a league of his own. According to him, the rapper’s influence runs deep, having shaped the skills and direction of many artists who came after him.

He also highlighted Mode 9’s dedication to the art of rap, praising both his consistency and his lasting contribution to the Nigerian hip-hop scene. For M.I, it’s that level of impact that cements Mode 9’s legendary status.

“Mode 9 is always gonna be the most respected Nigerian rapper of all time because he is a rapper that when you found him, you didn’t need to visit anybody else to improve your craft,” he said.

M.I’s statement has since reignited conversations among fans, as many revisit the legacy of one of Nigeria’s most technically gifted rappers.

AFROBEATS Podumentary Episode 9 – “Local” Rappers. From Hip-Hop to Afro-HipHop to Yoruba Rap… How the fusion of indigenous language with Hip-Hop birthed Afrobeats.

Featuring never been seen archival footage of Mode 9, Terry da Rapman, Vector, Ill Bliss and MI. Showing now on… pic.twitter.com/wmCap0etcp

— Ayo Shonaiya (@AyoShonaiya) March 18, 2026

In other news, the veteran rapper revealed that one of the biggest battles entertainers fight is the fear of being judged for not living up to fans’ expectations of luxury and flamboyance.

According to him, Nigerian fans often attach a celebrity’s worth to material display, a mindset that fuels unhealthy pressure, forcing many to maintain an image they can barely afford.

He recalled making a deliberate decision early on not to be controlled by what people think of his lifestyle.

“When I understood that people in Nigeria tend to broke shame celebrities, I had to make a decision if I want to let that have power over me. Because if you don’t deal with that, it will have exceeding power over you. If you are not comfortable with the fact that some fans can broke shame you if they see you driving a car they consider below your level, then you are going to continue adjusting to their expectations. And that is how you go broke. You go broke trying to adjust to people’s expectations,” he said.

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In a strongly worded statement released by the label, home to heavyweights such as MI Abaga and Blaqbonez, Chocolate City described the alleged incident as a dangerous turning point in what initially started as a lyrical rivalry.

According to the label, the confrontation at Rhythm Unplugged represents an escalation of the long-running feud between Odumodublvck and Blaqbonez, which has largely played out on social media over the past weeks.

In its official release, Chocolate City stated:

“What began as a rap beef between our artist Blaqbonez & Odumodublvck has devolved into a sustained campaign of harassment, stalking and physical violence that now endangers our entire team.”

The label expressed deep concern over the safety of its employees, stressing that the alleged assault was not an isolated occurrence but part of what it described as a pattern of intimidation directed at its camp.

Although Chocolate City did not publicly name the staff member involved, sources close to the situation suggest the incident may be linked to individuals already connected to the dispute.

This includes Olayinka Osagie Onobun, the label’s Head of A&R, who recently filed a criminal summons against Odumodublvck over allegations of criminal intimidation.

The development has sent shockwaves across the music scene, as a clash once dismissed as online “rap beef” now appears to have spilled into real-life confrontation at one of Nigeria’s biggest music festivals.

Before this, the dispute had been limited to fiery exchanges on X (formerly Twitter) and legal proceedings that reportedly required Odumodublvck to appear before an Abuja Chief Magistrate Court.

Chocolate City’s statement further hinted that stronger legal steps are already being considered.

“We will not stand by while the safety and well-being of our dedicated team members are jeopardized,” the label said, signalling the possibility of additional criminal complaints and civil action.

As of the time of filing this report, Odumodublvck and his representatives have not released any official response to the allegations.

The unfolding situation continues to draw widespread attention, with many in the industry calling for calm, accountability, and a return to resolving disputes without violence.

“Odumodublvck assaulted Blaqbonez at Landmark Beach. He forcefully stole his glasses and took pictures wearing them. Rap beefs are part of hip hop culture. [Physical violence is not].”

– Chocolate City issues statement accusing Odumodublvck of repeated violence and intimidation pic.twitter.com/7C1AOJ451M

— Pulse Nigeria (@PulseNigeria247) December 22, 2025

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In a candid conversation with Chude Jideonwo, the veteran rapper revealed that one of the biggest battles entertainers fight is the fear of being judged for not living up to fans’ expectations of luxury and flamboyance.

According to him, Nigerian fans often attach a celebrity’s worth to material display, a mindset that fuels unhealthy pressure, forcing many to maintain an image they can barely afford.

He recalled making a deliberate decision early on not to be controlled by what people think of his lifestyle.

“When I understood that people in Nigeria tend to broke shame celebrities, I had to make a decision if I want to let that have power over me. Because if you don’t deal with that, it will have exceeding power over you. If you are not comfortable with the fact that some fans can broke shame you if they see you driving a car they consider below your level, then you are going to continue adjusting to their expectations. And that is how you go broke. You go broke trying to adjust to people’s expectations,” he said.

M.I explained that the obsession with perception is not only common among fans but also deeply rooted in Nigerian society, where appearance often overshadows reality. He noted that fame can be extremely fragile for entertainers who try too hard to keep up appearances.

Reflecting on the industry’s past, he added:

“One of the things that Nigerians are concerned about is their perceptions. And statistically, we are a country where most people don’t have money. It took me time to mentally prepare myself to accept being broke shamed. All our celebrities who were flying private jets 20 years ago are no longer affluent.”

The rapper’s remarks shed light on the pressures lurking beneath celebrity life pressures that, if not managed, can cost entertainers their peace, finances, and relevance.

“You go broke trying to adjust to people’s expectations…”

– M.I Abaga pic.twitter.com/lAfPjM2IOE

— @𝗼𝗻𝗲𝗷𝗼𝗯𝗹𝗲𝘀𝘀𝗯𝗼𝘆 (@OneJoblessBoy) November 20, 2025

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Speaking candidly during a recent episode of The Honest Bunch Podcast, Waje debunked the speculation, explaining that their bond was purely creative and professional.

The singer revealed that the rumours stemmed from their 2010 hit collaboration, “One Naira,” a soulful love song that captivated audiences and fueled assumptions about a real-life romance between the two.

“Because of the rollout and romantic theme of my collaborative song with M.I., One Naira, a lot of people speculated that we were dating. But we never dated. We were just friends who saw how great a love story in a song could be, so we created characters that would help drive the song,” she said.

Waje went on to disclose a surprising detail that M.I’s then-girlfriend actually contributed to the song’s production.

“His then-girlfriend was even the one who did the voice-over, not me,” she explained.

Their collaboration on One Naira became one of the most memorable duets in Nigerian music, known for its heartfelt delivery and on-screen chemistry, which many fans mistook for genuine affection.

Beyond clearing the air on her relationship with M.I., Waje also spoke about her personal views on love and partnership.

She reaffirmed that at this stage in her life, she would not settle for a man who isn’t successful or driven, noting that her age and life experiences have shaped her perspective on relationships and ambition.

Waje’s remarks have since sparked lively online conversations, as fans revisited her classic collaboration with M.I while applauding her honesty and maturity in addressing the rumours.

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The outspoken rapper, born Tochukwu Ojogwu, didn’t mince words as he declared he had “lost all respect” for M.I., calling him a “short man devil” and “a rat.”

His comments have since sparked heated debate within the Nigerian hip-hop community, dividing fans between those defending Odumodu’s bluntness and others condemning his perceived disrespect.

According to Odumodublvck, the root of his anger stems from what he described as M.I.’s silence during a moment of controversy.

He accused the “One Naira” crooner of sitting on the fence while a falsehood was allegedly spread about him, all, he claimed, in the name of maintaining a polished public image.

Taking to X, the DECLAN RICE rapper wrote:

“MI_Abaga as for you. The whole world is going to be shocked that I am talking to you like this, and I know they will come for me because you are very good at portraying the ‘good’ guy.

One thing they did not tell you is that I don’t care about public opinion, unlike you.

You stood in front of a blatant lie and decided to sit on the fence like Abuchi. I have lost every iota of respect for you.

I am coming out to the world. Short man devil, you no be my OG. You are nothing but a rat. I bet you won’t reply because I am saying the truth.”

The posts immediately went viral, drawing thousands of reactions from fans and fellow artists.

While some criticized Odumodublvck for taking shots at one of the genre’s most respected figures, others saw it as a bold stand of a younger artist challenging complacency and calling for authenticity within Nigerian hip-hop.

“I have lost every iota of respect for you. Short man devil” – Rapper Odumodublvck calls out MI Abaga. pic.twitter.com/ZyHder0kcy

— YabaLeftOnline (@yabaleftonline) November 1, 2025

So far, MI Abaga, the Chocolate City co-founder and two-time BET Award nominee, has maintained a stoic silence, choosing not to engage publicly with the controversy.

The rapper whose influence helped shape the golden era of Nigerian rap last made headlines in July 2025, when he confidently declared that he felt “no intimidation” from the new generation and urged them to match his consistency in the studio.

Whether this new rift evolves into a lyrical feud or quietly fades remains to be seen.

But one thing is certain: Odumodublvck’s outburst has reignited one of the oldest conversations in Nigerian hip-hop — the tension between legacy and rebellion, and the fine line between respect and realness.

This post appeared first on Mp3bullet.ng... Read Original post on Rapper Odumodublvck Drags MI Abaga in Fiery Online Outburst.

In a recent interview, the hip-hop legend spoke passionately about Nigeria’s strong sense of family and community, describing it as one of the country’s greatest strengths.

According to him, the communal lifestyle that defines Nigerian society makes parenting easier and more fulfilling.

“There are a lot of things appealing about home, especially because we’re already ingrained in that system. There’s a lot of support as well. I feel it’s very difficult for parents here,”
M.I said.
“But if you have family, now you have enough people that can stay at home and support you. But it’s not easy, man.”

The One Naira crooner contrasted life in Nigeria with that of Western nations, particularly the United States, where long working hours and individualistic lifestyles often make it hard for parents to get help from relatives or friends.

He explained that while many people are drawn to the stability and opportunities abroad, Nigeria offers a unique cultural foundation that helps children stay grounded and connected to their roots before exploring the world.

Although MI clarified that he isn’t yet making concrete family plans, he emphasized that Nigeria’s tight-knit social structure remains one of its most valuable qualities, one that continues to shape the resilience and togetherness of its people.

For M.I, raising kids in Nigeria isn’t just about location; it’s about keeping them close to their heritage, their people, and the kind of love that comes from growing up in a community that truly looks out for one another.

“In an event that you decide you do want to have kids, do you think you would raise them here (U.S), back home (Nigeria), back and forth?”

M.I Abaga: pic.twitter.com/Y5ZWN2cp2A

— @𝗼𝗻𝗲𝗷𝗼𝗯𝗹𝗲𝘀𝘀𝗯𝗼𝘆 (@OneJoblessBoy) October 13, 2025

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The ambitious body of work is divided into three sections, each representing a different voice and stage of life. The Men pays homage to industry legends with heavyweight appearances from MI, Faze, D’banj, Sound Sultan, 2Baba, Styl Plus, and Phyno.

The Boys celebrates the new generation of stars, featuring Oxlade, Shoday, Jeriq, Bayanni, Suave, Soundz, and Ceeboi. The final disc, Your Guy, presents Spyro in his purest form—raw, reflective, and unfiltered.

With this structure, the project blends eras, bridging Afrobeats’ past, present, and future. It combines soulful storytelling with infectious beats while exploring themes of growth, responsibility, and love.

By weaving Afropop, dancehall rhythms, and introspective ballads, Spyro underscores his versatility and long-term vision as more than just a hitmaker.

 

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Spyro’s journey to this milestone has been remarkable. He first broke into the mainstream in 2022 with Billing, but it was his smash hit Who Is Your Guy? that cemented his status as one of Afrobeats’ breakout stars.

The remix with Tiwa Savage earned him the Headies award for Best Collaboration and helped push him into international recognition.

Since then, Spyro has maintained steady momentum, racking up more than 240 million YouTube views and attracting over one million monthly listeners on Spotify.

From his beginnings as a Lagos choir singer influenced by R&B icons like Usher and Joe, to becoming a chart-topping sensation, his rise has been nothing short of meteoric.

 

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For Spyro, The Men, The Boys & Your Guy is more than just a debut—it is a personal statement. The title itself reflects the stages of life: the innocence of youth, the weight of manhood, and the essence of being “your guy,” someone relatable and authentic.

With this project, Spyro makes a powerful declaration of his artistry, paying respect to those before him, spotlighting the new wave, and boldly carving out his own space in the global Afrobeats movement.

Listen to “The Men, The Boys & Your Guy” HERE

This post appeared first on Mp3bullet.ng... Read Original post on Spyro releases debut album, “The Men, The Boys & Your Guy”.

The project, whose title cleverly echoes his career-defining hit Who Is Your Guy?, is designed as a three-part musical journey exploring themes of masculinity, legacy, and individuality.

In the official visuals, monochrome figures depict “The Men” and “The Boys,” while Spyro himself, shown in color stands as “Your Guy,” symbolizing his unique identity in the Afrobeats movement.

The album, consisting of 19 tracks, will be released on Friday, September 26, 2025. Spyro announced on Instagram on Wednesday, September 24, sharing the album artwork and tracklist. His post quickly ignited excitement online, with fans eager to hear what he has described as a “three-course meal” of music.

The project is divided into three themed sections:

• The Men: A salute to Nigerian music veterans, featuring heavyweight collaborations with M.I Abaga, 2Baba, D’Banj, Faze, Styl Plus, Sound Sultan, Phyno.
• The Boys: A showcase of new-generation talent, with guest appearances from Bayanni, Shoday, Oxlade, Suave, Soundz, Jeriq, and Ceeboi.
• Your Guy: Spyro’s personal statement, blending solo performances with just one feature Pitch6lack on the track Away.

The album boasts a strong production team. Kunle Adesuyi serves as executive producer, with Bobberry and Synx handling mixing and mastering. Production credits include Dawie, Colonel Tyemmy, Bash Anything, and Mr. Soul.

Spyro, in unveiling the project, wrote on Instagram:
“THE TRACK LIST, THE MEN, THE BOYS AND YOUR GUY. ONE MORE DAY TO THE FEAST … 26/09/05 Which of the tracks do you think will be your fav. Could you kindly help share this on all platforms occupied. Thank you.”

The Men, The Boys & Your Guy comes on the back of Spyro’s breakout singles Who Is Your Guy? and Stand By You, both of which solidified his reputation as one of Afrobeats’ brightest new voices.

With a blend of legendary icons, emerging stars, and his own artistry, the album is already being positioned as one of the most significant Afrobeats releases of 2025.

 

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Celebrated Nigerian rapper Jude Abaga, widely known as MI Abaga, has paid glowing tribute to his wife, Eniola Mafe, for her consistent support in his personal, creative, and business journey.

In a recent appearance on the Outside The Box podcast, the rap icon revealed that Eniola played a pivotal role in the early days of his company, TASCK, even becoming the first to back the project financially when he was raising funds.

But her contributions, he stressed, go far beyond money. MI described her as an active part of his creative and professional life—attending his shows, traveling with him, joining him in the studio, and even sitting through business meetings.

Despite her thriving career, she still finds time to stand firmly by his side. MI said:

“My wife is the most supportive person. When I started trying to raise money for my company—TASCK—she was the first person that gave me a cheque. She also supports my music-making process.

She filmed many of my clips online. She is always supportive. A lot of things I even tell her that I don’t need her advice because maybe I’ve not thought deeply about a particular issue and she has already done a ten-page exposé. She is the most supportive person. It is such a gift to have her.

She comes for the shows, she travels with me, she is with me in the studio, she is with me on designs. Sometimes, she comes to listen to me at meetings. And she has her own work, but every free time she gets, she comes to me. She is the most supportive person.”

MI’s heartfelt words highlight the depth of their partnership, with many fans applauding the rapper for openly celebrating his wife’s role in his journey.

"My wife is the most supportive person… when I started trying to raise money for my company -TASCK, she was the first person that gave me a cheque."

– M.I Abaga pic.twitter.com/RksjwSWrET

— @𝗼𝗻𝗲𝗷𝗼𝗯𝗹𝗲𝘀𝘀𝗯𝗼𝘆 (@OneJoblessBoy) August 16, 2025

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In a recent interview, MI described the connection between the entertainment industry and illicit financing as “an indictment” on the nation. “There’s a lot of controversy when people talk about Yahoo Yahoo because a lot of artistes, that is the funding that they have,” he stated.

According to him, the dependence on questionable local money and foreign investment highlights the absence of a sustainable and legitimate funding system for Nigeria’s creative sector.
“What I’m trying to say is that it’s an indictment on our country that we have such talented musicians and that the major funding for the industry comes from the West and this other industry,” he added.

“A lot of artists, that’s the funding that they have…”

M.I Abaga talks about how internet fraudsters fund a major part of the music industry. pic.twitter.com/M84RuxeDJ4

— @𝗼𝗻𝗲𝗷𝗼𝗯𝗹𝗲𝘀𝘀𝗯𝗼𝘆 (@OneJoblessBoy) August 12, 2025

To illustrate his point, the rapper shared a hypothetical situation:
“It’s an indictment. It shows that something is wrong. Hopefully, we can do better. Think about it: let’s even say I’m a Yahoo boy — I’m not — but let’s say I was and I just made ₦100 million. Okay, I’m now a criminal who made ₦100 million but still don’t have to give it to an artiste. I can blow it however I want, or I can put it in real estate.”

MI stressed that the reality is even more telling for many artists; wealthy young individuals with sudden access to large sums of money remain one of the few available sources of investment.
“What I’m trying to say is that the fact that it goes to artistes and that is one of the major ways that artistes can get investments into them… there’s no place else. It happens to be other young people who just happen to have money.”

While society may condemn the illegal origins of such funds, MI noted that some of these benefactors simply want to support their talented peers, a reality that reflects deeper issues within Nigeria’s economic and cultural structures.

Watch the full interview below:

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Veteran Nigerian rapper MI Abaga has opened up about his journey to finding love and settling down, revealing how he once grappled with feelings of inadequacy and regret over not marrying earlier in life.

In a heartfelt conversation on the Jay On Air Podcast, the celebrated hip-hop icon reflected on the internal battles he faced while observing his peers build families in their twenties.

“I felt a little bad about being unmarried when I was 37 because my friend who got married at 25, 26 now have 14-year-old kids. I have friends whose children are heading to college now. Even those who didn’t marry early had kids—Jesse has a 21-year-old child, and I don’t have any kids yet. So you miss out on some of that,” he admitted.

Despite those earlier thoughts, MI, whose real name is Jude Abaga, shared that he no longer feels regretful. He credits divine timing for leading him to his now-wife just a year after a major breakup.

“No complaints because I got the opportunity to meet this beautiful woman who I’m married to now, and I really see some providence in that. At the end of the day, when you’re not ready, you’re not ready. Everybody’s timeline is different, and that’s something lost in humanity today.”

 

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The rapper revealed that he met his wife shortly after turning 40, and she was present at his milestone birthday celebration. He proposed soon after, and the couple tied the knot when he turned 41.

Speaking candidly about his past, MI also admitted to having been emotionally immature and stubborn in earlier relationships.

“I have sadness when I think about how I was in my former relationships. I met a lot of kind women who were supportive, but I just wasn’t mature. I was stubborn.”

MI’s reflections have resonated with many fans online, sparking conversations around timing, emotional growth, and the pressure to meet societal expectations on relationships and family life.

Watch the full interview below:

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Respected Nigerian hip-hop icon Jude Abaga, famously known as M.I Abaga, has voiced regret over his decision to support the All Progressives Congress (APC) during Nigeria’s 2015 general elections.

Appearing on a recent episode of the Menism podcast, the award-winning lyricist and self-acclaimed ‘African Rapper No 1’ reflected on his past political stance, admitting that his initial endorsement of the APC was rooted in dissatisfaction with the performance of the then-governing People’s Democratic Party (PDP).

“Yes, I supported APC because, at that time, I felt that the PDP government was very corrupt. I was one of those who raised my voice to call for change and democracy,” M.I stated during the interview.

He went on to recount the public criticism he endured, particularly when he spoke out about violence in Benue State attributed to herdsmen. Many Nigerians, he said, were quick to point fingers, reminding him of his past support for a party they felt had failed the nation.

Reflecting on that period, M.I confessed that his expectations of the APC have been unmet, calling his previous support “a mistake.”

“As a human being, you try to do what’s right, but sometimes you’ll be wrong. Unfortunately, APC isn’t the APC of my dreams,” he said.

Now distancing himself from partisan politics, the veteran rapper has redirected his energy towards constructive engagement through his music and social impact work.

He stressed the importance of leveraging his influence to promote civic responsibility, empower young people, and drive accountability in leadership.

According to M.I, real change begins with the youth, and he’s committed to being part of that movement—not through politics, but through purpose-driven creativity and advocacy.

"APC unfortunately isn't the APC of my dreams."

– M.I Abaga pic.twitter.com/Y566ctA9Zi

— @𝗼𝗻𝗲𝗷𝗼𝗯𝗹𝗲𝘀𝘀𝗯𝗼𝘆 (@OneJoblessBoy) June 29, 2025

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