Hip-Hop @ 50: Celebrating 10 Iconic Naija Hip-Hop Artists of All Time

As the 50th anniversary of hip-hop, a genre that embodies the spirit of resilience in Black Americans is being celebrated across the Atlantic, it is fitting that Nigerian aficionados also raise their glasses in acknowledgement that hip-hop also left an indelible mark on the Nigerian music landscape, particularly during the 90s and early 2000s, when numerous rap artists burst onto the scene. While hip-hop encompasses a broader range of talents beyond just rappers, these outstanding performers have been at the forefront of the genre in the country,

giving birth to the term ‘Naija rap’ or ‘Naija hip-hop.’ Recognising the genre’s impact and influence on Nigerian music, Vanessa Obioha  presents a profile of 10 remarkable Naija hip-hop icons.

Junior and Pretty: Long before Afrobeats took centre stage, two young men, Junior and Pretty laid the foundation for Naija hip-hop, captivating audiences with their distinctive style of pidgin rap that intricately weaved tales of love and relationships unique to Nigeria. Tracks like ‘Monica’ and ‘Bolanle’ propelled this dynamic duo to stardom in the  90s.

Eedris Abdulkareem: Leading the now-defunct hip-hop group, The Remedies, which included Eddy Remedy,  ‘and Tony Tetuila, Eedris Abdulkareem emerged as a provocative rapper in the late 90s. His rapid-fire delivery and controversial lyrics bore a resemblance to American counterparts like Busta Rhymes and Nas. Even as a solo artiste, Eedris remained in the limelight, with hits like ‘Jaga Jaga,’ a scathing critique of corruption and lawlessness in the Nigerian polity.

Weird MC: In the 90s, Weird MC stood as one of Nigeria’s premier female rappers. Her 1996 album ‘Simply Weird,’ seamlessly blending hip-hop and Afrobeat, showcased hits like ‘Allen Avenue.’ A decade later, her sophomore album ‘After Da Storm’ produced the chart-topping ‘Ijoya,’ earning her accolades such as the AMEN award for Most Popular Song and a Channel O Music Video Award for Best Special Effect.

Mr Raw: Hailing from Abia State, Mr. Raw is recognised as one of the pioneers of Igbo rap, a musical style that flourished in the Southeastern region. Mr Raw came into the scene as Dat N.I.G.G.A. Raw. His transformation from Dat N.I.G.G.A. Raw to Mr Raw in 2010 marked his ongoing contribution to this unique subgenre, inspiring a new generation of artists to incorporate Igbo rap into their work.

M.I.: Whether you call him The Guy or not, Mr Incredible (M.I.) is simply incredible. M.I. is one of the promoters of hip-hop in Nigeria who has remained loyal and relevant to the style to date. He has been nicknamed Nigeria’s hip-hop Messiah due to his influence on the genre, discovering and promoting a new crop of hip-hop artists. Bursting into prominence in 2006 with ‘Crowd Mentality,’ M.I.’s impactful lyrics and delivery have drawn comparisons to American greats like Jay Z and Ye (the artist formerly known as Kanye West). In releasing his latest body of work ‘The Guy’ in 2022, M.I. announced that he would be retiring his former name, opting for The Guy.

Trybesmen: Comprising Eldee, Freestyle, and Kaboom, Trybesmen captured the late 90s and early 2000s with hits like ‘Shake Bodi’ and ‘Plenty Nonsense.’ Despite their eventual breakup, Eldee continued with Trybe Records, leaving an enduring impact on the scene.

Sasha P: Only a few female artists held it down like Sasha P, the feisty queen of Naija hip-hop.  She gained prominence in the 2000s having signed to Eldee’s Trybe records. She has lived her sobriquet First Lady of Nigerian hip-hop with the streaks of first in her portfolio.  She was the first ever Nigerian female artiste to perform at the 20th anniversary of the World Music Awards in 2008; and the first Nigerian female artiste to win the Best Female Award at MTV Africa Music Awards (MAMA). Her single ‘Adara’ equally won her the Best Female Artiste award in the UK at the 2009 Women in Entertainment Awards.

Bouqui: Like Sasha P, Bouqui carved a niche for herself in the 2000s rap scene in Nigeria. Her self-titled album, B.O.U.Q.U.I garnered recognition, securing her the Best Female Act award at the 2007 Award for Music Excellence in Nigeria (AMEN), as well as nominations for Revelation of the Year and Best Rap Album at The Headies 2007.  Despite now residing in the United States, Bouqui maintains her musical presence.

2Shotz: Once a prominent figure in the 2000s, 2Shotz, also known as William Orioha, showcased his versatility with hits such as  ‘Carry Am Go,’ ‘Odeshi,’ and ‘Delicious.’ Although now pursuing a career in photography and filmmaking, his impact on the rap scene remains noteworthy.

Kel: Joining the ranks of Nigerian female hip-hop artists in 2008, Kel burst onto the scene with ‘Waa Wa Alright.’ Her subsequent singles, including ‘Turn By Turn’ featuring Wizkid, garnered attention. While her journey was marred by management issues with Capital Hill Music, Kel’s pivot to talk shows reflects her enduring presence.