Check out our list of the 10 Nigerian Hip Hop artists you must have on your folder and playlist.
While the Nigerian music industry is one of the biggest in the continent, the Nigerian Hip Hop scene boasts some of the best rappers in Africa. A lot of these rappers have charted massive hits in various countries in the continent and have established themselves as rap icons. Most of them boast an impressive catalogue of songs, and projects that have established their place on the scene.
Here is our list of the 10 Nigerian Hip Hop artists to have on your folder and playlist.
1. M.I Abaga
Jude Abaga aka M.I Abaga or Mr Incredible is Nigeria’s biggest and best selling Hip Hop artist. With a catalogue that boasts incredible replay values and a string of hits to his name, he is the most respected and highest rated rapper in the country. He is also one of the highest acclaimed Hip Hop artists in Africa. M.I has commissioned massive hits including “Your Father”, “You Rappers Should Fix Up Your Lives” and more. He won the Best Hip Hop, and Best New Act Awards at the 2009 MAMAs.
2. Falz
30 year old Folarin Falana, best known as Falz is one of the highest acclaimed rappers in Nigeria. Falz first hit the scene with his comical rap style and later metamorphosed into activism through his music. Falz has not only dropped hits over the course of his career, he has addressed social issues and injustices through his music. He has earned a lot of praise from his fans for his message. He is also one of the most versatile artists in the country.
3. Olamide
Olamide Adedeji known mononymously as Olamide or Baddo is one of Nigeria’s most successful Hip Hop artists. He is known for the phrase “every single was a hit”, referring to his ability to churn out hits back to back. He is also known for the hits “Motigbana”, “Wo”, “Triumphant”, “Infinity” and more. Asides being one of the most influential artists in the country, he is also credited for the success of many other Nigerian artists including Fireboy DML, Lil Kesh, Adekunle Gold and more.
4. Phyno
Nigerian producer and Hip Hop artist, Chibuzor Nelson Azubuike became a massive success when he decided to release in own music after producing for a while. His debut album “No Guts No Glory” earned him a lot of success and boasted so many hits. Like Olamide, Phyno majorly raps in his native dialect of the Igbo language. He is famous for hits such as “Oringo”, “Alobam”, “Fada Fada” and more.
5. Vector
Olanrewaju Ogunmefun aka Vector is one of Nigeria’s most acclaimed rappers. A huge rival to M.I Abaga, Vector has released a total of 3 studio albums and has earned a reputation as one best lyricists in the Nigerian Hip Hop scene. He has snagged a number of local Nigerian awards for Hip Hop and is best known for the hits “King Kong”, “Comfort” and more. In 2019, Vector’s feud with M.I became one of the most talked about Hip Hop feuds ever in the country.
6. Ice Prince
34 year old Panshak Henry Zamani is one of Nigeria’s biggest artists. Back in 2011, Ice Prince claimed the airwaves and the charts with his massive hit song “Oleku” featuring Brymo. He also dropped the very successful album “Everybody Loves Ice Prince”. The BET Award winner is known for the hits “Superstar”, “Aboki”, “More”, to mention a few. While some believe his career isn’t what it used to be, Ice Prince is still regarded as one of the best rappers in the continent.
7. Reminisce
One rapper whose career continues to get even better by the years is Remilekun Abdulkalid Safaru a.k.a Reminisce. The part time movie star has spent years establishing his career in the rap game. Over the years, he has commissioned a string of hits including “Local Rappers”, “Ponmile”, “Gbedu” and more. His music has also changed over time, tilting more to Afro Beats tunes inspired by the late great Fela Kuti. This is one Hip Hop artist to hear.
8. Ycee
27 year old Oludemilade Martin Alejo aka Ycee has experienced a lot of success since the beginning of his career. He first achieved recognition with the song “Condo” featuring Dancehall star, Patoranking. He attained even more success following the release of his massive hit song “Jagaban” which also features Olamide. He is also known for other massive hit songs including “Juice”, “Omo Alhaji” and more. Ycee raps fluently in English and also in Yoruba. Check him out.
9. Erigga
33 year old Nigerian rapper, Erhiga Agarivbie a.k.a Erigga is one of Nigeria’s most opinionated rappers. He began his career as an underground rapper and later achieved mainstream recognition over the years. He is one of few Nigerian rappers who have not really traded their rap strips for pop music. Erigga’s music is said to be influenced by the streets. He is known for the hits “More Cash Out” featuring Yung6ix & Sami, “Glory”, “Welcome To Warri”, “Motivation” to mention a few.
10. Blaqbonez
Profiled by The New York Times as one of the new guards of Nigerian music, Emeka Akumefule a.k.a Blaqbonez is regarded as the future of rap music in Nigeria. The talented emcee has called himself the “Best Rapper In Africa” and even released a song about it. He is also known for the songs “Haba”, “BBC”, “Mamiwota”, “Shut Up” featuring Oxlade, and more. His music has earned a lot of praise from Hip Hop fans in the African continent.
