The 40 Nigerian Rappers Of The Decade (2010-2019) | #TheDecadeList
Overview of The 40 Nigerian Rappers Of The Decade (2010-2019) | #TheDecadeList
Many times in the years past, Hip Hop has been leveled as being dead. More so in Nigeria, where the Pop-inclined listener casually says “there are no rappers in Nigeria.”
Well, that’s false. Never in the history of Hip-Hop in Nigeria has there been a rapper-lyricist drought. Rather, the conversation’s been frequented with projections of what we think a dope rapper should sound like. For Hip Hop purists, the punchlines and wordplays genre needs to stay that way –others, like Reminisce, Phyno, and Olamide have disagreed, in the preference of the derogatory term (“local rappers”) used to describe rappers of their kind.
But Hip Hop is as vast it comes, and rappers, since 2010, have found a way to achieve commercial success without losing their lyrical standpoint. Even in a country where very few rappers are able to live a good life solely off the work, some have put in the work still.
Back in 2014, NotJustOk debuted its annual #TheList series, with the “Most Gifted Rappers in Nigeria” list shaking up the whole industry, sparking major conversations, debates, rap beef(s), diss tracks, and everything in between. This time around, we decided to take the whole decade into account.
#TheDecadeList recognizes the 40 Nigerian rappers who stood out across the 2010s. While some made their mark at the start of the decade, others took the game by storm towards the tail-end. And then, there are those who stayed relevant from the beginning to the end. The real OGs! But who are they? Find out below!
The criteria considered for this list includes:
- CULTURAL IMPACT: This is taking into consideration how much a rapper shaped the industry and popular culture. The impact the rapper made within hip-hop, and how much they elevated it across the board.
- QUALITY: The crux of it all – the songs. How good have they been? How many classic/good/average/bad songs and albums can be found in the rapper’s discography? Stage presence, performance, talent, and everything in between.
- POPULARITY: This includes – but not limited to – the reach of an rapper’s songs, size of fan base, and social media followers. The popularity of a rapper’s name outside the music audience is also an important determinant.
- LONGEVITY: There’s a strong case to be made that this is one of the most influential markers for determining an artist’s greatness.
With these in mind, we put forward #TheDecadeList, curated by our team of music experts here at NotJustOk.com, to lend our voice, to recognize these Nigerian Hip-Hop powerhouses over the past decade.
The 40 Nigerian Rappers of the Decade | #TheDecadeList
40. CLASSIQ:
A ferocious rapper, Classiq’s blend of Hausa, English and Pidgin English has won him fans both far and wide. His September 2018–released album New North was widely acclaimed and featured the song “Gudu” which had MI Abaga on its remix.
39. MAGNITO:
Often considered one of the most creative artistes in Nigeria, Magnito’s charm lies in his slick storytelling which is usually spiced by comic elements. His Relationship Be Like series remains one of the longest running production of its kind, and has birthed some really special (and humorous) songs and scenes.
38. CHINKO EKUN:
Although he has no body of work, and his singles are relatively received in a lukewarm fashion, Chinko Ekun became one of Nigeria’s hottest properties with “Able God.” A seismic event, that song could be mentioned as one of the first propellers of the Zanku rave –remember Zlatan on that video?
Chinko hasn’t done much, but the YBNL affiliate has never been a less-than-impressive spitter. That unquestionable talent, his street appeal, and of course, the aforementioned hit song lands him here. His Chinko’s Diary series also deserves mention.
37. PHENOM:
He came into the game at a time when rappers we’re everywhere, and yet, with his candor and brash punchlines, Phenom took the game by storm. He was signed to Knighthouse Entertainment, who discovered him when he did a freestyle on an open mic session, but other label heads at the time like M.I, Wizkid, and Olamide wanted to sign him. Among his projects is the 2014–released The BRA EP, with the BRA meaning “Best Rapper Alive,” a title Phenom is known to fancy.
In the final months of the decade, he made a fine return to mainstream attention with his superb verse on Phyno’s Deal With It album, on the socio-political song “Get The Info.”
36. SERIKI:
Seriki is a known spitter in the underground rap circle and has, at intervals, achieved some mainstream buzz with his singles. He has worked with a lot of respected cats in the game lik Vector, 9ice, Harrysong, and many others. In 2018, he released the album “Sakamanje” whose title track (which featured Reminisce) became a hit.
35. TERRY THA RAPMAN:
Joe Spazm might be known for youngish looks but it applies to his music too. The veteran rapper has never truly left the scene, retaining relevance and reminding us of his greatness at every opportunity. Last year, he released “Kapenta of Lagos,” a solid song which reminded us that the man who gave us the classic Boyz Are Not Smilin’ album in 2011 is still here.
His work as an artiste helper is duly noted, with the rapper Blaqbonez (among others) having credited Terry with pushing them at the earlier stages of their respective careers.
34. KIDA KUDZ:
When Kudz won the second edition of the Peak Talent show in 2010, it was expected that he would have no problems breaking into the industry. He hasn’t had it easy, but with a stream of singles and EP, the artiste (born Kayode Odesanya) has managed to rep Nigeria in the UK, where he’s mostly based.
With influences from Kojo Funds and J Hus, Kudz’s music merges West African sounds with UK rap, and this has become his style, which he calls “jiggy.”
33. DICE AILES:
At some point, he was the shiniest artiste on the country, with his soft melodies fusing with trap Hip Hop instincts. Dice Ailes quickly moved into the game, signing a deal with Chocolate City in 2014 when he was just 17. By 2016, he had been nominated for an Headies award, in the “Rookie of the Year” category.
Dice Ailes has enjoyed mainstream buzz with his songs (he has no project yet), many of which can be described as Afropop candies. His single run started with 2014’s fantasy and last year, he had two massive songs: “Alakori,” a collaboration with Falz, and “Ginika,” a song whose cover art sparked controversy upon release.
32. LADIPOE:
Born Ladipo Eso, the rapper who singularly went by “Poe” has been in the game for quite some time now. With his show-stealing guest verses on Show Dem Camp’s projects, he got serious underground buzz, his fans constantly urging him to release a project.
That came in 2018, when he released Talk About Poe, his first under Mavin Records. The album received some critical acclaim, with fans and critics rating it highly amidst the projects which dropped at the time.
31. BLACKMAGIC:
Ejay is a big deal. With some obscurity in the latter years of the decade, it’s easy to undermine his efforts, particularly in the genre of Alternative Hip-Hop which he birthed in Nigeria. His legend is supported by his duo of eponymously titled albums, with the third in that series scheduled for release on January 30th, 2020.
30. AJEBUTTER 22:
He had the cult classic “Senrere” but it was the release of “Omo Pastor” in 2012 that saw Ajebutter shoot to continental fame, particularly within Nigeria, where the populace loved the humorous tales he told in his songs.
Fast forward, Ajebutter 22 has two albums, and just last year (alongside BOJ and Falz) he released the second EP in the Make E No Cause Fight.
29. YUNG6IX:
The rapper who fancies himself the “King of the South” has blown hot and cold throughout the decade, but he still manages to remain a bit relevant.
His “Export” verse on M.I’s Illegal Music 2 put him onto to a bigger number of Hip Hop heads but it was “Follow Me,” the Wizkid-assisted track that gained him mainstream followership. Since then, his music has aimed to please both sections of fans –his debut album 6ix o’ clock was a singing and rapping affair which featured some of the hottest names in the continent like M.I, Phyno, and South African rapper Da L.E.S, among others.
28. DAGRIN:
Olaitan was gone too early, but his legacy remains. The Ogun State–born rapper who poignantly channeled 2pac with his street tales was one of the progenitors of indigenous rap in Nigeria.
Although his album, CEO, an undisputed classic, dropped in 2009, his death some months later ensured that it was massively played in 2010 and beyond, as many of his songs became cultural touchstones of his unwavering spirit as poured into his raps.
27. MOJEED:
The rapper released one of the most acclaimed rap albums of the decade in 2014’s Westernized West African. That tape which featured timeless songs like “Murtala Mohammed” and “Nigerian Time” showcases the rapper’s tunnel vision, his sharp and uncompromising lyricism which is found all over the songs and projects in his discography.
26. EVA ALORDIAH:
Nowadays, Eva might not be big on the music but once upon a time, she was untouchable. Her songs flitted between genres, but even when she’s on a Dancehall vibe, her sleek lyricism which is carried by her syrupy delivery never wavers.
Since her breakthrough into the Nigerian music industry, Eva has garnered several awards including one Nigeria Entertainment Award from 4 nominations, one Eloy Award, and one YEM award from two nominations. Her debut EP, titled The GIGO EP, was released for free digital download on 20 November 2011.
25. BLAQBONEZ:
The rapper may fancy himself the Best Rapper In Africa, and while that is a tall claim, he reaches the height, both literally and figuratively. The rapper has been a dedicated emcee, right from his days as a battle rapper on online platform Nairaland.
Before his breakthrough debut Bad Boy Blaq, he had released a lot of mixtapes and EPs, most of which were highly rated in the underground scene. His debut album, as opined by industry folks, “changed the game,” with its melodic spices which found a huge fan base in young people.
24. LOOSE KAYNON:
The bossy-voiced rapper is a Jay Electronica. His early reputation rested on the mystery of his person, his unavailability, even when he had all the tools to push through as a top rapper. Fans clung on to him, their loyalty spiked by his standout verse on “Lost,” a song off MI’s feature-heavy Illegal Music 2.
Nowadays, Loose Kaynon is not so obscure. He’s released a solo album (The Gemini Project) and in 2018, alongside A-Q, released the Headies-nominated Crown. It was an album which more than marking their new creative relationship, signaled the formation of 100 Crowns, a record label he co-owns with A-Q.
As the convener of the super successful “Wax Lyrical,” Loose Kaynon’s contribution to Hip Hop in Nigeria also lands him here; he also supports A-Q in organizing The Coronation event which is held annually.
23. ZLATAN IBILE:
This placement was hotly debated among our writers when curating this list. Although a newbie, most of our writers reasoned that his indigenous Hip Hop (with the adlibs and all) is special, and by his affiliation to Zanku, Zlatan’s impact is heavy, and even stretches past Hip Hop. When one does away with the elite preference for lyrical rap, Zlatan’s come-up is a big lesson for Hip Hop, how it perhaps, needs a bit more than the bars and all.
He marked his successful season with the release of the Zanku album and some months afterwards, named his record label after the dance which shook the world.
22. DREMO:
When Desiigner’s “Panda” was the hottest song on the planet, Dremo followed a multitude of Nigerian rappers who released covers. It was his cover however, that raged the most. Over the thumping beat, he rapped aggressively, chanting Afrobeat legend Fela’s name on the chorus.
He was signed to Davido’s DMW, and in 2018, released the critically acclaimed Codename Vol. 1 EP which showcased his penchant for humorous punchlines, relatable bars, and yes, his singing ability. Amidst a number of Pop stars he calls labelmates, Dremo holds his own when he’s not dropping bars; this, no doubt, accounts for his popularity which transcends that of the typical rapper.
21. BOOGEY:
To those who listen to his music, Boogey is the undiluted truth. His raps are usually intricately structured, with Boogey having an A mark in nearly all the criterias that makes a great rapper. His debut project, Artificial Intelligence, still remains a cult classic. With Boogey gaining underground buzz at the time, his skill landed him on songs alongside Mode 9 and MI, unarguably two of the greatest Nigerian rappers of all time.
Boogey has eight projects (all released in the decade) and most of them are critically acclaimed. Bar for bar, Boogey is rated as one of the best ever.
20. ZORO:
Born Owoh Chrismathner, the rapper is one of the acts repping the South Eastern part of Nigeria. His raps are fluid and with heavily influenced by the Igbo tradition. He got his breakout with the single “Ogene.”
19. MODENINE:
Modo, though he didn’t achieve much relevance in Nigeria in the past decade (even though he had four albums), still makes music. And when one holds up the quality of Modenine’s lyricism, he’s got to be up here.
The Supreme Leader of the Marlians was another fiercely debated topic. Should the rapper, based on two explosive years feature in a decade list? Usually, the two year-rapper wouldn’t. Or shouldn’t. But Naira Marley is an enigma. For the many essays he’s influenced, for the artistes who’ll fancy a copycat approach to getting their own followership, Naira Marley is a thesis on his own.
Of course, music-wise, he’s put in the work. J Hus once credited him with shaping the West African-influenced rap that belies the UK music industry; with “Soapy,” Naira Marley made one of the most declarative rap songs in recent times.
17. SAUCE KID/ SINZU:
Saucekid was hot property in the early years of the decade. His “Carolina” song with Davido was, at the time, the biggest song in the country.
With his arrest and jailing in the US (in 2017) for identity theft, his release the following year saw his career come to a full circle, as he was signed onto Davido’s DMW. Late last year, he released an album Better Late Than Never, and its lyricism showed a wisdom and perspective which marked growth.
16. NAETO C:
The only MC with an MSc. So don’t be surprised when they jealous him. Lol. Naeto C’s fluid and very American rap style got him a large fan base.
At the early years of the decade, with his singles and the 2011-released Super C Season, Naeto was practically a Pop star, and enjoyed relative success. His “Tony Montana” song (and the remix with D’banj) remains one of the biggest rap songs to emerge from Nigeria.
15. A-Q:
Known for his fiery rapping, A-Q is one of the most consistent rappers in the game. He released three albums in three years: Rose (2016), Blessed Forever (2017), and Crown, a joint project with Loose Kaynon in 2018. The first two of those albums are considered classic projects and Crown got him and Loose Headies recognition in the “Best Rap Album”; in the same year, A-Q went home with the Golden Head for Lyricist on the Roll. It was the first time he’d won it, after being nominated several times in the past.
As a co-owner of 100 Crowns, A-Q has also contributed to the growth of up and coming acts, most famously the rapper Blaqbonez. He’s also the man behind The Coronation, an event which is steady gaining repute as the number one Hip Hop show in the country.
14. CDQ:
Ever since his feature on Masterkraft’s “Indomie” (2014), the rapper has moved on from strength to strength, consolidating on his ghetto appeal to drop songs that have been massive within the streets.
He has two albums (Quality and Ibile Mugabe), and while they seldom garnered critical acclaim, they were both successful commercially, especially the former. His influence on Street Pop also lands him here.
13. ERIGGA:
The rapper who’s known for his vivid tales of the streets has an incredible fan base. Loved for his lyrical prowess, Erigga’s raps (which are mainly delivered in Pidgin English) are like tourist guides into places where your safety isn’t guaranteed.
Erigga has two albums and two EPs, with his latest project being The Erigma 2, a project which satisfies the dual standard of critical acclaim and commercial impact. Just recently, the album hit 7 million streams on Audiomack.
12. LIL KESH:
In 2014 Lil Kesh released “Shoki” and his career was never the same. The song had his YBNL boss Olamide and Davido on its remix. The following year, he was nominated for Best New Act at the 2015 Nigeria Entertainment Awards.
Lil Kesh quickly consolidated on his stream of successive singles (“Gbese,” “Efejoku,” and “Is It Because I Love You?”) by releasing his debut album Young And Getting It (YAGI) in 2016. It was his first and only album under YBNL as he moved on from the label, setting up his own imprint YAGI Records.
11. JESSE JAGZ:
The Abaga son, at the start of the decade, was a rapper who feature heavy Pop influences on his songs. 2010’s Jagz Of All Tradez featured Northern-influenced maximalist production, with Jesse constantly declaring himself “the greatest.” That claim would be somewhat realized on his third album (Jagz Nation Vol. 2: Royal Niger Company), released four years later. The project is widely considered how magnum opus.
Jesse Jagz would’ve been ranked higher on this list was he more consistent, or has more numbers. He however, has an album scheduled for release this year. Perhaps that will make up for those discrepancies.
The 40 Nigerian Rappers Of The Decade (2010-2019) | #TheDecadeList
10. iLLBLiSS:
The Oga Boss has been one of the most consistent rappers in the country. Just last year, he released three bodies of work, most of them collaborations with producers.
iLLBliss is one of the few rappers who’ve managed to fuse commercial appeal and lyrical content; while that remains one of his strongest traits, his work in launching the careers of Chidinma and Phyno through The Gorretti Company which he owns.
9. YCEE:
“Jagaban” was one of the hardest Hip Hop songs of the decade. With Olamide on its remix, YCEE seemed to have been blessed by the king. He could soar if he wanted.
In the decade in review, he released two EPs (with one being a joint project with Bella Alubo) and late last year (after he’d fought off Tinny Entertainment and established his imprint Ain’t Nobody Badder Than [ANBT]), he released his debut, the conceptual Ycee vs Zaheer.
And people seldom acknowledge this when discussing YCEE but his reach outside the shores of the country is massive. No doubt helped by the massive “Juice” single and his Trap Hip Hop style of rapping.
8. VECTOR:
From the start of the decade to its mid point, Vector was one of the hottest rappers on the continent. With his Pop affiliations, Vector gained massive follwership, featuring the likes of Samini and 2Baba at his peak period. His “King Kong” song is one of the biggest African rap songs of all time.
A major factor which places Vector’s legacy in doubt is the fact that he has no unanimous classic in his discography. However, his 2018 EP Vibes Before Teslim was a solid project, one which could signal his intent in 2020, when he’s expected to release what would become his fourth album.
The duo of Ghost and Tec are among the most impressive rappers on the continent — surely the greatest duo since Don Jazzy and D’banj.
They’re niche rappers who know how to make good songs and an incredible album. Whether they’re serenading with love-coated lines on the melodic Palmwine series or dropping hard lyrical miracles on the socio-political Clone Wars, they’re incredible at it.
6. ICE PRINCE:
During the peak years of his career, Ice Prince was arguably the hottest artiste in Africa. His breakout song, “Oleku,” is arguably the biggest Nigerian rap song of all time. If not numbers-wise, then surely one takes its instant impact into account.
Also take into account Ice Prince’s successful projects, his reputation as one of Africa’s most decorated rappers, his strong run in mid 2010s, and his spot here is justified.
5. FALZ:
With Moral Instruction winning Album of the Year at the Headies, it brought Falz’s rap to the fore. His socio-political commentary was being acknowledged.
When Falz isn’t making Fela-sampled truth doses, he’s a turn-up king, he’s “stupid and proud, tryna shoot for the clouds,” as he rapped on “Chardonnay Music.” He’s one of the most dedicated artistes in the game, and the extensive reach of his artistry is demonstrated across his four albums.
4. REMINISCE:
The man born Remilekun Abdulkalid Safaru has had a fine career. His four albums (all released within the decade) are culturally relevant and important reference for indigenous rap’s growth and push into Pop consciousness.
Reminisce has, throughout the decade, worn different hats: he could be a rapper’s rapper on one song, flexing his trademark baritone over maximalist production, and on another song, Reminisce could be the singer. Whichever he is, he pulls it off perfectly. His fusion of styles and versatility is perhaps one of the reasons why in 2014, he was named by TIME Magazine as “one of the seven World rappers you should meet.”
3. PHYNO:
Ever since “Ghost Mode,” Phyno has never looked back. He’s ran with his unique sound which is a fine mix of hardcore Igbo raps and melodic singing which is often celebratory. With these tools at his disposal, Phyno has created some of the biggest rap and Afro Highlife songs of the decade.
Phyno also has an impressive discography with three solo albums –his debut, No Guts No Glory is an acclaimed classic. The following year, his musical chemistry with the rapper Olamide was marked with an EP that did incredibly well.
2. M.I ABAGA:
He’s been at the center of almost all the defining moments in the genre for the past decade. His influence is unquestionable, his skill level at a point very few artistes can reach. MI is the most deliberate Hip Hop artiste in history –no questions.
Most of his projects are critically acclaimed, and his bold proclamations and brilliant music ensure that he’s never really been not relevant since Talk About It.
MI, with deliberate lyrical intent on his Illegal Music mixtape series and his commercially-tuned albums is the perfect embodiment of the wide market rappers are encouraged to reach.
1. OLAMIDE:
All hail King Baddo! Ever since his 2011–released Rapsodi, the Bariga-born rapper has gone from strength to strength, reinventing himself at every turn and being the artiste most artistes wish they were.
Olamide has the street on a choke hold, and is stock is fattened by his insistence on representing his flagrant character in his music. Whereas these flit between sounds, Olamide’s uncanny ability to hit the very spot of any Nigerian lands him here. This has ensured lend him such influence that even on a song, when he coughs before rapping, many listeners cough too. Olamide embraces the visceral quality of music, the sounds of Lagos, and the musings of his heart; all of his music is these in one sweet melodic package of hilarious wordplays and streetwise punchlines.
His placement as an A-level hitmaker has been unrivaled (even by Pop stars) throughout the decade. Since 2012, for every year, Olamide has had at least two hit songs.
An ever-present face in the industry, his understanding of what music sells (and how best to sell it) has positioned him as a top talent spotter and developer. Over the years, artistes like Lil Kesh and Adekunle Gold have been signed to his Yahoo Boy No Laptop (YBNL) imprint, and were successful so as to move on, establishing themselves under their own record labels. The kid of the moment, the uber-emotional Fireboy DML, is signed to YBNL. Throughout the years, Olamide’s mentorship has proven to be golden.
With Eyan Mayweather’s release in 2015, Olamide found himself in the thicker folds of Afropop, with his often-rapped lyrics finding home in melodious Fuji-esque affairs. Lagos Nawa (2017) was the most realized project as regards Olamide’s intentions. From start to finish, the streets is his primary gaze, and the music caters largely to their tastes. Since that fruitful exercise of blending indigenous elements in his raps, many have risen after Olamide, confident in the blueprint he set. Lil Kesh, Naira Marley, and Zlatan Ibile could be said to fly because Olamide walked.
In a decade where he (Olamide) makes a very strong case for the Artiste of the Decade, it will be hard convincing us he isn’t the rapper of the last ten years.
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