20. Cartiar “more than just rap music” (2009)
this hard alot of features on it and fresh sounds with cartiar trying hard to push the envelop a little and with jay sleek and sossick as the lead producers you know this album would be fire…we want you back cartiair…
19. Lord of ajasa – 2nd turning by the right (2008)
Born Olusegun Osaniyi, Lord of Ajasa is a native of Akure, Ondo State in Nigeria. He was crowned the Lord of Ajasa while in college where he majored in Quantity Survey. A potent lyricist etched in deep Yoruba lingo, Lord of Ajasa made it trendy and hip to rap in Yoruba dialect, inspiring a crop of artists to follow in his footsteps. This cat is not only original; he actually rhymes and makes sense!
Ajasa emerged on the music scene with a track titled “Ma Yi Lo” in 2000. In 2005 he dropped the smash single ‘Otiya’. The success of this single led to the release of his debut album titled ‘It’s Too Much’ under the imprint of Platinum Records. His creative diversity, dexterity and drive to excite the listener make Ajasa’s music worth listening to. This is his sophomore album titled ‘Second turning By the Right’ which was released May 2008. It includes the monster hit single “Le Fenu So” featuring 9ice. The song was written by Lord of Ajasa himself and produced by the prolific producer ID Cabasa.
18. Olamide- ybnl (2012)
YBNL (abbreviation for Yahoo Boy No Laptop) is the second studio album by Nigerian hip hop recording artist Olamide. It was released on November 12, 2012 as a follow up to his debut studio album Rapsodi (2011). The album features guest appearances from Kay Switch, Tiwa Savage, Dammy Krane, Davido, Kidakudz, Reminisce, Base 1, Buckwyla, and Minus 2. As the executive producer of his second studio project, Olamide reached out to different producers, including Pheelz, Samklef, I.D Cabasa, 2Kriss and Tyrone. The aforementioned producers largely contributed to the album’s production. YBNL was supported by the singles “Ilefo Illuminati”, “First of All”, “Stupid Love”, and “Voice of the Street”.
17. Modenine – Da Vinci (Mode 2010)
He is, without a doubt, one of the greatest lyricists in Africa and the best out of Nigeria, and I’m sure rap cats have had to change their track listings on few occasions when this Hall of Famer releases albums. It isn’t always easy to bridge the generational gap in hip-hop culture especially with the younger generation coming off as being ignorant and tends to tilt towards the pop culture but this man is doing it with style and skills. His 8-ball corner-pocket rhymes are still the same and the only thing that changed was the dapper look he got going on in the video of “What You Want”, where he featured another promising female talent Mo Cheddah.
16. phyno – no guts no glory
No Guts No Glory is the debut studio album by Nigerian rapper Phyno, released by Sputnet Records and Penthauze Music on March 20, 2014. It features guest appearances from P-Square, Omawumi, Olamide, Stormrex, Efa, Flavour N’abania, Runtown, Ice Prince, M.I, Mr Raw, Timaya and Illbliss. Phyno enlisted Major Bangz, Wizzy Pro, Chopstix and JStunt to assist with production. Initially scheduled for a November 2013 release, the album was strategically pushed back in order to capitalize on the downtime of the Nigerian Music Industry during the first quarter of the year.
Preceding the album’s release were the singles “Ghost Mode”, “Man of the Year”, “Parcel” and “O Set”. No Guts No Glory was primarily recorded in the Igbo language and Nigerian Pidgin. Critical reception to No Guts No Glory was generally positive; many critics commended the album’s indigenous sound and lyrical depth.
15. Reminisce – Baba hafusa
Baba Hafusa is a studio album by Nigerian rap act Reminisce which was released through Edge Records on 30 April 2015. It is the rapper’s third overall studio album after releasing Book of Rap Stories in 2012 and Alaga Ibile in 2013. The studio album which features guest appearances from SoJay, Vector, Ice Prince, Olamide, Phyno, Sossick and Sean Tizzle was according to Reminisce a way of paying tribute to his daughter named Hafusa
Upon its release, Baba Hafusa was received with mixed reviews and opinions. Awarding the album four stars from tooXclusive, Ogaga Sakpaide states, ““Baba Hafusa” sees Reminisce in his comfort zone from a lyrical and production view.” Tola Sarumi of notJustOk rated the album 5.5 out of 10 stating that, “even as a commercial album, Baba Hafusa doesn’t do enough to hold your attention.”
On 18 May 2015, Baba Hafusa rose to 12th position on the Billboard World Music Albums Charts after topping the iTunes album sales for over a week less than 24-hours after its release
14. Pherowshuz – The Return of Phero The Great 2010
He had the audacity to coin out the title of his album from his name “Pherowshuz” and the album cover was a bold statement that he is the ruler of the music industry, and he backed up the claim with all the tracks on this album. Thankfully, Pherowshuz delivered that good stuff, and he might have even handed us one of that year’s best street anthem: the Tommy Shields sleek production “Korrect.” This is a “KORRECT” album. Check
13. Vector – State Of Surprise (2010)
Most Jay-Z fans will tell you that Vector mirror his vocal and that he is a copy-cat and as such he should be annihilated somehow. I feel there is no need for the finger pointing or a call by some in the industry to end his career. Why kick the kid in the groin for the way that he speaks? I just don’t get it and I must confess that I like the way he addresses it on the track ‘Kilode’ with these lines “You ain’t got a problem with Pype and Sean Paul/M.I, Kanye and Weazy, not at all/You ain’t got a problem with D’Banj and Durella/But when it comes to Vector the Viper and Roc-A-Fella/You fellas go crazy on me.” If DNA has the ability to replicate itself I don’t see any problem with Vector being Jay-Z’s replica and it is clear that the only disparity between Jigga and Vector is their lyrics. I think it is time for the industry to get a grip and get use to the fact that he going to be around and as such would still be spitting like Jay-Z. State Of Surprise is another great album in 2010.
12. ice prince – fire of zamani
Fire of Zamani (stylized as FOZ) is the second studio album by Nigerian hip hop recording artist Ice Prince. It was released by Chocolate City on October 28, 2013. The album was executive produced by Audu Maikori, Paul Okeugo, Yahaya Maikori, and Jude Abaga. It was mastered by Sean Stan of Vintage Sounds Production. The album’s production was primarily handled by Chopstix, a member of Grip Boiz City, along with additional production from Don Jazzy, Jay Sleek, Sammy Gyang, and E-Kelly. It features guest appearances from Sunny Neji, Wale, M.I, Chip, Ruby Gyang, Wizkid, French Montana, Jesse Jagz, Olamide, Sound Sultan, Burna Boy, Yung L, Jeremiah Gyang, Shaydee, and Morell. The album was supported by four singles—”Aboki”, “More”, “Gimme Dat”, and “I Swear”. It was marketed to East Africans by the distribution platform Mdundo
11. gino -pain plus work 2007
Many will ask, where the hell is this guy!?.. The head honcho of MO’BB Records, Gino was a true representation of street hustles, and a good story teller with his music. After the release of his classic hit, No Be God, a song that was actually included in Jay-Z‘s diary on MtvBase after his trip to Nigeria, Gino became a household name and the song, an anthem. He went on to release his debut album, Pain Plus Work in january 2007, which was filled with his tales and experiences with God, money and women on the mean streets of Lagos. His brother, Sossick, highly unknown at the time, handled the bulk of the album’s production and it was a masterpiece!
His laid-back style of rap, sometimes gritty and gangsta-like, complemented Sossick’s dexterity behind the boards. He hasn’t replicated the success of his debut, as he has had a somewhat failed attempt at a comeback in the industry….a legend regardless.
Standout track: No Be God, Farabale.
10. Olamide – Baddest Guy Ever Liveth
Baddest Guy Ever Liveth (stylized as BGEL) is the third studio album by Nigerian hip hop recording artist Olamide. It was released by YBNL Nation on November 7, 2013. Work on the album began in 2012 and continued through 2013. Olamide executive produced the album and enlisted Pheelz, Buckwyla, Ketchup, Ice Prince, Pepenazi, Endia, Viktoh, B.Banks, Phyno, Pele Pele and Bez to appear as guest appearances on the album. The album was produced solely by Pheelz, except for the thirteenth track “Sitting on the Throne”.
Baddest Guy Ever Liveth was supported by the singles “Durosoke”, “Turn Up”, “Yemi My Lover” and “Eleda Mi O”. Olamide toured with D’banj, Burna Boy, Chidinma, Vector, Pucado, Phyno, Seyi Shay, Show Dem Camp, Kay Switch and Sean Tizzle as a supporting act on the Hennessy Artistry 2013 Club Tour. The album was among Premium Times list of the 5 yet to be released Nigerian album of 2013. Furthermore, it was ranked 12 on Afrikka Radio’s list of the top 12 best Nigerian albums of 2013.
9. Terry Tha Rapman – Boyz Are Not Smilin’
You cannot estimate the degree of novelty of Terry’s ideas; you just need to look deep into his mind’s eye and once you can see what is going on there you’ll probably never reach any conclusion you can truly believe as to how his mind operates. His “Boyz Are Not Smilin’” brand obviously helped him to expand his fan base and penetrate the market and I hope upcoming acts are paying attention to how he is strategically taking over the scene with a logo on a t-shirt. He is businessman. Period!
8. Naeto c – u know my p
U Know My “P” is the first studio album by Lagos rapper Naeto C, released in 2008. Featured guests include Ikechukwu, Wande Coal and Saro Wiwa. It was one of the most popular albums in Nigeria in 2008 selling over 1 million copies.
7. 2 shotz – PYRATED COPY
Before the release of this album,everyone was trying to get signed to a record label.no one knew how to be independent until 2shotz showed them the way.he teamed up with biglo to create the infectious hit single “delicious” & then made his way to alaba and sealed the deal with Tjoe thus paving the way for every artist after him.now everyone wants to be independent and no one wants to be on a label where you will be getting ripped off by your boss.talk of total control.
6.Eedris Abdulkareem – P.A.S.S (2002)
This album was a monumental landmark in the history of naija rap.at a time when hip hop music was sacrilegous and genres like apala,fuji,reggae & afrobeat had the game in a chokehold,Eedris did the impossible and kickstarted the hip hop movement.”Oko ashewo” the first single from the album was a monster hit and thus started the reign of hip hop/rap in nigeria.Eedris Abdulkareem
This album was a monumental landmark in the history of naija rap.at a time when hip hop music was sacrilegous and genres like apala,fuji,reggae & afrobeat had the game in a chokehold,Eedris did the impossible and kickstarted the hip hop movement.”Oko ashewo” the first single from the album was a monster hit and thus started the reign of hip hop/rap in nigeria.
5. M.I. – M.I.2
This is not an album but a movie. It is a collection of movie scenes that was wittily converted into MP3s. M.I’s transition from hip-hop to pop is of the same similarity with hip-hop producer-turned-hit rapper, Kanye West and most will argue that this is the best hip-hop/rap album of 2010 but I beg to differ.
He is at the peak of his lyrical fitness and might have also put the industry on the global stage at the 2010 BET Awards but this album cannot stand shoulder to shoulder with “Talks About It”. His ability to work with producers like E kelly and produce himself is something most envy him for. This is an album that is hard not to like, no matter what the listener’s musical preference is
4. Ruggedman – THY ALBUM COME
Ruggedman popularised dissing in Nigeria and also sanitised the naija rap game.previously there were a lot of wack artists out there claiming to be rappers until the rugged one dropped “Thy album come”which featured songs like “ehen pt 1 & peace or war” where he took the bull by the horn and addressed the sorry state of the rap industry without caring whose ox was gored.going head to head with the pillars of the industry back then and putting his career on the line is the stuff legends are made of.now nobody wants to jump on a track and start spitting rubbish cos someone might be watching.
4. (nigga raw) MR. RAW – Right & Wrong (2005)
Okechukwu Edwards Ukeje, better known by his stage name Mr Raw (formerly Dat N.I.G.G.A. Raw), is a rapper from Southeastern Nigeria. He is often regarded as one of the pioneers of Igbo rap, a genre that now appeals to a broad, mainstream audience. Born and raised in Enugu, he gained prominence during the early 2000s rapping in the Igbo language and Pidgin English.
Raw’s debut studio album, Right & Wrong, was released on 7 August 2005; it experienced commercial success and helped propel him to the next level in his career
3. MI- think about it
Jude Abaga (born 4 October 1971), better known by stage name LEO’, is a Nigerian hip hop recording artist and the current CEO of the Chocolate City Music. He has won several awards including the MTV Africa Music Awards 2009. He was nominated in the Best International Act category at the BET Awards 2010. He rose to prominence in 2006 when his song “Crowd Mentality” became popular in his hometown of Jos. On 11 December 2008, M.I released his critically acclaimed debut album, Talk About It
2. Dagrin – C.E.O
Oladapo Olaitan Olaonipekun, also known as Dagrin (21 October 1987 – 22 April 2010), was an award winning Nigerian rapper from Ogun, Nigeria. A film of his life entitled Ghetto Dreamz was released in April 2011.
His style of rapping incorporated Yoruba, English and Pidgin English. In 2010 he was nominated for the Nigerian Entertainment Awards for Best Album (C.E.O.), Hottest Single “Pon Pon Pon”, Best Rap Act and Best Collaboration with vocals. His album C.E.O. (Chief executive Omota English: Chief Executive Gangster) won the Hip hop World Award 2010 for best rap album. From it came the singles “Pon Pon Pon”, and “Kondo”.
EPOHCJ Nigeria – CEO (Chief Executive Omoita)
1. MODE NINE – E Pluribus Unum (2006)
Babatunde Olusegun Adewale (born June 14, 1975), popularly known by his stage name Modenine, is a Nigerian rapper. As a seven time The Headies Lyricist on the Roll winner, he is the most decorated artist by the magazine and channel.
E’ Pluribus Unum “One Amongst Many” -2006
HONOURABLE MENTIONS
-THE BIG PICTURE-Da Trybe
The best rap collective to ever come out of nigeria.this album actually showed us the future of Nigerian rap.it was from this album the rap careers of 2shotz,sasha,timi & the solo careers of eldee & freestyle took off.propelled by the hit single “oya”.this album went on to become the most successful rap album by a group in Nigeria.most of the members of this group have become the core/backbone of the Naija rap movement.
-L.A.G STYLE-Trybesmen
Trybesmen are to naija rap what plantashun boiz are to naija r&b.Without these guys,your favorite rappers would still be trying so hard to rap like hov,nas,big or pac.with this album they laid down the blueprint for rapping in pidgin and making a success of it.to cut a long story short these are the pioneers of afro hip hop or whatever you decide to call it.
-OverDose – Hustle Or Die
OD is another member of Nigeria’s hip-hop upper echelon and whether he is spitting over rock-influenced beats or dishing out street knowledge on Dilla-esque beats, he always come off nice and futuristic even for 2010. And don’t let the suit and tie fool you; he will still turn rap cats into punching bag inside the boot
– AQ – The Past, Present & Future
I have got a thing for underdogs and their against-all-odds stories. No Homo. Those that follow Nigerian hip-hop scene religiously will agree that this project is long overdue and I’m happy it took a while because this is a magnum opus by all standards. Some tracks are frenetic like NAMES and others like DIARY are arresting with a compelling, powerful message like “Born into this family, born with the mentality that I was born just to replace a past tragedy”. You got to love the seamless transition between the tracks
-Yung Hanz – Book Of Hanz
This is the year’s best debut by one of the future greats. Toni Morrison said, “If there’s a book you really want to read but it hasn’t been written yet, then you must write it.” Yung Hanz wrote the “Book Of Hanz” and he did it on self reliance. He flipped out on DISPLAY and ripped it to shreds. The fact that one producer produced all tracks “Ray-X” is a bold statement too and I’m putting my money on him because he is going the distance. This is a memoir for street disciples. (You might want to play Jay-Z’s “A Star Is Born” now).
-Cyrus Tha Virus – Rebellion
Just when you thought there was nothing left for the Bengazi emcee to prove, the fierce rapper came out of the studio with an album that was loaded with enough lyrical cannonballs that’ll blow up your eardrums. He is the “deadliest virus of the year.”
OLAMIDE- STREET OT