Nigerian rap has come a long way. We have had songs that have impacted the music scene, redefined the sphere and charted a new course for rappers to follow. The music genre is not just about spitting lines after lines but understanding the space, defining what the audience wants and giving it to them.
That is what these rappers did with this song, and that’s why they were huge hits back then. Most of them were anthems that people sang and recited over and over. Sadly, the purpose of what rap should stand for has been on a decline in Nigeria.
Rappers are now moved by commercial success and have placed this largely over punchlines, bars, flow, rhythm, melody, truth and conciseness. Notwithstanding, here are the top 10 biggest rap songs from the year 2000 to 2010 and in no particular order.
10. Meet me at the top (2010) – Laylow ft icebergSlim, CartiAir, Liu T, Terry Tha Rapman, Skales, Vector, Dagrin, Ludu & Gino
This song was beautiful in its own right. It had the biggest names in the Nigerian industry and as expected it was a hit. The bars and punchline on this track was like nothing ever heard before. It was a sort of pure magic. Each line carefully crafted to gibe the desired result. The outcome was sublime.
9. Lagimo (2008) – Rooftop MCs ft Cohbams Asuquo
When I hear people say gospel music cannot reach a larger audience, my response is always this song by Rooftop MCs. A blend of rock and hip hop, the song was so good that it spread like a wild fire even more than the intended or targeted audience. Till today, the song still has its unrivaled place in the Gospel Rap genre.
8. No be God (2008) – Gino
In this song, Gino talks about his struggles and his unshaken belief that someday his creator will come through and provide him with the panacea out of his penury. The song is a pure motivation and one that those at the lower rung of the ladder could easily relate to.
7.Nobody Test Me (2010) – Choc Boiz
So, recently a follower of mine on Twitter said that Chocolate City is not what it used to be and I couldn’t help but agree. This song was a preview of what the Choc Boiz could do. The rapping was heavenly and didn’t we all wish the song was longer a bit?
6.Pon Pon Pon (2009) – Dagrin
Dagrin brought a breath of fresh air to the industry and it became a national anthem to be sang even among those who could not understand the language. It was the big push that indigenous rapping needed to make and Dagrin did it just at the right time.
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5. Anoti (2008) – M.I
This was one of the song that drew me closer to M.1. With this song, we all began to realize that this short black boy from Jos was not your average rapperr and had content, had bars and new the technique of rap. This song was everything a rap song should be. M.I proved his mettle on this song and for rap lovers, this song would remain evergreen.
4. Kini Big deal (2008) – Naeto C
I daresay Naeto C rapping on this instrumental was effortless. It was that kind of song that tingled your ear and there was no stress for the artiste. It went easily and when Ikechukwu came in, we did that flip because it was something different from what we knew.
3. Oleku (2011) – Ice Prince
Oleku was that song that came unexpectedly and had you bobbing your head to it. It was in a class of its own. The rhythm was pure, the melody was neat and Brymo’s voice was heavenly. Still a party starter if you know your way around the DJ wheels.
2. Tha Finest (2010) – KnightHouse ft Saucekid and Teeto
I recently listened to Sinzu’s (Saucekid) freestyle to Mayorkun’s Geng and the man has not lost his vibe. This song had the rap bigwigs on it and there was very few chance of it failing. It was a neatly executed track.
1. Safe (2008) – M.I ft Djinee
I am tempted to say M.I does not have a bad song because this song was a challenge to other rappers. It was as though M.1 threw the gauntlet to other rappers and dared them to pick it up. The song was beautiful and the collaboration with Djinee could not have been better.
Photo Credit: Getty
Am surprised someone finally acknowledged MI because it bothers me he’s never acknowledged the way he has to be. Am not a fan of naija songs am Ugandan but I remember as a teenage girl living in foreign lands I listened to MI and have never forgotten him. I give my respect to him, unfortunately he’s not given the flowers he deserves. Respect!!