Nigerian rapper and Declan crooner OdumoduBlvck last night set the stage on fire at the just concluded Timeless concert held at TBS Lagos.
The rapper who has been enjoying heavy accolades and reception in Nigeria after the success of his mega-hit single Declan Rice, last night performed at the Davido Timeless concert in Lagos.
Odumodu who also performed at the Tiger Concert recently has been on a performance spree.
The singer who is currently teasing the release of his new song on social media has been a standout performer so far. He brings his heavy energy and presence to every show he performs at, making him one of the heavy stage killers that should be watched out for in the country.
His EP, Eziokwu Volume 1, is expected to drop sometime this year. The Rapper has teased a song he titled “Civilized” off the project. The song features Ghanaian-Romanian singer Wanlov The Kubolor.
Civilize features the usual Odumodu instrumentals, with heavy baseline and smart progressions. Although no date has been set for the EP to drop however fans have shared their excitement and are heavily anticipating the record.
OdumoduBlvck is also expected to feature on Zlatan Ibile’s incoming EP. A clip of both artists working on the song was shared on Zlatan’s main Instagram page recently.
OdumoduBlvck was also recently spotted in the studio with Nigerian-America Rapper, Wale. Appears we might be getting a joint from both rappers as well. Odumodu is definitely on his way to having a beautiful. One that will be for the books obviously.
It is okay to say, Odumodu is on his way to championing the biggest rap entrance to the Nigerian scene in a while. We look forward to seeing what he has in store for us.
Marco De Vil is a singer, songwriter, rapper, and model from Cape Town South Africa. The rising musician has signed a music management deal with Plus Two Seven Management after being discovered online.
After this, he used his music to showcase his determination to overcome adversity and provide hope to those facing similar challenges. He focuses on emotional vulnerability in the hopes of offering an escape for his fans who are feeling alone in their struggles.
The release of “Complicated” marks the next step on his journey in Marco’s musical journey. Through his passion and dedication to creating honest music, he can touch the heart of his listeners which has made him a rising artist to watch in the coming year.
“Life is short and it’s important to live it with purpose. We are only really blessed with three days- The day we are born, the day we find out why, and the day we die, so let’s make the most of it.” Marco adds.
“Complicated” dives deeper into the emotional rollercoaster that comes with toxic relationships. It represents the struggle of moving forward while still being tangled up in the memories and feelings of the past.
His latest single is available on all major streaming platforms
It’s Free State meets North West as the award-winning rapper duo, Stino Le Thwenny debut their new song and recruit MagleraDoeBoy.
Titled You Want Some More, the guys reminisce about their come-up and the barriers that stood in the way of their rise to the top. Not only that, but they also mention the need to stay humble, as well as the lengths haters go to sidetrack you.
The duo earned themselves an award for Best Remix at the 2021 South African Hip Hop Awards for Mshimane 2.0. The following year at the SAHHAs, MDB was crowned Best Male and has now bagged a nomination at the Metro FM Music Awards.
The Klerksdorp emcee opens his verse with an interpolation of the chorus from Molemi’s song, Manong originallydelivered by HHP. While also addressing the cynics, he reminds us to stay the course and always keep rooted.
In the latest episode of Choppin It Up With Bhuda T, aka Zingah, MagleraDoeBoy is in a comfortable space to converse with the Cashtime alumni about music and self.
Since first hearing MagleraDoeBoy, I knew he was someone special. He has risen to great heights in a short space of time, known for his rugged style of rap infused with the Klerksdorp slang. MDB has become many people’s favorite topic of discussion in Hip Hop however, many of us don’t know him outside of his music.
Born Tokello Moyakhe, MDB grew up in the township of Klerksdorp (known as Maglera) and was exposed to poverty, violence, and criminal activities. This led him to deal drugs and ultimately, his arrest, and it was that life that would later spark his creativity, birthing a new generation of Motswako rap.
He was the Maglera doe boy before he was MagleraDoeBoy.
In his conversation with Bhuda T, MDB talks about his upbringing, how he began rapping, as well as the lessons he’s learned through the years. He breaks down his relationships with Cassper Nyovest and Khuli Chana, and the impact he has made in the industry within the past 3 years.
Maglera also speaks of always being real, the concept behind his album, Diaspora, as well as spirituality and how he sought to change for the better.
NB: there’s new music coming, a lot!
Without divulging any more of the conversation, watch it below:
The Nigerian Rap industry has always been a space to watch out for, with Nigeria producing artists almost as much as the United States does, anything less than great should not be expected from the industry. Who is the king that ran the streets and who currently runs the street?
One popular argument on the Nigerian music radar however has always been on who runs the street. Every year there is one new guy from somewhere in Lagos or any suburb running the streets.
In a more selective view, the topic of which rapper runs the streets is what I really care about. We’ve had rappers come and go. We’ve had some live landmarks that will last forever, while some have only enjoyed the fame without making much impact.
The issue of which rapper runs the street is one very big discussion that gets major rounds amongst music critics and enthusiasts in Nigeria.
BACK STORY: THE STREET KINGS
The King of The 2000s: Eedris Abdulkareem
Back in the day, during the early 2000’s there were quite a number of rappers doing their thing then, but one that stood out was EedrisAbdulkareem.
Eedris Abdulkareem is a Nigerian Hip-hop artiste who probably set the bar, the rapper was raised in Kano state in a polygamous home and was born to a father whose origin can be traced back to Osun State.
Eedris Abdulkareem came into the industry sometime in 1996, the rap genius rapped his way to the top, and became a sort of national treasure when he released his album “Jaga Jaga”.
The album featured his monster hit single Jaga Jaga, a song that set him against the then President of the Nigeria republic, President Olusegun Obasanjo. Although, the song will later get banned from being played on Radio by the then Federal government for its approach in reviewing the government at the time.
Eedris Abdulkareem was a king on many bases, he had beef with the President and released a fourth studio he titled “Letter To Mr President”, he also made a crazy show of power when he had issues with American hip-hop star, 50Cent in a plane over sitting arrangements. He had hits that kept the streets on lock. Eedris Abdulkareem was the king of the street in the early 2000s.
Mode9, is also another raw talent who had the streets under lock during Eedris’s reign. Mode 9 has a total of eight studio albums and five mixtapes which runs from 2004 to 2019.
DaGrin took over the airwaves towards the end of the 2000s, you wanna talk about impact? Then Da Grin should definitely come to mind. He is a legend in every way. The rapper whose sophomore album “CEO” will be the album that put him on everybody’s face had earlier released a previous album which flopped due to a lack of promotion.
Da Grin however had a short-lived career, however, before his death he had worked with stars like Y.Q, 9ice, M.I, Iceberg Slim, Omobaba, Terry G, Ms Chief, Owen G, K01, code, MISTAR DOLLAR, TMD entertainment, Omawumi, Chudy K, Bigiano, and Konga.
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 Thug) won the Hip-hop World Award 2010 for “best rap album”.
The album produced generation hit singles such as “Pon Pon Pon”, and “Kondo“. His third studio “If I Die” which was released posthumously had hit single “If I Die”, which many believed was him telling us ahead of time of his apparent death.
For as long as Dagrin lived he had the street on lock, even after his death his music still upheld and kept the street live active. This was until the new king of the streets will come.
The 2010s: OLAMIDE
Although many will argue that he is still the king of the street, which is technically true because every king that has reigned after him, had to come through him. However, Olamide is not just a rapper but a multitalented artiste, music genius, music executive and talent manager.
From the streets to the ivy-league space, Olamide held it down everywhere. Olamide was the rapper who made everybody including the so-called posh rich kids turn to the street for their playlist.
Olamide came into the game differently, he knew where he was coming from and had a clear picture of where he wanted to be. His label YBNL has produced more than a hundred stars, both directly and indirectly. Olamide reigned supreme on the streets, and he literally decide who was next up every time.
From giving verses out to everybody who cared for one to executively producing tons of albums, the star was everywhere. He had multiple hit songs out in every music year and took home numerous awards yearly.
Olamide, during his early days, was perceived as one who stole the music archive of the Late Da Grin, they had a lot in common, but Olamide has proven that he had more to offer.
The likes of Naira Marley, Zlatan Ibile and LilKesh are all testaments of his prowess. Olamide has worked with virtually everybody in the industry, both rappers, singers and producers. He is a true Definition of a king.
Now
Right now, the street is controlled by princes, because the one true king still holds the key, however, stars like Zlatan, Naira Marley, portable, OdumoduBlvck and others are doing big things. we can only imagine what the future hold.
Nigerian rapper and label boss Olamide return with a smash hit titled “Trumpet“. The rapper who has been off the radar sometimes comes through with this beautiful tune.
Olamide was assisted by Africa’s Boyfriend himself Ckay. Ckay delivered the hook with his beautiful vocals.
Olamide who is currently gearing up to release what he described will be his last studio album, has been hinting at a possible retirement from actively recording music.
On the release of Trumpet, fans and music lovers alike have taken to social media to rally their support around the singer and his new record.
From the song, it was very easy to depict that Olamide is currently in album mode, because the deliveries and flow style on Trumpet is quite genius, although not something we’ve not seen the singer do before, however, the fact that he has been off the scene for a while coupled with the genius idea to have Ckay on the record has blown us all off.
It is also very notable to state that Olamide has definitely grown into a Big fish, his flows and delivery on this record depict him as a more mature boss, who enjoyed recording this song just as much as we enjoy listening to it.
Olamide’s vocals sounded really relaxed and carried extra peace and bliss with them.
While we look forward to listening to the “Unruly” album, we urge you to take out time to enjoy his last album and get ready to be blown off.
The album has also been said to feature big names such as Wizkid, Burna Boy and Wande Coal. Although the rumours have not been confirmed officially, the rapper has been spotted in the studio working with Wizkid and Wande Coal. He was recently featured on Wande Coal’s “Kpe Paso“.
Aside from guest features such as his appearance in Dj Clen’s latest single, A-Reece has not released any new music as of late. However, his name is constantly mentioned in lists of hot emcees while his projects continue to rank high in music charts – mostly thanks to his loyal (and often ruthless) fan base, the Slimes.
As someone who regularly raps about indulging in cannabis, Reece celebrates the world-famous 4/20 and revisits his 2022 offering, The Burning Tree with a remix deluxe version. And keeping to the theme, the cover is changed from the original red hue to green.
In addition to the original songs, the project opens with First Time 4 Everything but instead of A-Reece and Boy Wonder from the original version, we’re welcomed by producer, Yolophonik who makes multiple appearances in this surprise project.
Having never smoked weed or had an edible before, Yolo talks about experiencing his first musical high (“not High School Musical”) from listening to Michael Jackson.
We move on to Bet On Myself, a new addition with production from Sundae Beats. Reece puts the cherry on top and details his experiences from being doubted to being unrivaled, as well as his impact in the game.
The mix master, Yolophonik makes three more appearances in Can’t Open My Eyes, Live Once, and Intentions Interlude; offering a variety of vibey mixes to the original songs and taking the listener on a trip. Happy 4/20.
It’s No Paperwork Thursdays and you know what time it is!
Seemingly bringing an end to the white t-shirt trend that the spitters before him (aMMo Kgoadi, Ginger Trill, and Tyson Sybateli) unknowingly followed in their No Paperwork freestyles, Touchline makes his debut donning a black t-shirt and spits fire all over the Stay Low studios.
He drops bars over Kanye West’s So Appalled instrumental and represents Tembisa. Throughout the freestyle, Touchline switches effortlessly between English and isiZulu, flexing his versatility as an emcee to be reckoned with.
In Squid Games, they kill whoever misses In this game, I take whoever’s missus
The Ghanaian rapper follows up his 2022 EP with a new one that stays in touch with his Kumasi roots, kick starting 2023 with components from his last project, strong storytelling marred by matching production from his camp. Kweku smoke has been keeping the trap alive since his breakthrough, building a chemistry with A-Town, Hordzi and JUICZXXX, three pillars that have helped mount his sounds to consumers.
The melodic rapper has been internalizing his craft since his breakthrough, getting better with time and upgrading his skills as an Asaaka rapper, who barely leans on the structure of Drill. “Old Compound” is sheer proof, most moments one the EP finds Smoke in a contemplative mood, still processing his daily movements, every step of the way. He sounds like an OG who has seen it all on “Hope”, he kicks the EP off with a heartfelt verse, still processing his good fortune whiles reminiscing on the hard days, with thick bass lines and steel drums from Juiczxx, Kweku coasts on the production with ease, doing justice on the intro with no sweat. Kweku’s ability to steer his will on a beat is what makes him one of well modernized rappers in the country, “Stay Alert” sounds like a fair warning, with production details that pay homage to hip hop’s trademark, booming speakers. He is trigger-finger ready, with cool headed flows that slides with easy fluidity, the production highlights his chemistry with Hordzi, making three records for the EP, a duo whose bonding is forever. His production functions as both a compliment and challenge , giving smoke’s unwavering chill a prestige rap and eliciting some of his best performances.
“Akatanii”is surprisingly, not a drill record as you’d expect, the song’s production bridges regional styles, with a flute that hails from the world of trap music, its presence sprinkles melodic vibes to the song, allowing him to simmer down and flow at his own pace, he sounds like street-wise preacher, walking the line between reporter, preacher, gangster and citizen. He’s a bit religious here, willing to embrace his vulnerable side, with how tough the Ghanaian economy is, but in the midst of alll this, he sounds positive. There’s just a slot for a feature, and it goes to Kuame Eugene, yes Kuame Eugene, the last name you’d expect on a Kweku Smoke project. He sounds unrecognizable as he brings his hiphop side to “Be Mine”, floating through the misty bounce of Hordzi’s craft-work. You’d expect more from Lynx crooner, who sounds a bit incessant here, but Kweku’s flow connects with him to serve as the missing piece for an almost emo-rap record.
As hard as Kweku Smoke sounds, with all the street philosophies and rules, some of his best moments are on his love songs, his crooning skills on “Meaa” is the perfect foil to tales of a ride-or-die girlfriend, he sounds so confident in his lover, calling bluffs about how she would never leave him no matter the situation he finds himself, his singsong lilt is almost perfect, singing in a slack, intrinsic tunefulness that suggests he could probably be a decent R&B/Trapsoul star, it’s easily the best song on the 6-track EP. But he doesn’t croon for long, on the final song, his delivery heightens on an already-sharp storytelling model, it’s the most vividly written song here, “Lamborghini” puts maximum spin on him and his engineer. Equipped with melancholy piano-backed instruments that bounces off his singing skills, his stories which are mostly centered around poverty-stricken upbringing that led to a life of hustle and bustle, he still finds harmony and peace in his victory lap, with a typical twi sense of humor that glows throughout the records, He aims higher and seems to have more tunes for us, especially with this bond with his right hand producers.
In all this, Smoke still lacks an original vision, he is skilled with parroting popular styles, which is okay, but seems to still be on a quest to land his trademark own, a feat he seems to be searching still.But this doesn’t discredit the fact that he is a good rapper, Smoke is forever inspired by the street’s ways, and once the streets are up, there’s always going to be a story to tell, from his POV, which is widely loved by all.
Anyone who is conversant with the 1/3 members of the DRB Lasgidi will agree that Fresh L has been the most absent from the music scene. While the duo of BOJ and Teezee are still much active in the industry Fresh L has taken his time to build his business.
However, it looks like that is about to change because the music star recently took to Twitter to announce that his Rap EP is ready to go. The music head further disclosed that the EP is executive produced by Odunsi (The Engine).
Odunsi and Fresh L have been spotted a few times working on the project at what looks like the former’s studio.
The clamour for a Fresh L rap project started sometime last year, just shortly after the rapper announced he was making an R&B album.
The rapper all through last year selected songs at random and made a freestyle verse to them, it was almost like the proof of a hit song. The rapper who is now a club owner freestyling to your song was a sign that you’ve got a hit.
READ ALSO: DREMO SET TO DEBUT AN AMAPIANO SONG Although there is only a little information available on this project, it is rumoured to be released this year as the rapper announced.
A project executive produced by Odunsi is definitely top-tier, especially because Odunsi himself never jokes about the production of his song. He always put in the best.
So an Odunsi+Fresh collaboration project is definitely going to be super graceful. We are ready to see what impact it will make. We should probably get ready to hear a lot of HotBox references as well.
A lot of hip-hop lovers have shared their excitement on Twitter, in fact, every Hip-hop lover should be excited. Fresh L is a boogie rapper, who always comes correct with his lyricism, flows and cadence are always insane. You can tell he is built for rap, and I believe he knows this too.
While we wait on this project to drop, you can enjoy his last album which he promises is nothing compared to what he is about to release now. But you should still get familiar, right?
