Wednesday, August 20, 2025
Home Blog Page 63

DRB Lasgidi: The BluePrint For Nigeria’s Alte Sound

hiphopafrica
-
0
DRB Lasgidi: The BluePrint For Nigeria’s Alte Sound

Looking into the Nigerian Alte atmosphere, one name that will always pop up is DRB Lagidi. A group of three very talented individuals crafted the modern-day vibe we now experience in Nigerian music.

They had everything on lock, from the sound, lifestyle, fashion, composure, songwriting, and instrumentation to their event/concert style and target audience.

Unlike the mainstream Afrobeats, they had a target audience, they had a road map they followed for all their dealings, which eventually led them to become one of the foremost musical groups in Nigeria.

The three boys’ group started as Rap Royal, with Teezee and Fresh L as its founding members. They alongside two other friends – Tobi and Tobena were the initial members of the group.

They went ahead to release their first mixtape “Coronation Vol1”, where they featured BOJ and Dayo.

Soon enough they released “Marry Me” over emails. A move that will go ahead to help them get an audience and eventually get airplay on Radios in Lagos.

Soon after, BOJ who had dropped a few bars on “Marry Me”, joined the group fully.

RAP ROYAL TO DRB

With BOJ joining, they changed their name to DRB and soon started to work with producers like Ife Otedola on records such as “Wait a Minute”, a song that received a lot of positive reviews.

Soon enough DRB proceeded to release the “Beats N Bars” mixtape in 2008. A project that was made by Fresh L and Tobenna with an appearance from 3feat. The year that followed saw the release of the “Hooks N Bars” mixtape.

However in 2010 “HarDrive” mixtape was recorded and released, featuring JRah, Costels, Phlowz, and Stan with production from foremost hip-hop producer Adey, who will years later produce hit records with YCee.

Afrobeat singer and record producer Davido also guested on one of the songs, while he co-produced on two of the record, this was way before the singer will later kick-start his career fully.

READ ALSO: SKEPTA SHINES AS THE ONLY HIPHOP FEATURE ON DAVIDO’s TIMELESS

DRB TO DRB LASGIDI

Later in 2011, the team grew too big that they had to divide into two, while staying as a unit. This would eventually lead to DRB “Lasgidi” and Creative Elevation(CE) being formed. The Lasgidi was to identify as Afrobeat, while CE was the London version of the label.

They proceeded to drop amazing records and also dropped individual records, while BOJ dropped a remake of his 2008 vocal, which ended up being the hit song “Gra Gra”. Fresh L dropped “Bring out the Rose” which featured Teezee and finally Teezee came in with “Swagga Mi Gbona” Ft BOJ. All of these records soon became club bangers and enjoyed a fair enough rotation on Radio.

In 2012, the team released their single “Toyin” a song that transcended their audience and crossed into the mainstream of the Nigerian music scene. A few days after the audio drops they eventually released a very befitting Video for the song, becoming one of their very first music videos.

They went on with their joint and solo careers and made awesome waves in Nigeria, eventually dropping their debut album “DRB @10” in 2018. Their most talked about album however dropped in 2020.

PIONEER THE ALBUM

Pioneer album was released in 2020 becoming the group’s biggest album to date, although they only have two. The album featured International superstar Tems, Nigeria’s most decorated rapper Olamide, Odunsi (The Engine), Lady Donli, and Prettyboy DO amongst others.

The name Pioneer came off the fact that the trio created what is now known as the late scene in Nigeria. They pioneered everything from sound down to fashion.

Pioneer album was released alongside a short documentary that highlights the group’s influence on the rapidly growing Alte culture in Lagos Nigeria. The documentary highlighted Skepta and Davido who both testified to the group’s influence.

INDIVIDUAL SUCCESS

Currently, every member of the group has their own thing going on. They have come a long way from being just boys with a passion for music to creating sounds and musical inferences that will last forever.

TEEZEE

Group member Teezee is the founder of Native Magazine. One of Nigeria’s foremost Entertainment Magazines, which has had stars like Wizkid, Naira Marley, and Burna Boy has cover stars. The first edition of the magazine was released in the summer of 2018.

Teezee also runs Nativeland, an annual music event organized by Native at the popular Muri Okunola park in Lagos, and has existed since 2016. The Super talented singer recently started Native Records, where OdumoduBlvck is currently signed. As well as the popular Native Sound System, a radio show based in London.

FRESH L

Fresh L on the other hand has been running the Nightlife scene in Lagos for a while, from managing clubs to finally starting one himself. The super-talented rapper started Hot Box sometime early last year and has since become the most revered nightclub in Lagos.

The club he co-owns with Asa Asika, another Afrobeat head has since opening hosted all the big names in the entertainment scene in Nigeria.

The likes of Davido, Wizkid, Rema, Ruger, Wande Coal, Buju, Ayra Starr, and even International stars like Dababy, Micheal Wards of Top Boy, and a lot more have been spotted at the club.

He has also promised to release a rap EP this year, especially since more music fans seem to just be taking notes of the awesomeness of his rap skills and how mature his raps have always been.

Although, before Pioneer dropped Fresh L had dropped his SUNS EP, a project that promises a great time, intentions of situations, and a wild time back in 2018.

BOJ

However, BOJ has been the most committed to his music, devoting his whole attention to his craft has earned him countless hit records and collaborations in the music industry globally.

He has been busy headlining shows, touring, and releasing bangers while his colleagues have devoted most of their time to pushing their business portfolios.

BOJ’s recent album “Gbagada Express” was named one of the biggest projects of 2022. He connected with stars like Wizkid, Davido, Tiwa Savage, Buju, and Fireboy DML amongst many others. He also featured both Teezee and Fresh L on separate tracks of the project.

THE FUTURE

Fresh L, is probably the most troublesome of the trio, from back in the days when he’ll troll anybody at all on Twitter to being recognized as a big trouble by fans and enemies alike, Fresh L in the 2010s was a huge deal of wahala on Twitter.

Seeing them grow into all these wonderful pillars of the future is interesting. It’s like watching your favorite TV character grow.

They have continued to promise at different times that more will be heard from them in the future and have promised to curate more concerts for their fans in the future.

Well, we can’t say anything other than to be wowed about the contributions they have made to the Alte scene in Nigeria and hope, just like they promised that we see more of them in the future. Maybe this year, just maybe.

Loatinover Pounds Finally Shoots Visuals For Sosh Plata Remix

Editor
-
0
Loatinover Pounds Finally Shoots Visuals For Sosh Plata Remix

The new prince of the 012 and President ya punyete, Loatinover Pounds has had the streets ablaze with Sosh Plata for a minute now and is finally building on the hype from the remix featuring 25K and Thapelo Ghutra.

The rapper just shared a visual teaser for the Sosh Plata remix accompanied by his fellow rappers, where he proudly dons a white striped “Punyete” golfer.

“012! Ke nakwela!” (012! It’s time!), captioned Loatinover in the post where supporters are raving at the news. Watch the clip below and get ready for the Sosh Plata remix music video dropping this Friday, 7 April.

Faka punyete! 🤌🏽

TOP 10 DRILLERS IN AFRICA

Editor
-
0
TOP 10 DRILLERS IN AFRICA

With the growth of Afrobeat and its impact in Global entertainment today its no news that African music and musicians are on the fore front of affecting global music culture and one genre which is slowly making an impact and putting more African musicians on the map is Drill music. Here is a list of the top 10 Drill rappers in Africa. This list was curated by the Hiphop Africa team and it was based of Drill Ability and delivery, Flows, Hit Songs, Projects and features.

  1. Black Sherif
  2. Jay Bhad
  3. Burukyln Boyz
  4. PyschoyYP
  5. Kwaku DMC
  6. Wakadinali
  7. Esskay
  8. NATTY
  9. Legedary Styles
  10. Dont Play Mob

In the diaspora drill music has been criticized for glorifying violence and promoting negative stereotypes but over here in Africa Drill music has been a platform for young and talented musicians to express themselves, showcase their rap skills, talent and gain recognition.

Drill music is a sub-genre of hip-hop music that originated in the South Side of Chicago in the early 2010s and 2010s and has since become popular in other parts of the world, including the UK, Australia, Ghana, Kenya and South Africa it gained massive listener-ship especially through its most successful artist Pop Smoke. Drill Music blew big up in Africa during the Covid lock-down with artist emerging from different corners of Africa with Kumasi being the leader of the pack in producing several artist who in return were delivering back to back smash hits from the hiphop genre. Other African countries like Kenya, Nigeria, South Africa amongst others also participated in tapping into the drill scene and producing some mad talents.

Take a listen to out Top 10 Drillers Playlist on Spotify
  1. Black Sherif
    Kwaku The Traveller as he is also called is the ultimate success story for talent, hardwork and timing. Everything fell right for the Young Ghanaian who is arguably the Best artist from Ghana at the moment with his large catalog of hits, collaborations and his debut album The Villain I never Was Topping Charts in Ghana and Nigeria. Black Sherif Became the first Ghanaian to top the Apple music charts in Nigeria, as well as making the billboard Afrobeat charts and many others, he has been a revelation which can be seen from he diaspora with the youngster touring the world with his performance and flying his countries flag high. First time listeners of Sherif get amazed by his vocal range then zone into his eerie unorthodox melodies. But the actual catch is the substance in his writing and how relevant and relative it is to modern times and listeners.

Black Sherif’s unique sound is geared towards creating a mass cult following, with the end goal of creating a global icon. With the manner in which he blends Ghanaian Highlife with Reggae, Hip Hop and other sounds, it widens his reach and potential.
With Highlife being Ghana’s authentic sound, his use of the genre has an instant effect on the older folk which isn’t the usual case for a 20-year old artiste.

  1. Jay Bhad
    With a Voice befitting the Genre whose beats often use minor keys and dissonant chords to create a sense of tension and aggression, Jay Bhad is the ultimate driller on the list, sometimes called the Ghanaian Pop Smoke he is a natural driller with any instrumental his voices sits on the beat which producers a mosh pit feeling whenever you hear Jay Chad on the beat just like his hit single CONDEMN which was an instant success and his featured verse on the another Kumasi hit single in Sore or the numerous hits to come out of Kumerica during the pandemic. Jay Bhad has several EP’s to his name and features on Small God’s Sinner Which is another Drill Banger, If you are yer to list to Jay Bhad take a listen to his hit single below.

3. Burukyln Boyz
Hailing from Buruburu estate Burukyln Boyz are the leaders of the pack when it comes to East African Drill, the group is made up of rapper Ajay and Mr Right and the duo have definitely made a statement with their drill. The duo released their hit single Niarobi in 2021 and ever since they’ve been shattering records in their home country Kenya, our editors got a hold of their music for the first time in late 2021 and we also knew instantly they’re one to fly the African flag higher.

4. PyschoyYP
PsychoYP is a king in his own lane, being almost a decade in the Hiphop scene, he boast versatility, style, flows and everything it takes to be a successful rapper, he also has a couple of drill music to his name.n He is definitely leading the pack in new wave Nigerian hip hop. Boasting an undeniable underground hip hop following, coupled with variety of features and lead projects that continue to see him making major waves in the music and entertainment industry, PsychoYP has quickly earned his spot as the most sought-after rapper in Nigeria and on the continent. Born in Abuja, Nigeria – YP launched his career in 2016 with the release of Lost In The Sauce EP.

5. Kwaku DMC
Another member of the Asakaa Movement and pioneer of Ghanaian Drillmsuic Kwaku DMC is the most lyrical member of the Asakaa boys with his style bouncing on the beat on his Off White Flow a single which pays tribute to late Vigril Abloh before his debut EP TrApHouse”, the project boasted tracks like “Breaking Bad”, which helped win the burgeoning rapper some level of attention in Kumasi. Kwaku DMC has been featured with heavyweights like Headie One, Vic Mensa and to mention a few.

6. Wakadinali
Another entry from Kenya is rap Trio Wakadinali which comprises of members, Sewersyda, Scar and The hook killer himself, Domani. Their success came after dropping their highly anticipated drill themed album VICTIMS OF MADNESS, which acquired a cumulative total of over 30 million streams on streaming platforms!! The rap Trio has since remains independent and still pushing Kenya music and drill global.

7. EESKAY
EESKAY’s is a Nigerian rapper experimenting Modern Drill sound with Afrocentric elements such as indigenous language and domestic slangs to give birth to the genre known as “Afro-Drill” he is definitely bringing a new style to drill music in Nigeria with his style, His debut EP Drill or Nah was another project released in 2021 and it was a drill testament to music critics from her oil rich nation Nigeria.

8. NATTY
A senior member of Kenyan drill gang G.T.A. NATTY who is also a producer and nicknamed Rong Rambo has been credited with pioneering the drill sound in Kenya. NATTY released his project this year to contest as king of kenyan drill.

9. Legedary Styles
The Nigerian rapper burst unto the scene with his hit single Looseguard which in turn had a remix which featured rapper and activist Falz. Looseguard was an instant smash hit which brought a feel of drill music to the Nigerian entertainment scene out of no where. The single was also released in 2021 during the pandemic and was the only drill song from Nigeria to export into Ghana and played alongside Kumerica’s sound.

10. Don’t play Mob
Don’t Play Mob is a drill music group from Wynberg, Cape Town,South Africa. The group is made up of 5 members: Mk47, Target, Lunatik, Ludachris, and Pistol 02. Each member brings their unique style and perspective to the group’s sound, resulting in a fresh and dynamic approach to drill music from Mzanzi, Since 2020, Don’t Play Mob has been making waves in the underground drill scene, building a loyal fanbase through their raw and unapologetic lyrics, hard-hitting beats, and captivating visuals. Their single Don’t Plat Anthem is a smash hit and they’re pushing to top a genre not popular in South Africa.

Get Ready For The Rap Battle Association, “The Colosseum” Premier

Editor
-
0
Get Ready For The Rap Battle Association, “The Colosseum” Premier

Four of Pretoria’s finest emcees, A-Reece, Blaklez, Jay Jody, and N’veigh, have come together to take local Hip Hop back to the roots and unearth the lost art of battle rap as The Rap Battle Association.

Established in December 2022, RBA had a common goal – to elevate battle rap in South Africa by hosting fellow spitters to go head to head and see who will be crowned king.

The first face-off is between rappers Fahrenheit/ Heit and Tee Starz who showed enthusiasm to battle it out and rip each other’s faces off.

Don’t miss the premiere of The Colosseum of Gladiators tonight at 19:00 CAT on the RBA’s YouTube page. Let’s go!

Dibi & Knife Beatz Team Up In New Single

Editor
-
0
Dibi & Knife Beatz Team Up In New Single

Dibi is back in the streets and this time is accompanied by Knife Beatz for WOA (Word Of Advice).

https://twitter.com/TheOnlyDibi/status/1641444537829822466?t=irul3LxFmxL-76HR0Dqkaw&s=19

I’ve been following Dibi for a while now and each time I hear his music feels like the first time. He is quite experimental in his craft and it makes the listening experience all the more enjoyable.

We last saw him back in December when he dropped off Critic featuring Touchline. For his latest scorcher, Knife chops up a high-energy trap beat, allowing Dibi to share a word of advice for the game while also questioning his peers’ credibility.

Knife Beatz & Dibi

Check it out:

Benzo talks her sudden rise to fame and establishing herself in the music industry.

Editor
-
0
Benzo talks her sudden rise to fame and establishing herself in the music industry.

Benzo known as Enzokuhle Aviwe Ngeyake is a young South African rapper and singer from the North of Johannesburg. During lockdown, she made a name for herself while dropping freestyles on Instagram and hasn’t looked back since.

Even though her music career is in its infancy Benzo has already reached milestones that seasoned veterans in the game can be envious of. Her accolades include landing her first synchronization deal with JIVA! on Netflix where her song titled “Imali” was used as the soundtrack to one of the scenes in the series.

Her distribution deal with Symphonic Distribution allows Benzo to remain an independent artist through Black Butterfly Records which is her label that she co-owns with her manager, Kay The Manager.

Three years later from her breakout year and Benzo “The Kumkanikazi of Rap” reflects on her rise and is looking to solidify her name in the history books of South African rap music. She is looking to change the status of rap music and prove that women in music are not to be taken lightly. Her bars and punchlines far exceed her age. Proving that she can hold her own with anyone on a record.

Outside of music, Benzo has collaborated with brands like Sportscene, Redbat, and Reebok South Africa.

The following interview has been lightly edited for context and clarity

Daniel Young: Talk to me about the process of going from recording freestyles in your room to having to record in a studio?

Benzo: I hit up choppa since he is one of my friends and I knew that he would be able to help me. His reaction was so surprising. He asked me “oh really you want to record? You’re always in the studio but you never really record are you sure that this is something that you want to do?” After the recording session I remember that he said that this could actually work for me. After that moment I guess it become a thing.

Did you have any fears? Was there any moment of doubt that you had.

The only fear that I had was being compared to other female artists that were already in the industry. It’s a thing that people do all the time and it starts a lot of unnecessary conflict between artists. Most of the time a lot of women aren’t respected in the industry and that was another fear of mine that I wouldn’t be respected enough.

Were you ever in a situation where you were not respected for your craft? How did that feel?

Yes I have. I felt very degraded if I am being honest with you know. I didn’t feel seen as a human being. Even just as a woman I felt very disrespected because in everything that I do I keep it very professionally. At the end of the day business is business you know what I am saying…

Tell me are you signed to anyone yet? The reason why I’m asking is because  I don’t think you would have made the jump from doing freestyles on Instagram straight to getting a deal.

I have a distribution deal with Symphonic but I am fully independent. I didn’t get the Symphonic distribution deal after I started getting noticed on Instagram there was a few steps in between. I was doing deals with Reebok when Cardi B had a shoe with Reebok so I was part of the team that was tasked with posting about that. There were “wins” before I got that distribution deal so they could see that I was working. It was more of Symphonic joining my movement and assisting where they could.

Is there anyone that you look up to in life?

I look up to my mother. She has been through so much and even now she sacrifices so much for me. I found my way to some extent, and I still am I still trying to find my way through life. My mother doesn’t crucify me for still waiting to explore things. She supports my music 100% which I am very grateful for. Even though she doesn’t fully understand what goes on in the industry she is there for me no matter what.

What was your mother’s first reaction when you told her that you want to do music?

You know my mom is pretty understanding.  The first thing she asked me what happened to wanting to become a producer. I was studying Television production, writing and sound. All I said was girl I don’t want to be behind the scenes. I want to be on camera! She never shot the idea down which I think is very important especially in today’s era. All I asked of her was to trust me. When I sent her my first song her reaction couldn’t have been more genuine, she knew it was me but at the same time she couldn’t believe that I made the song. She knows a few hiphop artists and she told me that I was giving off Cardi B vibes, totally boosting my confidence and all.

What drives you to continue to make music?

The love that I receive from my Benzonites online which is my fanbase. The love that I receive from my friends and family, and I would say my love for music is what drives me. I really don’t see myself doing anything else besides music. Wait venturing into acting within the industry is something that I would look into.

Looking back now do you think that you would have accomplished everything that you did so far?

Wow, I have to be honest here. I don’t think so.  I do believe in myself, but everything just came so fast. I’m not complaining about any of my achievements, it was just very surprising because for a lot of people the things that I have accomplished in my short time here – other people take years to do. It took me about a year to achieve those things and that was it. The thing is I even surprised myself.  All of the people that I look up to who are getting all of these wins, I myself am slowing but surely getting there. It is very shocking but also very affirming and I know that this is what I am meant to do.

What keeps you grounded? I know that achieving so much at a young age and get to your head…

I think that would be my family. The way that I was brought up, we are very humble people, and I will forever be grateful for that. I think other thing that helped me a lot was being on boarding school.   I got to see different people from different backgrounds and accepting them for who they are.

BLACK SHERIF DELIVERED ON “CELEBRATE” OFF POPCAAN’S ALBUM DELUXE

hiphopafrica
-
0
BLACK SHERIF DELIVERED ON “CELEBRATE” OFF POPCAAN’S ALBUM DELUXE

Ghanaian Super talented singer/rapper Black Sherif has been featured on the just released deluxe version of Jamaican singer Popcaan’s “Great Is He”.

The song they both titled Celebrate sees the two stars make a crossbreed of their sounds, with both bringing in a taste of their continental sounds to a unique blend on Celebrate.

Celebrate is a pop-centric sound, which is sure to top charts across their various continents. The song also showcases both their talent and sounds. Just like every other Popcaan song it has the potential to resonate with music lovers across the world.

READ ALSO: SKEPTA SHINES AS THE ONLY HIPHOP FEATURE ON DAVIDO’s TIMELESS

This song’s significance is further increased by the fact that it features the award-winning Ghanaian artist Black Sherif. The song benefits greatly from Black Sherif’s superb verse, which adds intricacy and delicacy.

While we are excited about this, especially because Black Sherif has continued to shine on all his features while continuously taking his sound all across the world.

We surely look forward to seeing both stars do this again and again.

SKEPTA SHINES AS THE ONLY HIPHOP FEATURE ON DAVIDO’s TIMELESS

hiphopafrica
-
0
SKEPTA SHINES AS THE ONLY HIPHOP FEATURE ON DAVIDO’s TIMELESS

UK-based Nigerian rapper Skepta made a classic with his Nigerian brother and industry colleague Davido on TIMELESS. The two are some of the leading voices in their various genre, so having them together on a song is a big deal.

Davido who dropped his TIMELESS album in the early hours of today, March 31st, 2023, had the pleasure of having the Agaracha himself on track 12.

This is one long overdue song, with both stars being at the very top of their careers for more than a decade, fans have been expecting them to link up to make gems together for a while. However, it’s better late than never, right?

READ ALSO: ODUMODUBLVCK: From An Unknown Hip-hop Underdog To The No.1 Spot

JUJU

Today, we were served a beautiful piece, U(Juju). The song is not only a vibe, it is a crazy piece of art. The two stars complemented each other very perfectly on this track.

The song follows the path of Davido’s previous pop-styled song “D&G”, where he featured American R&B star, Summer Walker. This time the instrumentation flowed perfectly with the pompous flows of Skepta.

Skepta in his usual style pulled up powerfully on the track, as he bounces off with his first line “Says she wants big flows”, a line that prepares fans and listeners for a perfect ride down the whole length of his verse.

The song is a beautiful blend of pop, Afrobeat, and hip-hop and has enjoyed good criticism all over social media.

Fans went ahead to compare the piece to some of Skepta’s previous Afrobeats features. Nonetheless, the feature was applauded for being so natural, as both stars sounded comfortable over the instrumental.

U(Juju) is also the first Davido-owned collaboration with any UK-based artiste ever, as he has until now never featured any UK artiste on any of his projects. U(Juju) with Skepta also sits pretty as the only hip-hop feature on the TIMELESS album.

While we are excited about this collaboration, we also look forward to seeing them work together again in the future.

Metro FM Music Awards 2023 Nominees’ List

Editor
-
0
Metro FM Music Awards 2023 Nominees’ List

The Metro FM Music Awards are just around the corner and the nominees list has been revealed.

Submissions for the awards opened in January and artists were given a little over a month to submit their work before submissions closed at the end of February.

This year, many of our favorite rappers made the list of nominees with K.O leading the pack with a total of 7 nominations, followed by AKA with 6 – surely it’s an abbreviation thing?

K.O
AKA

The awards will be held at Mbombela Stadium in Mpumalanga on the 6th of May and will broadcast live on SABC 1.

To vote, dial *120*45787# and follow the prompts. USSD rates are charged at R1.50.

See the full list of nominees below:

Shane Eagle Drops Off #HoldYou Track & Visuals

Editor
-
0
Shane Eagle Drops Off #HoldYou Track & Visuals

Keeping to his word from this past week, Shane Eagle officially drops his anticipated new single, Hold You accompanied by a mellow music video.

Hopefully making an end to his hiatus, the Eagle Entertainment founder gives fans a melodious, piano-laced boom-bap tune to keep us heated in the chilly weather.

These are the flows they’ll never forget, chump And if I met you at a show, I’ll never forget ya.

Shane Eagle – Hold You

The video, shot in Dublin, Ireland, is directed by Adam McPeake who journeys us through the city as Eagle performs the song in various settings.

Though elated over the new release, fans are worried that Eagle is back to his old tricks of dropping music and going MIA for months on end. It’s hard to say but I think we may be getting a new project soon, what do you think?

Listen to Hold You below:

Watch the video here:

1...626364...140Page 63 of 140

Category

Important

Stay connected

spot_img
SiteLock

© 2025 Hiphop Africa Ltd | All rights Reserved