The Nigerian music industry is a highly competitive market. Artists are found every single day while others are lost in the forever changing, unpredictable ocean that is the music scene. The rap genre has proven to be more competitive with the progression of the internet and the availability of recording programs, almost anyone is an “artist”. Social Medias like twitter, Facebook and YouTube has given Nigerian artists a platform to rise through the ranks. The Internet has allowed upcoming artists to get notice and literally build a career from the ground up.
Every year, new waves of artists wash up in our Twitter mentions, flood our email inboxes, and strike it lucky on YouTube. I feel it`s my duty to spread the music of artists who I think are entirely too talented not to be noticed. Below I have included some upcoming artists that I think you need to become familiar with and need to be on the lookout for in the near future.
Bridge – This guy is going to change the way the people view the Nigerian rap genre. Bridge has been on the scene for a while now, but the strides he has taken in that time are unparalleled. When “Insecurity” dropped, we got a taste of the independent “Bridge flow” and since then he has dropped a number of singles with his group L.O.S. (Loud On Sound). Outside of his own discography action has been featured on dozens of singles since coming onto the scene and has worked with various top notch artists in the industry.
Bridge – My Apology
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Ozzy B In the past couple of years, I saw Ozzy B begin pushing solo records that caught my attention. He has a brash and cynical style that is very much in your face without being overbearing. Ozzy B recently released a new project Birth of Santi, I was taken aback when I first gave the mixtape a listen. I was thoroughly impressed with the production and how it perfectly complemented Ozzy B` style. The 12-track effort serves as an adequate introduction to Ozzy B and gives the listener an idea of the talents he possesses.
Ozzy B – Lovers Riddim ft. Retro Dee
Lord V Lord V is a promising rapper based in the States, some of this guy`s tunes will have you reminiscing on the good ol` days, all while feeling like you`re experiencing something completely new. Lord V`s calm and laid back style is a new take on something we already find fresh. Not a lot of people expected Lord V to have killed his “234” mixtape the way he did, and it earned him the credibility he deserves.
Lord V – Murda ft. Rukus
Ajebutter22 Ajebutter22 has a way of making the familiar sound original, he is currently prepping for his forthcoming album “Anytime Soon” and has released several impressive offerings from the project. One minute Ajebutter22 may be speeding by with an unorthodox flow, and the next he will be effortlessly gliding through the record. His lyrical deftness is also another aspect of his music that sets him apart. Lastly, his ability to harmonize on his records is what truly distinguishes him from various other upcoming rappers.
Ajebutter 22 – Omo Pastor ft. BOJ
Falz Falz has a different style abound in his music, they are mostly metaphor-driven rhymes filled with humor, and emotional depth. Falz has effectively placed himself on the path to greatness, he raps like he’s fighting a cold, but once your ear adjusts to his voice you’re in for a hella ride. Falz certainly won’t go unnoticed for too long.
Falz – Waz Up Guy
Poe – If you’ve been taking your vitamins, eating your vegetables, and reading this site daily like mama said, then you’re already familiar with Poe. He has an unbending passion for hip-hop that shines in his music, he has a real talent for tunes that make you want to rip the top of your ride, hit the highway, and crank the system to the max.
Poe – Chopstix
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Yungkwtf – Yung has a flow all to his own and finally has quit the following. While he`s been on the scene for a few years now, it`s safe to say that Yung is just finally getting the recognition he deserves. His laid back flow makes understanding his lyrical aptitude that much more easily. Yung raps about what you may expect from a young upcoming rapper but does it in a way that we haven`t seen in a long time.
Yung – Farabale
SplashJosh – Splash has been bubbling under the radar for most of his career. Despite dropping a pretty impressive mixtape, Schoolboys (The First Chapter) late last year, he didn’t get the attention he deserved. Splash isn’t in a hurry to compromise his sound for a shot at fame but he`s definitely proud of his work. And for good reason; Schoolboys is enjoyable from cover to cover and he’s going to be a headache if given the opportunity.
SplashJosh – Bitter Truth
Tobay T-Obay is an entertainer but you never get the point that he’s simply trying to entertain. His rap style invites you to escape your immediate reality; forget that light bill, come dance to this. He gained notoriety with his single “Bad Sharp Guy” and from there he released various singles and has penned verses for several artists. Tobay has an impressive delivery behind his lines with crisp flows, pretty dope!
Tobay – Bad Sharp Guy
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BOS – There’s something new brewing in the rap genre. No one fully understands it yet, but the consensus is that the industry is teetering on the brink of resurgence. There`s a new crop of emcees making a concerted effort to regain the hip-hop hegemony in the Nigerian music industry. Whatever it is, whenever it boils over, BOS will be somewhere serving it forward. This guy personifies the essence of the new school rap, equal parts old school charm and contemporary flavor. Just plain good music you can bob your head to.
BOS – Hello
AT – Murda
