A look at 20 essential M.I Abaga songs that showcase his dominance in Nigerian hip-hop—from classic hits to hidden gems that define his legacy.
While studying Business and Economics at Calvin College, Michigan, Jude Abaga discovered his passion for poetry and hip-hop. He sharpened his skills on campus stages, earning a third-place finish at the 2003 Hip Hopera competition. After dabbling in stand-up comedy, he fully committed to rap. Returning to Nigeria in 2003, he stepped into an industry led by Modenine, Ruggedman, and Eedris Abdulkareem—determined to make his mark.
M.I Abaga isn’t just a rapper; he’s a standard-bearer. For nearly two decades, his name has been synonymous with lyrical brilliance in Nigerian hip-hop. M.I is the architect of modern Nigerian rap. He didn’t just participate in the game; he redefined it.
Here are 20 essential tracks that define his artistry, evolution, and impact. Some are timeless anthems, others hidden gems—but all solidify M.I Abaga’s legacy as one of Nigeria’s greatest.
1. Crowd Mentality
M.I Abaga first broke into the mainstream with Crowd Mentality in 2006, a track that would later appear on his 2008 debut album, Talk About It. Laidback yet undeniably groovy, the single was more than just a catchy tune—it was a sharp critique of herd mentality in society and music consumption. With clever lyricism and a charismatic delivery, M.I set the stage for the thought-provoking artistry that would define his career.
2. Safe (ft. Djinee)
Safe also from M.I. Abaga’s debut album Talk About It, is a five-minute masterclass in lyrical dominance. Effortlessly blending sharp English verses with a pidgin-infused hook, he playfully reworks hits from P-Square, D’Banj, Timaya and a host of others. With meticulous wordplay and spitfire delivery, he reaffirms why he’s Mr. Incredible. Djinee’s smooth vocals add a melodic contrast, rounding out the track’s braggadocious flair.
3. Anoti (ft. Gabriel)
Anoti stands as one of the defining tracks from M.I Abaga’s debut album, Talk About It. Over a pulsating beat, he confidently stakes his claim in Nigerian hip-hop, rattling off monikers and addressing early skepticism about his ability to craft club anthems.
4. Fast Money, Fast Cars (ft. Wizkid)
A standout from Talk About It, Fast Money, Fast Cars not only showcased M.I Abaga’s signature wit but also introduced a young Wizkid to the spotlight before his EME days. Produced by Kraftmatiks, the track blended sharp lyricism with an infectious hook, marking a pivotal moment in both artists’ careers. Beyond its musical impact, the song also sparked M.I’s infamous feud with Kelly Hansome, fueled by a playful yet provocative line that led to a series of diss tracks between the two.
5. Nobody Test Me (ft. Ice Prince & Jesse Jagz)
When Kelly Hansome took aim at Chocolate City with Catch Me If You Can, the label’s powerhouse trio—M.I, Jesse Jagz, and Ice Prince, known as the Choc Boiz—hit back with Nobody Test Me. On the track, M.I dismisses the feud with a sharp jab: “Only one Kelly that I know, Kelly Rowland.” More than just a diss track, Nobody Test Me became an unofficial Choc Boiz anthem, solidifying their reputation as elite wordsmiths in Nigerian hip-hop.
6. Action Film (ft. Brymo)
With his sophomre album The Movie (MI 2), M.I Abaga embraced a cinematic theme, and Action Film was the perfect opening scene. Over an electrifying beat, M.I plays the fearless lead, delivering witty bars with commanding presence, while Brymo’s smooth vocals add a touch of soul. Packed with energy and swagger, this 2010 track remains a standout in his catalog.
7. Undisputed
Undisputed, another lead single from M.I Abaga’s sophomore album The Movie (MI 2), is a bold reaffirmation of his dominance. Released in 2010 under Chocolate City, the track swaps a conventional hip-hop beat for pulsating Afrocentric percussion, adding a fresh dynamic to his razor-sharp lyricism. With effortless swagger and punchline-heavy bars, M.I delivers a masterclass in self-assurance, leaving no doubt about his place at the top.
8. One Naira (ft. Waje)
On One Naira, a standout from his sophomore album, M.I Abaga crafts a heartfelt ode to unconditional love. Teaming up with Waje, whose soulful vocals add depth and warmth, he delivers a timeless message of devotion through life’s highs and lows. With its emotive lyrics and smooth production, the track remains one of his most cherished collaborations.
9. Beef
On Beef, a standout from his sophomore album, M.I turns industry feuds into lyrical sport. Laced with African proverbs and razor-sharp wordplay, he dismantles his critics with wit rather than aggression. The track’s upbeat tempo and melodic chorus soften the blows, making it as entertaining as it is cutting—a masterclass in turning confrontation into artistry.
10. Number One (ft. Flavour)
On this remarkable track from his sophomore album, M.I Abaga joins forces with Highlife maestro Flavour to stake his claim as Number 1. Over a lively Highlife-infused beat, M.I effortlessly delivers sharp, confident bars, reinforcing his dominance in the rap game. Flavour’s signature melodies provide the perfect backdrop, making this track both a bold statement and a seamless fusion of genres.
11. Epic
Staying true to the cinematic theme of his sophomore album, M.I Abaga crafts Epic as a larger-than-life anthem, bringing in Praiz’s soulful vocals for added grandeur. Built for stadiums, the track pulses with thunderous claps, sweeping piano chords, and M.I’s razor-sharp bars. Praiz’s soaring melodies complete the cinematic feel, making Epic a bold, arena-ready statement.
12. Nobody (ft. 2Baba)
“If nobody talks about you, then you are nobody.” This track dives into the rumors, conspiracies, and gossip that come with fame. M.I Abaga unpacks the burdens of celebrity life with sharp lyricism, while 2Baba delivers a flawless hook, bringing his signature soulfulness to the mix. The result? A compelling anthem that turns public scrutiny into a badge of honor.
13. Chairman
Following the massive success of his sophomore album, M.I Abaga took a three-year hiatus, only to return stronger with Chairman, the lead single and title track from his third studio album. The track finds M.I in peak form, exuding confidence with effortless swagger, reaffirming his status as a dominant force in Nigerian hip-hop.
14. Monkey (ft. Chi Gurl)
On Monkey, a highlight from his 2014 album The Chairman, M.I Abaga masterfully blends humor, satire, and motivation. The track fuses hip-hop with elements of contemporary Igbo gospel, particularly in its spirited chorus. M.I weaves tales of resilience, laced with clever nods to Nigerian pop culture, while comedienne Chi Gurl delivers a playful, praise-style hook that adds to the song’s charm. It’s a testament to M.I’s versatility—effortlessly balancing introspection with entertainment.
15. Bad Belle (ft. Moti Cakes)
Bad Belle is a defiant anthem from M.I Abaga’s third studio album, tackling envy and negativity head-on. With his trademark lyricism and commanding delivery, he weaves through hard-hitting instrumentals, exuding confidence and dominance. The track’s infectious energy and bold message make it an undeniable standout.
16. You Rappers Should Fix Up Your Lives
One of M.I Abaga’s most controversial tracks, this 2017 release served as an open letter to Nigerian rappers. Frustrated by the state of the genre, he called out the lack of worthy successors, comparing the local scene to South Africa’s thriving hip-hop landscape. He also took shots at rappers pivoting to singing. The track ignited fierce online debates about Nigerian hip-hop’s decline and, in true rap tradition, sparked a wave of response tracks from his peers and aspiring successors alike.
17. The Viper
M.I Abaga and Vector’s long-standing rivalry over rap supremacy in Nigeria reached a boiling point in 2019 when M.I dropped The Viper, a scathing diss track. Taking a more calculated and reflective approach, M.I positioned himself as the mentor who uplifts others while accusing Vector of failing to do the same. The track reignited debates over who truly holds the crown in Nigerian hip-hop.
18. Crown of Clay (ft. Vector & Pheelz)
After years of tension and diss tracks, M.I Abaga and Vector finally put their rivalry to rest in December 2020 during The Conversation, a Hennessy Nigeria documentary series. Meeting face-to-face, they addressed their long-standing feud. Their reconciliation led to Crown of Clay in March 2021, a powerful collaboration that celebrates African identity and calls out the lingering effects of imperialism. Produced by Pheelz, the track fuses hard-hitting lyricism with a rich, cultural soundscape.
19. The Guy
M.I Abaga reaffirms his dominance with The Guy, a track that sets the tone for his 2022 album of the same name. With razor-sharp lyricism and a commanding presence, he reminds listeners of his legacy, delivering the standout line, “Ask the guy that you thought was the guy.” More than just a rap anthem, the song serves as a statement—M.I is not just a rapper; he’s the guy.
20. Bigger (ft. Olamide & Nas)
On Bigger, from his 2022 album The Guy, M.I Abaga teams up with Nigerian rap contemporary Olamide and hip-hop legend Nas for a track that marks his artistic evolution. Nas’ feature was a full-circle moment, given M.I’s past legal dispute with the rapper over an unfulfilled collaboration. Their link-up on Bigger not only closed that chapter but also cemented the song as a standout moment on the album.
