Nigerian rappers might be heavily slept on, but we cannot deny their influence on the music culture. How many of these greats do you know?
Nigerian rap is a force of nature—a raw, pulsating blend of local dialects, street swagger, and global hip-hop influences shaping the music scene for decades. From the gritty underground cyphers of Lagos to the polished airwaves of today, Naija rap has carved out a space that reflects the nation’s energy, resilience, and storytelling prowess.
The evolution of Nigerian hip-hop has been anything but linear. It started with pioneers who laid the foundation with conscious lyricism, then grew into an era of street anthems, commercial hits, and genre-bending experiments. Along the way, rap legends emerged, blending their native languages with English, infusing cultural references with global flows, and crafting music that resonated both locally and internationally.
Picking the 20 greatest Nigerian rappers of all time is no easy task—every fan has their favorites, and the old-school versus new-school debate is never-ending. But when you look at lyrical skills, impact, longevity, and influence, some names simply stand out. From battle-hardened lyricists to commercial powerhouses, from trailblazers to game-changers, here are the 20 Greatest Nigerian Rappers who have shaped Nigerian hip-hop into what it is today.
1. M.I Abaga
Jude Abaga, better known as M.I Abaga, Mr. Incredible, or M.I for short, is more of a rap institution, rather than being just a rapper. Dropping Talk About It in 2008, he set a bar for lyricism that’s still tough to touch. His album The Chairman (2014) is a masterclass in storytelling, and his multiple Headies wins—like Best Rap Album in 2010—cement his legacy. M.I’s got this knack for weaving complex rhymes with real-life grit, making him a king in a scene that values bars over everything.
2. Olamide
Olamide Adedeji, or Baddo, turned Yoruba rap into a cultural juggernaut. Since Rapsodi (2011), he’s been a hit machine—tracks like “Eni Duro” and “Durosoke” are anthems that hit the streets hard. His hustle paid off with commercial wins and a Headies haul, including Lyricist on the Roll in 2013. Olamide is a rapper, bridging rap and Afrobeat with a voice that’s pure Lagos.
3. Phyno
Chibuzor Nelson Azubuike, aka Phyno, brought Igbo rap to the forefront with a flow that’s as smooth as it is fierce. His 2012 collab “Ghost Mode” with Olamide was a banger that showed off his knack for blending tradition with modern beats. Albums like No Guts No Glory (2014) and Headies nods—like Best Rap Single in 2012—prove he’s a heavyweight. Phyno’s the sound of the East, unapologetic and proud.
4. Vector
Olanrewaju Ogunmefun, Vector to the world, is a lyricist who thrives in the clutch. His battles—like that epic clash with M.I in 2019—show off a pen that’s sharp as a blade. Lafiaji (2016) is a standout project, and his 2015 Headies win for Lyricist on the Roll backs up his rep. Vector is someone you don’t sleep on—every verse is a statement.
5. Ice Prince
Panshak Zamani, Ice Prince, hit the scene with “Oleku” in 2010—a track so big it made him the first African to snag a BET Award for Best International Act in 2013. His debut Everybody Loves Ice Prince (2011) was a vibe, earning him a Headies Best Rap Album nod. Ice Prince brought a cool, melodic edge to rap that still resonates.
6. Jesse Jagz
Jesse Garba Abaga, M.I’s brother, is a rap rebel with a reggae soul. His 2013 album Jagz Nation Vol. 1: Thy Nation Comeis a wild ride through genres, and tracks like “Redemption” show his depth. A Headies winner for Producer of the Year in 2010, Jesse’s a creator who’s always pushing boundaries.
7. Naeto C
Naetochukwu Chikwe ruled the mid-2000s with “Kini Big Deal” and a slick, polished style. His 2008 Headies win for Best Rap Single with “Kohinde” marked him as a pioneer of mainstream rap. Naeto C’s charisma and hustle made him a blueprint for the next wave.
8. Reminisce
Remilekun Safaru, aka Reminisce, is the voice of the hustle. Alaga Ibile (2012) and hits like “Local Rappers” with Phyno and Olamide are raw and real. Hosting the Headies in 2023 showed his clout, and his street cred which has since kept him as a fan favorite.
9. IllBliss
Tobechukwu Ejiofor, IllBliss, has been a steady hand in the game. Albums like Oga Boss (2012) and his Igbo-infused bars—like “Chukwu Agozi Go Gi”—keep him relevant. He’s not flashy, but his consistency earns him a spot among the greats.
10. Mode 9
Babatunde Olusegun Adewale, Mode 9, is a name that echoes through Nigerian rap’s early days. His 2006 Headies win for Best Rap Single with “Cry” showcased a technical mastery that’s rare. Mode 9’s a throwback to when bars were king, and he’s still respected for it.
11. Ycee
Oludemilade Alejo, Ycee, burst out with “Jagaban” in 2015—a track that’s pure energy. Signed to Tinny Entertainment, his debut Ycee vs ZAHEER (2019) mixes rap with Afro vibes. Ycee has that modern flair that’s hard to ignore.
12. Ladipoe
Ladipo Eso, under Don Jazzy’s Mavin Records, dropped “Know You” with Simi in 2020—a soulful hit that won him a Headies Best Rap Single in 2021. His Providence EP (2021) shows a thoughtful side to rap that’s rare and refreshing.
13. A-Q
Gilbert Bani, A-Q, is a rapper’s rapper. His 2022 Headies win for Best Rap Album with Sad Romance highlights his lyrical depth. A-Q’s kept the underground alive, proving you don’t need mainstream shine to be a legend.
14. PsychoYP
Nicholas Ihua-Maduenyi, PsychoYP, is the future. His 2022 Headies win for Best Rap Album with YPSZN3 blends trap and rap with a fresh edge. He’s young, hungry, and repping the next gen hard.
15. Blaqbonez
Emeka Akumefule, Blaqbonez, snagged the 2023 Headies Best Rap Album with Young Preacher. Tracks like “Bling” with Amaarae show his knack for catchy hooks and bold vibes. He’s a risk-taker who’s paying off big.
16. Falz
Folarin Falana, Falz, mixes rap with social commentary—think “This Is Nigeria” (2018), a bold take on 2Pac’s “This Is America.” His 2019 Headies win for Best Rap Album with Moral Instruction places him at the spot of some of Nigeria’s best rappers.
17. Sasha P
Anthonia Yetunde Alabi, Sasha P, broke ground as Nigeria’s First Lady of Hip Hop. Her 2000s hits like “Adara” and a Headies win for Best Female Artist in 2009 paved the way for women in rap.
18. Yung6ix
Onome Onokohwomo, Yung6ix, brought the South-South to the map with songs like “Follow Me”, nabbing a Headies Best Rap Single. His 6ix O’Clock (2014) is a slept-on gem—gritty and real.
19. Zlatan Ibile
Zlatan, born Omoniyi Temidayo, is an award-winning Nigerian rapper best known for his versatility, and pioneering the viral Zanku dance craze. Since his breakout in 2019, he has remained one of the most consistent and relentless forces in the rap scene.
20. Dagrin
Oladapo Olaitan Olaonipekun, Dagrin, changed everything before his 2010 passing. C.E.O. and “Pon Pon Pon” made Yoruba rap king, winning Best Rap Album at the 2010 Hip Hop World Awards. His death at 25 didn’t stop his legacy—he’s the street’s eternal voice.
