Rap is perhaps the most competitive genre of music, with MCs constantly spitting bars and punchlines to exert dominance and prove to be the best. As such, the hip-hop scene in any area is typically embroiled in rivalries and beef. The Nigerian hip-hop scene is no different, as we have seen some exciting rivalries in the genre’s short history; Mode 9 vs Ruggedman, Sinzu vs Godwon, M.I Abaga vs Vector the Viper, and even Blaqbonez vs the whole industry.
One thing is clear, hip-hop music is a competitive sport, which is why it is a real statement when rappers come together to make a collaborative tape. For a genre that is largely fueled by ego, having two wordsmiths combine their talents produces some of the most amazing music with brilliant concepts and mind-blowing lyricism. The Nigerian hip-hop space has produced a good number of collaborative rap tapes in recent times; and in this listicle, I have picked five tapes that tick the boxes for excellent concept and superb lyricism.
A-Q & M.I. Abaga – The Live Report (2020): A-Q is who you refer to as a rapper’s rapper, and M.I. is arguably the greatest Nigerian rapper ever. A tape between these heavyweights had been a long time coming since they became close associates in 2017; however it wasn’t until 2020, during the thick of the Covid-19 lockdown that they dropped their collaborative EP. Inspired by a tweet from a fan, A-Q and M.I. created the tape in 5 days, with the late BeatsbyJayy handling production. The Live Report addressed issues like the pandemic, religion and mortality, with a healthy dose of braggadicious bars. The Live Report is as good a collaborative rap tape as they come, not just in Nigerian hip-hop but anywhere in the world.
Vader the Wildcard & TGM – Lagos in July (2019): Lagos is a city that has the wildest stories and sights. So when two witty rappers come together to make a tape about their Lagos experiences, you can be sure to hear sweet relatable rap and tons of quotables. Lagos in July explores the experiences of Vader the Wildcard and TGM, from the point of view of two young men trying to live the Nigerian dream. From a crazy robbery, to a rendezvous gone wrong and the famed Lekki water, the EP tells stories that paint a clear picture of what life in Lagos is like. The synergy between Vader the Wildcard and TGM is the best quality of the tape.
Paybac Iboro & Boogey (The Lost and Found) – Alternate Ending (2019): Paybac Iboro and Boogey are two rappers that have so much in common. They are two highly gifted rappers who have the skills and work ethic to be at the echelon of Nigerian rap, but seem to still be denied their accolades by the industry. As such, The Lost and Found is the banding together of two talented underdogs, and the pair of Paybac Iboro and is one of the finest hip-hop duos that Nigeria has ever produced. On Alternate Ending, The Lost & Found create a universe, in which they are the protagonists fighting against the “Industry Guy”. The concept is a brilliant symbolism for both rappers’ struggles against industry antics.
Oladips & Zlatan – Mainland to Island (2021): Mainland to Island represents the victory lap for Oladips and Zlatan. If you are familiar with the geography of Lagos, you would know that the Mainland represents the rural while the Island is synonymous to urban. For Oladips and Zlatan; two gifted Yoruba rappers who did not have it easy on the come up, Mainland to Island tell their stories of moving from “grass to grace”. Employing smooth punchlines and hard hitting bars, Oladips and Zlatan rap about their struggles, dealing with naysayers, and overcoming setbacks to achieve success.
Jeriq & Dremo – Ea$t N We$t (2021): Jeriq and Dremo are two of Nigeria’s most marketable rappers, and the commercial success of their joint EP reflected that. On Ea$t N We$t, Jeriq and Dremo infused Nigerian culture with popular Hiphop sounds. You can hear Jeriq (East) rapping in Igbo and Dremo (West) in Yoruba. All in all, it is a brilliant tape that does not trade enjoyability for sophistication.
Other notable mentions include The Riot by Droxx and Mo’Gunz and MMXXII by Zilla Oaks and Makama.