Remedies - Shakomo
Eedris Abdulkareem, Eddy Montana & Tony Tetuila formed the group Remedies. They dropped their single "Shakomo" and shook the Naija scene with fast paced lyrics from Eedris, while Eddy & Tony kept it cool with the singing and chants on the sampled beat excerpt from Michael Jackson's Liberian Girl. It was the beginning of Naija Hip Hop on a commercial scale.
Download Shakomo [mp3]
Trybesmen - Plenty Nonsense
Eldee, Kaboom & Freestyle were the Trybesmen and they fused Pidgen English lyrics with a sense of humor to create funny story lines and amazing rhymes. One of their top songs from the late 90s was "Plenty Nonsense" where they sampled De La Soul's "Jump". They really oozed Hip Hop on their delivery and flows and created a serious buzz on school campuses and radio stations then.
Download Plenty Nonsense [mp3]
Tony Tetuila - My Car
Tony Tetuila of Remedies in 2000 suddenly emerged with a smashing hit song "My Car", this was one of the first original instrumentals made in Naija Hip Hop (since the aforementioned artists usually sampled) and Tony displayed his creativity by telling a funny story about someone bashing his car (Eedris it was on the video). Back in the days, this was a classic and still is.
Download My Car [mp3]
Plantashun Boiz - Plantashun Boiz
Plantashun Boiz theme song by Plantashun Boiz introduced 2face, Faze & Blackface into the music industry and they were one of the first groups that not only dropped a banging hit single but a very good debut album, Body & Soul. 2face and Faze were melodious in their vocal delivery while Blackface infused Reggae influence raps into their vibe. They were highly influencial back in the days.
Download Plantashun Boiz [mp3]
Maintain - Catch Cold
Maintain (Olu Maintain & Tolu Maintain) were the sample doctors and they pioneered Effizy Hip Hop with swag, chains, Jerseys and baggy Jeans. They took Naija by storm when they dropped "Catch Cold" which samples Ludacris' Area Code. It was humorous. Lots of creativity back in the days, just lovely.
Download Catch Cold [mp3]
Styl Plus - Olufunmi
The group Styl-Plus (originally STYL) members were Shifi Emoefe, Tunde Akinsanmi, Yemi Akinwonmi, and Lanre Faneyi, the name STYL plus being an abbreviation of the founders first names. In 1999 Lanre Faneyi died, and Zeal Onyecheme joined the group. This led to the group being renamed Styl-Plus, the Plus denoting the new addition to the group. They dropped "Olufunmi" which rocked the radio stations and was something different from the previous hit songs, they mixed well written lyrics, perfect vocals and delivery on superb instrumentals.
Download Olufunmi [mp3]
2face Idibia - African Queen
Bang! That was how 2face Idibia took over the reins of Nigerian music with smashing hit single "African Queen". This song was well written and the beautiful guitar work on the instrumental was simply amazing. The release of this song coincided with MTV Base coming to Africa in February, 2005, which showcase Naija music to the international scene. It was the breakthrough to the international market.
Download African Queen [mp3]
Psquare - Get Squared
"We don come back again with a brand new style" just proves the point. Get squared was inspired definitely by Usher's Yeah. The instrumental, vocal delivery, dance steps and looks all reeks of Usher in 'em. They brought stage performances that keeps you at the edge of your seat. Introduced the sexy look to the game with fitness and six packs (for the ladies).
Download Get Squared [mp3]
D'Banj - Why Me?
D'Banj defined the term Alpha male with his style, hyperactive performances with lots of determination can be seen whenever he performs, put simply, he is the definition of an entertainer. His lead single "Why Me?" exemplify the sex symbol he pioneered. His lyrics mostly showcased girls chasing him, taking others' girlfriends and more.
Download Why Me? [mp3]
Olu Maintain - Yahoozee!
Olu Maintain dropped the legendary "Yahoozee!" which allegedly was inspired by 419 also known as yahoo in Nigeria. This song introduced flashy cars, beautiful women and Champagne popping to the Nigerian music scene and it completely changed the game. Former secretary of state, Colin Powell dancing to Yahoozee! was the climax to the era. Super.
Download Yahoozee! [mp3]
9ice - Gongo Aso
Club banger alert! This was a smashing club hit in 2008, 9ice fused Yoruba dialect and proverbs on Naija Hip Hop beat and it was magnificient. It was a classic song and super album from 9ice. Thumbs up.
Download Gongo Aso [mp3]
Da Grin - Pon Pon Pon
The streets of Nigeria and mostly the West will always acknowledge one of their very own, he was like the 50 cent of Naija music (For real). Da Grin delivered with panache on his songs with Yoruba lyrics on hard hitting beats. One wonders if he didn't drop his debut album where will some of these rappers be today ( Ain't naming names).
Download Pon Pon Pon [mp3]
Wizkid - Holla At Your Boy
EME & Starboy's Wizkid burst into the music scene with his hit single "Holla At Your Boy". He influenced the skinny jeans, slim T-shirts and High top shoes in the Naija music industry. His music are laced with very quality beats and if he takes a hook for you, guaranteed to make it a hit.
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