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Is there no successor to the title of "King of The Streets" after Olamide?
a thread.
a thread.
The rap genre is a fairly recent genre of music and even more recent in the Nigerian music sphere.
Afrobeats, high life and pop have featured dominantly in the industry, influencing the tastes of Nigerians in general.
Afrobeats, high life and pop have featured dominantly in the industry, influencing the tastes of Nigerians in general.
However, the rap genre seeks to establish a platform in this arena with elite individuals setting the standard.
M.I, Vector, Falz, Olamide, Phyno to name a few and even the not so blown rappers like Ladipoe, Mode 9 and IllBliss are putting up a good fight.
M.I, Vector, Falz, Olamide, Phyno to name a few and even the not so blown rappers like Ladipoe, Mode 9 and IllBliss are putting up a good fight.
Their efforts in the game are the stepping stones of fresh talents like BlaqBonez, PsychoYP to name but a few.
However, it seems the efforts are basically water being poured into a basket.
However, it seems the efforts are basically water being poured into a basket.
Using the delectable form of this genre called street rap as a blueprint, we would see the declining interest in the genre and the extinguished hope that there are worthy people to take on the mantle.
Street rap, as it is popularly called is a form of rap that utilizes native dialects and slangs attached to a particular region.
It can either be fast paced and steamy like Olamide's "Goons mi" or slow and soothing like Reminisce's "Ponmile"
It can either be fast paced and steamy like Olamide's "Goons mi" or slow and soothing like Reminisce's "Ponmile"
It is widely accepted that the king of the streets was DaGrin, a gifted lyricist and he was tipped to be an icon in the game.
Sadly, a terrible car accident claimed his life and snuffed those hopes, leaving the title up for grabs.
Sadly, a terrible car accident claimed his life and snuffed those hopes, leaving the title up for grabs.
It seemed that there was no contender for this title, but a young Olamide was showing promise.
With his "Eni Duro" banger, Olamide left no one in doubt of the things he had in store for the industry.
With his "Eni Duro" banger, Olamide left no one in doubt of the things he had in store for the industry.
And his exponential growth endeared the street to him and it was common to see children vibing to his jams.
From "Sitting on the Throne" to "Durosoke", "Go Down Low" to "Omo Anifowose", Olamide really has an awesome discography.
From "Sitting on the Throne" to "Durosoke", "Go Down Low" to "Omo Anifowose", Olamide really has an awesome discography.
With the song "Ghost Mode", Olamide established a solid partnership with Phyno, the acclaimed king of Igbo rap and the duo would go on to make more hits.
Climaxing eventually to "Local Rappers" with Reminisce on board. A classic for ages.
Climaxing eventually to "Local Rappers" with Reminisce on board. A classic for ages.
However, Olamide has spent a considerable amount of time in the game and is now certified as the king of the streets.
But what is the use of an inheritance when there is no apparent heir.
But what is the use of an inheritance when there is no apparent heir.
Olamide has shown with songs like "Eyan Mayweather" that no one comes close, but the establishment of his record label and his scouting of young talents show that he clearly has plans for this title to be passed down.
Lil Kesh of YBNL was touted as the next king with his "Lyrical", "Shoki" and "Efejoku ni", but sadly he fell off after a spell and is trying to bounce back.
Ycee also showed promise with his "Jagaban", but issues with his label contributed to his slight fade out.
Ycee also showed promise with his "Jagaban", but issues with his label contributed to his slight fade out.
Davolee was another name that came up after he was featured in Olamide's "Pepper Dem Gang", but he seems to have been removed from the scene entirely.
Another name that came up was Small Doctor, but he also seemed to lack the capacity.
Another name that came up was Small Doctor, but he also seemed to lack the capacity.
With the advent of the "shaku" and "zanku" movements, street rap seems to be taking a different direction from what it was before.
Now, street rap is more affiliated with "vibes" and less with "lyrics".
Now, street rap is more affiliated with "vibes" and less with "lyrics".
One looks at the quality of a song like "Local Rappers" and the current mainstream music and tends to wonder if the change is all that great.
Zlatan and Naira Marley, Idowest and Slimcase for a short time, there seems to be an innovation in street rap.
Zlatan and Naira Marley, Idowest and Slimcase for a short time, there seems to be an innovation in street rap.
However, most people still reminisce on those Baba Hafusa days and wonder if they would ever get anything like it again.
Olamide, Phyno and Reminisce have done their bit and are now reaping the rewards, but is there any hungry rapper out there?
Olamide, Phyno and Reminisce have done their bit and are now reaping the rewards, but is there any hungry rapper out there?
Are the shoes left by these giants too big to fill?
Is there going to be a revival of the streets as we knew it in the past?
Time will tell. But until then, we are left with these current acts and maybe, just maybe, we can enjoy it while it lasts.
Is there going to be a revival of the streets as we knew it in the past?
Time will tell. But until then, we are left with these current acts and maybe, just maybe, we can enjoy it while it lasts.
Thanks for reading this long ass thread.
It's my first time writing a critique like this, with limited characters too so feel free to criticize but not too much
It's my first time writing a critique like this, with limited characters too so feel free to criticize but not too much
oh, follow me too. Bkess
