Who’s Really Rapping?
Seasoned veteran AQ and his former 100 Crowns protégé Blaqbonez dropped the hard-hitting rap single ‘Who’s Really Rapping?’, which quickly sparked intense conversations within the Nigerian hip-hop community. The single which houses bars specifically aimed at Anti World Gangsters’ frontman Odumodublvck, triggered a barrage of online shots and insults from the AWG camp, ultimately spilling over into heated debates about Odumodublvck’s cultural impact – a conversation for another day.
However, the hip-hop community missed the entire point of the rap single and ignored the core message behind the record. The single is titled ‘Who’s Really Rapping?’ – a question that demands an answer. While the hip-hop community fixated on the more sensational angle, Kwality Kontent is focused on the important part: answering the question, who’s really rapping?
So who’s really rapping?
Oluwamillar
Oluwamillar is one of the fresh voices in Nigerian Hip-hop currently carving out indigenous Hip-hop in his own image. His breakthrough single, the viral drill hit Agbalabi earned him mainstream attention after singles like Menu and Giant of Africa displayed his fine lyricism and uniqueness. He describes himself as the “Rapper Wey Dem No Fit Define”, a befitting title for an indigenous lyricist whose music is grounded in religion, philosophy and culture. His debut EP Agbalabi, released in February, still ranks high as one of the best Nigerian Hip-hop projects of 2025, the EP produced the stinging single Reverse Back featuring Mojo AF and Bayoo and the excellently crafted Alubarika which earned the first class graduate of Obafemi Awolowo University co-signs from seasoned vets including Reminisce.
Sknny
Port Harcourt City has proven to be a reliable hub for the best talents Nigerian music has to offer. Burna Boy, Timaya, Ajebo Hustlers, Wizard Chan, Lifesize Teddy, to mention a few, are products of the city that never stops producing talents. The PH City bred Sknny comfortably ranks high on the list of emerging rappers with razor sharp lyricism and excellent storytelling. His raps revolves around the struggles of the average Gen Z in Nigeria making his music relatable. Since 2020’s, YnC(Young and Clueless), Sknny has grown in leaps and bounds displaying his impressive cadences and techniques across projects like The Vibe pack(1 & 2) and singles like Root Of All Evil. His latest release Sknny2025$ showcases the best things about his music, his raw honesty and his ability to wear his heart on his sleeve for honest, resonant and relatable topics and his firm Hip-Hop background.
Tonee C
Tonee C is a Nigerian rapper making waves with his genre-bending sound and lyricism. The Port Harcourt maverick has been releasing music since 2017, building a loyal following in the underground scene. Through a string of mixtapes and EPs that spotlight his dual talents as both a rapper and producer, TNT Baby has not only shaped his own sonic identity but has also lent his creative touch to other artists. Shaped by his Port Harcourt upbringing, he dives into personal trials, social issues, and the pursuit of self-identity with clever wordplay and crisp delivery crafting resonating songs with authenticity and emotional depth.
Fimi
A fearless genre-bending rapper rewriting the rules with raw lyricism, spiritual depth, and a voice that demands to be heard, Fimi is Nigeria’s answer to Doechii. The Osogbo bred lyricist started her musical journey in the church initially styling herself Jesus Rapper. Records like Spitting showcases her razor-sharp flows, clever wordplay and unapologetic delivery. Halo is rooted in her church background and the exciting Hei God alongside Sgawd is a testament to her versatility. Her music is a cuts across introspection and empowerment grounded in her lived experiences as she continues to assert her place as a powerful force in the industry.
Caleb Clay
The winner of Ladipoe’s Shut It Down rap challenge in 2024, Caleb Clay’s cadence, technique and melodic flows has made him one of Nigeria’s most exciting rap talents. With sharp lyricism, clever punchlines, and picture-esque storytelling, Caleb seamlessly intertwines the infectious nature of Afrobeats and the rhythmic structure of Hip-hop creating music that excites listeners. With records like Note To Self, The Cycle, Maybach Dreams alongside Bkay, Dummy alongside Ejoya, Vector and Arieenati, BYB with Oluwamillar and a string of exciting guest verses, Caleb Clay has proven to be a competent lyricist and effortless sound bender.
Reeplay
If you’re familiar with Odumodublvck’s Anti World Gangsters crew, then Reeplay should be a consistent feature on your playlist. If you’re not familiar with Reeplay, a spin would convince you. The explosive rapper, whose name stands for “Raw evolved energy playing loud all year,” is an Abuja-bred lyricist carving his own lane in Nigerian hip-hop with his unique storytelling prowess and energetic delivery. His lyrical dexterity shines on records like The Game, Commot For Sanko, No Apologies, Slam My Gbedu as well as remarkable guest verses on PsychoYP’s My Country People, Haffa, Mojo AF’s Samson, Odumodublvck’s Saint obi to mention a few. As a top member of the Anti World Gangstars collective, he played a pivotal role in their acclaimed debut project “Gang Business” in 2019. His 2024 EP Charge It To Game houses some of his best records including Bad Girls featuring Smada and Pop That featuring Sgawd. With a catalogue spanning singles, EPs, mixtapes and albums, he is one of the most consistent voices in the collective and in Nigerian Hip-hop.
Reespect
A computer scientist turned femcee rewriting hip-hop’s narrative with authentic lyricism and personality. Reespect is one of the fresh voices currently carving out her own lane in Nigerian rap. The Federal University of Technology, Akure graduate describes herself as someone who raps, writes, and builds worlds. Her breakthrough came during her university days when her debut single blew up across FUTA campus, earning her a taste of fame that only fueled her hunger for something more lasting. Records like Great Silence, Saving Grace, Jungle, Levelz, Interlude16 showcase her effortless pen game and distinctive deep voice that initially drew teasing but now commands respect. Her 2023 EP Mood Swing Finale is a good entry point for new listeners. She also leads the way on Naija Women, a hard hitting posse cut featuring four other dexterous femcee from Nigeria and the diaspora. It’s one of the best posse cuts in the last year.
Tomi Obanure
The Abuja-based rapper has established himself as a lyricist whose style flows with the cutthroat precision with emphasized words and razor-sharp delivery that makes his cross-continental influence feel natural. His breakthrough single, No rest for the wicked earned him attention with its heavily stylized Grime elements coupled with references to his home city, Abuja. He describes his sound as rooted in old school authority but polished with a great sense of experimentalism, a befitting approach for an artist whose music traverses borders and fuses UK Grime’s ferocity with Nigeria’s Afropop foundation. Records like Flatline and the thrilling Treacherous showcase his ability to paint vivid pictures that make for gripping performances. His EP Revenge pushes the boundaries of Hip-hop even further into horrorgore territory, it’s an EP that could soundtrack a horror movie.
Igho Mike
With thought-provoking lyricism and an unwavering commitment to Pan-African ideals, Igho Mike is one of the most compelling voices in Nigerian Hip-hop today. His debut mixtape Recycle Binge showcased his impressive range and versatility as he combined realistic and relatable storytelling with a hunger for artistic evolution. In January, he teamed up with fellow gifted emcee Mxps Rellington for the joint album Sunz on Pegasus, a stellar body of work widely hailed as one of the top three Hip-hop projects of 2025. The album’s layered lyricism, sonic ambition, and thematic depth have earned him high praise from peers, blogs, Hip-hop heads, and veteran emcees alike.
Evado
Evado is one of the most emotionally resonant voices in Nigerian Hip-hop today. An artist whose music bleeds pain, truth, vulnerability and soul. Since 2020, he has steadily built a fast-growing cult following, defined by a style that blends pure emotions with catchy melodies and reflective lyricism. His Still Drunk in Pain EP is hailed for its unfiltered honesty as sees Evado confront demons of poverty, loneliness, and heartbreak with haunting conviction. Songs like Only Me and Pain and Sorrow connect deeply with fans across the country. On the emotionally charged Havens Gate, Evado showcases his versatility as both a rapper and singer, delivering spiritual depth in Igbo, peppered with English and Pidgin. As Eastern Nigeria continues to position itself as an undisputed rap force in Hip-hop, Evado has proven to be a chart-topping success across Nigeria. For a generation that finds pieces of themselves in music, Evado is a voice and vessel.
