Let’s take a trip down memory lane and revisit the best Nigerian rap songs of the 2020s. While we can debate the current state of Hip-Hop in Nigeria, its relevance, and how it stands in the shadow of Afrobeats, one thing is clear—our local rap music remains one of the most authentic expressions of Nigerian culture.
Some might argue that “Hip-Hop is dead,” but the truth is, it’s only been silent to those who aren’t listening. If you look closely, you’ll find a surplus of tracks brimming with lyrical dexterity, catchy hooks, and unapologetic swagger.
The 2020s have been a wild ride for Nigerian rap, with countless dope tracks dropping in a bustling, competitive music scene. This week, Zikoko’s #BumpThis playlist is spotlighting the best Nigerian rap songs of the decade. From veterans like M.I Abaga and Vector to new-school talents like Alpha Ojini and Mojo AF, these are the tracks that have kept Hip-Hop alive and thriving.
“Tone of the Conversation” — M.I Abaga & A-Q
Rap is undeniably a competitive sport, but it transcends mere rivalry when an artist reaches a point where legacy outweighs the pursuit of prosperity. This track is a rap masterclass, combining brags, technical brilliance, and verses that burn like ether yet uplift the listener.
M.I Abaga kicks off the track by setting the tone for the song and the entire project, confidently reflecting on his 13 years (at the time) of unmatched relevance and reverence in the Nigerian rap scene. A-Q follows with a hard-hitting second verse, unapologetically taking aim at other rappers, critics, and anyone with unfavourable opinions about him. His delivery is sharp and unapologetic, making this track an undeniable standout.
“Tone of the Conversation” opens The Live Report, an album M.I Abaga and A-Q recorded in just four days, inspired by a fan’s tweet in April 2020 that called for their collaboration. This project marked a significant moment for Nigerian Hip-Hop, being the first joint effort from two major rap artists since Olamide and Phyno’s Two Kings.
“Aguiyi Ironsi (Through the Mud)” — Paybac iBoro
Beyond the clever puns, punchlines, and razor-sharp one-liners, Paybac iBoro uses this track as a subtle Nigerian history lesson. There’s a popular saying: “If you want to hide something from a black man, put it in a book. If you want to show it to him, put it in a hook.” That’s exactly what this record achieves—melding education with entertainment.
The song opens with a strong declaration of resilience and progress, brimming with energy. Paybac draws a parallel between his detractors’ plans to bring him down and the tragic assassination of Aguiyi Ironsi, Nigeria’s first military president, during the 1966 coup d’état. This powerful metaphor, along with his use of rich Nigerian symbolism throughout his music, cements Paybac iBoro’s position as arguably the most authentically Nigerian rapper of his generation.
“Aguiyi Ironsi (Through the Mud)” is the opening track on CULT!, Paybac’s critically acclaimed album. It’s not just a standout track on the project—it’s one of the finest examples of Nigerian rap in the last five years.
“No Conversate” — Zilla Oaks feat. Marv OTM, Prettyboy D-O & Mojo AF
This track brings together some of the leading voices in new-school rap, trading verses and weaving flows centred on one theme: money conversations. For these artists, that’s the only dialogue that matters. Simply put—if it’s not about money, don’t bother calling or sliding into their DMs.
With its brash confidence and infectious energy, “No Conversate” is an anthem for those focused on securing the bag, making it a standout in the evolving landscape of Nigerian Hip-Hop.
“Early Momo” — Vector feat. Goodgirl L.A
The magic of rapper-singer collaborations is undeniable, and “Early Momo” proves that. Vector takes the lead on this sensual and romantic record, blending smooth singing and sharp rapping to express all five love languages with ease.
The song reaches new heights every time Goodgirl L.A graces the track with her soulful verse and captivating chorus, adding a lush dimension to the overall experience. It’s the kind of chemistry that feels effortless yet unforgettable.
If you overlook this song when listing the best Nigerian love records of the last five years, it’s either you don’t know ball, you’re not a true romantic or both.
Vigilante Bop – Alpha Ojini feat. OdumoduBlvck
This track channels the raw frustration with Nigerian politics and the corruption and brutality of its police force. Alpha Ojini and OdumoduBlvck vividly portray the systemic failures, recounting instances of unjust abuse and societal decay.
Alpha’s message is clear and unfiltered: from police arresting people for smoking shisha while hypocritically indulging in weed (an illegal drug in Nigeria) themselves, to the absurd possibility of selling 40 litres of fuel for ₦40,000. In hindsight, Alpha may well be a prophet—today, one litre sells for nearly ₦1,000.
This hard-hitting track is both a social commentary and a grim reminder of the everyday struggles Nigerians face.
“Tycoon” — Show Dem Camp feat. Reminisce & Mojo AF
This is a fantastic rap showoff with a lineup of highly-rated lyricists. On this track, the OGs—Show Dem Camp (Ghost and Tec) and Reminisce—team up with new-school star Mojo AF to deliver a masterclass in lyrical excellence.
Their verses take aim at rival rappers while celebrating the spoils of a comfortable and successful life. The effortless chemistry between generations of rappers makes this collaboration stand out.
This track is a highlight from Clone Wars 5, the latest installment in Show Dem Camp’s critically acclaimed Clone Wars series, solidifying their position as architects of Nigerian Hip-Hop.
“Eggrolls” — A-Q
A-Q, one of the most consistent voices in Nigerian rap and arguably the best rapper of 2020, proves his mettle once again with “Eggrolls.” This standout track from God’s Engineering—a critically acclaimed album released just weeks before his joint project The Live Report with M.I Abaga—showcases A-Q’s remarkable storytelling and introspection.
On “Eggrolls,” A-Q reflects on his journey from humble beginnings to his present success. He raps about his evolution from being just a rapper to orchestrating deals and creating opportunities for others, confidently drawing parallels to Jay-Z. The song paints a vivid contrast between his past struggles—when even an eggroll snack was out of reach—and his current life of abundance.
With its blend of sharp lyricism and heartfelt storytelling, “Eggrolls” is not just a personal triumph but a testament to A-Q’s growth and resilience.
“Hello Habibi” — Olamide feat. Russ
Forget “Idan Buruku,” which is currently exciting to fans. Olamide’s best rap track in a while is undoubtedly “Hello Habibi.” Featuring American rapper Russ, the song kicks off with Russ’s swagger-filled verse, dripping with big-baller energy.
Olamide, aka Baddo, takes it from there with a catchy chorus and two smooth verses, flaunting his “long money” and his willingness to splurge on any lady who catches his eye. This is sugar daddy-esque, big boy lifestyle rap music at its finest.
“Hello Habibi” is Olamide at his most refined—confident, stylish, and effortlessly cool.
“Agbalagbi” — OluwaMillar
Drill rap reached new heights in Nigerian Hip-Hop in 2024, and one of the standout talents to emerge is OluwaMillar—a sharp lyricist known for his wordplay and slick delivery. Primarily rapping in Yorùbá with a mix of English and Pidgin, OluwaMillar brings a fresh, dynamic voice to the scene.
His 2024 single “Agbalagbi,” which closes his newly released project of the same name, is a bold and braggadocious anthem. With this track, he asserts himself as a dominant figure in the rap game, positioning himself as a grand patron of sport while daring any competitors to challenge him.
The song’s artwork—featuring OluwaMillar in a vibrant Yoruba OG dashiki—sets the tone, while the track itself samples Baba Suwe’s iconic “Agbalagbi to ju agbalagba lo” statement. From its hard-hitting delivery to its raw, hungry energy, this is the hardest we’ve heard a new rapper in recent times.
“Vibes” — Reminisce feat. Mo Safaru & Fatima Safaru
In 2020, veteran rapper Reminisce released an EP, Vibes & Inshallah. Its opening song, “Vibes,” responsible for the EP title, details his journey through fatherhood. The song intro has his daughters ask him why he records music all the time. He responds in the song: that’s how he provides. He further raps about spending time with them during the lazy months of COVID.
Reminisce has already made songs about the pains and joys of fatherhood, but “Vibes” stands out in his catalogue. It’s Baba Hafusa at his rawest.
