Nigerian rappers are highly acclaimed for their hardcore, chest-thumping bars and striking flows, which have been steady over decades in their music. From classics like Naeto C’s Kini Big Deal to M.I’s Safe to the Olamide and Phyno collaboration Ghost Mode, it’s hard to dismiss the prominent rap songs that have impacted the Nigerian music industry.
While these rappers are usually accompanied by the mellifluous vocals from Afrobeats singers like BNXN on Ladipoe’s Feeling, Bella Shmurda on Olamide’s Triumphant, and Tems on Show Dem Camp’s Tales By Moonlight, they have notably also given Afrobeats acts a run for their money with classic melodic verses.
Here are five melodic songs from Nigerian Hip-hop rappers:
Reminisce- Ponmile
In 2017, when Afrobeats was blazing with upbeat hits and street jams, Reminisce dropped the hit song Ponmile. Of course, Nigerians are prominent for their igneous lyricism, but this soulful track made airwaves and took the industry by storm, unveiling the vocal artistry of Reminisce. In an era where street anthems like Olamide’s ‘Wo’ went viral, Reminisce released the heartbreak song from a man’s perspective, giving Afrobeats artistes a run for their money. This song also showcased that beneath the hardcoreness of the Nigerian rapper lies softness and vulnerability.
Olamide – Melo Melo
Olamide might be known for his notable pen game and top-charting hits, but Melo Melo is one track that cements his impeccable songwriting and vocals in the music industry. Baddo is one to casually downplay his vocal dexterity in his songs, yet Melo Melo displayed a magnificent blend of introspective lyrics and melodies from Olamide. The song wasn’t just a hit but resonated deeply with many listeners and has become one of Olamide’s most profound songs. The Street-hop heavyweight set aside Street rap for a smooth, emotional, and vocally driven — no bars, just pure melody and soul. This track proved he was more than just a contemporary hip-hop rapper.
Vector ft Goodgirl LA – Early Momo
One of Nigeria’s prominent rappers, Vector, captured listeners’ attention when the Goodgirl LA-featured track Early Momo dropped. Although the RnB song was accompanied by catchy rap verses and wordplay from Vector—fueled by romance themes—it also highlighted the vocal aspect of his artistry. Goodgirl LA vocals cemented the song as one of Nigeria’s classic love songs. However, Vector effortlessly displayed his vocal prowess even as a rapper. With the stunning chorus and additional mellow melodic verse from Vector, this track shows the rapper’s dual artistry.
Phyno – If To Say
Nigerian contemporary hip-hop rappers have oftentimes given us a piece of their vocal prowess, and If To Say by Phyno is another noteworthy mention. This song is another testament that Nigerian male rappers aren’t only beasts with bars but can be as vulnerable as their male counterparts singers. The track, sonically constructed with Igbo musical elements and in Igbo language, opens listeners to themes of love and desire. With the catchy beat and the infectious melodies that permeate throughout the song, Phyno’s vocal dexterity is said to be highly commendable.
Ycee ft Maleek Berry – Juice
In an era where Afrobeats artistes were riding on the pon-pon wave, Nigerian rapper Ycee led the charts with his hit single, Juice. The hip-hop rapper known for his blazing viral rap songs like Jagaban and Omo Alhaji showcased an igneous level of artistry when the Maleek Berry-featured made the airwaves. Ycee showed that he wasn’t just an emcee with bars and lines but with melodies and flow, placing the track as one of Afrobeats’ most prominent songs.
The DIY Collective 
Leave a Reply