Too many conversations these days about rap in Nigeria dying and what not, but all that has been on my mind is: why would anyone think that? I don’t remember seeing any news of Mojo’s demise.
Only very few embody Nigerian rap like Mojo. From flow patterns, to rhyme schemes, to rhythm and stealing the spotlight on every feature, Mojo’s delivery game is to be studied. Yet, hiphop conversations often overlook his genius but that ends today!
Here are 5 songs to introduce you to Mojo AF if you didn’t know him until now.
No Excuses
This has to top the list of every Mojo appearance, and extensively, Nigerian HipHop’s Hall of Fame. With intense verses from both EESKAY and Mojo for Chop Life Crew, this song has had Twitter communities regurgitating conversations about how splendid a record it is and rightfully so.
Rap Jesu
Off his joint project with Ronehi, ‘Rap Jesu’ has Mojo sitting on his throne as the saviour of Nigerian rap. So many people have claimed the title, but Mojo is so fluid with it, he barely has to make any noise about it as at the end of the day, the truth is the truth.
Villagio
Another scenario of Mojo delivering excellence on a feature is his work on ‘Villagio’ by Tim Lyre. He intends so many puns on the record, that some level of IQ is a requirement for listening and comprehending the depth of his writing. The Monalisa is as much of a masterpiece to Leonardo as Mojo’s verse on Villagio is to him.
OYO
“…Don’t be thirsty, be hungry
Don’t be the person that slept on the best in the country…”
As said, this song with his serial collaborator Prettyboy D-O for Chop Life Crew is a warning from the rapper to catch up to his reign as soon as you can, to prevent future regrets. Take heed.
Chop Life Crew feat. Prettyboy D-O
Made in 2019 at the peak of Nigerian altè bloom, this song marked the beginning of mainstream attention on Mojo as a rapper, and Chop Life Crew as a collective.
To say Nigerian rap is dead is to say Mojo is no more. But fortunately, he lives.
Itty can be caught studying African pop culture, writing about it or hosting a relationship podcast. When he's not doing any of these, then he's definitely at a bar, getting mocktail.
