Now breaking into the mainstream as a rapper should be added in “1001 ways to die”. The industry is over saturated with too many talented and un-talented people. These days singers are getting all the hype, and so Rappers have to devise new ways to stay on top.

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Best rappers in Nigeria in 2018

From dropping solid albums to headlining sold-out shows, to trying their hands on Afro-beats, Nigerian rappers have hustled well. These are the best rappers in Nigeria in 2018. And as far as branding go, this list also correlates with the amount of money these guys are making at the moment. In descending order;

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8. Reminisce

The self-acclaimed Alaga Ibile which translates in English as Local Chairman is one of the hottest in the streets. He’s served some of the best rap songs in Nigeria ever; Tesojue (2014), Local Rappers (2015), Asalamalekun (2016)  and many more.

In 2016, he Dropped his fourth studio Album, “El Hadj” and had a big year. He featured Mr Eazi and did a pon pon pon jam “If E Nor Be God”.

He continued hitting in 2017, as his “Konsignment” from the EL Hadj album picked up and disturbed the airwaves. Then, he had a very successful Street Concert and went on to drop Polybag which featured Jesse Jagz, Ola dips, and Classiq. His hottest single in 2017, Ponmile, a Qdot-esque Afro-Pop jam followed shortly.

7. Yung6ix

From dissing Akpororo, to blaming the economy for rappers failure, Yung6ix has remained in the news for one reason or the other.

Born Onome Onokohowomo, the Kash Kamp Trick Billionaire Music rapper is one of the finest artistes in the country. The “King of the South” has had a massive year, dropping hot tracks, visuals, and a highly-rated LP.

The 12-track LP, “High Star” has the likes of Ycee, M.I, Oritse Femi, Niniola and Dice Ailes as guests. Before the album, his “No Favours” which featured Dice Ailes and Mr Jollof, had been making waves.

Yung6ix was at the 2017 VS Class. He led a stellar team, with likes of Payper and Wale Turner to The Cypher. And in November 2017 he unleashed another single off the album; Gbe Seyin feat. Niniola.

6. Vector

Vector Tha Viper is one of the veterans who are still relevant. He has been here since the days of Dagrin. And now he can still put up a show and sell out. He can still drop a track and make a hit.

Born Olanrewaju Ogunmefun, the 33-year old “King Kong” rapper is arguably the best in terms of rapping skill. He has introspectively refined his style without withering the talent, but rather polishing the art to mainstream acceptance.

Late into December 2016, he dropped his third studio album, Lafiaji. And as expected, 2017 was the year the album rocked.

“Adurah” was the earmilk from the album, and it’s the real example of Flavour’s line on M.I’s Number One;

“This one na highlife and hip hop combination oh”

The Video which featured comedy rave Woli Arole made waves all over different stations. Vector is definitely one of the best rappers in Nigeria in 2018.

5. M.I Abaga

Also revered as Nigeria hip hop’s greatest of all time, Jude Abaga, popular known as M.I, has proven himself a legend.

M.I unexpectedly dropped “You Rappers Should Fix Up Your Life” aimed at all rappers who had gone soft. And this became one of the most controversial topics in Nigeria music industry. That single alone made sure M.I made this list. He’s also dropped “Your Father” featuring Dice Ailes.

4. Olamide

Off the success of his sixth studio album, The Glory, Olamide dropped some of the tracks on the LP. He dropped “Pepper Dem Gang” featuring Davolee, “Letter To Milli” and “Journey Of A Thousand Miles”. He came with more singles like “Love Nor Gor Die”, “Wavy Level,” and “Summer Body” featuring afro pop-star Davido.

Later, in August, he dropped a fast-tempo street jam “Wo”, which was to be on his “Lagos Na Wa” LP and it went viral. He later released the 19-track LP, and also held OLIC 4.

3. Phyno

Many rappers drop their albums close to the end of the year to secure the year ahead. That was what Phyno did with “The Playmaker”. Having released “Financial Woman” and “Abulo” as teasers, when the LP dropped, it was a bang.

Some tracks from the Album also hit the airwaves. Most notably the Masterkraft produced “Link Up” which featured Burna Boy and M.I Abaga.

In July 2017, he released the Audio and Video of Zamo Zamo, featuring Wande Coal. The song was produced by T Spize, and the Video shot by Clarence Peters.

PhynoFest held in December 2017 and here was a massive turnout. Things went as planned, or even better? To cut the story, Phyno rocked in 2017 and one of the best rappers in Nigeria in 2018.

2. Ycee

Oluwademilade Alejo aka Ycee, is just 24 years old but what he’s been able to achieve so far is impressive. Since breaking out in 2015, with hit single “Jagaban”, Ycee has gone on to churn many hits. his new found pop status has also helped him gain mainstream acceptance. Almost anything he touches gets mad love.

He dropped “Juice” feat. Maleek Berry and many other hits like “Link Up” featuring Reekado Banks, “Don’t Need Bae”, “I Wish” and “Komije”. 2018 is going to be a great year for him.

1. Falz

Falz never sounds like he is never going to get old. With every new stuff he drops, you’ll be tempted to crown him “Best New Artiste”.  With arguably the most unique style in the continent, Falz is one of the most-talented emcees you’ll ever listen to. The 28 year old is on top of our list of best rappers in Nigeria in 2018.

Apart from leading a dope team at the Hennessy Cypher 2017, he’s one of those who has stayed true to the culture of rap. Singles like “Jeje”, “Something Light” featuring Ycee and “Baby Boy” rocked the airwaves. He dropped his third studio album titled “27” to mark his 27th birthday. The Falz Experience was also one of the most impressive concerts in Nigerian showbiz history.

What do you think?