NIGERIAN MUSIC’S HOTTEST DISS TRACKS SINCE 1999: 15 FIREY EXAMPLES
Nigerian music boasts a rich history of artist rivalries documented through fiery diss tracks. Here’s a breakdown of some notable examples since 1999:
The Remedies Breakup (1999):
- Tony Teitula ft. Ruff Rugged & Raw, Plantainshun Boiz – Omode Meta: Following The Remedies’ split, Teitula aimed this track at former bandmates Eddy Montana & Eedris Abdulkareem, enlisting rising stars for support.
- Eedris Abdulkareem – Wackawikee MCs: Eedris countered the accusations, claiming himself as the group’s most talented member. He dissed Teitula and those who sided with him on “Omode Meta.”
Solo Struggles and Rap Supremacy (2003-2005):
- 2Baba (formerly 2Face) – U No Holy Pass: In 2004, 2Baba addressed accusations from ex-Plantainshun Boiz bandmates Faze & Blackface who blamed him for the group’s breakup.
Legendary Rap Battles (2001-2008):
- Mode 9 – Death Blow: This track was part of a years-long feud between Mode 9 and Ruggedman, who disagreed over the latter’s rap style incorporating indigenous elements.
- Ruggedman – To Whom It May Concern: This response to Mode 9’s diss track marked another salvo in their battle for lyrical supremacy.
- 9ice ft. Seriki – Talk I’m Listening: A former friendship turned sour. 9ice and Ruggedman’s public falling out resulted in diss tracks like this one, featuring Seriki alongside 9ice.
- Ruggedman – A Word Is Enough For The 9ice: Ruggedman countered 9ice’s diss with this scathing record, boasting about his contributions to 9ice’s success.
Industry Beefs and Surprise Diss Tracks (2008-2014):
- MI Abaga – Beef: This track aimed at Kelly Handsome marked a memorable rap beef for its quality music. MI fired a warning shot from a position of authority.
- Wande Coal – Who Born The Maga: While known for catchy melodies, Wande Coal wasn’t afraid to take a swipe at Kelly Handsome with this swaggering diss track.
- Kelly Handsome – Igwe: Arguably not coming out on the losing end, Kelly Handsome dissed Mo’Hits Records on this iconic track during his industry-wide feud.
Celebrating Success & The Price of Friendship (2014-Present):
- Reminisce ft. Olamide, Phyno – Local Rappers: Three of Nigeria’s biggest rappers (Reminisce, Olamide, Phyno) celebrated their rise to the top with this track, taking subtle jabs at punchline-heavy rappers.
- Mallam Spicy – 1005 Naira (Free Cure): A friendship gone wrong. After a dispute over a beat, Mallam Spicy used the same beat for this diss track against Terry G, gaining mainstream attention.
Modern Rap Battles and Pop Star Face-Offs:
- MI Abaga – Viper: This scathing diss track against Vector highlighted MI’s claim as arguably the continent’s greatest lyricist.
- Vector – Judas The Rat: Vector held his own with this memorable track, earning him the last word before their eventual reconciliation.
- Davido – Fem: While mostly a rapper’s domain, pop star Davido delivered one of the most talked-about recent diss tracks, addressing issues with Burna Boy on this tough-talking song.
This list offers a glimpse into the dynamic world of Nigerian music rivalries, showcasing how artists use music to settle scores and express themselves.
Source: Pulse
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