Just when the Nigerian Hip-Hop scene faced so much scrutiny for being static and overturning the same artists every two years, Odumodublvck brought some much-needed variety to the music space.
While some music critics believe that Odumodu is here to stay, others insist that his brazenly uncensored lyrics might take him out of the game faster than he got in.
What about you? Do you think Odumodublvck is really the future of Nigerian Hip-Hop? Or is he just keeping the metaphorical mic warm until the O.G.s take over again? Sit tight as we discuss Odumodublvck’s background, rise to fame, and impact on Nigerian rap music.
Odumodublvck Before Declan Rice
Majority of people only got to know of Odumodu from his worldwide hit, Declan Rice. But you may not know that the Nigerian hip-hop sensation had been making underground rap music for years prior to the release of Declan Rice.
His discography dates back to 2017, with several mixtape releases, including T.A.B.S., Anti-World Gangstars, and Odiegwu. While these projects didn’t achieve global acclaim initially, they captured the interest of his devoted fan base, primarily located in Abuja.
The turning point of Odumodu’s career wasn’t Declan Rice. It was Picanto. This song is a widely celebrated hit featuring Zlatan and ECko Miles. From this point, Nigerians started listening to Odumodublvck’s music with more interest than usual.
Picanto solidified Odumodu as more than just an average underground rapper: he was also a lyricist worth looking out for.
Other worthy mentions include Dog Eat Dog and Dog Eat Dog II, featuring Cruel Santino & Bella Shmurda.
Odumodublvck’s Eziokwu
After Declan Rice, Odumodu clearly needed to satiate the hunger he’d awakened in his new-found global audience. This led to the release of his fifth studio album, Eziokwu, which is, well… more of a mixtape than an album. Besides the fact that the rap sensation refers to it as a mixtape, the project truly lacks the cohesion and storytelling expected from an album.
Regardless, Eziokwu contains lyrically-sound tracks that further established Odumodublvck as a master of his own game. Besides some of the previously released songs, another hit song from this album was Blood on the Dancefloor, featuring Wale and Bloody Civilian.
Blood on the Dancefloor introduces steady cadences and seamless delivery that toggles between sexual conquests and dominant assertion. With a brief Cameo from Wale and an exceptional vocal performance from Bloody Civ, the song became one of the biggest tracks of the album, as expected.
Generally, Eziokwu was well-received and appreciated among avid music critics, with only a few reservations centered on his unapologetic lyrics. Speaking of Odumodublvck’s lyrics, let’s explore that next.
Odumodublvck’s Widely Criticized Lyrics
Without mincing words, Odumodublvck has recently been labeled a misogynist. This is due to the brow-raising lyrics of some of his recent songs. An excerpt from his verse on Cast reads: “…If she no suck o if she no fuck, who go pay for her wig and handbag“.
As expected, a good number of listeners called Odumodu out for being too brazen with his lyrics and spreading hate toward women. But Odumodu insists that’s what his brand has been all about. Saying his explicit truths without censors or remorse.
In his defense, he tweeted:
Image via X
Whether it’s his use of all-caps or the nonchalant language, one thing remains evident: Odumodu’s unrestrained and explicit lyrics are here to stay.
What’s Next for the Big Kala?
Although Odumodublvck describes himself as the “future of Hip-Hop in Africa,” I doubt the other mainstream rappers are ready to leave the stage for him just yet. We can only hope they acknowledge the potential for coexistence, thereby contributing to the redefinition of rap music in Nigeria and Africa at large.
