Chibuzo Nelson Azubuike, more commonly known as Phyno, went from producing beats behind the scenes to becoming one of Nigeria’s most influential rappers—and he did it all while keeping his Igbo roots front and center. You could say he turned a side hustle into a full-time job—and yeah, that’s also the title of his latest album. Clever, right?
Let’s talk about Phyno’s rise to fame and, of course, break down some of his biggest hits that shaped his career into what it is today.
Phyno: From Behind the Scenes to Center Stage
Believe it or not, Phyno didn’t start off as the rap king we know today. In fact, he spent the early days of his career as a music producer. Yup, back in 2003, he was the guy behind the soundboards, cooking up beats for other artists. But as we all know now, Phyno had more to offer than just production skills— he had bars and flair.
His big break came in 2010 when he decided it was time to swap the production desk for the mic. And what a decision that was! Phyno quickly made a name for himself by spitting in Igbo, a bold move that gave his music a unique flavor. His breakthrough hit? “Ghost Mode,” featuring the one and only Olamide. These two together? Fire. They delivered verses so hard that it felt like a warning to the rest of the industry—Phyno had arrived, and he wasn’t going anywhere.
Let’s look at some of Phyno’s most iconic hits.
Alobam – Every Squad’s Anthem
Let’s talk about “Alobam” for a second. Released in 2014 in his No Guts, No Glory album, this track was the ultimate anthem for ride-or-die friendships. If you weren’t calling your closest friends “Alobam” after this song dropped, were you even really friends? Besides hearing the track playing in every corner, there were also Alobam t-shirts everywhere!
Phyno’s rapid-fire delivery (in Igbo, of course) and the heavy beat made it an instant classic. The song celebrated loyalty and brotherhood– concepts that fared well with Phyno’s audience. It was so good that it was nominated for Channel O’s Most Gifted Hip-hop award in 2014.
Man of the Year – Phyno Said It, So It’s True
Next up, we’ve got “Man of the Year,” and the title pretty much sums it up. Phyno really was the man of the year when this track dropped. And let’s be real, we all believed him when he said it.
The song was everywhere—clubs, cars, street corners—you couldn’t escape it, and honestly, why would you want to? It was nominated for NMVA’s Best Afro Hip Hop Video and also won the Best Rap Single at the 2013 Headies.
Do I Remix ft Burna Boy – A Collaboration We Didn’t Know We Needed
When Phyno teamed up with Burna Boy for “Do I,” in early 2024, the result was nothing short of magic. Burna Boy’s Afro-fusion sound mixed with Phyno’s relentless bars resulted in a song that hit the airwaves and stayed there for months.
Highway – DJ Kaywise ft Phyno
Now, if you’ve ever taken a road trip in Nigeria, chances are you had “Highway” blasting through the speakers at some point. On this track, DJ Kaywise featured Phyno, making it the anthem for every drive, every party, and every get-together. The hook is so catchy that it’s physically impossible not to vibe to it. Trust me, I’ve tried.
If you’ve ever been stuck in Lagos traffic, this is the song you wanted on repeat. At least you could pretend you were in a fast lane, even if you were crawling along at 5 km/h. Phyno’s effortless flow, paired with Masterkraft’s killer production, makes this track a certified bop.
Phyno’s Latest Masterpiece – Full-Time Job
And now, ladies and gentlemen, we arrive at Phyno’s latest album, Full Time Job. The title says it all: Phyno is no part-timer in the music game. This is his hustle, his grind, and he’s not slowing down. The album is a mix of Phyno’s classic sound—gritty, real, and raw—with some fresh new vibes that show just how much he’s grown as an artist.
During the listening party for the new album, Phyno told Vanguard, “I feel like as time passes by, one grows, and I feel like I have grown so much musically. I’m excited for people to hear this piece of me that they haven’t really heard before.”
On Full-Time Job, Phyno featured an impressive lineup of artists, including FAVE, Cheque, Chip, Flavour, and Johnny Drille.
Final Thoughts.
Phyno’s journey is nothing short of inspiring. From a producer behind the scenes to one of Nigeria’s biggest rap stars, he’s made waves while staying true to his roots. He didn’t just put Igbo rap on the map; he made it cool. His ability to blend traditional elements with modern beats has earned him a well-deserved place as one of Nigeria’s most respected artists.
And with Full Time Job on heavy rotation, it’s safe to say that Phyno isn’t clocking out any time soon. So next time you’re vibing to a Phyno track, turn it up, lean back, and remember—this man’s not doing this part-time. He’s in it for the long haul.
