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Nigerian hip-hop has been busy this year. Here are some albums to check out.
Odumodublvck — Industry Machine
With Industry Machine, Odumodublvck stakes his claim as one of Nigeria’s most audacious hip-hop voices. The album spans 23 tracks across an hour or more, offering a wide-ranging mix of drill, high-life‐inspired rap, Afro-fusion and melodic hooks.
The title itself is a declaration: Odumodublvck isn’t just in the machine, he’s building it. As one review puts it, the album “feels like the victory lap of an artist who’s clawed his way from underground hero to industry heavyweight.”
Blaqbonez — No Excuses
No Excuses marks Blaqbonez’s fourth studio album and sees him double down on the “no holds barred” creative mode. The project spans 17 tracks and features an expansive guest list — names like AJ Tracey, Olamide, Pa Salieu, Bella Shmurda, Zinoleesky and many more. The production lineup spans heavyweights too — producers like Magicsticks, Jae5 and the like.
Blaqbonez described this era as his “Super Saiyan” phase, signalling a creative ascendancy and a refusal of compromise. No excuses.
Zlatan — Symbol of Hope
Zlatan’s latest album, Symbol of Hope, arrives as his most introspective and ambitious project yet. Originally rooted in street-hop and club-bangers, the Lagos-born artist has shifted gears toward a narrative of resilience and success. As one article notes: “For many, his career is the very definition of hip-hop … and now, on Symbol of Hope, he fully embraces his status as an inspiration for all who dream of a better tomorrow.”
Across 15-16 tracks (depending on edition), Zlatan blends his trademark high-energy flows and catchy hooks with moments of vulnerability, reflection and aspiration. He titles the album Symbol of Hope because he sees himself as the proof of “from nothing to something”, and aims to resonate with those still in the struggle.
