Hip-hop veteran Jude Abaga, popularly known as M.I Abaga, has crowned Mode 9 as the greatest Nigerian rapper of all time, describing him as a “legend” whose unique style and dedication to the craft have left an indelible mark on the Nigerian rap scene.
In a recent episode of the Hip-hop To Afrobeats podcast, the “One Naira” crooner spoke candidly about Mode 9’s influence, stating that the veteran rapper stands unmatched in terms of respect and impact.
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“Mode 9 is always gonna be the most respected Nigerian rapper of all time because he is a rapper that when you found him, you didn’t need to visit anybody else to improve your craft,” M.I said.
He praised Mode 9’s commitment, lyrical depth, and originality, noting that discovering Mode 9 was enough to elevate one’s rap game.
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M.I emphasised that Mode 9’s influence extends far beyond his own music, serving as a foundational figure who shaped and inspired generations of Nigerian rappers.
“He’s a legend,” M.I declared, adding that Mode 9’s style remains artistically impressive and unmatched in the Nigerian hip-hop landscape.
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The endorsement from one of Nigeria’s most decorated rappers and label executives has sparked widespread reactions across the music community, with many fans and artists agreeing that Mode 9’s technical prowess, wordplay, and longevity make him a towering figure in the culture.
Mode 9, real name Babatunde Oladimeji, has long been regarded as a pioneer of Nigerian rap, known for his complex rhyme schemes, multilingual flows (blending English, Pidgin, and Yoruba), and consistent output since the early 2000s.
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DDNewsOnline – Lagos
By Abiona Collins
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