In case you were unaware, Nigerian hip-hop has returned. This is largely due to the frantic and upbeat sounds of +234 Drill music. Since Legendary Styles’ massive hit record “Looseguard” from 2021 brought the burgeoning subgenre to the attention of Nigerian mainstream listeners, it has gained increased recognition.
Since then, the sound has grown in popularity. Rappers from Nigeria have taken advantage of the sound and have been able to creatively domesticate it by fusing Drill with native languages and the “Nigerian sauce,” churning out exciting anthems in the process.
Nigerian Drill has enjoyed a string of impressive releases in Q1 2024. And the quality of the releases only suggests that we are in for a bumper ride.
The Kulture music desk has put together a list of the top 10 Drill anthems released in Q1 2024.
Here are the top 10 Drill anthems of the first quarter of 2024.
Red caps[Igbo] – Illbliss
Legendary Nigerian rapper and Igbo rap great Illbliss opens his newest album, ‘Sideh Kai’ with this chest thumping upbeat Drill record rooted in Igbo culture and laced with braggadocio and luxury rapping that only Oga boss is capable of delivering.
Johnbull – Zhus Jdo
On his debut record, “Johnbull,” Zhus Jdo—the star of AQ’s newest imprint—interpolates a traditional Nigerian nursery rhyme. Zhus showcases his incredible talent on this song, which may be the best bit of production we have heard this year. It features creative flows and clever lyrics laced with violence.
Robo Skeng – Eeskay
Eeskay is one amazing rapper. He proves it with this flawless rage anthem, which shines due to the hook’s simplicity and the delivery, which is reminiscent of Pop Smoke. Bars and brag abound in the verses, and the opening sequence of the record primes the listener for a good time.
https://music.youtube.com/watch?v=K87tAZG3iXE&feature=gws_kp_track
Breaking news – PsychoYP and Jeriq ft Phyno
One of the best songs off the PsychoYP and Jeriq’s “Evil Twin” collaborative tape. The two capitalise on the genius of Nigerian rap icon Phyno, who provides a powerful melody, and YP, who delivers an impeccable verse.
Oppress – DanDizzy ft DTG, Odumodublvck & Jeriq
DanDizzy intensifies his ambition to get immeasurable fortune. He uses Jeriq, Odumodublvck, and DTG to support his argument. The standout verse on this record is delivered by Jeriq who employs his trademark flow scheme and lyricism packed with memorable quotables.
https://music.youtube.com/watch?v=lpO7jEO6K0c&feature=gws_kp_track
7 Days – Ayo Maff
Ayo Maff, a rising singer in Nigeria, depicts the hardships of the common teenager trying to provide for his family and bemoans police violence in this dark and reflective record.
Stop Playing – JiggyYB ft KVV, Tomi Obanure, & Champ
As KVV and Tomi Obanure take on their opponents and outline their plans in an attempt to prove their superiority over them, ace producer JiggyYb capitalises on their amazing chemistry. Champ contributes enough to leave his mark on the song even though his verse isn’t very noteworthy.
Egberi – Kaestyle
This song by Keyqaad signee Kaestyle demonstrates that Drill music is much more than just rage music. He explores an intriguing blend of palmwine music, which is ingrained in Southern culture, and drill music. This album displays the possibilities in Drill music when explored with indigenous Nigerian music.
In the beginning – David Snow
Definitely one of the best Hip-hop records released in 2024. David Snow’s raw, explosive and rugged personality is captured in this attention snatching record filled with disturbing lyricism and aggressive energy.
Demons and Angels – Wizard Chan
Wizard Chan, a rising star from Port Harcourt, releases a record that is full of meaningful and profound lyrics. He experiments with a fusion of dancehall, drill, and highlife to produce an amazing song that thrives on the richness of the sonic components and content.
https://music.youtube.com/watch?v=1ErRG2ErDWI&feature=gws_kp_track
Omone- M-Style ft Boi Reece
Omone is an interesting offering from M-Style, A brilliant Rapper from Bayelsa, who explored some unique drill fusion in Ghana and delivers in his local dialect
https://music.apple.com/ng/album/omone-feat-boi-reece/1731977020?i=1731977021
Owuterem boy – Lyd
Fast rising rapper Lyd delivers a smashing hot igbo Drill record. Lyd’s popularity in the South Eastern region of Nigeria continues to increase. He’s definitely one to be on the lookout for.
https://music.apple.com/ng/album/owuterem-boy/1725223154?i=1725223155
Homecoming – Highstarlavista
Off his new album The prophecy. Igbo Rap sensation Highstarlavista delivers a sensational soft Drill record that explores a fusion of Drill and Highlife.
https://open.spotify.com/track/0nqRxAaO2AzoEQABbDh6n6?si=AP4C14E_RV66LLyaXak2Aw
Let us know in the comments what your favorite Drill anthem released in Q1 is.
