It is true that among all the other genres in music, hip-hop has proven to be the perfect avenue for self-expression. Hip-hop started in the streets of Brooklyn and Compton as protest music by the African-American community, who used it to vocalize their stance against injustice, discrimination, and racism. The movement that started, later on, spread all over the planet, and today hip-hop is the most streamed genre all over. Typically still a "black" art form, hip-hop has constantly evolved and spread through other communities. However, some native Nigerian rappers in the scene try to integrate it with the modern style while keeping it connected with its African roots. Here are some of the notable American rappers in the scene who come of Nigerian descent:
Chamillionaire:
The famous rapper Hakeen Temidayo Seriki, famously known by his stage alias, Chamillionaire, is a Texas-based rapper who was also the founder and member of the "The Color Changin' Click" from 2001, till the group disbanded later in 2005. He introduced himself to the world of hip-hop in 2005 with his solo career, putting out several local releases and the collaborative album "Get Ya Mind Correct" with his childhood friend and rapper, Paul Wall. He is also the CEO of Chamillitary Entertainment, which he started in 2004, and became a part of Upfront Ventures, a venture capital firm in Los Angeles in 2015. Ever since then, he has focused on his business career and put out lesser music, but he is considered one of the most notable rappers in the game.
Missing-Nin:
Among several rappers struggling to break through into the mainstream hip-hop scene, Missing-Nin has shown more potential than most. Missing-Nin is a native Nigerian Los Angeles-based rapper who has engaged and captured a sufficient audience with his extraordinary music and stunning visuals concisely. He released his debut EP, "Brown," several singles, and a full-length album by the name of "CROQUiS," and his music gathered tremendous applause and admiration from fans, critics, and music lovers.
Being involved in music since his childhood, Missing-Nin played snare drum, trumpet, and piano before transforming into a full-scale music producer and has produced 900 unique and creatively sounding hip-hop instrumentals, showcasing his artistic talents in the area of music production. He has worked hard over his musical career and has now started to make waves in the underground hip-hop scene. You can visit https://open.spotify.com/artist/0LZnbdmIwvetfcXnNZkkpl to check out his music and show support if you like it.
Wale:
Olubowale Victor, commonly known as Wale, has been a huge name in the music industry since his rise to stardom in 2006 with the hit song "Dig Dug (Shake It), " which became popular locally. After harnessing local recognition, Wale went on more prominent platforms and released a ton of music proof of his lyrical prowess, artistic abilities, and talent. Ever since climbing the Billboard charts, Wale has become a heavy and successful name in the hip-hop scene.
Among these three, several other Native Nigerian artists have contributed a great deal to hip-hop by putting out their music and playing their part in this genre's constant evolution and growth globally.