Marckell Williams
Today is Nigerian Independence Day and some of your favorite rap stars are celebrating as well! Many Nigerian artists have made major waves in the rap music industry -- here are a few:
Naija to the World
Nasir bin Olu Dara Jones, professionally known as Nas, touts his Queensbridge upbringing, but his roots go further back. His jazz musician father, the birth name Charles Jones III, changed his name to Olu Dara after discovering his Yoruba roots from Nigeria.
Olubowale Victor Akintimehin, popularly known as Wale, is an American rapper. He was born in Washington DC to Nigerian parents. He just released a new single with J. Cole “Poke it Out”.’
Born in 1985, American rapper Jidenna Theodore Mobisson was born in Wisconsin Rapids, Wisconsin to a Nigerian father and a white mother. He is famous for songs like ‘Bambi’, ‘Long Live The Chief’ and ‘Classic Man.’
Rotimi was born in Maplewood, New Jersey, to Nigerian parents; his father was an investment banker of Yoruba origin, and his mother of Igbo origin, worked for the government. He is known for his hit song “In My Bed” and for his acting role as “Dre” in the hit STARZ show “Power”.
Temilade “Tems” Openiyi was born on June 11, 1995 in Lagos, Nigeria. Born to a Nigerian mother and a British-Nigerian father, Tems family moved to the United Kingdom shortly after birth. She is known for her hit song with WizKid, “Essence”.
Wale Drops Fire Track With J. Cole
We recently reported on Wale’s new song and upcoming album Folarin 2,
D.C.’s own Wale is back and better than ever after dropping a fresh track today with fan-favorite North Carolina rapper J. Cole “Poke It Out”. In addition to reuniting with Cole for a single, Wale has also announced a new album, Folarin 2.
