Nigerian rapper Odumodublvck has stirred widespread reactions on social media after declaring that hip-hop is no longer relevant, reigniting a long-running conversation about the genre’s position within Nigeria’s music industry.
According to a report by Daily Post, the rapper made the statement while reacting to a ranking of Nigerian artists with the highest monthly listeners on Spotify. Noting the absence of rap acts from the list, Odumodublvck posted on X: “Hip Hop is dead.”
The comment quickly attracted attention from music fans and industry observers, with opinions divided over the validity of his claim.
While some agreed that hip-hop currently lacks the commercial dominance enjoyed by Afrobeats and mainstream pop acts in Nigeria, others argued that the genre remains influential globally and continues to thrive in several markets.
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Odumodublvck’s remarks also drew comparisons to a similar statement previously made by Wizkid, who had suggested that hip-hop no longer holds the same cultural relevance it once did.
The latest comments have once again placed the spotlight on the evolving relationship between rap music and Nigeria’s rapidly expanding commercial music scene.
The debate comes amid the release of Spotify’s latest monthly listener figures, which are dominated by Afrobeats stars. None of the country’s leading rap artists featured among the top 10 Nigerian acts with the highest monthly listeners on the streaming platform.
Burna Boy currently leads the rankings with more than 40 million monthly listeners, narrowly ahead of Tems. Rema occupies third place, while Ayra Starr and Wizkid complete the top five. Omah Lay, Davido, CKay, Fireboy DML and Asake also feature prominently on the list.
The absence of rappers from the ranking has fueled discussions about audience preferences and the growing international appeal of Afrobeats.
Over the past decade, Nigerian music has enjoyed unprecedented global success, with singers increasingly dominating streaming platforms, international charts and major music festivals.
Despite the ongoing debate, many fans argue that hip-hop remains an important part of Nigeria’s music ecosystem, pointing to the continued success of several rap artists, underground movements and the genre’s influence on contemporary sounds.
Whether Odumodublvck’s comments reflect a harsh reality or simply a provocative opinion, they have once again sparked conversation about the future of hip-hop in Africa’s largest music market.
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Image Credit: Radr Africa
