REP post

Repping Big Tizzy!

The first time I heard his “Faaji” track, I instantly digged it! Fuji is my thing and to have it merged with Naija hip-hop just did it for me!

Listen to “Faaji”

Born Adefolarin Lawal, Big Tizzy is a full-time entertainer and disk jockey based in the United Kingdom whose love for music developed while listening to his father’s collection of classic Fuji tunes. There’s no doubt that this influenced his music greatly as he fuses Naija Hip-Hop with Fuji vocals.  Hence, one can expect his musical influences to range from Barrister, Haruna Ishola to  P.Diddy, Jay Z,  and Snoop Dogg.

With his target audience as everyone from the youth to the older folks, he regards himself as a hardworking, lively and honest individual that loves and has an excellent taste for the finest things in life. With two albums on the way: a solo album called “My Product” and a group project on the way called “Jeun Lo”, there’s no doubt that he has a lot of work ahead of him and we look forward to what he has to offer! Hopefully more hot jamz!! Collaborating with artists such as TillaMan, Dolla-Billz, High Commission and Topsay (a.k.a Omo Ibadan) on his solo album, he says fans should buy his album because they can expect to get the value for their money. The album, according to him, portrays him to the listeners as a young, gifted individual who is more than just his good looks.

In addition to being a solo artist, Big Tizzy is also a member of the group “166 Family” which includes Dolla-Billz, Aspanda, Martel B and TillaMan. The group album called “Jeun Lo” is currently in the works, and will be released soon in stores.
Currently, Big Tizzy is promoting the “Jeun Lo” album with his group and they plan to take the Nigerian music Industry by storm when they start touring Nigeria in the near future. Without a doubt, this is definitely one artist to look out for.

I REP Big Tizzy!

Listen to “Stankin Tin”

For more information on Big Tizzy, please visit his MySpace page at www.myspace.com/bigtizzyuk



Repping Eva!

If you’ve seen our OOTV post on Eva, then you know how excited I am to do this post. You’ve seen her featured on Cartiair’s “Owo ati swagger(remix)”, listened to her collaborate with ID Cabasa on his track titled “Underrated” amongst others she has worked with.

Listen to “Owo ati Swagger Remix” ft. Gino, Dagrin, Eva & Terry Tha Rapman

We had the opportunity of asking her a few questions and we bring to you some information as she shared with us.

Born Eva Alordiah, Eva hails from Delta state and has been surrounded by music since childhood. Being around her brothers, she grew up listening to hip-hop music and has since being at the forefront of entertainment; be it through dancing, acting, music or anything that requires he to be on stage. Musically influenced by the like of Kanye West, Lil Wayne, M.I, Jay Z, Eminem and B.I.G amongst others, there’s no doubt that these models haven’t influenced her as her flow depicts such. Motivated by various things, it’s hard for her to pinpoint one thing. When asked to describe herself and her music to the fans, she said “My music is me. Me??I have various personalities, so my music comes different every time. One minute I’m rapping, next thing you know I’m rapping with reggae infusion. I just never know what would happen next, it just comes and if I like it, then I take it. A lot motivates me. Most of the time it’s the beat, you can’t go wrong when you are writing to a good beat or working with a dope producer.”

Now a graduate of Computer Science from one of the private Nigerian universities, she actually ventured into music professionally in 2004 but academic commitments prevented her from giving a 100% dedication to music. In 2008, she hooked up with Tha Suspect to produce “A millie” remake of M.I’s “Safe” and this gained massive airplay in and out of Lagos.

Listen to “I dey play (a millie mix)”

Since then, she has worked on various tracks with artists such as eLDee, Illbliss, Tha Suspect, The Knighthouse crew, Wizkid, M.I, Cartiair, ID Cabasa amongst others. Though she’s never released an album, she has a couple of mixtape singles. Should we expect a mixtape soon? Well, she isn’t certain if she will eventually compile a mixtape album. Hence, we can only hope and wait!

With her album still in the works, we asked her to describe her target audience and she replied with “I try as much as possible to reach as many different types of people as possible. But basically, it still comes down to young energetic lovers of music.” Though she didn’t specify names of artists she’ll be working with on her debut album, we can only imagine give her record of collaborations. However, when we asked her if there are any artists she looks forward to working with in the future, she replied saying “Tuface. He inspires me, he’s such a wonderful artist and it would be a pleasure. Then of course there’s Waje, MoCheddah, Y.Q, Iceprince, there’s a lot oh!”

Though she’s yet to win or be nominated for any awards, there’s no doubt in my mind that she’ll be racking in the awards soon if she keeps up and/or exceeds her current momentum. Eva, who’s currently based in Lagos, is looking forward to working on her album and putting out good music while the project is in the works. Besides being a rapper, she’s also a makeup artist and you can find out more about this part of her on her blog (link below), Like you, I am looking forward to more of her work! This is definitely one artist to look out for now and in the future.

I REP Eva!

Listen to “Under rated” by ID Cabasa ft. Eva

Listen to “Make Em Say”

Listen to “True Talk”

Download All Featured Songs

To keep in touch with Eva, please visit the following sites! I recommend visiting her blog as she shares her life and experiences with the readers! She’s a very funny and down to heart lady and her blog will have you bookmarking her site to keep up with her.

Blog: www.evaalordiah.tk
Twitter: www.twitter.com/evaalordiah
Facebook fan page: http://www.facebook.com/pages/Eva/45157032483?ref=mf
Reverbnation: www.reverbnation.com/iamEva
Myspace: www.myspace.com/evaalordiah

Repping Cartiair!

If you been following us, then you should know he was our first OOTV post! If you missed his post, you can read it here: http://www.repnaijaartists.com/2009/12/06/out-of-the-vault-cartiair/

Now we bring you some information on Cartiar as he shared with us! I absolutely love “Owo ati swagger (remix)”. That’s my jam! That track is on repeat. Hawt beat and the featured artists on there each killed it on their part!!

Listen to “Owo ati Swagger Remix” ft. Gino, Dagrin, Eva & Terry Tha Rapman

Born Frederick Benson, he was named Cartiair by a friend of his from NewYork who happened to be a designer and had a diamond collection. According to Cartiair, he was called a diamond in the rough. Hence, where Cartiair comes from: the diamond collection.

His passion for the art of music began when he was 9: his best friend started rapping and this interested Cartiair, and since then his talent has grown immensely. Unlike most artists who start off their career in a band, Cartiair didn’t go through that route but instead imitated popular rappers until he emerged with his own style with musical influences like 50 cents and Jay Z whom he hopes to work with. He also wishes to work with Asa in the future.

Motivated by every day situations and occurrences around him, he describes his target audience as both the streets and the corporate world since he’s a mix of both. His first album titled “More than just rap music” was released November 2009 and features collaboration with artists such as Eva,  Tuface, DaGrin, Sound Sultan, BuckWylla, Gino, and a lot more! With this album, Cartiair says his fan can expect more: the get to know about the life and times of Cartiair as well as his talent. Per Cartiair, some songs can make you move and some would get you moved.

Though not based in the States anymore, he grew up in New York where the rap games mostly featured lyrics that make references to guns, hustling and violence. However, since moving back to the motherland, he’s trying to take all that out in his flow. Award wise, he has recently nominated for the “Most promising act” for the Dynamix awards! Congrats Cartiair! If you are yet to vote, you can still do so! If he continues at the pace he’s moving at currently, there’s no doubt in my mind that we’ll see more nominations and winnings from him! Can’t get enough of Cartiair, well guess what?! He’ll be releasing a FREE mixtape in the first quarter of next year and I truly look forward to that!!!

Cartiair is definitely one artist to look out for now and in the upcoming years!!

I REP Cartiair!

Listen to “The Way You Wind”

Listen to “Perfect Girl” ft. Buckwylla

Listen to “Owo ati Swagger”

Listen to “Give it 2 me” by Chuddy K ft. Cartiair & Big B

Listen to “swag(file)” by Dagrin ft. Cartiair

Listen to “Take it Back” by Tuface ft. Cartiair

Download All Tracks

For more information on Cartiair, join his facebook fan page at

http://www.facebook.com/home.php?#/pages/Cartiair/111737645855?ref=search&sid=1503477582.1496321221..1

Repping Str8Buttah!

If you have ever wondered where our hardcore hiphop artists were, well look no further: Str8buttah is one of such and gives you a new sound compared to different versions of the same beats and lyrics emerging nowadays from many Nigerian artists.

Str8Buttah, though probably not known to a lot of people, have been around for a while. The  existence of this group dates back to 2000. This rap group is made up of six emcees namely Teckzilla, XYZ, R-Cube, Deck the Nexus, Enigma and Mistah Rae. As with most underground emcees, this group are influenced by the Nigerian economic situation and use their music as a medium to communicate with the youths with empowering lyrics.

Str8Buttah is a name that stuck as it was initially just the name of the group as a production company prior to evolving into a household name for these emcees. Str8 and Buttah as they explained to us are almost contradictory hip-hop slangs: the ying with the yang. Describing their audience as hip-hop enthusiasts, young and old age groups, these emcees refer to themselves as unsung superheroes with no spandex: regular, plain and simple dudes. Motivated by God, life and the love of the art which they engage in, the group has evolved since its amalgamation. They strive to remain relevant by updating their music making process, and also looking out for who is who and new acts on the scene.

As imagined, most groups typically don’t stick together as long as this group has. Hence, we posed this question to them: “How have the members of the group managed to stick together after all these years and still produce lyrically meaningful content?“. In reply, they said “The science behind this is simply called team work plus a well defined goal.Its sorta like individual robots coming together to form a much more powerful one to fight for the cause.Before music we were all friends,having fun like regular boys so it kinda comes easy.The Music and Friendship is carried hand in hand…mutual respect is the watch word!!“.

Though they have released 4 other albums, their album titled “Str8 4rm da art” which was released August 2009 is actually their debut album. Recently, the group grabbed an award for the SMVA best hip-hop video and they described the accompanying feeling as such: “Great,the feeling was just wonderful..a step in the right direction that is!this only goes to show that people are actually listening.To be frank recognition is the best reward besides huge sums of money!”

We had to ask what their formula for staying together this long was and asked them to offer their advice to upcoming artists and groups and here’s what they had to say: “Drop the egos and face the music, the Music and Friendship is always first…put away everything else”

Though the members of the group have worked with quite a few artists like MoCheddah, Kel, Mode9, Illbliss, Lord of Ajasa amongst others, they hope to one day work with Asa. You can purchase their album on their site at str8buttah.com and some outlets in Lagos and Port Harcourt. Despite the fact that they haven’t been nominated for more awards since their winning, we can expect them to be around for a while and hopefully rack up more awards. In the future, we have been told that you can expect more albums, mixtapes, videos and of course, show stopping performances! We will certainly be on the look-out for this group!

I Rep Str8Buttah!

Listen to “Showtime” ft.  Kel

Listen to “Fire”

Listen to “Last Stand”

To learn more information about Str8Buttah, visit the following pages

http://str8buttah.com/

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Str8Buttah

Repping Deuce Gambles!

Deuce Gambles

If you are  expecting to hear the same old tune  or beat that seems to be taking over and is being used by a lot of Nigerian artists, well you are in for a shocker! Deuce Gambles comes with a totally different style! My favorite track is “Cops come knockin”.  “We getting loud till the cops come knocking………………………….”

Listen to “Cops Come Knockin”

Born Fola Devontay Adeleye in Newark, New Jersey, Deuce Gambles is an artist of Nigerian descent who is also the co-founder of the hip-hop group Full Deck.  Although he is primarily a rapper, he also dabbles in some R & B singing.

Deuce Gambles who was born  in an underprivileged and crime filled Newark is a product of his environment whose harsh tough demeanor is reflected in his music.

Deuce Gambles who lists his musical influences as artists such as Cam’ron, Fabulous, Jadakiss and Jay-z reported that his passion for music was developed during his teenage years; he started in his basement with childhood friends while just goofing around, and he fell in love with music since then.  He founded the group “Full Deck” with his childhood friends but had to quit the group due to some creative differences.  Although Deuce is no longer a member of the group, he is still heavily associated with them and still collaborates with the group’s members.

Words such as “rude, disrespectful, nonchalant, and conceited” are frequently associated with this New Jersey native. Although characteristics such as these would usually cause a person to acquire a great amount of enemies, such traits have actually propelled Deuce Gambles to more stardom. Known for his unique rhyme scheme and clever punchlines, listeners continue to ponder on what he will say next.

Gambles tries not to focus his music on the hardship that he encountered while growing up in New Jersey. Instead, most of Gambles’ songs are about his everyday life and diverse topics. The sarcastic and cocky style that Deuce Gambles possesses is clearly unique. It is just a matter of time before Deuce Gambles becomes a household name. But until then, he will still be loved by many, and hated by many more, which is the way he likes it.  He lists his audience as any and everybody who can listen to his music. His main motivation is to prove people wrong, especially all of the people who doubt him. i am very conceited, confident, sarcastic, and enjoys being the life of the party.

His first mixtape entitled “Intelligent Menace” is currently in the works and on the verge of being finished with a tentative December 2009 release date. He decided to pick that title because he believes it is a great reflection of him, he is an intelligent, well educated person who can also be a menace.  He also added that although he is well educated, he grew up with the street mentality and can survive in both the corporate and “ghetto” areas.

There are numerous collaborations on the upcoming “Intelligent Menace” album such as songs featuring artists like Baby Spadez, Julz Diamondz, Sin City, Se7en, Rouga, Crazy 8, Fabolous, and Drake.

When asked what fans of his music can expect on this upcoming album, he replied saying “fans can expect good music, alot of slick and witty lines, good beats, good lyrics, and a cocky attitude“.

Although he already has numerous collaborations Deuce Gambles revealed that he is willing to work with any artists that feel like they could keep up with him.

I REP Deuce Gambles!

Listen to “Boi” featuring Rouga

Listen to “Cuz I’m African” Featuring Seven

Download all featured songs: http://www.zshare.net/download/6788269403de0585/

Follow him on Twitter at www.twitter.com/DeuceGambles

Visit his on Myspace page at www.myspace.com/DeuceGambles

Repping AiRis!

The first time I heard “Without you”, a song inspired from AiRis’s experience,  it was an instant hit with me!  I absolutely loved it and found myself having the song on repeat! I couldn’t help but wonder who the artist was and what more she had out there! Very soothing voice with really nice lyrics!

Listen to “Without you”

We had the pleasure of asking AiRis some questions and we present to you some information she shared with us.

Born Asmaa Idrisu in Egypt to a Nigerian father and Egyptian mother, AiRis, pronounced “iris” is a multi-talented singer who’s yet to find the perfect word to describe her genre. Coining her stage name “AiRis” from her full name: ‘A’ from her first name and “Iris” from her last name, she went with this naming approach as she wanted a name that was descriptive yet meaningful. Iris has various meanings in anatomy and botany with a strong emphasis on variety, which she says describes one of her unique features as a person and an artist: culturally diverse and colorful.

Though born in Egypt, she grew up in Lagos,  and developed her passion for music at a very tender age. When we asked her how this passion developed, she said “I have always loved music as far as I can remember as a child, I guess I really got into it in the late 80′s when Madonna released “Like a Prayer” and George Michael “Faith”. As I grew older and more aware, I started getting involved in school choirs and watched a lot of music videos on VH1. My mum used to play a lot of Fela around the house and we always jammed to Arabic music on occasions, so that had a huge influence on me as well. Basically, my interest in music grew dramatically and developed from then on.”

With numerous musical influences including the likes of Sade, Madonna, Seal, U2, Fela Anikulapo Kuti, Sting, and Lauryn Hill, she describes her genre as being very sensual, catchy, different, and rich. This genre which is yet to be named is a combination of Afro-Pop/R&B with a Mediterranean twist and a western feel.

As known by some, AiRis is no newcomer to the entertainment industry. This first lady of Trybes record started off singing at a club called “Pancho Villa” back in secondary school after which she formed a rock band with some of her classmates. Though she vaguely remembers the details of this, she thinks the band was named Blackstone. As known, graduation from high school marks another journey in the lives of people as they tend to go off to college, move out of the country etc. The rock band members didn’t really split up as everyone left Lagos for College in some other country. Similarly, she has worked with various producers in the past (Osinachi, eLDee, Mason Vaughan) focusing on making good music.

When we asked AiRis, who describes her target audience as anyone who likes and appreciates good music, to describe herself and tell us about her motivation, she said:  “Passionate about what I love, really just a simple person like everyone else with a strong will to be and remain happy. I’m usually motivated when faced with challenges in life. Aim also just naturally driven. When I find something that makes me happy, I’m motivated to go for it!”

The first album titled “TAP (The AiRis Project)” is expected to be released early 2010. As to what we can expect from the album, she says we can expect a classic that would become part of ones music collection for everyone! Now that sounds really exciting and I can’t wait till the album drops!

Want to know why you should listen to her music or buy her album, here’s what she has to say:  “If you are interested in good music, you’ll need a copy..lol. Most of the songs are based on personal experiences and facts of life. So basically, I unfold myself to the world, however, it’s not just about me ,its about life and people’s experiences, knowing yourself, fun, hardship, lessons learned, elation, pain, love, envy, oppression…all the stuff you don’t expect people to sing about. It’s not just a set of instruments with lyrics, its a book with different chapters that tell different stories that you can get something out of….be it a message, a lesson, inspiration, or just a good listen!”

Though based in the U.S, soon to be Nigeria, she expects her fanbase in Nigeria to grow once they experience her music and presence. Nonetheless, the response so far has been phenomenal. I personally have no doubt that she’ll gain a huge fanbase worldwide! As to what to expect from this System/Industrial Engineer in the future, you can expect good music, an introduction of a new genre, international collaboration and of course AiRis repping her Nigerian roots globally! The music never stops, only gets better! This is definitely one artist to watch out for now and in the upcoming years!

I REP AiRis!

You can also listen to another single of hers: “Brain Touch” on her Myspace page! Link below:

For more information on AiRis, please visit the following links:

Website: www.airismusic.com

Twitter:  www.twitter.com/airismusic

Facebook fan page: http://www.facebook.com/pages/AiRis/104941797584?ref=ts

Facebook group: http://www.facebook.com/group.php?gid=176364119459&ref=ts

MySpace Page: http://www.myspace.com/asmaahan

ilike:  http://www.ilike.com/artist/Airis

Repping Ibiyemi!

The first time I heard Ibiyemi, I couldn’t help but wonder who the lady with such a heavy but great voice was! She instantly reminded me of Toni Braxton, an artiste I truly love and admire.  Don’t believe me, perhaps you should listen for yourself. My favorite song of hers is titled “Don’t leave me”.

Listen to “Don’t Leave Me”

We had the pleasure of asking this talented artist some questions and we present to you some information she shared with us!

Born Ibiyemi Ajakaiye in California, this talented and soulful singer and songwriter began singing in a church choir. A short spell with the Original love choir of Yaba Tech paved the way for this lady.  Though she sang in the choir in numerous churches in Lagos as far back as 2000, by 2003, Ibiyemi started performing as a back-up vocalist for other artists on stage and in the studio while writing some of the songs that later became to be her first recording setting her apart as a solo artist.

On the 4th of July 2004,  she made her first major solo performance singing the national anthem at the 228th independence ceremony of the United States, organized by the U.S mission in Nigeria. That became the first of many such great performances. In 2007, she sang at the Presidential inauguration ceremony where she entertained various guests. With musical influences like Mary J. Blige, Stevie Wonder, and Lauryn Hill, she comes forth with a breath of fresh air in an industry where powerful female vocalists seem to wane.

Besides being a singer and songwriter, this talent is also an event planner.  Given her responsibilities, it’s no surprise when she said there was no such thing as a typical day for her. Her day depends on a lot of things ranging from rehearsals, family commitments to performances; and as imagined, all these could go in so many different ways which most likely that not is what happens.

She describes her target audience as anyone who loves music that is soul stirring, and can identify with experiences in her lyrics. Unlike most artists, she chose to use her first name and we asked why. She replied back with “I want to connect with my audience as I am. How best can I do that but by coming across not just as an artiste or a face on TV or voice on radio but simply as another human being, walking through life and sharing experiences obtained in song. I want to keep it as real as possible”.

We couldn’t help but wonder how she would describe herself and what motivated her, so we proceeded to ask her to describe herself.  She said “I’ll say I am pretty much your girl next door. I love God, life and love, I’m an incurable romantic. I absolutely LOVE music. I am motivated by all of these things that I love, and the people in my life too.”

When asked to describe her music, she says “My music is more Soul than anything else, always heartfelt but like most of the music we make today, it can’t be “put in a box”, I sometimes borrow elements from other genres; Urban music , I believe it’s called? My songs are always about my own experiences, believe it or not when you sit with some folks and hear what they’ve been through or are going through, it could just be you.”  Now if only we had more people singing about their experiences, perhaps a lot of songs would have more meaning and the audiences could relate easily!

Her first album titled “Love always wins” is named after one of the songs on the album. This was chosen as the album name as it sums up the entire album and states one of her firm beliefs: True love always wins. Per Ibiyemi, this album will be unique and the message presented in each song can be related to! More so, it’s a collection of mostly love-themed songs!  I don’t know about you but this is definitely something I see being given as gifts during Valentine’s Day and any special occasion amongst loved ones! Collaboration wise, there are several undisclosed collaborations in the works as well as a remix of “Don’t leave me.” Nonetheless, she hopes to work with the likes of Lauryn Hill, Timbaland and Don Jazzy in the future. As to when you can expect an album, chart-topping I say, she gave us an estimate of the first quarter of 2010 and I can honestly say that I am super excited and cannot wait to get a copy! You should be too!!

Her first single “Can you love me” has been featured on the soundtrack to the movie: “Caught in the Middle” and adopted as the theme song for the soap opera production “168″ and “Hope Bay” airing on local Nigerian Television stations.

With this soulful voice of hers and meaningful lyrics, this soul singer and songwriter is bound to go to higher places! This is definitely one artist to look out for now and in the coming years!

I REP Ibiyemi!

Listen to “Can you love me”

Watch the video to “Don’t leave me”! Love it!!!

For more information on Ibiyemi, please visit the following links:

Visit her site: www.ibiyemi.com

MySpace: www.myspace.com/ibiyemi

Join her Facebook page: http://www.facebook.com/pages/IBIYEMI/40397521483?ref=ts

Twitter: www.twitter.com/vzhun