Hip-hop often represents many things, ranging from the love of hustle to the bravado of success. But in Nigeria, Hip-hop has long been a genre of resilience, reinventing itself in different cycles marked by impressive rappers and MCs that have graced the scene, While Afrobeats continues to dominate global conversations, Nigerian hip-hop thrives in its own right, carried by artists who infuse it with fresh energy and personal narratives.
Oladips is an artist who brings his own unique touch to the space, steadily shaping his place in the scene with a distinctive voice and an ability to turn intricate wordplay into immersive storytelling. On his record “She Tell Me Say”, produced by RIYO, we witness a striking example of how hip-hop in Nigeria is reclaiming its essence while adapting to new musical landscapes.
Oladips has never been one to follow conventional templates or blueprints for success. ”She Tell Me Say” is structured without a chorus, a rare decision in today’s industry but one that allows him to flow unrestrained over the track’s 3:30-minute runtime. His relentless delivery makes the song feel like an unfiltered stream of consciousness — as each line proved reflective and charged with intent. The absence of a hook shifts the focus entirely to his bars and the message within them; a choice that underscores his confidence as a lyricist and his commitment to pushing the boundaries of what modern Nigerian hip-hop can sound like.
At its core, ”She Tell Me Say” is a boom-bap record with a distinctly modern feel. The song’s opening moments, driven by crisp percussion and sharp kicks, evoke the nostalgia of classic hip-hop while carving its own distunct identity. RIYO, known for his keen ear and minimalist yet effective production style, lays a foundation that allows Oladips to command attention without distraction or the threat of becoming monotonous. The instrumental’s stripped-back nature is a rather deliberate choice, one that magnifies the intensity of Oladips’ verses and allows each rhyme to land with precision.
There’s a synergy between artist and producer that gives ”She Tell Me Say” its impact. RIYO is precise on this record as the beat is calculated in its progression, allowing Oladips the space to experiment with cadences and rhythm. The subtle bassline hums beneath the surface, adding depth to the track while keeping the focus on the lyrics. This interplay between production and performance creates an experience that feels both intimate and anthemic, proving that hip-hop doesn’t need elaborate embellishments to hit hard and be enjoyable.
More than just a collaboration, “She Tell Me Say” ls a statement of the sonic growth on Nigeria’s shores. It reinforces that Nigerian hip-hop is not only alive but also evolving in ways that challenge the industry’s norms. In a landscape where hooks and melodies often dictate a song’s mainstream appeal, Oladips and RIYO remind us that raw lyricism and hard-hitting beats — no matter how stripped bare — still have a place. Their partnership signals a resurgence of the essence that honors the roots of hip-hop while pushing it into uncharted territory. As Nigerian music continues to expand its global footprint, records like this ensure that hip-hop remains an integral part of that journey.
