Nigeria’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, Yusuf Tuggar, has stirred a blend of diplomatic discourse and pop culture buzz after revealing his all-time top 10 rap songs while defending the country’s refusal to accept Venezuelan deportees from the United States.
Appearing on Channels Television on Friday, Tuggar explained that Nigeria cannot accommodate deportees, including prisoners, given the country’s existing socio-economic pressures and a population exceeding 230 million.
But what truly grabbed public attention was his rap-inspired rhetoric used to justify the stance. Quoting Flavor Flav, the iconic hype man from Public Enemy, the minister declared:
“Flavor Flav has problems of his own / I can’t do nothing for you, man.”
Tuggar went on to adapt the lyrics to Nigeria’s context, saying:
“We have enough problems of our own. We cannot accept Venezuelan deportees. You will be the same people who would criticize us if we do.”
The fusion of governance and hip-hop immediately gained traction online, with author Lola Shoneyin chiming in to request a rap playlist from the minister.
“Good evening, HM. All the people in my posse are saying you should release a thread of your Top 10 rap songs at the end of the year, plus a one-minute video explaining your picks. Thank you, sir,” she tweeted.
Tuggar didn’t wait until year-end. Instead, he promptly shared his top 10 rap songs of all time, showcasing his deep appreciation for classic American hip-hop — but notably omitting any Nigerian artists.
Here is Tuggar’s full rap playlist:
- My Mind is Playing Tricks on Me – Ghetto Boys (1991)
- Paid in Full – Eric B & Rakim (1987)
- Fight the Power – Public Enemy (1990)
- It’s a Shame – Monie Luv (1990)
- The Story of OJ – Jay Z (2017)
- Get Your Freak On – Missy Elliott (2001)
- The Crown – Gary Byrd & the GB Experience (1984)
- It Takes Two – Rob Base (1988)
- Nuthin’ but a G Thang – Snoop Dogg & Dr. Dre (1992)
- Do for Love – Tupac (1998)
