Nigerian rap icon Olamide has revealed that he often turns to the music of late rapper DaGrin whenever he needs creative inspiration.
Speaking in a viral video, the YBNL boss described DaGrin’s 2009 album C.E.O as a classic that continues to shape his artistry and that of many rappers across Nigeria.
According to Olamide, the project remains one of the few rap albums that nearly every listener in the South West can recite word for word. He noted that revisiting the album often helps him reignite his creativity and motivation.
“DaGrin’s C.E.O album is a timeless project. That’s the only rap album almost everybody in the South West can sing word for word. DaGrin influenced a lot of rappers. Whenever we need motivation, we go back to his album,” Olamide said.
DaGrin, born Oladapo Olaonipekun, tragically died in a car crash in April 2010. His death marked a significant moment in Nigeria’s music history, as his groundbreaking fusion of Yoruba, Pidgin, and English set a new standard for indigenous rap.
Meanwhile, Olamide has reiterated that he is not seeking international validation. Speaking in a recent interview with BBC Radio 1Xtra, the “Skido” crooner emphasized that his focus remains on understanding and serving his core audience, noting that “the world will always catch up.”
