Ace rapper Olamide has opened up on the huge influence the late DaGrin had on him and other rappers in Nigeria.
Speaking in a video session, the YBNL boss described the late rapper’s C.E.O album as timeless and a constant source of inspiration.
Olamide said that “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 would go and listen to his album.” He added that whenever he experiences a creative block, he would go back to DaGrin’s album for motivation.
DaGrin, born Oladapo Olaonipekun, tragically died in a car crash in April 2010. His music, however, gained even more popularity after his death, leaving a lasting impact on the Nigerian music industry.
DaGrin’s 2009 album C.E.O (Chief Executive Omo-Ita) is widely credited for pioneering rap in indigenous languages, blending Yoruba, Pidgin, and English. His style influenced many contemporary rappers, including Olamide, Phyno and Reminisce, opening doors for localized hip-hop across Nigeria.
