19th November 2022, I’m at the Alliance Francaise housed at Mike Adenuga Centre as a guest speaker at the first edition of the Hip Hop Conference 2022. Due to technical issues – a staffer with access to the lighting and audio room was on his way – the program started late. While we waited for this staffer, it was only normal to be restless. I went on to explore the compound and exchange pleasantries with conference attendees, other speakers, and the organisers. I returned to the hall to wait for staffer’s arrival, while Teck Zilla had finished setting up and began serenading the audience with hip-hop tunes and beats.
In less than 5 minutes, the stage had about 6 people who took turns to freestyle by passing the mic. This was the first time I saw and heard Jabba Jaw rapping. It sounded like a breath of fresh air as I consumed his game. The blend of Queen’s English and Ijinle (deep-rooted) Yoruba in his freestyle caught my attention and at that point, I was sold.
Adetola Babatunde Ajenifuja, born June 9 is one emcee I believe can go toe to toe with many emcees (veteran or not) lyrically and technique-wise. He studied lyrical emcees and created a unique style that always gets your attention regardless.
Here is the 27-year-old hip-hop artiste and student of hip-hop culture’s JJC interview.
![](https://randr.ng/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/Jabba-Jaw-JJC-1-768x1024.jpg)
Background
Born a Gemini, I was the only child of my parents, I pretty much grew up on my own but I had a few close friends. In the year I was born (1996), I’d say HipHop/Rap was at its best and my mom specifically told me Busta Rhymes‘s single, Woo-Hah!! Got You All in Check, always got me jiggy since I was one year old. I grew up listening to different genres from hip-hop to R&B, soul music, Fuji, and whatever song was out there at the time.
Growing up, I faced the harsh realities of my environment – poverty, crime, and violence were constant companions. But amidst the chaos, I discovered the talent in me. My background played an essential role in the man I am today and the man I’m striving to become in the coming years.
Your First Encounter with Hip-Hop
My first encounter with hip-hop personally, will be getting hooked on Lil Wayne‘s lyrics on 6 Foot 7 Foot. His start-up verse was;
“Excuse my charisma, vodka with a spritzer
Lil Wayne – 6 Foot 7 Foot
Swagger down pat, call my shit Patricia”
He went on and on with the rhymes so articulate in describing his personality. Painting pictures with lyrics was something he did so well. I listened to this joint over and over again and I eventually wrote my cover verse off of this instrumental. I went on to perform the verse at my school end-of-the-year party and it was a remarkable event I’ll always remember.
Writing Hip-Hop
I started writing lyrics during my senior secondary school days. I remember a classmate who usually beatbox with the table or whatever was at his disposal whenever we had free classes. Some students just sang and rapped the way they could then but I just knew it wasn’t done that way – coming from a background with vast music taste. I took it upon myself that if they could do that I could do better.
This was when the instinct of rapping or rhyming over a beat in my head started. I eventually got hooked on Lil Wayne‘s lyrics on 6 Foot 7 Foot and it was game on for me.
![](https://randr.ng/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/Jabba-Jaw-JJC-3-768x1024.jpeg)
Hip-Hop Head to Emcee
Confidently, I started rapping my rhymes in 2013. There were many influences from international artists to local artists. I studied Wu-Tang, KRS One, black moon, Kendrick (Lamar), and about 80% of the MC’s whoever did it. I started mainly as a hardcore English rapper and over time, I acquired bilingual skills studying MCs like Da Grin, Reminisce, and Olamide, to name a few.
I always wowed the listeners whenever I dropped a rhyme.
Your Most Underrated Song/Verse
At the moment, all my songs are underrated. Trust Me.
Worst Song/Verse
Actually, none. I believe every joint I’ve created is a masterpiece. You just gotta be on the frequency to catch the tune.
![](https://randr.ng/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/Jabba-Jaw-JJC-2-768x1024.jpeg)
Plans
I’d say my plans are; to keep developing my unique style; keep creating quality music; build my brand; grow my fan base; network and collaborate; promote my music; educate myself more; and of course, remain persistent and resilient