Balogun Ridwan Abiodun aka Responsible Thug is a talented emcee whose core is rooted in the deep Yoruba Culture fused with modern Street Culture. The MAPOLY (Moshood Abiola Polytechnic) National Diploma holder has found a gentrified lane for his raw, gritty storytelling with surprising vocal ability.
A colleague introduced Responsible Thug‘s music and I see his vision and will cheer him on his journey to mainstream industry. Born February 27th, the 29-year-old emcee shows promise in repeating and overtaking the feats of those before him.
Background
I was born and raised in Ibadan by my single mother. My primary school years were spent in the vibrant city, but during holidays, I would travel to Lagos to spend time with my dad.
Growing up in a musically diverse household, I was constantly surrounded by a blend of sounds and influences. My uncles were passionate Fuji music fans, sparking debates in the house over who was better—Pasuma or Osupa. This constant exposure to Fuji music was balanced by a shared love for hip hop and RnB, which brought the family together.
In Ibadan, I listened to artists like Sisqó, 50Cent, Lil Wayne, Snoop Dogg, Craig David, Dr. Dre, 2Pac, and Eminem, among other top-tier hip hop and RnB stars. However, my time in Lagos with my dad offered a different musical experience. My dad exclusively listened to Sikiru Ayinde Barrister, further enriching my understanding and appreciation of diverse sounds.
After completing my primary education, I moved to Lagos to live with my dad. The contrast between the musical worlds of Ibadan and Lagos, combined with the cultural richness of both cities, heavily influenced my artistic journey. My music today is a reflection of these early influences, drawing inspiration from both the hip hop and RnB icons i grew up listening to and the Fuji legends that were part of my childhood.
My exposure to such a wide range of musical genres during my formative years is what fuels my unique blend of emo trap and Afrobeats. From the rhythm of Fuji to the raw energy of hip hop, my early influences laid the groundwork for this authenticity and deep connection to my roots, making me stand out as an artist with both depth and versatility.
First Encounter with Hip-Hop
That moment of hearing Stan by Eminem for the first time could symbolise the spark that ignited my passion for music. Even though I didn’t fully understand the story at the time, the sound and delivery captivated me; showing that music is about more than just words; it’s about emotion and energy.
Writing Hip-Hop
I started writing my lyrics when I was in SS1.
That early experience of writing barz to spit the next day with my friends in school really adds to my story as an artist who’s been driven by passion from a young age. It shows that even in a classroom, I was already preparing myself for the bigger stage, creating a foundation of creativity, competition, and growth.
It’s cool how those moments have contributed to where I am now, making my journey relatable and inspiring.
Hip-Hop Head To Emcee
I started rapping my rhymes when I was in SS1, and the first time my classmates heard me rap they couldn’t believe what they were seeing. From that moment getting girls became easy.
I will say the artiste that inspired my sound then is definitely Lil Wayne, but now artistes like Tory Lanez, Wande Coal, Burna Boy and Lil Durk inspire me a lot
Most Underrated Song
I will say Mio Kin Sun Loru off the Idan Capsule; the single pack I dropped before the Thug Soul Ep.
Worst song or verse
That will be my first-ever project, RESPONSIBLE THUG. My stage name then was B WAN and the best thing about that project is it became my stage name.
Sonically and in production-wise i think I should have done more with that project
Plans
I intend to expand my audience, collaborate with other artists, develop a unique brand, and release new music regularly.
I’m releasing another EP with my label THUGZ MANSION next month.
