We are back again with our series of Update your Playlist; free of charge. In this instalment, we introduce you to the Diamonds in the Rough. These projects are revolutionary and way ahead of their time, but for some reason, they have flown under the radar. For the few who have experienced these masterpieces, they have become cult classics. Sit back and relax as we give you a valuable insight into these underground treasures.
Ozone – Superiority Complex
An essential project for core hip-hop fans, released over a decade ago. Ozone‘s debut mixtape, Superiority Complex is a body of 15 tracks worthy of admission into the Nigerian hip hop hall-of-fame. Flows, instrumentals, featured acts, bars, cohesive themes, production quality, lyrical depth, and, most importantly, timeless quality—this project remains one of the best underground rap projects. Like all the projects in this list, Superiority Complex is underrated and under-appreciated because of its superior quality and futuristic sound. Big kudos must also go to Leriq for his role in defining the album’s direction with his stellar production.
Mojeed – Westernized West Africa
Standing on par with Superiority Complex, is Mojeed‘s Westernized West African. Both projects were released under Aristokrat Records with similarities in their creative direction and rap styles, making Westernized West Africa another underground gem. At first glance, the album may seem intimidating with its creative direction and cover art, leaning towards a didactic approach. However, the project is anything but preachy as Mojeed seamlessly blends themes of love, romance, and activism, with a strong undercurrent of nationalism and pride in Nigeria’s indigenous culture. The project is a beautiful masterpiece, and if placed side by side with the previous mixtape, Mojeed and Ozone can be seen as different archetypes of the same character—two perspectives on a similar artistic vision. Once again, Leriq delivers another exceptional production.
Ladipoe – Talk About Poe (T.A.P.)
For his debut project, Ladipoe fka Poe delivered a masterpiece with T.A.P (Talk About Poe), a cult classic. The meticulously crafted 10-track mixtape showcases his introspection and lyrical dexterity. It is characterized by soulful production that blends atmospheric beats with cerebral rhymes. The mixtape is a definite beauty, featuring collaborations that enhance its overall cohesiveness. Unfortunately, it remains very underrated. T.A.P is a nuanced exploration of Ladipoe’s artistry and personal journey.
Jesse Jagz – Garba
The only EP on this list, Jesse Jagz’s Garba is a 5-track project named after his traditional name. It offers an intimate glimpse into his life, passions, and struggles. Known for releasing music on his own terms, Jagz uses this 25-minute project to reflect on his upbringing, city of Jos, family, past relationships, and personal battles, which includes his father’s absence and his marijuana addiction. His lyrical brilliance and storytelling shine throughout, alongside his signature fusion of melodic hip-hop and reggae. Garba is an honest and introspective project that highlights Jagz’s undeniable artistry.
Eva Alordiah – 1960
For years, anticipation for Eva Alordiah’s debut album 1960 steadily grew as she hinted at its possibility through tracks like Deaf and War Coming. These releases, though sporadic, heightened excitement among fans eager for a cohesive body of work. When Eva officially announced 1960, expectations soared. However, its release was understated, with minimal promotion aside from singles like Mbali with Yemi Alade and Dance With Me featuring Darey. This approach underscored the album as a deeply personal passion project, prioritising substance over mainstream appeal.
1960 surpassed expectations, standing as a remarkable testament to Eva’s artistry. She poured her heart into every aspect of the album, creating a body of work that ranks among the finest in Nigerian hip-hop history. The production is exceptional, rivalling the celebrated work of Jesse Jagz, while each track weaves a compelling narrative through thoughtful lyrics and raw emotional depth.
These underrated gems represent the epitome of groundbreaking artistry—projects that not only pushed creative boundaries but also set benchmarks for their genres. Each one is a testament to the vision, passion, and talent of the artists, showcasing their ability to craft timeless music that resonates deeply with listeners. Though they may not have received widespread acclaim, their influence and brilliance endure, proving that true masterpieces don’t always require mainstream validation. If you haven’t explored these projects yet, now is the perfect time to experience the magic and uncover the essence of these cult classics.
