Introduction
Hip hop music is one music genre that has enjoyed global success over the years. The Nigerian music scene has been no exception as many artists have risen to fame in recent years. One of such artists is Ycee. Ycee, born Oludemilade Martin Alejo, is a Nigerian rapper, singer, and songwriter who broke into the Nigerian music scene in 2015 with his hit single, “Jagaban”. Since then, he has released several successful tracks that have won him a significant following in both Nigeria and abroad.
In this comprehensive blog post, we’ll take a look at Ycee’s rise to stardom, from humble beginnings to becoming one of the most sought-after rappers in Nigeria.
Section 1: The Early Years
Ycee was born on January 29, 1993, in Festac, Lagos State. Growing up, he developed an interest in music and began rapping while in secondary school. He participated in rap battles and freestyle sessions in school and quickly gained recognition among his peers.
After graduating from secondary school, Ycee went on to study Marine Biology at the University of Lagos. However, he never lost his love for music and continued to make music with his friends. During this time, he released several mixtapes, which gained him a small following.
Section 2: The Breakthrough
In 2015, Ycee’s fortunes changed when he released his hit single “Jagaban.” The song was an instant hit and quickly became an anthem for Nigerian youth. The success of “Jagaban” propelled Ycee into the limelight and made him a household name in Nigeria.
The success of “Jagaban” opened doors for Ycee, and he began to perform in several shows and concerts across the country. He was quickly signed to Tinny Entertainment, a record label that helped him to build on his success.
Section 3: The Big Break
In 2017, Ycee released his debut EP titled “First Wave,” which featured hit singles like “Juice” and “Link Up.” These tracks were a massive success and solidified Ycee’s place as one of the biggest stars in the Nigerian music industry.
The success of “First Wave” opened the doors for Ycee in the international music scene, and he began to perform in several countries around the world. He also collaborated with several international artists, including British-Nigerian rapper Skepta, to produce “Omo Alhaji” (Remix).
Section 4: The Reinvention
In 2018, Ycee announced that he had parted ways with Tinny Entertainment and had started his record label, ANBT (Ain’t Nobody Badder Than). He released his first project under ANBT titled “Ycee Vs Zaheer”, which featured hit singles like “Dakun” and “Mo Salah.”
The release of “Ycee Vs Zaheer” showed Ycee’s versatility as an artist and his ability to reinvent himself. The project was an instant hit and earned him critical acclaim from fans and critics alike.
Section 5: The Collaborations
Over the years, Ycee has collaborated with several artists in the Nigerian music industry, including Olamide, Wizkid, and Davido. His collaboration with Davido on the track “Baseline” was a massive success and further cemented his place in the Nigerian music industry.
Ycee has also collaborated with several international artists, including American rapper Tyga on the track “Juice” (Remix) and South African hip hop artist KLY on the track “Local.”
Section 6: The Awards
Ycee’s success has not gone unnoticed, and he has received several awards in recognition of his contribution to the Nigerian music industry. In 2016, he won the Rookie of the Year award at The Headies, one of the most prestigious music awards in Nigeria.
He has also won several other awards, including Best Hip Hop Video at the 2016 Nigeria Music Video Awards and Best Artist in African Hip Hop at the 2017 All Africa Music Awards.
Section 7: What’s Next for Ycee?
Given Ycee’s success and his ability to reinvent himself, it’s safe to say that there is more to come from the rapper. He has hinted at new projects in the works and collaborations with other artists in the Nigerian music industry.
Section 8: Conclusion
In conclusion, Ycee’s rise to stardom has been nothing short of remarkable. From his humble beginnings in Festac, Lagos State, to becoming one of the biggest stars in the Nigerian music industry, Ycee’s success is a testament to hard work, resilience, and dedication.
FAQs
Q: What is Ycee’s real name?
A: Ycee’s real name is Oludemilade Martin Alejo.
Q: When did Ycee release his breakthrough single?
A: Ycee released his breakthrough single “Jagaban” in 2015.
Q: What record label was Ycee first signed to?
A: Ycee was first signed to Tinny Entertainment.
Q: What is ANBT?
A: ANBT is Ycee’s record label, which stands for Ain’t Nobody Badder Than.
Q: Who has Ycee collaborated with in the Nigerian music industry?
A: Ycee has collaborated with several artists in the Nigerian music industry, including Olamide, Wizkid, and Davido.
Q: What awards has Ycee won?
A: Ycee has won several awards, including Best Hip Hop Video at the 2016 Nigeria Music Video Awards and Best Artist in African Hip Hop at the 2017 All Africa Music Awards.
Q: What is next for Ycee?
A: Ycee has hinted at new projects in the works and collaborations with other artists in the Nigerian music industry.
Call-to-Action
If you’re not already a fan of Ycee, then you should definitely check out his music. His unique blend of rap and afrobeat has won him critical acclaim in the Nigerian music industry and beyond. Whether you’re a fan of hip hop or not, Ycee’s music is sure to get you moving.