Controversial Nigerian rapper Tochukwu Ojogwu, popularly known as Odumodublvck, has fired back at critics who question his unique rap style.
He believes his critics are not only misguided but also “intimidated” by how far he has come in such a short time.
Speaking passionately during a recent interview on The Beat 99.9 FM in Lagos, Odumodublvck addressed the backlash he has received from certain quarters in the music industry. He dismissed the idea that he isn’t a “real rapper,” describing such claims as both false and disrespectful.
“They feel threatened,” he said. “They try to discredit what they don’t understand.”
‘Declan Rice’ — A Global Milestone
Odumodublvck pointed to his breakout 2023 single, Declan Rice, as proof of his impact on the global hip-hop scene. The song gained massive attention, especially when English Premier League giants Arsenal used it to announce the signing of footballer Declan Rice from West Ham United in July 2023.
He didn’t hold back in describing the song’s importance:
“Declan Rice is the most culturally relevant Nigerian hip-hop song in the world,” he said. “It’s the biggest digital asset Arsenal Football Club has ever had on social media. Go and check.”
According to the rapper, the song’s viral success on global platforms speaks volumes about its reach and cultural weight. He added that the track connected with audiences far beyond Nigeria and brought international eyes to Nigerian rap in a new way.
On critics and copycats
During the interview, the Abuja-born rapper expressed frustration at how up-and-coming artists are discouraged when they try to follow in his footsteps.
“When young rappers try to rap like me, they get discouraged by people who say it’s not good enough,” he explained.
He highlighted his collaboration with Larry G on the track Good Devil Wells White, where he claims to have delivered a top-quality verse. He also noted that he has performed in different languages, including English, Pidgin, and even Patois, yet still faces unfair judgment.
“We’ve done it in every language, but they still talk down on it. Why? Because they’re intimidated,” he said.
No Nigerian hip-hop song has matched ‘Declan Rice’
Odumodublvck challenged his critics to mention any Nigerian rap line or song from the past two decades that has had more cultural relevance than his.
“Let them name one hip-hop line more impactful than my verse on Cast. Which Nigerian rap song in the last 20 years has had a bigger global effect than Declan Rice?”
He claimed that no other Nigerian hip-hop song has ever reached the same level of attention or digital engagement, especially from international audiences.
A message to the Naysayers
Towards the end of the interview, Odumodublvck became emotional, criticizing those who continue to downplay his contributions to Nigerian hip-hop.
“They said I’m not a rapper, that’s a lie. That’s ungrateful. And God will punish all of them,” he said, visibly upset.
He made it clear that he sees himself not just as a rapper but as a game-changer in the Nigerian music industry. He believes that rather than support innovation, the local industry often tears down its own talents.
Odumodublvck’s rise continues
Despite the controversies and backlash, Odumodublvck continues to rise in popularity. Known for blending gritty street lyrics with high-energy beats and culturally rich references, he has carved a space for himself in Nigeria’s growing hip-hop scene.
His recent projects have also featured a mix of collaborations with both mainstream and underground artists, proving that he’s committed to pushing boundaries and redefining what Nigerian rap sounds like.
As the music industry continues to evolve, one thing is clear Odumodublvck isn’t backing down anytime soon.
“I’m not just here to entertain,” he said. “I’m here to make history.”
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