To commemorate its 50 years in business, Hennessy, makers of the premium cognac, will join forces with renowned Nigerian rappers – Vector, Blaqbonez, Zlatan, and Ladipoe – to deliver an explosive performance in the much-anticipated rap cypher tagged, “Hennessy Cypher 2023.”
The Hennessy Cypher series has long been hailed as a platform for showcasing the extraordinary talent within the Nigerian music industry, and this year is no exception, as the Hennessy Cypher 2023 took the nation’s rap community by storm with its unmatched lyrical showcase and musical masterpiece, amassing over 1.9 million views on youtube since its release.
This year, each artiste brings their unique style and lyrical prowess to the table with enthralling and dynamic collaboration. From Vector’s razor-sharp wordplay to Blaqbonez’s unmatched flow, Zlatan’s infectious energy, and Ladipoe’s poetic finesse, this quartet forms a powerhouse ensemble set to leave an indelible mark on the Nigerian music scene.
Not only a celebration of musical excellence, but also a testament to the diversity and innovation that define the Nigerian hip-hop, the Hennessy Cypher 2023 is full of adrenaline-pumping fusion of styles, beats, and rhymes that leaves many yearning for more.
The artistes, known for pushing boundaries and breaking new ground, came together to create a track that is bound to captivate audiences and set a new standard for lyrical prowess. Their collaboration, which is considered a chart-topping hit, showcased the best of Nigerian hip-hop in one unforgettable track.
It is worthy to note that the journey of Hennessy in influencing the Nigerian rap community date back to 2016 when the first Hennessy Cypher was introduced. Since then, Hennessy has been on a relentless mission to transform the landscape of the Nigerian rap scene, offering platforms like Hennessy Artistry and Hennessy VS Class that have nurtured and celebrated talent within the hip-hop sphere.
The Hennessy Cypher 2023, clocking in at four minutes of pure rap artistry, is a testament to the evolution of Nigerian rap. Each artiste, in his unique style, brings a level of brilliance to the table that is nothing short of awe-inspiring. The verses in this Cypher serve as a repository of bars that are not only memorable but also deeply relatable.
Lines such as “They let me through security but don’t realize the bars on my phone make it an explosive device,” and “Know your peace and what it means to you ’cause you don’t want that drama lyrically, physically, spiritually; you go drown trying to swim with the siege” are just a glimpse into the wordplay mastery on display. Even a nod to the traditional Yoruba language with lines like “Ẹ bá mi gbe Panla mi sé̩, kẹ gba Salmon yín, big fish eja nla too big, I’m mighty fún net yin.”
With each new edition, they continue to push the boundaries of creativity, cementing their commitment to the vibrant world of hip hop and urban culture. The inclusion of Zlatan in the closing moments of the song has sparked passionate discussions among fans. Many have expressed their approval, citing the energy and charisma he brought to the Cypher’s finale, making it a memorable conclusion.
