Music  

50 Years of Hip-Hop: Chocolate City Drops Epic Cypher With Nigerian Legends

By Ifeanyi Ibeh

08 January 2024   |   8:10 pm

Share on Facebook Share on Twitter Share on WhatsApp Share on Telegram

Hip-hop's golden jubilee wouldn't be complete without a beat from Nigeria's finest. Chocolate City Music, a titan of the African music scene, drops the mic with the "Chocolate City Cypher," a star-studded tribute track celebrating five decades of lyrical fire and cultural revolution. From park jams in the Bronx to packed stadiums across the globe,…

Hip-hop’s golden jubilee wouldn’t be complete without a beat from Nigeria’s finest. Chocolate City Music, a titan of the African music scene, drops the mic with the “Chocolate City Cypher,” a star-studded tribute track celebrating five decades of lyrical fire and cultural revolution.

From park jams in the Bronx to packed stadiums across the globe, hip-hop’s journey has been nothing short of phenomenal. This isn’t just music; it’s a movement, a voice for the unheard, a tapestry woven from diverse communities. And as the genre marks its 50th year, Chocolate City throws a monumental block party, showcasing the best of Nigerian hip-hop through the “Chocolate City Cypher.”

“From the days of MI’s groundbreaking hits to the current era of Blaqbonez, we have not only witnessed but also shaped the evolution of this genre in Nigeria,” says Abuchi Peter Ugwu, CEO of Chocolate City. “This Cypher celebrates that legacy and our ongoing commitment to hip-hop.”

Chocolate City’s imprint on Nigerian hip-hop is undeniable. Remember “Safe”? MI’s remix shattered the scene, paving the way for a new era of lyrical prowess and storytelling. He went on to conquer the MTV Africa Music Awards, cementing his place as a true pioneer.

Then came the Choc Boiz, a rap trinity of MI, Jesse Jagz, and Ice Prince. They blended Afro beats with contemporary rhythms, crafting a sound that resonated across the continent, proving that hip-hop transcends borders.

But Chocolate City’s story doesn’t end with the Choc Boiz. Loose Kaynon, A-Q, Pryse, Candy Bleakz, and Blaqbonez – all found their voices under this legendary label. Over 25 hip-hop albums later, Chocolate City stands tall as the undisputed king of African hip-hop.

“Through this Cypher, we’re weaving the past, present, and future of Nigerian hip-hop around music that fans will enjoy,” adds Aibee Abidoye, VP of Music at Chocolate City Music. “The Chocolate City Cypher showcases our contribution to the genre and reminds us of its power to voice societal narratives. We’re proud to be a driving force in this journey.”

The “Chocolate City Cypher” is a lyrical feast, a melting pot of wordplay, effusive verses, and diverse perspectives. Each artist brings their unique flavour, ensuring the track resonates with every hip-hop head, young and old. So crank up the volume, let the beats guide you, and celebrate 50 years of hip-hop with Chocolate City’s golden anniversary Cypher. It’s available now on all major digital platforms.