The late rapper Oladapo Olaitan Olaonipekun populaknown by the stage name, DaGrin’s impact on indigenous hip-hop is undeniable. He paved the way for younger generations of rappers, including Olamide Adedeji (Olamide Baddoo), who credits DaGrin as a forerunner of indigenous rap.
 
DaGrin’s legacy extends beyond his music, inspiring a movement that continues to grow and evolve. This legacy has continued to inspire and influence the Nigerian hip-hop scene 15 years after his untimely death following a fatal accident in the early hours of April 22, 2010.
  
As a trailblazing talent, Da’Grin, with his style, took the Nigerian music industry storm with his playful amalgam of fiery bars and ice-cool hooks delivered in a smooth blend of Yoruba, pidgin, English, over an innovative Yoruba-infused beats, effortlessly in Western-style flow and fresh swag.
 
At 26, the lyricist had packed so much into his 18-month run as one of Nigeria’s foremost hip-hop protagonists. He heralded a new wave in indigenous hip-hop, leaving a lasting impact on the genre.
 
DaGrin’s rise to fame began with his raw talent and authentic storytelling, which resonated with the struggles of ghetto kids. His music addressed social issues and showcased his dreams of rising above the trenches.

Collaborating with producer Sossick, he created hits like CEO and Pon Pon Pon, cementing his position as a leading figure in Nigerian hip-hop.
  
In January 2015, a game-changing collaboration between Remilekun Abdulkalid Safaru, known by the stage names Reminisce and Alaga Ibile; Chibuzo Nelson Azubuike, known professionally as Phyno, and Olamide shook the foundations of Nigerian music landscape and altered rap and Afropop.

Their scathing single Local Rappers marked the dawn of a new era, with the trio defiantly declaring, “Streets ti takeover, punchline o ja’wo mo” (Streets have taken over, punchlines don’t cut it anymore) over Tyrone’s pulsating beat.

At the time, each rapper had already made a name for himself — Reminisce was preparing to release his third album Baba Hafusa, Olamide had four albums under his belt, and Phyno was leading the charge for indigenous rap from the East.
 
Despite these successes, they faced criticism from those who didn’t consider native-language rap “true lyricism”. Local Rappers was a bold response to doubters, sounding the horn for a movement that would only and has today gain momentum.
 
April 22, 2025, marked 15 years since the late Mosofunyin Entertainment chief’s passing, yet his influence remains strong. His story serves as a testament to the power of hip-hop to transcend borders and cultures, speaking to the hopes and struggles of people worldwide.