Yo, what’s good, hip-hop heads? It’s your boy DayGenius, back with the hottest rundown for Battle Rap Africa! 2025 has been a wild year for Nigerian rap, with bars, flows, and projects shaking up the game. We’re talking heavy hitters who dropped albums, EPs, or at least three tracks (including features) this year, setting the streets and airwaves on fire. From lyrical assassins to cultural trailblazers, here’s our definitive list of the Top 10 Nigerian Rappers of 2025. Let’s get it!
1. ODUMODUBLVCK
ODUMODUBLVCK is the undisputed king of 2025, no cap! Dropping two fire projects—The Machine is Coming and Nothing Changed with his Anti-World Gangsters crew—he’s redefined Nigerian hip-hop. His drill-meets-Igbo vibe on tracks like “OPPS” with Vector, “Gasoline,” and a massive collabo with M.I Abaga had the streets buzzing. Co-headlining WIRELESS Festival with Drake? That’s global flex! ODUMODU’s gritty bars and bold energy make him the one to beat this year.
2. A-Q
A-Q came through like a lyrical sniper, closing out his God’s Engineering series with a banging final chapter. Word on the street is he threw shots at M.I Abaga, sparking mad controversy. His question, “Who’s really rapping?” lit up X and had the hip-hop community in a frenzy. A-Q’s intricate wordplay and fearless production prove he’s not just rapping—he’s reshaping the convo. Big respect for keeping it 100.
3. Ice Prince Zamani
Ice Prince Zamani, the OG, showed us why he’s still a legend with Starters, a dope project cooked up with Chopstixx. Blending his classic melodic flow with trap bangers, this album is straight vibes. From Jos to the world, Ice’s ability to drop hits while mentoring the new school keeps him untouchable. Starters is proof that real rap never fades—shoutout to the Super Cool Cat!
4. Erigga
Warri’s own Erigga, aka Paper Boi, dropped The GOAT, one of 2025’s illest rap albums. Packed with street anthems and pidgin-laced bars, it’s a masterclass in storytelling. Erigga’s raw, relatable tales of hustle and survival hit different, making him a voice for the trenches. If you’re sleeping on The GOAT, wake up—this album’s a certified classic.
5. Kabex
Kabex is the Ibile rap general, and his Destruction, Pt. 3 EP had the Yoruba rap scene on lock! This project was straight fire, with razor-sharp bars and cultural flows that sparked mad debates about who’s the lyrical GOAT. Kabex’s aggressive delivery and deep storytelling put him at the forefront of indigenous rap. He’s not just rapping—he’s leading the charge.
6. PayBac Iboro
PayBac Iboro’s Omoboy mixtape is a hidden gem that deserves way more shine. This project dives deep into the struggles of the average Nigerian hustler, with bars that hit like punches. Tracks like “Aguiyi Ironsi (Through the Mud)” from his earlier work show his knack for blending history and real talk. PayBac’s authenticity makes him a dark horse for rapper of the year—don’t sleep!
7. Fimi
Fimi is running the femcee game in 2025, no question! Her viral Halo visualizer, plus bangers like “Hei God” and “Gentle Baby,” showcase her soulful yet hard-hitting flows. With a fashion game as fierce as her bars, she’s outshining her peers. No full project yet, but these three tracks got the streets hyped for what’s next. Fimi’s the future—watch her space!
8. Falz
Falz, the Bahd Guy, dropped The Feast in 2025, and it’s a whole vibe! The viral hip-hop/Fuji track “No Less” took over the airwaves, while joints like “Anything Goes” with ODUMODUBLVCK showed his versatility. Falz’s witty bars and social commentary, like on “Story Time,” keep him relevant. He’s proof you can stay true to the culture and still go commercial.
9. Dandizzy
Dandizzy, the Port-Harcourt wave god, bodied 2025 with killer features on Ajebo Hustlers’ “Soja,” “Power Fit Do,” and more. His freestyle flow and pidgin punchlines bring crazy energy to every verse. No solo project this year, but his feature game is unmatched, proving he’s one of the most versatile MCs in the game. Dandizzy’s got next—bet on it.
10. Queen Izzy
Queen Izzy, the Nigerian-American rap queen, stormed the scene with her album IGBA OTUN (NEW ERA), a game-changer blending afro-trap, afro-drill, and afro-lit sounds. Tracks like “Go Higher” with Vector, “Honest,” and “Who I Am” flex her confident bars and diaspora swagger. Her unique perspective and bold delivery make her a standout femcee, pushing Nigerian hip-hop into a new era. Big up, Queen Izzy!
There you have it, fam—the top 10 Nigerian rappers of 2025, curated by your boy DayGenius for Battle Rap Africa. Who’s your MVP? Hit us up on X and let’s argue it out! Keep supporting the culture, and stay locked for more heat. Peace!
