Jude Abaga, popularly known as MI, is unarguably one of the best rappers Nigeria has ever seen. Depending on who you ask, he is even the best in Africa. At least SA rapper, Casper Nyovest, says so. His titles are numerous: Nigerian Hip-Hop Messiah, Africa’s Number One Rapper, etc. Over the course of his decade-old career, his body of work has become unwittingly large and prolific. He has five studio albums, three mixtapes, and over 60 collaborations to his name. This makes this list even harder to achieve without some hair-tearing. The lyrical content, flow, and public reception have been considered in making this list. Studio album songs have been prioritized over stand-alone singles and collaborative albums. So, here are the top 10 songs in no particular order.
‘Crowd Mentality’
This is MI’s first hit song off his Talk About It album. It was received with so much enthusiasm among rap fans and party goers. MI matches his lyrical prowess with a jive beat. The song is satirical and sarcastic, yet groovy. The hook delivery by Uche is fitting, asking fans in the club to dance and move. Of course, they are dancing already.
Sample line: “It’s okay to be poor, be needy/ Better yet still care for more, be greedy”
‘Number One’
This is probably Mr. Incredible’s breakout song in the South-Eastern part of Nigeria. Flavour’s highlife sound convinced us that MI can really flow on any beat. It was released on his second album, MI2: The Movie.
Sample line: “Some of them say they better than me. They must be hi(gh) like aloha”
‘Safe’
Safe is one of his most popular songs. Lyrical content and flow dexterity abound here. The song is a mishmash of different popular Nigerian songs. He punches and brags, but we love the show.
Sample line: “If there has ever been another rap this fly, it had to be done by another MI”
‘One Naira’
MI has a lot of love songs to his name. One Naira, featuring Waje is one of such. The lines are as dope as they are cheeky. It is a very on-brand song for weddings.
Sample line: “If you stay now follow chop kwakwa / When we’re living by the bay – Tarkwa”
‘Undisputed Champion’
This is another self-aggrandizing (a necessary ritual among rappers) session from MI. he blows his trumpets and makes numerous claims which, as the title of the song clearly states, you can’t exactly dispute.
Sample line: “Flow so fat, it’s needing lypo/Flow so hot, it burns like pyro/Undisputed – that’s the title”
‘Action Film’
Featuring Brymo, this song is the first track on MI2: The Movie immediately after the prelude. It captures the movie mood and prepares the listener for what’s to follow on the entire album. It also did really well as a stand-alone song among fans.
‘Beef ‘
This is one of his most viral songs because it is a diss track. Jude comes hard on this one, addressing his opponents – Kelly Handsome & Iceberg Slim – in punchlines and puns. Fans loved it. The internet enjoyed the tiff between these artists and MI made a hit from it.
‘Epic’
Epic is one of those inspirational songs that inspire. He motivates the listener in poetic lines. He also leaves a line or two to extol himself. Praiz accompanies him with equally uplifting vocals. It feels almost spiritual.
‘I’m Hot’
This is a hardcore long stretch of rap with no hook. MI is bragging again but this time he does it on the beat of D’Banj’s ‘Mo Gbono Feli Feli’. He proclaims his greatness while showing it in skills. Any hardcore rap fan will love this.
‘You Rappers Should Fix Up Your Lives’
This is MI’s most recent viral song. Here, as the title suggests, he calls out Nigerian rappers, telling them they are underperforming while SA rappers are “killing it”. He does this by displaying his skills yet again. Many rappers felt offended by it but very few were vocal about it.
Sample line: “Men are pausing (menopause) ‘cause no more flow again”
What are your top 10 MI songs? Share with us in the comments.
MI Abaga’s music can be found on various online streaming and downloading platforms.