When you think of Oladips, one might recall his undeniable talent in the Nigerian rap scene, but just as prominently, his name is often associated with controversy. Most recently, the “Lazarus” incident stirred the internet, but as with many things in life, the surface rarely tells the whole story. We had the opportunity to feature Oladips in ‘The Book,’ where he candidly opened up about his journey, the misunderstandings surrounding him, and his unwavering determination to speak his truth.
Like many artists, Oladips’ journey into music wasn’t planned. He started off participating in rap battles for fun, with no intention of turning it into a full-time career. In his own words, “I didn’t know I was going to turn out to be a recording artist or a rapper, you understand? I was just doing it for fun then, but I feel like that was where it started. One of my friends that liked the rap battle thing we were doing on Facebook invited me to a studio, and that was how I started recording.”
However, his breakthrough moment came when he won a competition hosted by Nigerian music icon, D’banj. This milestone led to him being discovered by his former record label, launching his professional music career.
Oladips’ career has not been without its fair share of drama. From calling out his former record label to declaring himself a better rapper than Olamide, and even faking his death—there’s no denying that controversy seems to follow him. But is it intentional? When asked about this pattern, Oladips is resolute, stating that he’s often misunderstood because he speaks his truth.
“When I said I was the best rapper, it’s because that’s how I feel, and that’s how it will be till the day I die. I feel like I’m the best rapper in the world. It’s not like I’m trying to disrespect anybody, and even in the tweet, I was like ‘no disrespect to the OGS,’ you understand? But they will not talk about that.”
He insists that his actions come from a place of honesty, and he’s not afraid to speak out, even against the biggest names in the industry: “Even if you’re the biggest artist in Nigeria and you did something that I don’t like, I will call you out.”
As our conversation progressed, Oladips revealed more about the frustrations he feels about his public image. One particular incident that shocked his fans and the wider public was when rumors circulated that he had faked his death. The backlash was swift, with many questioning his motives.
Oladips, however, shared a different side of the story. He recounted a near-death experience that led to this misunderstanding. “I had a near-death experience. I was sick, I almost lost my life, as a matter of fact. At a point, they said I was unconscious. This thing actually happened, but I mean, people will still believe what they want to believe. So that’s why I’m not even trying to stress it anymore.”
The timing of the incident coincided with the release of his album, Superhero Adugbo, sparking speculation that the controversy was a rollout strategy. Despite the noise, Oladips still holds the release close to his heart, stating that it was a significant project for him.
Oladips’ career has been a rollercoaster, filled with highs and lows, victories and lessons. As someone who has experienced both praise and criticism, he had some sage advice for others trying to navigate the complexities of the music industry. “Listen to your intuition, your instinct, your heart, and God will direct you.”
Looking ahead, he believes that Nigerian artists need better local support and called for the establishment of companies in Nigeria that offer advances to artists, reducing reliance on international labels.
For Oladips, his vision of success is clear. When asked what legacy he hopes to leave behind, his answer was emphatic: “I want to be remembered as the best rapper that ever held the mic, that ever existed in the history of Nigerian hip hop, number one.”
In line with this vision, Oladips revealed his next project—a forthcoming EP titled Lazarus, inspired by the latest controversies surrounding him. Through this release, he aims to set the record straight and share his side of the story.
Oladips’ story is one of resilience, passion, and a desire to stay true to himself, no matter the cost. While controversies have clouded parts of his journey, he remains steadfast in his belief that his voice matters. As he continues to evolve, it will be interesting to see how his music and message shape his legacy in the Nigerian music industry. With Lazaruson the horizon, one thing is certain: Oladips is far from finished.