Busta Rhymes on set of Sotey.

Just the most bizarre pairing in the Nigerian music history. They came as a big shock and stirred up confusion. Still looks like a dream that is yet to come true, even though it has. Seeing these two artistes sing together was the last thing one can ever think of. Is either they’ve got nothing in common; the opposite of each other’s persona or they’ve once been a fierce rival. We thought the chemistry was not just there, but they proved us wrong. For some perfectly legitimate reasons best known to them, they’ve decided to collaborate. Here are the 5 songs

Eedris and Ruggedman – koleyewon
This is arguably the most popular unexpected hiphop collabo. As the title implies, we still dont understand how these two rivals reconciled and went ahead to make this track. These two rap maestros laid the foundation of rap/hiphop in nigeria amid the dominance of traditional music few years back. While this track was to make amends for their long-lived beef. Some years back, the two rap legends had a face-off on who heads the rap game in naija, a familiar case we all know with hiphop; their case likened to that of pac/biggie. While ruggedman had claimed that he redefined it, Eedris monopolized the rap industry. Some still believe that Ruggedman had a chip on Eedris shoulder on why Eedris’ musical career failed. Kennis, another rival of Ruggedman might have been out of the hoop when these two rappers came together to make this unbelievable joint.

The Pulse and Busta Rhymes – Sotey (remix)
The collaboration which i still see as a bizarre coincidence had proved to many that american rappers can definitely blend with afro pop. It served as a reference point on why drake’s alleged collaboration with our psquare might not flop. For a newcomer like the pulse to have paired with a legendary rapper at the early stage of their career still amazes many. Busta spoke pidgin with his american accent in a line ‘i got to go and pray sotey‘ and sounds interesting, funny though. I know this would have got some artistes wondering why they hadn’t done something like this.

Jim Iyke and 2face – Who Am I
Jim doesnt sound like that usual guy you watch in movies, and he asks ‘who am i?, a nollywood actor of course, and not a rapper with this track, hell no. This pairing came as a shock and it was quite comical, you just laugh it off. Jim was lucky to get a humble and ‘ the always ready to collaborate’ 2face on this one. Many still believe 2face had condescended to do a song with jim, he was just too important for that. The track isn’t totally bad, what do you expect of a track that has got 2face on it. Jim took the first verse and 2face helped with the chorus and came in to sing the second verse. We wouldn’t like to see this kind of collaboration again, as it sounds disastrous for the growing music industry.

Lagbaja and Mode 9 – scream
How this pairing worked out successfully is still a mystery. They must have spent more time in the studio trying to work out their differences. They did the odd thing, we still call it afro hiphop. Mode 9′s rhymes really worked on lagbaja’s perfected percussion. Scream was a track in Lagbaja’s penultimate album, africano, in case you forgot. The saxophone virtuoso challenged Mode 9 by taking him out of his hiphop beat zone on traditional afro beat. Its great to hear mode 9 rhyme over talking drum.

9ice and Nneka- show some love
9ice wasn’t doing his normal deep yoruba proverbial lyrics which made it possible for 9ice to blend with nneka on this track. And you wonder who gave 9ice this idea. It worked coz nneka isn’t knew to reggae unlike 9ice, and even the message the song carried was in line with what the activist, nneka has been preaching in her songs. 9ice made a big move to have called on nneka to assist, and she never disappointed. But still, no one knew 9ice could flow well on reggae not to talk of pairing with the german based soul singer, nneka. Quite inspiring.

9ice and Ajayi Brovaz

Word is that 9ice have dragged his whole label into his verbal fiasco with rapper Ruggedman, Credible sources claim that Alapomeji allstars is currently in the studio recording a diss song for ruggedman. The label consist of the Ajayi Brovaz, Seriki, Reminsce and a host of others and they are all going at Rugged, Rugged himself has promised to hit back!

Read about: NAIJA DOMINATE 2010 CHANNEL O MUSIC VIDEO AWARDS + PSQUARE CONFIRMS ENDORSEMENT DEAL WITH GLO + HAITIAN GOVT CONFIRMS BAN ON WYCLEF + ALAPOMEJI ALLSTARS VERSUS RUGGEDMAN?

Baba Nee

Reports were published in February, 2010 where Baba Nee, a fast rising artiste accused 9ice of ‘stealing’ his lyrics for his succesful album ‘Gongo Aso’. Born Adewale Alani Kayode, Baba Nee followed with a track ‘Twice as nice’ that attempted to edge on 9ice.

The track denied him a performance at the Kennis Music Easter concert, he was clearly told he wouldn’t be performing because of the said track as 9ice was said to be ‘a friend of the house’. ‘ I was devastated because a lot of my friends and family were there to cheer me on and I was really looking forward to it.’, Baba Nee said about the incident.

In a recent interview, The Mass Communication undergraduate in the Moshood Abiola University informs he would rather focus on his album that would be released in August and let the feud with 9ice pass: “Look, I am not getting into any negativity in my interviews anymore. Let’s enjoy lyrics and rhythm. I have sung my songs and if anybody feels threatened by it, let them make a move and I will respond in kind. I don’t want to get into any verbal issues with anybody anymore. I am a musician and my music will do the talking from now on. I Have Been Called Many Names By Somebody And He Has Even Got Other Artistes To sing bad stuff about me but my only response from now will be in my songs. It does not matter how many stars they gather in one album against me, I am still their master when it comes to lyrics and swagga. Listen to our different albums and make your own decision. I have 15 blockbusting tracks in my album as opposed to one hit to underscore my supremacy in lyrics, rhythm and swagga.”

The self styled King of Tradition debut album that would sell for a thousand naira [NGN1,000] would be called ‘Twice as 9ice’ with tracks like ’2ice as 9ice’, ‘Eko Wenjele’, ‘Agunbaje Olodo’, ‘Onpe’ and ”Wind Your Body’.

ALso, “I drove Okada, I worked as office messenger and I sold pure water”, he said to enable him record the demo tape that got him a deal with Stingomania Records.

9ice is making a new statement? The lanky singer on set of a video shoot was seen wearing braids. you think it works for him?

9ice. Hot in Braids or not?

9ice

See the pictures from his recent video shoot with labelmate, Ajayi Brothers.

Naeto C.

Tongues are wagging that rapper Naeto C is in a sizzling relationship with ex- beauty queen Omowunmi Akinfesi. The pair has been seeing each other a lot lately and Observers say there is something going on…Remember Sasha denied ever going out with the rapper earlier this year amidst a lot of doubt from the industry’s prying eyes.

The Ex-beauty queen also denied dating a bloke called Dele sometime last year when soft sells went awash that they were heading for the altar(with Dele Fasan that is).

News about Naeto that cant be denied is that his Sophomore album..,Super c season is almost ready and pple that have heard a couple of joints say it is dope!!!

From all indications, 9ice is still mad at Toni Payne, A soft sell reports that 9ice recently refused to take her calls even though all she wanted was the original birth certificate of their son Zion to process some travelling documents. Word is an Immigration officer had to intervene to convince 9ice to send down the document. SMH

Dagrin’s Father is said to be in the face of the entertainment companies Execs and marketers that has permissions to distribute his works saying that he is yet to receive any royalties from any body. The Business savvy man is threatening fire and brimstone!

I hear there is a beef brewing between Jeezy and Rick Ross.

Dele Fasan and Omowunmi

WYCLEF FOR PRESIDENT OF HAITI!

I don’t know if Clef wants to go there, but there are talks and rumors that the former Fugee is going to take it to the next level. The big buzz coming out of the independent nation in Clef’s camp down in Haiti is that he is going to run for President of Haiti. The elections are Nov. 28th and all candidates have to register by the 7th of Aug. Clef has been fighting for Haiti since the earthquake and before that. He’s still fighting now to make sure they get their share of aid to re-build the nation. He’s got the star power too. He could continue to keep the awareness high.

They say Alicia Keys and Swizzbeat may do the deed this weekend and when i say deed i mean get married…wat on earth was y’all thinking???

Have you seen Eedris’s comeback video, CALABAR LOVE? Kenny ‘Keke’ Ogungbe was showing some swag…..some say he is too old for that!

Peace…dont know wen i mma see y’all next!

Follow  @Gbemiereku on Twitter

This is a story about two ladies that must be told. The later, the estranged wife of music star, 9ice recently separated from her hubby when her ex-hubby discovered that she had been seeing some of his friends in the industry before they got married. While it may look like a very lame excuse, we must not forget that men are egotistic, selfish animals; something women may never fully understand. It’ll probably be hard for him to ever kiss her again when he remembers where that mouth has been. On the other hand, we can only imagine how hard it must have been for T. Payne to come out with that kind of revelation without taking into consideration what the repercussions would be…NOW DON’T WE KNOW? She wasn’t fortunate.

Kendra and Toni Payne.

Enter Kendra Wilkinson, ex-playmate of the Playboy mansion married to sports star, Hank Baskett. Now, before they got married Hank asked Kendra to come clean about her past and she told him that she had been involved in a sex tape in the past. Aas hard as that was to hear and considering the fact that he may never again get the publicity he is getting from the free promotion/publicity he has been getting from E! television, he decided to put that behind him and marry the playmate star. One year into their marriage and with a baby on the way, Kendra’s ex-boyfriend releases the tape and all hell breaks loose?  Not really? because Kendra had come clean, they are both able to ride through the storm together…

- ‘Courtesy Revealed Magazine

Vocal Slender in The BBC 2 Documentary

Vocal Slender was added to the line up of acts for  the CokoBar Music Festival with the publicity for the event built round his presence – He was featured on BBC 2 Welcome To Lagos documentary where it was shown that he makes his living primarily as a scavenger and the proceeds are used to further his dream to become an accomplished and successful music artiste. Vocal Slender born Eric Obuh from Ajegunle, was shown working on his “Owo Yapa” during the documentary. His style is similar to that of most artistes from Ajegunle like Showkey, Baba Fryo, Daddy Fresh, African Chine, Danfo Drivers etc. Rhythmic vocals infused with party and socially conscious lyrics laid on reggae beats served up with that nice Ajegunle flavour.

Before Vocal Slender, Coko Bar had announced Terry G and Da Grin as headliners for the Music Festival to take place on the 31st of May at O2 (indigO2)  Arena with Bracket, DJ Zeez and JJC supporting. Weeks later, Terry G was replaced by Wande Coal and Da Grin was involved in a fatal accident and a following the buzz around the documentary, Vocal slender was added.

Vocal Slender did not make the show in UK as he wasn’t issued a visa. The host announced Vocal Slender only to have him screened in a mini documentary where he was holding the concert poster in his hand and explaining he was still in Lagos. The show host Basketmouth then came on to give an explanation. His explanation is best summarized as another show promoter – Starmix who had a show initially billed for June 6th to feature Naeto C, 9ice and Michael Word but with Terry G now billed for the event masterminding and hindering the success of the event.

In his words “some people” offered Terry G more money than Cokobar offered and then he pulled out and Vocal Slender was also approached by the same people but he turned them down. So when Vocal Slender put in his passport for a UK visa in Abuja, The same “people” got to the passport before it arrived from the UK where every artiste sent his passport to have the event organizer to sent it in for Visas.

At the event where Wande Coal was present and the high point, Basketmouth explained that Vocal Slender’s passport was taken by “some people” believed to be Starmix as Cokobar informed him stole Vocal slender’s passport and are to be blamed for Vocal Slender’s absence at the much talked about concert after building the publicity of the event on his post-welcome to Lagos documentary buzz.

The threesome

9ice has commented on the recorded conversation made available by Ruggedman. Talking to Top Ten Naija, he was quoted to have said

“Please,  Ruggedman issue is like a fowl trying to fly like a bird.
Tho’ they are all birds.
If you didn’t do something and you are never acussed of , why are you going extra miles to cover up. When you know you never did it and you are never acussed.  Thanks. God bless”

Click here to Read, listen and see Ruggedman’s conversation with 9ice.

The threesome

9ice refuses to clear the rumour of Ruggedman’s alleged intimate relationship with Toni Payne because he believes it sells him records.

As previously reported, 9ice’s ‘once bitten once twice’ track on his ‘Tradition‘ album had him singing about his lady giving his friend ‘nodding’ [blowjob/fellatio] which was speculated that he was referring to Toni Payne, his ex wife and his friend who largely contributed to the success he enjoys today, Ruggedman. Ruggedman and Toni Payne have been pushing for a statement from 9ice but he refuses to even after pressure from Toni Payne.  Toni Payne informed he always let it pass with the pretext that he was busy.

Ruggedman during the week put a call across to him and recorded the phone call conversation.

Click Here to Listen To Phone Call Conversation Between Them

‘Such thing has never happen between by wife [Toni Payne] and Ruggedman’ 9ice said in the phone conversation.

After insistence by Ruggedman, 9ice said he won’t release a statement though ‘Release your album, sell your sh*t and don’t give a f*ck what they say about it‘.

“I called 9ice to talk about it and clear it up and he said so many things including that he will not come out and clear my name that has been dragged into a malicious rumour. I did not want to believe that 9ice has refused to clear it up because it is helping his album sales like some people have said. I did not want to believe it but I am happy i recorded the conversation and I want you all to hear for urselves what he said to me so that this rumour can stop once and for all.” Ruggedman wrote.

UPDATE: 9ice has commented and replied Ruggedman

Here’s the transcription of the phone conversion:

Ruggedman: Hello 9ice, Rugged ni.
9ice: Okay
Ruggedman: You dey Lagos abi you outside Lagos?
9ice: I dey Lagos.
Ruggedman: Abeg I just wan hear from you. This your song, Once bitten twice shy, is it actually about Toni Payne?
9ice: What kind of a question is that?
Ruggedman:…because go my Facebook wall and see wetin people dey write. Dem dey assume say na me and she you dey talk about.
9ice: Which kind talk be that? Me and you get problem? Why you sef go concede to ask me that kind question? You sef f**k up.
Ruggedman: I write for Toni Payne wall and people say I suppose call you and ask you. So that’s why I dey call you now. I no say no be me, but I wan hear from you.
9ice: Okay, that kind thing don happen between me and you before?
Ruggedman: No.
9ice: So why you dey follow public say them talk say? You don pass this level na.
Ruggedman: I need you to confirm.
9ice: Rugged, that kind thing don happen between me and you before? Or you hear say 9ice talk say? Leave all these motherf**king press people na. Why you dey follow dem talk?
Ruggedman: No be press dey talk.
9ice: Ehen, so leave them na.
Ruggedman: No be press dey talk, na people
9ice: Rugged, anybody wey talk, bring them make them come follow me talk. Whether them dey there when I talk am. All those things na bullsh**t now. Na people just dey make am up. All those things na make up.
Ruggedman: I write for facebook say as long as 9ice no talk, as long as Toni no talk…
9ice: Abi I call you say Rugged you do this thing? Which kind rubbish be that?
Ruggedman:The reason I dey call you, I been want make even if nah through your publicist, just tell them say look people, I only sang a song, I didn’t talk about Toni Payne or Rugged or anybody.
9ice: No mind them jare.
Ruggedman:If I keep quiet about this, some people say being quiet is guilty. If I talk, dem go say I dey try defend myself.
9ice: Exactly.
Ruggedman: Even my momsie (Mum) dey talk say why 9ice no just come out say no, no be so o
9ice: No mind them jare. Thi is 2010 abeg, me I no get too much things to talk abeg. For me personally, what i got to tell the public, I have told them. I am separate with my wife, and that’s it.
Ruggedman: We no dey talk about you separation…
9ice: No, why I talk about am be say that na the only thing wey I owe the public. To come dey talk say someone is sleeping with someone…
Ruggedman: Now the issue be say you song, Once Bitter Twice Shy, people dey assume say na me and a lot of people are bugging me about it. I want you to talk so that I know that I have cleared this thing.
9ice: Ok now Rugged, from me to you now, read my lips ho ha, it is not Rugged that I am talking to, and such things have never transpired between Ruggedman and my wife. Allow the public to say whatever they want to say, we are not people, we are stars and as stars, people will talk about us, do you understand? But from me to you, that thing has never happened.
Ruggedman: Thank you.
9ice: So me going out and talking about it sef is rubbish.
Ruggedman: I just need one favour so all this bullshit can stop. Your album is out, it’s out. I know what I am working on. I know the kind of calls wey I dey receive. When I heard about it, I did a press release and just said, guys shut up, leave all this alone. 9ice sang a song, he didn’t mention anybody’s name, so why are people putting me or putting his wife? So, the only favour I ask you as a friend, if na through your publicist, just say look, I sang a song about maybe past experience or something, not about Toni Payne, or Rugged, please leave them alone, finish.
9ice: I won’t do that because I no go do am. I no get time.
Ruggedman: Oh so you prefer make people dey talk about me and Toni Payne in that light?
9ice: Rugged, Rugged, at this stage of my career, me I don pass that level. Na something wey I go fit do for 2001. Me I want make you put yourself for that level. Release your album and make your money. Don’t give f**k about what anybody says. Na today dem dey talk about you? Do you understand what I am saying? So, why it is now that they talk about you that has to do with me that you are calling me? Rugged what if i know dey around? If they talk about you, the best thing you can do is go all out and clear yourself. Me I dey tell you now say nothing like that happen. What if I write another song like that again tomorrow about the same thing, I would have to clear myself again? What for? It’s just a song.

Toni Payne

9ice and Toni payne went their separate ways as a couple without giving fans a reason and it fuelled the speculations that the track titled ‘once bitten twice shy‘ on 9ice’s tradition album was directed at Toni Payne where 9ice mentioned catching a lover giving another man ‘nodding’ (fellatio or blowjob as you may know it) – speculated culprit were Toni Payne and Ruggedman.

Toni Payne has been trying to get 9ice to address the issue but it is yet to make and consequent took to her facebook page to let friends know. Her status on April 20 read:

‘#justsayin #FEDup A song I heard n loved months b4 it came out is causin sme minor issues so I will address dis issue by simply stating that its not my job to clear d air but I also think its time the person who sang the song “once bitten” comes out and tells the truth to every1 and let us no who he sang it for…’

“I’ve tried all avenues and all I get is Promises (from 9ice, he’d say in yoruba ) ‘ah ma binu, ma shey, ma binu, mo busy ni, ma binu ok motigbo’ (interpretes as ‘Don’t be angry, I’ll do it, I am busy I have heard you’] My back was pretty much up against the wall.”

She said further that it wasn’t a mutual understanding to release a statement announcing their separation:

‘My thot is It was quick n easy for him (9ice) to release a statement dat he’s getting seperated (like who does dat anyways, as if its a good thing) so telling d truth about a song u sang shud not b hard especially if its giving d wrong impression about d mother of your child, let’s try n fear God o! Hmmn! So pls! I just wanna concentrate on my career n my child without dealin with fabricated gist. #dissapointed

To my friends whose names/image were dragged into this whole mess without knowing a thing (layi mo owo, layi mo ese) all I can say is I’m very very sorry! Maybe I shuda done dis sooner but my heart still wanted to av faith in my other half. Anyways, God sees my heart n I know he will deal with whomever started it.

Ps: to answer my fav inbox question: NO I have no tatoos! Nuff said!’

Ruggedman also posted a suggestion on her (Toni Payne) wall which read: “TONI PAYNE My advice to you is you get 9ice to step up and clear this thing about this song once and for all so all this bullshit can stop.HE SANG THE SONG,ONLY HE CAN SAY WHO HE WAS TALKING ABOUT IN THE SONG.SO 9ICE WHERE ARE YOU?”
So what could possibly have been their reason for the separation, would they tell now?