Veteran Mode 9 is known for his wordplay and hard-core lyrics. He can be regarded as one of the greats or even the greatest hard-core rapper in the industry.
Speaking with the Nigerian Tribune newspaper, Mode 9 says he refuses to do the commercial rap style that has now become the order of the day in the industry, stressing that he will remain a hard-core rapper. He said the pressure to become famous will not make him change.
“Today’s music is evil, they say, but who made it evil? What I’m trying to say is that my kind of rap, which people used to love sometimes ago, may not be loved today, but that does not change my music. I will continue to do what I love doing and what seems right with me and my fans.
“Let others do ‘Shoki’ music and make their money, I will also make mine in style,” Mode 9 said.
Speaking on the low encouragement he has received for his dreams of traditional rap music, he said, “I released my album ‘Alphabetical Order’ early 2014 and some people said I was not doing the kind of music that sells. I ask the question; which kind of music sells? The problem is that we don’t encourage or support people’s dreams in this country.”
Mode 9 has won the Lyrics award on The Roll seven times at The Headies Awards.