A star-studded cypher honours the 50th anniversary of hip-hop, courtesy of Chocolate City Music, a pioneer in the African music scene. The cypher pays homage to the rich history and vitality of Nigerian hip-hop, showcasing notable musicians such MI Abaga, Jesse Jagz, Ice Prince, A-Q, Loose Kaynon, and Blaqbonez. Hip-hop, which took root in the Bronx in the early 1970s and has since spread throughout the world, has shaped culture and united communities. Chocolate City’s cypher celebrates the label’s significant contribution to the genre’s development by capturing the spirit of Nigerian hip-hop, from MI’s revolutionary successes to Blaqbonez’s modern period.

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Nigerian hip-hop was first influenced by Chocolate City in the late 2000s, most notably by MI’s “Safe” remix, which completely changed the genre. MI won awards including the MTV Africa Music Award for “Best New Act” in 2008 thanks to his remarkable lyrical abilities, which set a new benchmark. Afro beats were combined with modern hip-hop rhythms to create the Choc Boiz, which included MI, Jesse Jagz, and Ice Prince. This was a revolutionary period in music history. Producing more than 25 hip-hop albums and maintaining its status as the best hip-hop label in Africa, Chocolate City continues to mould the careers of reputable figures in Nigerian hip-hop even after the Choc Boiz era. Nigerian hip-hop’s past, present, and future are all interwoven in The Chocolate City Cypher, a compelling demonstration of the label’s noteworthy contribution to the genre.