Elajoe; The Last of a Dying Breed

 Nigerian music scene is exploding, but still we have very few credible rappers on the scene. When the name Elajoe comes to mind, I quickly think lyricist, raw-uncut hip hop, thorough. While other rappers on the Nigerian music scene give you rhymes that don't really make sense, and hide behind flashy videos, Elajoe gives you the real deal. He has been on a hiatus for a while now, but he is back on the scene.

I remember hearing “Streethop” a track by Thoroughbreds (Elajoe, Illbliss, Amaka chief-Rocka, B-elect) back when I was in College, and I was so impressed that it was actually a dope rap song done by Nigerians. Thoroughbreds are one of the most reputable hiphop coalitions in Nigeria & Africa that were the first hiphop crew to get on MTV Base and first indigenous Nigerians to be on MTV 2 America.

 I would be committing a crime if I don't mention the fact that Elajoe produced and promoted “Streethop”. Now, he is back and better, but still keeping it as real as ever. He has two tracks on the streets- “Where Dem”, which is to be the first single of his forthcoming album titled “Elajoe’s MicWorx”; and the second track is titled “Mr. Power Moves”- a track featuring the DJ Jimmy Jatt.

On the “Where Dem” track, he drops lines like- It’s the E to the LA, the J to OE/don’t need no fucking airplay for them to know me. This is stating his place in the Nigerian hip hop scene. It wasn’t too long ago, 2007 to be precise, when He, Modenine, Tuface and DJ Jimmy Jatt did the “Stylee” song, which was an instant classic. The balance he brought to that track cannot be disputed. They say hard work pass off, so it should not be a surprise that he won awards for “Streethop”, and “Stylee” as well.

I forgot to mention that just as he is a Rapper, he is also a producer, event consultant and promoter. He is the C.E.O of Dark Cypher Entertainment/Thoro Music. One can’t say he hasn’t had his hands full, hosting shows like Jimmy’s jump-off launch; MTV/Shell party for American Hip Hop star, Talib Kweli; and Sprite Triple Slam, just to mention a few. He has handled consultancy services for events like storm the mic, MTN/Nation’s Africa’s “Ekaabo”, Urban Massive with Channel O. Elajoe, in 2008, also had the honor of awarding Nas (A legendary American rapper, and arguably the best rapper ever) at the SMVA’s of that year.

 Personally, I think people like Elajoe keep getting better with time. Check out some lines from his new single, “Where Dem”- Its Inevitable Coming With A Better Flow/ The Lyrical Miracle All U Mutherf%¤kers Better Know/ So Young & Old The Whole Public In General/ Forget About Your Worries & Listen To The Impeccable Flow Of Elajoe.

You can go ahead and download the new two new tracks, "Where Dem" and "Mr Power Moves" here- http://www.reverbnation.com/elajoe. And to watch the "Where Dem" video, click on this link -"where dem"