Vector The Viper

Vector the Viper, who is sometimes simply called Vector, or V.E.C, is a Nigerian rapper, who gained prominence in the late 00s in the Nigerian music scene. Vector is signed to YSG Entertainment. Before featuring on Bigiano’s Shayo remix, or General Pype’s Champion remix, he was killing it in the underground rap circuit with his freestyle abilities. He used to be in a group called the “Badder Boiz”, which featured two other members- Krystal & Blaze. Krystal left the clique before the group was even known, and Blaze left latter on to continue his studies abroad.

Vector has been known for showing his incredible freestyle abilities on Dj Jimmy Jatt’s “Jump Off” show, but what gets this emcee the most attention is his comparison to Jay-Z. I don’t know if this should be considered as a good or bad thing. Most of the time when he is interviewed and asked of his influences, he usually names Jay-Z last. But it is clear that he does not want attention drawn to the fact that he got his whole style and flow from the American rapper. Nigerians have been known in the past and present to copy and try to imitate foreign culture, so this would not be a surprise. If the issue of his originality is left on the table, then I boldly say that Vector The Viper is one of the finest emcees in Nigeria; the references to “finest” has nothing to do with looks, although he isn’t doing badly in that department also.

He dropped his first single in 2010, titled KILODE (feat Emmsong), where he tackles his biggest issue of being compared to Jay-Z. He takes time to question people’s continuous comparison with him and the American rapper, and doesn’t waste time to point out other Nigerian artists, who’s originality can be questioned. He mentions Durrela sounding like D.Banj, and General Pype sounding like Sean Paul. Although I doubt that would have been the best way to handle the situation, he managed to get his message across and make Nigerians neglect the fact that he sounds like jay-z, and appreciate what he has to offer as an artist.

He has another single with Tuface titled GET DOWN, which dropped around the time his debut album, State of Surprise, dropped. On the song with tuface, he shows his mastery of lyrics and versatility; getting along well on a party song, without losing or watering down his lyrical abilities. Although just a few years in mainstream hip hop in Nigeria, I can consider him on the list of top 5 rappers the country has to offer.

He has named his influences as Young Jeezy, 50 Cent, Ice Cube, Naughty by Nature, Nas, and of course JAY-Z. His debut album features other Nigerian artist like Emmsong, General Pype, Chuddy K, Tuface, Ade Piper, and Sista Soul. And he has said Shade Adu and Seal are his dream collaborators. The two of which are foreign artists with roots in Nigeria.