There’s never been a rapper in Nigeria who talks his talk quite like Blaqbonez. Since breaking into the mainstream off the back of his viral hit single Mamiwota featuring Oxlade, Blaqbonez has established himself as one of the best Nigerian rappers of all time, and he has a discography of albums to back his argument. While the hardened battle rapper that once made Hollyfield shed tears in the middle of a heated battle between two elite MCs is long gone, he continues to be a cheeky wordsmith with the unrivalled ability to deliver playful punchlines with irreverent wit.
His latest album, No Excuses, is a 16-track flex session, heartbreak confessional, and troll masterclass rolled into one exciting album. He delivers hustle sermons and relationship hot takes, maintaining full control of his pen, persona, and the timeline.
He switches between melodies and bars with the confidence of someone with immense belief in his abilities. Whether he’s talking his shit on Everlasting Taker, or obliterating Odumodublvck on ACL or literally going crazy on Go Crazy, there’s a quotable on nearly every line.
Narrowing it down to just 10 wasn’t easy, but here are the moments that made me pause and whisper “this guy is crazy” under my breath. Please be diplomatic in your responses, as I may revise my opinions later.
Last real nigga, I might be am / Them know the theory but me I dey practice am / I put my heart in this shit, I dey carry am / This no be quick fame, this is a career
Blaqbonez on ‘Everlasting Taker’
Why it hits: Blaqbonez isn’t just rapping, he’s laying down his manifesto and separating himself from the pretenders. The “theory vs. practice” line is razor-sharp, but it’s that closing bar that really lands, a reminder that he’s not here for a viral moment, he’s here to build a legacy. He’s not here for a good time; he’s here for a long time.
I got family who depend on / Me and what my paper and my pen’s on / So, I stay ten toes down and keep my head strong / Never let my ego take a free throw / Killin’ ’em with kindness, that’s me dunking on the D-low
AJ Tracey on ‘Consistency’
Why it hits: AJ Tracey brings in some maturity to the record, delivering a verse in grown-man mode equal parts grounded and smooth. “Never let my ego take a free throw / Killin’em with kindness, that’s me dunking on the D-low.” is mature and still dripping with that signature AJ Tracey smooth wordplay.
I had a girl on like February 10 and I went to jail on Valentines
Blaqbonez on ‘Aura 4 Aura ‘
Why it hits: It’s classic Blaq. Petty, funny, and witty, all in one line. A bar that’s messy and memorable in the best way.
Raise am raise am, shit the MACHINE is faulty / E go need quick recovery, person wey go soon turn 50 / Used to be him, BobRisky
Blaqbonez on ‘ACL’
Why it hits: Only Blaqbonez can throw a devastating jab so effortlessly. After setting the layup with Raise am raise am, shit the MACHINE is faulty / E go need quick recovery, person wey go soon turn 50, he drops the deathblow, Used to be him, Bobrisky. It’s typical Blaq: cheeky and razor-sharp. It may not be factual, but who cares? It’s the kind of one-liner that lives rent-free in your head.
Lock in when the chips are down / Triple double on my last three albums, I’m Joker
Blaqbonez on ‘Go Crazy’
Why it hits: Triple double on my last three albums, I’m Joker is elite-level bragging. You have to be intelligent to deliver a bar like that.
Make money make you no dey make excuses / Some people know how, some people do it / Some people pick up the pen and they spit / Some people dey inside Twitter dey, ehen
Blaqbonez on ‘Go Crazy’
Why it hits: Part motivational speech, part jab. Make money make you no dey make excuses is the kind of line that hits like a life quote, while the follow-up, Some people know how, some people do it / Some people pick up the pen and they spit / Some people dey inside Twitter dey, ehen is a sharp shot fired at you know who. It also captures the era we live in. An era where everyone has opinions online, but few actually build.
2-16, back then, I was a lowlife / Looking at the bank like only Jah go provide / Now in high fashion, only Jago provide
Blaqbonez on ‘W for Wetego’
Why it hits: The brilliance here is in the wordplay between “Jah go provide” and “Jago provide.” Back in 2016, he was broke, staring at his bank account and relying on divine provision. Fast forward to now, the only “Jago” providing is Rahman Jago through his luxury High Fashion drip. It’s a clever wordplay that shows just how far he’s come.
Yeah, had some L’s but I never lost / made it far but it’s not enough
Blaqbonez on ‘Prayers Up’
Why it hits: This line acknowledges setbacks without accepting defeat. Every stumble was a lesson, not a failure. Then he follows it with made it far but it’s not enough, showing hunger that doesn’t fade with success.
Yeah, had some L’s but I never lost / made it far but it’s not enough
Blaqbonez on ‘Stacks’
Why it hits: This line is peak slick talk and flex. He doesn’t just say he occupied space in their minds; he says he had the master bedroom. It’s witty, disrespectful in a stylish way and perfectly reflects the troll Blaqbonez is.
Get paper no excuses / But when you get paper don’t misuse it / Root of all evil.hard to get no be groupie / but owu don blow boys so long, her knees got bruises.
Blaqbonez on ‘Stacks’
Why it hits: This is Blaqbonez at his sharpest, witty, layered, and a little cheeky. It’s clever wordplay, funny, real and the kind of line that makes you rewind and grin.
