Diss tracks have long been a part of global hip-hop culture, and the Nigerian music scene is no exception.
Over the years, lyrical feuds among some of Nigeria's top artists have resulted in iconic tracks that doubled as raw, unfiltered expressions of ego, betrayal, artistic dominance, and street credibility.
From underground battles to mainstream showdowns, here’s a deep dive into some of the most memorable diss tracks that shook the Nigerian music industry.
1. MI Abaga vs Kelly Handsome
Tracks: Beef (MI to Kelly Handsome)
In one of the earliest major feuds in Nigerian rap, MI Abaga went head-to-head with Kelly Handsome, a singer and rapper known for his controversial takes. MI’s track Beef was both classy and calculated, taking subtle yet sharp jabs at Kelly. MI mocked Kelly's fading relevance and declared himself the future of Nigerian hip-hop.
Kelly would later respond with Catch Me If You Can, keeping the rivalry alive briefly, though MI’s finesse gave him the edge in public opinion.
2. Vector vs MI Abaga
Tracks: The Viper (MI) / Judas the Rat (Vector)
This was more than a battle—it was a lyrical war. The tension between Vector and MI had been brewing for years, but it came to a head when MI dropped The Viper, offering a blend of mentorship and ego, as he claimed to have tried to help Vector grow.
Vector responded with Judas the Rat, a sharp rebuttal that painted MI as manipulative and fake. The public was split, but hip-hop fans appreciated the penmanship on both sides.
3. Sinzu vs Godwon
Tracks: Exit Strategy (Sinzu) / I’ve Been Waiting For You (Godwon)
This under-the-radar feud between Sinzu (formerly Sauce Kid) and Godwon was pure hip-hop grit. Godwon threw the first punch, alleging Sinzu wasn’t a real rapper.
Sinzu’s response, Exit Strategy, was brutal, clever, and laced with street credibility. It quickly became a fan favorite and is still considered one of the best underground Nigerian diss tracks.
4. Mallam Spicy vs Terry G
Track: 1005 Naira
While not as high-profile as others, this diss became popular for its comical yet pointed attack. Mallam Spicy took shots at Terry G’s erratic style and questioned his musical credibility in 1005 Naira. Though Terry G didn’t publicly respond with a track, the song became a street favorite and remains a cult classic in Nigeria’s hip-hop circles.
5. Ruggedman vs Mode9
Track: To Whom It May Concern / Death Blow
These two legends of the game went head-to-head in what was one of the first real lyrical feuds in Nigerian rap history. Ruggedman’s To Whom It May Concern called out multiple rappers for their lack of lyrical depth.
While Mode9 never directly replied, his freestyle and features often carried subliminals. Fans still debate whether Mode9 ever truly responded, but the tension was undeniable.
6. Ruggedman vs 9ice
Tracks: A Word is Enough for the 9ice / Talk I’m Listening
This beef was rooted in personal drama, stemming from rumors about Ruggedman’s involvement in 9ice’s marital issues. Ruggedman responded with A Word is Enough for the 9ice, a track layered with sarcasm and insinuation.
9ice’s Talk I’m Listening seemed like a subtle clapback, but the issue escalated more in the tabloids than in music.
7. Kelly Handsome vs Mo Hits (Wande Coal)
Tracks: Igwe / Who Born the Maga
Kelly Handsome was known for taking shots at big names, and Mo Hits (Don Jazzy, D’banj, and Wande Coal) were no exception. His song Igwe was perceived as a jab at the Mo Hits crew.
Wande Coal fired back with Who Born the Maga, a song dripping with confidence, showcasing lyrical dexterity and vocal prowess.
8. Vector vs Reminisce
Tracks: Distractions (Vector ft. Mode9) / Kitchen Street (Reminisce)
Vector and Reminisce’s feud was as street as it gets. Distractions was aimed at those trying to imitate without innovation, and while it didn’t name Reminisce directly, the context was clear.
Reminisce responded with Kitchen Street, where he dismissed Vector as soft and claimed lyrical supremacy. The battle added fuel to the Lagos Mainland vs Island hip-hop debate.
9. 2face Idibia vs Faze
Tracks: See Me So / Letter to My Brother
This beef was more emotional than brutal. After the breakup of Plantashun Boiz, 2face’s See Me So was perceived as a shot at former bandmate Faze.
Faze responded with Letter to My Brother, a heartfelt song that questioned betrayal and sought reconciliation. The feud eventually died down, but the emotional weight of these songs made them resonate deeply.
Diss tracks in the Nigerian music industry have been more than just beef—they’ve often reflected larger issues: egos, betrayal, authenticity, and the ever-evolving soundscape of Afrobeat and hip-hop. These songs, though controversial, contributed to the vibrancy and lyrical competitiveness of Nigerian music. Whether done for clout, response to betrayal, or creative expression, diss tracks have shaped careers and entertained fans for decades.
