DJ Jimmy Jatt’s Top Five Nigerian Rappers Of All Time

After three decades spinning the turntables and two albums that lean heavily on hip-hop and pop with over 100 guest artists featured, you will expect that it will be easier for legendary DJ Jimmy Jatt to name his top five Nigerian rappers of all time.

It is not anywhere to close to being easy.

“I don’t do name dropping,” he said. “To be honest with you, if I give you a list now, it may change before you get to the gate.”

The DJ blamed his ‘not great’ memory for his reluctance to drop names.

Yet, Jimmy will never hesitate to drop Modenine’s name if he’s to name his Top Five. The remaining four spots, he said, will be occupied by 40 others.

DJ Jimmy Jatt. Photo: Jerrie Rotimi for Guardian Life

He described the seven-time Headies Lyricist on the Roll winner as the best Nigerian rapper.

“Modenine is every rapper’s lecturer around here. No matter what anybody said publicly, they still wish they can write rhymes like him. Everybody studies Modenine. ”

The revered lyricist was the only artist to feature on two tracks on Jimmy’s first album The Definition. He is also the only one to have a solo track on the album.

Modenine also features on the opening track of the DJ Jimmy Jatt’s sophomore album.

The relationship between the two transcends the music. ” We’ve been friends long before we started making records,” he noted.

However, Jimmy Jatt has no qualms collaborating with other artists, established or not. In fact, his debut album featured more budding artists than established ones.

DJ Jimmy Jatt. Photo: Jerrie Rotimi for Guardian Life

“I have done the highest number of collaborations in Nigeria as a music person,” he said.

The ease with which he churns collaborations is partly hinged on the relationships he has built with industry players and artists over the years.

Grab a copy of Guardian Life magazine in this Sunday’s Guardian newspaper to read more about the renowned DJ.