After 3 solid albums and 2 classic mixtapes,
We take a look at what separates Nigerian
rapper M.I from the rest of the pack



SOLID BRAND
M.I has the arguably the most solid brand in Nigerian
music let to talk of the rap genre.
The rapper has not been involved in any scandal or
troubles since he broke out with Safe. M.I has been able
to manage feuds well most notably the one Kelly
Hansome threw at him. Kelly intended to use M.I to
climb up the music ladder but the Jos born rapper did
him no favors.
When the name M.I is mentioned, you think in the
direction of Jay Z, Eminem, Kanye West (sort of)… Such
is his level of imagery in the music game. (Plus he
doesn’t have a tattoo… If that matters)



LONIGITIVITY
M.I has been Nigeria’s formost rapper for about 7 years,
a feat that is hard to do when you consider the number
of rappers in the game. M.I, born Jude Abaga began his
music career whenhe returned to Nigeria in 2003.
Finding his place in an industry dominated by the likes
of Modenine, Ruggedman and Eedris Abdulkareem, he
quickly commenced the production of mixtapes with his
friend Djinee.
This led to the critically acclaimed single “Safe”, (a song
whichhe parodied popular Nigerian songs in its lyrics)
which has gathered impressive airplay by African radio
and music video stations such as MTV Vibe. The track
also earned him awards at the Nigerian Music Video
Awards, City People, N.E.A amongs tothers.
The sky has been the beginning for M ever since and he
has released 3 albums, M.I 1 (Talk About It), M.I 2 ( The
Movie)and Chairman. M.I also boast of 2 classy
mixtapes, Illegal Music 1 and Illegal Music 2



MUSICAL BALANCE
M.I Abaga remains the only Nigerian rapper that has
been able to achieve success in music while going
commercial and still representing Hip-Hop. Even in
M.I’s most commercial songs,you are more likely to
find a classic bar in his verses unlike his colleagues
who have totally diluted their art.
M.I traditionally goes commercial in his albums while
punching lines in his Illegal Music series, despite this he
still maintains a great stability.



INFLUENCE
M.I is Nigeria’s most influential rapper (FACTS ONLY).
The rapper has metamorphosed from an ordinary rapper
to a label chief and he did that by not leaving the label
that birthed his career – a feat only few artistes can
boast of in the world. While at it, M.I also has industry
influence and his colleagues respect him a lot.
He was hyped by his colleagues during his meeting with
Tony Elumelu has he gave rappers a new new image like
Dr Dre is doing in the United states right now. M.I was
appointed a United Nations Goodwill Ambassador in
2012.



WEALTH
All the 4 points above will be meaningless if M.I was
not able to a mass wealth. He is likely the richest rapper
in the land.Most Nigerian rappers don’t have any
existing deal but even inthe scarcity M.I linked a new
deal with Cognac brand Martell.The rapper also
represents Globacom and has spent the most part of
the year performing for Star.
M.I pulls over at events in his Mercedes Benz G-55 or
his Bentley Coupe. Which rapper has a better fleet?
None.