Naeto C's 'You Know My P' Announces Birth Of Swag In Nigerian Rap

Uzo Chikere

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That eight years ago, Naeto C introduced the highly lacking pop elements of 'swag', and 'cool' to the making of Nigerian rap that was too hidden away from the mainstream is no longer news.

Truth is that then rappers could not bridge the gap between rap music and pop culture, and with his debut album 'You Know My P' Naeto C sold rap to the youth of Nigeria. Later that year M.I would drop his classic debut Talk About It, championed as breaking the barrier between rap and pop culture. Naeto C however weakened the barrier considerably. Under the imprint of Storm Records, Naeto C helped change the game forever.

Parading 17 tracks in all, Naeto C was as cold as ice and smooth as silk. The swag-fest starts off on This Is What I Do where he announces his presence I'm in the building/Storm is in the building/WFA just tushing up he building.

The three singles Ki Ni Big Deal, Sitting On Top, and U Know My P follow each other consecutively heralding an important change in the style of rap music in Nigeria.

Lasgidi got a new rap anthem on 'Gidi', helping to further establish the hometown pride a year after DJ Jimmy Jatt dropped the seminal 'Stylee' featuring Elajoe, Jimmy Jatt and 2face Idibia. Showing his A&R sensibilities he also created the Afrobeat song for Lagos on 'Lagos City Hustler'. "I know as soon as they see me they will generate the questions/how we made it through with Westernized imperfections/well we improvised with an Afrobeat selection" he explains on the song. Continuing with the trend, he produces a contemporary track on 'E Mara Mma' featuring Saro Wiwa.

Breaking it down for the ladies, Naeto C employs the vocals of the then minty-fresh Wande Coal on 'One 4 Me', and 'Asewo'. Striking out on his own on 'Ringtone' he produces one of the hit singles of the revered LP.

'You Know My P' was a well put together album produced by Tee-Y Mix, VC Perez, and Don Jazzy- the three producers who are still very much in their prime.

Almost a decade old, the album is fresh and still sounds sweet like that great day in 2008. Naeto ushered in a new rap culture in Nigeria with his cool, laid-back and pop driven album.