Nigerian rapper OdumoduBlvck sparked a firestorm online after claiming in a recent interview that his 2023 hit, “Declan Rice,” had the biggest cultural impact in Nigerian hip-hop over the last 20 years. Fans quickly pushed back, arguing that many other rap songs have matched or surpassed its influence locally. The debate has ignited social media, with Phyno’s 2013 track “Alobam” often cited as a stronger contender.
So, is OdumoduBlvck’s claim valid, or are fans right to call it out?
OdumoduBlvck, born Tochukwu Ojogwu, broke into the Nigerian music scene in 2022 with “Picanto,” featuring Zlatan Ibile. Produced by JimohSoundz, the song gained traction after he had been grinding in Abuja since 2018. His follow-up, “Declan Rice,” dropped in 2023 and took things to another level. Inspired by the English footballer’s grit, the track caught Declan Rice’s attention as he prepared to leave West Ham United for Arsenal. Arsenal Football Club later reached out, and OdumoduBlvck created a cleaner “Arsenal Version” for Rice’s unveiling.
The video racked up millions of views across social media, proving the song’s local and international reach.
Fans don’t dispute that “Declan Rice” made waves. Its global appeal, tied to football culture, gave it a unique edge. But many argue it doesn’t top the cultural impact charts in Nigerian hip-hop over two decades. They point to songs like “Alobam” by Phyno, released in 2013, as evidence.
Back then, streaming platforms weren’t a thing in Nigeria, yet “Alobam” dominated. It inspired nationwide merchandise, scored heavy radio airplay, and has 1.8 million YouTube views 11 years later. For a song from Eastern Nigeria’s Phyno to resonate that widely without digital tools, fans say, shows real impact.
Cultural impact in music comes down to connection. Songs that weave in familiar places, names, events, or slang stick with listeners. Nigerian hip-hop has thrived on this for years. Fans have listed tracks that hit those marks harder or just as well as “Declan Rice.” Take “PON PON PON” by Dagrin from 2009—it’s still a go-to for freestyles at events, years after his death. Olamide’s “Who you epp” in 2016 exploded, with Naijaloaded reporting over 1.3 million downloads in under a week. It sparked covers from big names and newcomers alike. Other hits like Ice Prince’s “Oleku” (2011), Phyno and Olamide’s “Ghost Mode” (2013), and Ycee’s “Jagaban” (2015) also get shoutouts for their deep ties to Nigerian life.
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X user @DurojaiyeJnr said, “Cultural impact is ‘Dagrin Ponponpon’ even years after his death. That’s what they play to upcoming rappers to freestyle at any event. Cultural impact is ‘Olamide’s Who you Epp’—everybody in the country wanted to jump on the song, both blown and upcoming artists were dropping covers.” Another user, Osinachi Nwankudu, added, “Maybe in the past 5 years. But in the past 20 years, it’s such a stretch. We have had Nigerian rap songs with crazy cultural impact.”
The timing matters too. “Declan Rice” rode the wave of streaming platforms, boosting its numbers and reach. Older songs like “Alobam” or “Oleku” didn’t have that advantage. They spread through radio, ringtones, and physical sales, yet still left a mark. “Oleku,” for instance, crossed borders to become a pan-African hit with its catchy hook. “Ghost Mode” mixed Igbo and Yoruba, reflecting Nigeria’s diversity in a way fans still celebrate.
ODUMODUBLVCK’s claim isn’t baseless—“Declan Rice” bridged Nigerian hip-hop to a global stage, no small feat. But fans argue it’s too soon to crown it king over 20 years of heavy hitters. The genre’s pioneers, from Raw’s “Obodo” (2005) to ‘First of all’ by Olamide, ‘Jagaban’ by Ycee (2015), and Vector’s “King Kong” (2015), built a legacy of songs that shaped culture without today’s tech.
In the end, “Declan Rice” shines bright, but Nigerian hip-hop’s history is packed with tracks that hit just as hard—or harder—at home. Fans aren’t letting that be forgotten.