Ladipoe isn’t just another rapper in the ever-shifting sands of Nigerian music. He’s a flag-bearer for raw talent and artistic growth. Take his recent smash, “Hallelujah.” It’s a lyrical gut punch that resonates deeply with listeners. In a rare interview, Ladipoe pulls back the curtain on “Hallelujah,” revealing the creative spark that ignited this chart-topper and the hidden gems woven into its verses.
Ladipoe is a bold force in a genre that can sometimes feel formulaic. He shatters expectations, redefining what it means to be a rapper in the Nigerian scene. He rejects stereotypes, embracing the multifaceted nature of his craft. He blends meaningful lyrics with undeniable style, creating music that breaks boundaries and defies easy categorization.
Pinch Of Sol: You mentioned wishing you had heard music like ‘Hallelujah’ on your way up. Could you expand on that thought? How might your journey have been different if you had songs like this during your early days?
Ladipoe: I feel like hearing a song like this coming up would have helped dilute my naivety. Hint at some forthcoming hard truths. Motivate me through the inevitable tough times.
Pinch Of Sol: Often, inspiration comes from the most unexpected places. Can you share a surprising source of inspiration that influenced the creation of ‘Hallelujah’?
Ladipoe: I wrote the line I’m just here to speak my mind / and i’ll be honest it’s coincidence it rhymes“ years ago. Loved it but never used it. Working on this record brought it back to mind. It fit perfectly.
Pinch Of Sol: While writing your lyrics, how do you decide where to let silence speak between the lines? Can you talk about a moment in ‘Hallelujah’ where silence plays a crucial role?
Ladipoe: Right after I say “I’m trying to speak my mind” I leave a pause before I say “and i’ll be honest if coincidence it rhymes“. It allows you to take in the line, catch your breath and we go in again. Silence has a way of raising the volume of words that come after it.
Pinch Of Sol: Artists often have rituals to get into the creative zone. Do you have any rituals or habits that help you tap into your creativity when writing songs?
Ladipoe: I have none.
Pinch Of Sol: How do you define success for yourself as an artist? Has this definition changed over time?
Ladipoe: I define it privately. Yes, it has changed over time and acknowledging that didn’t come as naturally as I thought.
Pinch Of Sol: In what ways do you strive to push the boundaries of your genre? Are there specific risks you’ve taken with your music that you’re particularly proud of?
Ladipoe: Merely calling yourself a rapper in Nigeria is to put a target on your back. In Nigeria, the title comes with a set of anachronistic expectations that strive to preserve rappers as caricatures of Hip Hop’s golden era in the 90s/2000s. I can’t conform to that. Through my music I showcase that rappers are innately songwriters, constantly finding balance between substance and style.
Pinch Of Sol: How do you choose artists to collaborate with? Is there a particular quality or energy you look for?
Ladipoe: I’ve never delved too deeply into understanding this. My way of protecting it from over-thinking. So let’s just say it’s an energy thing.
Pinch Of Sol: If you could go back in time and collaborate with any artist from history on a track, who would it be and what do you think they would add to the song?
Ladipoe: I’m so bad with these kinds of questions. By the time, I imagine who I’d like to work with this article would be published.
