Vector (rapper)

Olanrewaju
Vector at No Peace Video Shoot 2020
Vector at No Peace Video Shoot 2020
Background information
Birth nameOlanrewaju Ogunmefun David
Also known asV.E.C, Vector Tha Viper
Born7 August 1984 (1984-08-07) (age 40)
Lagos, Nigeria
OriginOgun, Nigeria
Genres
Rapfrobeat
Occupations
  • Rapper
  • singer
  • record producer
  • songwriter
  • actor
InstrumentVocals | guitar
Years active2008–present
Labels
  • GRAP Entertainment (current)
  • Def Jam Africa (former)
  • YSG Entertainment (former)
Websitevectorthaviper.me

Olanrewaju Ogunmefun, better known by his stage name Vector, is a Nigerian rapper, singer and songwriter. He has released three studio albums, including State of Surprise and The Second Coming (2012).[1] In anticipation of his second studio album, he released a mixtape titled Bar Racks.[2] Lafíaji, his third studio album was released in December 2016. He also released a mixtape in October 2018, The Rap Dialogue, in an effort to keep the spirit of Nigerian hip-hop alive. In November 2019, his fourth studio album, Vibes Before Teslim: A Journey to Self-Discovery, was released.

He is the voice behind a Sprite commercial that aired on radio stations across Nigeria since 2009.[3] He also had "the longest freestyle rap in Nigeria"[4]

In November 2019, he signed a joint venture with Starstruck Management Inc and Create Music Group to release his 4th studio project Extended play titled "Vibes Before Teslim: A Journey To Self-Discovery"[5]

Early life

[edit]

Lanre was born in Lagos State, hails from Ogun State, the fourth of five children. He schooled in Nigeria attending Command children school, Ijebu Ode Grammar School, Government College Victoria Island & Saint Gregory's College Ikoyi Lagos. He started his journey into hip-hop in junior high in 1994. In St. Gregory's College, he was involved in various social activities in which he was made to perform on stage. In 1999, he formed a duo called Badder Boiz, who wrote their own songs and in the same year went on to start performing at showcases as a trio.[6]

They recorded their first demo in 1999 and attended talent showcases. Vector was going in the direction of an emcee. As a group of three, consisting of Vector, Krystal & Blaze, they were together until 2004 when Krystal left due to irreconcilable differences.[7] He then attended the University of Lagos, graduating in 2008 with a bachelor's degree in philosophy.[8]

Career

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Vector released his first official single "Kilode" for the album State of Surprise in February 2010.[9] He later released the video for this single in June 2010.[10] His second official single was "Mary Jane" which was released in April of the same year.[11] The album was released on 29 October 2010, executive produced by Eloka "Culture" Oligbo. It featured 2 Face Idibia, General Pype,[12] Chuddy K, Ade Piper, Emmsong, Sista Soul and with productions from H-Code, Sam Klef, Da Piano, J-Smith, Xela Xelz and Vibez Production.

He released a video for the song "Get Down" featuring 2Face Idibia in June 2011.[13] At the Nigerian Music Video Awards 2011, he was nominated for "Best Mainstream Hip Hop Video".[14] He was nominated at the 2010 Nigeria Entertainment Awards for "Best Collaboration With Vocals" with the track "Champion" in which he was featured in by General Pype.[15]

His singles "Angeli" ft. 9ice and "Mr. Vector" featuring Jazzy, both produced by Sagzy were released[16] on 19 May 2011 and were on heavy rotation on radio stations around the country. The video for "Angeli" was released in October 2011.[17] In 2020, himself and Bigtril, released a song called "OG" that featured Raezy and Larry Gaaga. He has another collaboration with pallaso, called bubble remix.

Vector released the track "Born Leader"[18] featuring Mavado of DJ Khaled's We the Best Music Group.[19] "Born Leader" was Vector's third single off his second album titled The Second Coming. He shot the video in Miami, Florida and it was directed by Antwan Smith.[20] In August 2013 he was featured by Pheelz a producer on a song titled "Popular" which gained airplay in radio stations across Nigeria.

In January 2015 Vector released a rap single titled "King Kong" and the video was released the same month. Vector released two remixes with the first one featuring Phyno, Reminisce, Classiq and Uzi, and the second remix featuring Ghanaian rapper Sarkodie which was released in May and June 2015 respectively. The video for the first remix was released in July 2015. On 15 July he released a fresh single titled "Kanawan Dabo" and on 24 July he released a freestyle titled "8". In May 2020, he signed a record deal with Def Jam Africa, a flagship of Def Jam Recordings in Nigeria.[21] In December 2022 Vector was featured in Africa Cypher (Hennessy Cypher) that happened in Nigeria, the Cypher also featured artists such as A-Reece, M.I Abaga, M.anifest and Octopizzo.

Controversy

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Nigerian artiste Reminisce recorded a diss track[22] "ATA (Street Kitchen Reply)" with the line, "V-E what shit ki lo’n je be. Shebi iwo lo rap ju shit o ma pe’n nbe" in reply to Vector's verse on Sauce Kid's "KitcheStreet" in which Vector said "For all those boys wey dey show. Ti e ba fe ma form pe eyin lata ani tomato to ma to".[23]

After this incidence Vector has replied with the track "Distractions (Reminisce Diss)", which he featured on with renowned lyricist A-Q. Vector hit him with the lines, "Cos you bleach your skin doesn't mean you are enlightened, Pig. I'm the base and my crew be strong, you cannot be the best cause you had one stupid song" and "And I'm made oh, and it's so public. But you, your life is like your videos, low budget."[24] He was also in a rap supremacy battle with Jude "M.I" Abaga, and released diss tracks such as "The Purge" (featuring Vader and Payper) and also #JudasTheRat which was a response to M.I's #ThaViper.

In 2020, Vector and Jude "M.I" Abaga seem to have squashed their battle when they both met in the third and final part of "The Conversation", a Hennessy Nigeria documentary series based on the rivalry between M.I and Vector, the duo met face-to-face and discussed what transpired between them. Both rappers addressed what caused the beef and their thoughts on each other. M.I said he had the impression that Vector just didn't like him, while Vector said he believed M.I was cunning and deceptive.

When asked by the interviewer if there was a possibility of a collaboration, Vector replied: "If this energy is pure, then there is no way I don't see a collaboration happening"[25][26]

He however said in February 2021 that his beef with M.I sold them records. He said "Did we make money with the beef tracks? Yes, the records sold. Yes, there comes a special demand for beef tracks by the fans. Our songs were streamed a lot; I mean, we trended at number one in the Genius.com, a lyrics website, which means Nigerians can go on and write something for the world to read and enjoy".[27]

Himself and M.I Abaga eventually ended their contention in 2021, and eventually collaborated on a rap track titled "Crown of Clay". The track also featured Nigerian producer, Pheelz,[28] after which himself and M.I proceeded to take part in two editions of the Hennessy Cypher in 2021, and 2023.

Discography

[edit]

Studio albums

[edit]

Mixtapes

[edit]
  • Bar-Racks The Mixtape (2012)
  • A7 (2014)

Extended plays

[edit]
  • The Rap Dialogue (2018)
  • The African Mind (2020)

Collaborative albums

[edit]

Filmography

[edit]

Film

[edit]
Year Title Role Note Ref.
2018 June Adewale [29]
2018 Lara & The Beat Sally.aka. Mr. Beats [30]

TV and series

[edit]
Year Title Role Note Ref
2019 Shuga Naija Himself
2020 Shuga Naija: Alone Together Web Series Himself [31]

Singles

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Singles
Year Title
2011 Angeli feat.9ice
2015 "King Kong" (Remix) (featuring Phyno, Reminisce, ClassiQ and Uzi)[32]
2015 "King Kong" (Remix) (featuring Sarkodie)[33]
2016 "Agege"(Splash featuring Vector)[34]
2017 "Gunshot"
2017 "Gee Boys" (featuring CDQ)
2017 "Like My Daddy"
2017 "Seaside" (featuring Korede Bello)
2018 "This One Is"[35]
2018 "Mad"[36]
2018 "Be Happy" (featuring Daddy Showkey)[37]
2019 "This Vector Sef"[38]
2019 "Comfort" (featuring) [(Davido)][39]
2021 "License"[40]

Albums and EPs

[edit]
Year Title
2010 State of Surprise [LP] (featuring 2Baba, H-Code, Emmsong, General Pype, Sista Soul, Slygriff, Shogun, Chuddy K & Ade Piper)[41]
2012 The Second Coming [LP] (featuring Mavado, Shank, Del-B, Muno, Sound Sultan, Rocksteady, Emmsong, Modenine,Badman Floss, Jazzy & 9ice)
2016 Lafíaji [LP] (featuring, D'banj, Rotex, Shola Vibrate, Emmsong, Jesse Jagz, CDQ, Falz, J-Martins, Vanessa Mdee, Obadice & Legeley)[42]
2019 Vibes Before Teslim: A Journey to Self-Discovery [EP] (featuring Davido, Slimcase, Dj Niyor, BrisB & YinxDjinx)[43]
2020 Crossroads [EP] (featuring DJ Neptune, Masterkraft)[44]
The African Mind [EP][45]
2022 Teslim: The Energy Still Lives in Me [LP] (featuring Wande Coal, Nasty C, Seun Kuti, Erigga, Ladipoe, Cracker Mallo, Ichaba, Milare, Seyi Vibez, GoodGirl LA, A.O – Machine, and Shado Chris)

Awards and nominations

[edit]
Year Award Ceremony. Award Category Recipient/ Work Result
2011 Nigerian Music Video Awards (NMVA) Best Mainstream Hip-Hop Video[46] Get Down (featuring 2Baba)[47] Won
Dynamix All Youth Awards Best New Act[48] Himself[49] Nominated
The Headies Lyricist on the Roll Himself[50] Nominated
2012 Dynamix All Youth Awards Recognition Award[51] Himself[52] Won
The Headies Best Rap Single Himself[53] Won
The Headies Lyricist on the Roll Himself[54] Won
Nigeria Entertainment Awards Best Rap Act[55] Himself[56] Won
Nigerian Music Video Awards (NMVA) 2012 Best Afro Hip-Hop Video[57] Angeli (feat 9ice).[58] Won
2015 The Headies Lyricist on the Roll, Best Rap Single[59] Himself[60] Won
2015 The Headies Best Rap Single King Kong[61] Won
2021 Afro X Digitals Awards Best Rap Single of the Year Crown of Clay Won [62]
2023 The Headies Best Rap Album Teslim: The Energy Still Lives In Me Nominated [63]
Lyricist on the roll Clowns Nominated

See also

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References

[edit]
  1. ^ Onos. "BN Bytes: The "Second Coming" of Vector! View the Ace Lyricist's Sophomore Album Art & Tracklist". BellaNaija. Retrieved 3 February 2016.
  2. ^ "DOWNLOAD:DOWNLOAD Vector's Bar-Racks (MixTape) –notjustOk". notjustOk. Retrieved 3 February 2016.
  3. ^ "Vector debuts". Vanguard News. 3 February 2016. Retrieved 3 February 2016.
  4. ^ Haliwud (22 August 2015). "Vector Sets New Record For Longest Freestyle by an African Rapper". Information Nigeria. Retrieved 15 June 2020.
  5. ^ "VIBES BEFORE TESLIM: A Journey To Self Discovery by Vector". Apple Music. 26 November 2019. Retrieved 15 June 2020.
  6. ^ "Olanrewaju Ogunmefun". museumstuff.com. Retrieved 3 February 2016.
  7. ^ http://www.ysgent.com/?q=node/7 Vector's profile
  8. ^ "DOWNLOAD:Vector (notjustOk Hype) –notjustOk". notjustOk. Retrieved 3 February 2016.
  9. ^ "DOWNLOAD:Premiere: Vector – Kilode ft Emmsong –notjustOk". notjustOk. Retrieved 3 February 2016.
  10. ^ "DOWNLOAD:VIDEO: Vector – Kilode ft Emmsong –notjustOk". notjustOk. Retrieved 3 February 2016.
  11. ^ "DOWNLOAD:Premiere: Vector – Mary Jane –notjustOk". notjustOk. Retrieved 3 February 2016.
  12. ^ "神州斗地主-官网首页".
  13. ^ "New Video: Vector – 'Get Down' ft 2face · Soundcity". soundcity.tv. Archived from the original on 14 June 2011.
  14. ^ "Nigerian Music Video Awards Releases 2011 Nominees list". LadybrilleNigeria. 31 October 2011. Retrieved 3 February 2016.
  15. ^ "Nigeria Entertainment Awards Nominees: DA GRIN, Genevieve Nnaji, Obi Asika, Stephanie Okereke, Deola Sagoe, MI, Omawumi". LadybrilleNigeria. 8 July 2010. Retrieved 3 February 2016.
  16. ^ "DOWNLOAD:Vector – Angeli Ft 9ice + Mr Vector Ft Jazzy –notjustOk". notjustOk. Retrieved 3 February 2016.
  17. ^ "DOWNLOAD:VIDEO: Vector ft. 9ice – Angeli –notjustOk". notjustOk. 25 October 2011. Retrieved 3 February 2016.
  18. ^ "Get Familiar: Vector – Born Leader Ft Mavado". 360nobs.com. 360NoBS. Retrieved 22 June 2015.
  19. ^ "DOWNLOAD:Vector ft. Mavado – Born Leader –notjustOk". notjustOk. Retrieved 3 February 2016.
  20. ^ "DOWNLOAD:VIDEO: Vector ft Mavado – Born Leader –notjustOk". notjustOk. Retrieved 3 February 2016.
  21. ^ Alake, Motolani (26 May 2020). "Vector, Larry Gaaga join Def Jam Africa". Pulse Nigeria. Retrieved 10 May 2022.
  22. ^ "Hip-Hop Feud: Reminisce Battles Vector | Nigerian Entertainment Today". thenetng.com. Archived from the original on 19 March 2012.
  23. ^ "Redirecting". popoffcentral.blogspot.com. Retrieved 3 February 2016.
  24. ^ "凯时国际欧洲杯,凯时共赢共欢,凯时娱人生就是博,凯时kb88可来就送38".
  25. ^ "M.I And Vector Ends Beef, Possible Collaboration Underway". The Guardian Nigeria News – Nigeria and World News. 6 October 2020. Retrieved 13 October 2020.
  26. ^ ""The Conversation" Hennessy Nigeria, Youtube" – via YouTube.
  27. ^ "My beef with MI sold us records – Vector confesses". Vanguard News. 14 February 2021. Retrieved 27 February 2021.
  28. ^ "The African Spirit Pulsates: 'Crown of Clay' | #Music #HipHop, Saving Mungo Park #Nigeria". www.ubuntufmafrica.com. 2 May 2021. Retrieved 24 September 2024.
  29. ^ "June (2018) – nlist | Nollywood, Nigerian Movies & Casting". nlist.ng. Retrieved 15 June 2020.
  30. ^ Lara and the Beat, retrieved 15 June 2020
  31. ^ "MTV Shuga: Alone Together – Vector Makes a Cameo in Episode 6!". Radio Stream – Latest Entertainment and Breaking News. 28 April 2020. Retrieved 19 June 2020.
  32. ^ "MUSIC: Vector – King Kong (Remix) Ft. Phyno, Reminisce, Classiq & Uzi". 360nobs.com. 360NoBS. Retrieved 22 June 2015.
  33. ^ "New Music: Download Vector – King Kong (Remix) Ft Sarkodie". GistYinka. gistyinka. Retrieved 4 June 2015.
  34. ^ "New Music Splash – 'Agege' ft Vector". Pulse.ng. Joey Akan. 21 January 2016. Retrieved 25 January 2016.
  35. ^ "This One is – Single by Vector". iTunes Store. 21 June 2018.
  36. ^ "Mad – Single by Vector". iTunes Store. 21 June 2018.
  37. ^ "Be Happy (Feat. Dj Magnum & Daddy Showkey) – Single by Vector".
  38. ^ "This Vector Sef – Single by Vector". 15 February 2019.
  39. ^ "Comfort by Vector & Davido". 14 November 2019.
  40. ^ "[Video] Vector – "License" « tooXclusive". tooXclusive. 3 September 2021. Retrieved 3 September 2021.
  41. ^ "State of Surprise by Vector". Apple Music. 3 November 2010. Retrieved 15 June 2020.
  42. ^ "Lafíaji by Vector". Apple Music. 24 December 2016. Retrieved 15 June 2020.
  43. ^ "VIBES BEFORE TESLIM: The Journey To Self Discovery by Vector". Apple Music. 26 November 2019. Retrieved 15 June 2020.
  44. ^ "Crossroads – EP by Vector & Mastaa". Apple Music. 22 May 2020. Retrieved 15 June 2020.
  45. ^ "Audiomack: Music Streaming and Sharing". audiomack.com. Retrieved 15 June 2020.
  46. ^ "Jodie, Darey Wins Big At The 2011 Nigerian Music Video Awards – Complete Winners List – HiphopSouth – Watch Us Bring It On". HiphopSouth – Watch Us Bring It On. 28 November 2011. Retrieved 3 February 2016.
  47. ^ "Get Down (feat. Tuface Idibia) by Vector". Apple Music. 3 November 2010. Retrieved 15 June 2020.
  48. ^ "2011 DYNAMIX AWARDS: And The Nominees Are … (Full Nominations List x Voting Info)". Campus Heat. Retrieved 3 February 2016.
  49. ^ "Vector on Apple Music". Apple Music. Retrieved 15 June 2020.
  50. ^ "Vector on Apple Music". Apple Music. Retrieved 15 June 2020.
  51. ^ "Vector Joins The League of Nigerian Artiste's".
  52. ^ "Vector on Apple Music". Apple Music. Retrieved 15 June 2020.
  53. ^ "Vector on Apple Music". Apple Music. Retrieved 15 June 2020.
  54. ^ "Vector on Apple Music". Apple Music. Retrieved 15 June 2020.
  55. ^ Damilare Aiki (5 September 2012). "BN Exclusive: All the Buzz Stories, Arrival, Backstage & Inside Photos from the 2012 Nigeria Entertainment Awards in New York City – Full List of Winners". BellaNaija. Retrieved 3 February 2016.
  56. ^ "Vector on Apple Music". Apple Music. Retrieved 15 June 2020.
  57. ^ "Nigerian Music Video holds awards". Archived from the original on 22 February 2014. Retrieved 13 February 2014.
  58. ^ "Angeli (feat. 9ice) – Single by Vector". Apple Music. 19 May 2011. Retrieved 15 June 2020.
  59. ^ "Headies 2015 The winners' list". Pulse.ng. Princess Irede Abumere. Retrieved 6 January 2016.
  60. ^ "Vector on Apple Music". Apple Music. Retrieved 15 June 2020.
  61. ^ "King Kong – Single by Vector". Apple Music. 20 July 2015. Retrieved 15 June 2020.
  62. ^ "Afrodigital Award winners". AfroxDigital.com.
  63. ^ Akinyode, Peace (12 July 2023). "Full list: 2023 Headies nominations". Punch Newspapers. Retrieved 26 July 2023.
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