Vector (rapper) explained

Olanrewaju
Birth Name:Olanrewaju Ogunmefun David
Alias:V.E.C, Vector Tha Viper
Birth Place:Lagos, Nigeria
Genre: Rapfrobeat
Years Active:2008–present
Origin:Ogun, Nigeria
Instrument:Vocals guitar

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 ""[5]

Early life

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

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, him alongside 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" is 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

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 is presently in a rap supremacy battle with Jude "M.I" Abaga, and has released diss tracks such as "The Purge" (featuring Vader and Paper) 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 doesn't like him, while Vector said he believes M.I is cunning and deceptive.

When asked by the interview if there is the 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]

Discography

Studio albums

Mixtapes

Extended plays

Collaborative albums

Filmography

Film

!Year!Title !Role!Note!Ref.
2018JuneAdewale [28]
2018Lara & The BeatSally.aka. Mr. Beats

TV and series

!Year!Title!Role!Note!Ref
2019Shuga NaijaHimself
2020Shuga Naija

Alone Together Web Series

Himself[29]

Singles

Singles
YearTitle
2011Angeli feat.9ice
2015"King Kong" (Remix) (featuring Phyno, Reminisce, ClassiQ and Uzi)[30]
2015"King Kong" (Remix) (featuring Sarkodie)[31]
2016"Agege"(Splash featuring Vector)[32]
2017"Gunshot"
2017"Gee Boys" (featuring CDQ)
2017"Like My Daddy"
2017"Seaside" (featuring Korede Bello)
2018"This One Is"[33]
2018"Mad"[34]
2018"Be Happy" (featuring Daddy Showkey)[35]
2019"This Vector Sef"[36]
2019"Comfort" (featuring) [(Davido)][37]
2021"License"[38]

Albums and EPs

YearTitle
2010State of Surprise [LP] (featuring 2Baba, H-Code, Emmsong, General Pype, Sista Soul, Slygriff, Shogun, Chuddy K & Ade Piper)[39]
2012The Second Coming [LP] (featuring Mavado, Shank, Del-B, Muno, Sound Sultan, Rocksteady, Emmsong, Modenine,Badman Floss, Jazzy & 9ice)
2016Lafíaji [LP] (featuring, D'banj, Rotex, Shola Vibrate, Emmsong, Jesse Jagz, CDQ, Falz, J-Martins, Vanessa Mdee, Obadice & Legeley)[40]
2019Vibes Before Teslim: A Journey to Self-Discovery [EP] (featuring Davido, Slimcase, Dj Niyor, BrisB & YinxDjinx)[41]
2020Crossroads [EP] (featuring DJ Neptune, Masterkraft)[42]
The African Mind [EP][43]
2022Teslim: 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

!Year !Award Ceremony.!Award Category!Recipient/ Work!Result
2011Nigerian Music Video Awards (NMVA) Best Mainstream Hip-Hop Video[44] Get Down (featuring 2Baba)[45]
Dynamix All Youth AwardsBest New Act[46] Himself[47]
The HeadiesLyricist on the RollHimself[48]
2012Dynamix All Youth Awards Recognition Award[49] Himself[50]
The HeadiesBest Rap Single Himself[51]
The HeadiesLyricist on the RollHimself[52]
Nigeria Entertainment AwardsBest Rap Act[53] Himself[54]
Nigerian Music Video Awards (NMVA) 2012Best Afro Hip-Hop Video[55] Angeli (feat 9ice).[56]
2015The HeadiesLyricist on the Roll, Best Rap Single[57] Himself[58]
2015The HeadiesBest Rap SingleKing Kong[59]
2021Afro X Digitals AwardsBest Rap Single of the YearCrown of Clay[60]
2023The HeadiesBest Rap AlbumTeslim: The Energy Still Lives In MeNominated[61]
Lyricist on the rollClownsNominated

See also

External links

Notes and References

  1. Web site: BN Bytes: The "Second Coming" of Vector! View the Ace Lyricist's Sophomore Album Art & Tracklist. Onos. BellaNaija. 3 February 2016.
  2. Web site: DOWNLOAD:DOWNLOAD Vector's Bar-Racks (MixTape) –notjustOk. notjustOk. 3 February 2016.
  3. Web site: Vector debuts. 3 February 2016. Vanguard News. 3 February 2016.
  4. Web site: Haliwud. 22 August 2015. Vector Sets New Record For Longest Freestyle by an African Rapper. 15 June 2020. Information Nigeria. en-US.
  5. Web site: VIBES BEFORE TESLIM: A Journey To Self Discovery by Vector. 15 June 2020. Apple Music. 26 November 2019. en-gb.
  6. Web site: Olanrewaju Ogunmefun. museumstuff.com. 3 February 2016.
  7. http://www.ysgent.com/?q=node/7 Vector's profile
  8. Web site: DOWNLOAD:Vector (notjustOk Hype) –notjustOk. notjustOk. 3 February 2016.
  9. Web site: DOWNLOAD:Premiere: Vector – Kilode ft Emmsong –notjustOk. notjustOk. 3 February 2016.
  10. Web site: DOWNLOAD:VIDEO: Vector – Kilode ft Emmsong –notjustOk. notjustOk. 3 February 2016.
  11. Web site: DOWNLOAD:Premiere: Vector – Mary Jane –notjustOk. notjustOk. 3 February 2016.
  12. Web site: 神州斗地主-官网首页.
  13. Web site: New Video: Vector – 'Get Down' ft 2face · Soundcity . soundcity.tv . dead . https://web.archive.org/web/20110614234251/http://www.soundcity.tv/stories/221/New-Video-Vector-Get-Down-ft-2face . 2011-06-14.
  14. Web site: Nigerian Music Video Awards Releases 2011 Nominees list. LadybrilleNigeria. 31 October 2011. 3 February 2016.
  15. Web site: Nigeria Entertainment Awards Nominees: DA GRIN, Genevieve Nnaji, Obi Asika, Stephanie Okereke, Deola Sagoe, MI, Omawumi. LadybrilleNigeria. 8 July 2010. 3 February 2016.
  16. Web site: DOWNLOAD:Vector – Angeli Ft 9ice + Mr Vector Ft Jazzy –notjustOk. notjustOk. 3 February 2016.
  17. Web site: DOWNLOAD:VIDEO: Vector ft. 9ice – Angeli –notjustOk. notjustOk. 25 October 2011. 3 February 2016.
  18. Web site: Get Familiar: Vector – Born Leader Ft Mavado. 360nobs.com. 360NoBS. 22 June 2015.
  19. Web site: DOWNLOAD:Vector ft. Mavado – Born Leader –notjustOk. notjustOk. 3 February 2016.
  20. Web site: DOWNLOAD:VIDEO: Vector ft Mavado – Born Leader –notjustOk. notjustOk. 3 February 2016.
  21. Web site: Alake . Motolani . Vector, Larry Gaaga join Def Jam Africa . Pulse Nigeria . 10 May 2022 . en . 26 May 2020.
  22. Web site: Hip-Hop Feud: Reminisce Battles Vector Nigerian Entertainment Today . thenetng.com . dead . https://web.archive.org/web/20120319011037/http://www.thenetng.com/2012/03/16/hip-hop-feud-reminisce-battles-vector . 2012-03-19.
  23. Web site: Redirecting. popoffcentral.blogspot.com. 3 February 2016.
  24. Web site: 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. Web site: 2020-10-06. M.I And Vector Ends Beef, Possible Collaboration Underway. 2020-10-13. The Guardian Nigeria News – Nigeria and World News. en-US.
  26. Web site: "The Conversation" Hennessy Nigeria, Youtube. YouTube.
  27. Web site: 2021-02-14. My beef with MI sold us records – Vector confesses. 2021-02-27. Vanguard News. en-US.
  28. Web site: June (2018) – nlist Nollywood, Nigerian Movies & Casting. 15 June 2020. nlist.ng. en-GB.
  29. Web site: 28 April 2020. MTV Shuga: Alone Together – Vector Makes a Cameo in Episode 6!. 19 June 2020. Radio Stream – Latest Entertainment and Breaking News. en-US.
  30. Web site: MUSIC: Vector – King Kong (Remix) Ft. Phyno, Reminisce, Classiq & Uzi. 360nobs.com. 360NoBS. 22 June 2015.
  31. Web site: New Music: Download Vector – King Kong (Remix) Ft Sarkodie. GistYinka. gistyinka. 4 June 2015.
  32. Web site: New Music Splash – 'Agege' ft Vector. Pulse.ng. 21 January 2016. Joey Akan. 25 January 2016.
  33. Web site: This One is – Single by Vector. iTunes Store. 21 June 2018.
  34. Web site: Mad – Single by Vector. iTunes Store. 21 June 2018.
  35. Web site: Be Happy (Feat. Dj Magnum & Daddy Showkey) – Single by Vector.
  36. Web site: This Vector Sef – Single by Vector. 15 February 2019.
  37. Web site: Comfort by Vector & Davido. 14 November 2019.
  38. Web site: 2021-09-03. [Video] Vector – "License" « tooXclusive]. 2021-09-03. tooXclusive. en-US.
  39. Web site: State of Surprise by Vector. 15 June 2020. Apple Music. 3 November 2010. en-gb.
  40. Web site: Lafíaji by Vector. 15 June 2020. Apple Music. 24 December 2016. en-gb.
  41. Web site: VIBES BEFORE TESLIM: The Journey To Self Discovery by Vector. 15 June 2020. Apple Music. 26 November 2019. en-gb.
  42. Web site: Crossroads – EP by Vector & Mastaa. 15 June 2020. Apple Music. 22 May 2020. en-gb.
  43. Web site: Audiomack: Music Streaming and Sharing. 15 June 2020. audiomack.com. en.
  44. Web site: Jodie, Darey Wins Big At The 2011 Nigerian Music Video Awards – Complete Winners List – HiphopSouth – Watch Us Bring It On. 3 February 2016. HiphopSouth – Watch Us Bring It On. 28 November 2011.
  45. Web site: Get Down (feat. Tuface Idibia) by Vector. 15 June 2020. Apple Music. 3 November 2010. en-gb.
  46. Web site: 2011 DYNAMIX AWARDS: And The Nominees Are … (Full Nominations List x Voting Info). 3 February 2016. Campus Heat.
  47. Web site: Vector on Apple Music . 15 June 2020. Apple Music. en-gb.
  48. Web site: Vector on Apple Music . 15 June 2020. Apple Music . en-gb.
  49. Web site: Vector Joins The League of Nigerian Artiste's .
  50. Web site: Vector on Apple Music . 15 June 2020. Apple Music . en-gb.
  51. Web site: Vector on Apple Music . 15 June 2020 . Apple Music. en-gb.
  52. Web site: Vector on Apple Music . 15 June 2020. Apple Music . en-gb.
  53. Web site: Damilare Aiki. BN Exclusive: All the Buzz Stories, Arrival, Backstage & Inside Photos from the 2012 Nigeria Entertainment Awards in New York City – Full List of Winners. 3 February 2016. BellaNaija. 5 September 2012.
  54. Web site: Vector on Apple Music . 15 June 2020 . Apple Music. en-gb.
  55. Web site: Nigerian Music Video holds awards. dead. https://web.archive.org/web/20140222155807/http://www.punchng.com/spice/local-entertainment/nigerian-music-video-holds-awards/. 22 February 2014. 13 February 2014.
  56. Web site: Angeli (feat. 9ice) – Single by Vector. 15 June 2020 . Apple Music . 19 May 2011. en-gb.
  57. Web site: Headies 2015 The winners' list. 6 January 2016. Pulse.ng. Princess Irede Abumere.
  58. Web site: Vector on Apple Music . 15 June 2020. Apple Music . en-gb.
  59. Web site: King Kong – Single by Vector. 15 June 2020 . Apple Music . 20 July 2015. en-gb.
  60. Web site: Afrodigital Award winners . AfroxDigital.com.
  61. Web site: Akinyode . Peace . 2023-07-12 . Full list: 2023 Headies nominations . 2023-07-26 . Punch Newspapers . en-US.