Da Grin

Nigerian rapper (1984-2010)

DaGrin

Background information
Birth name| Oladapo Olaitan Olaonipekun
Also known as| Barack O'Grin, Lyrical Werre, Fi mi le Jo.
Born| (1984-10-25)25 October 1984
Ogun State, Nigeria
Origin| Ogun, Nigeria
Died| 22 April 2010(2010-04-22) (aged 25)
Mushin, Lagos State, Nigeria
Genres| Hip hop
Occupation(s)| Rapper, singer
Instrument(s)| Vocal, piano
Years active| 1994–2010
Labels| Misofunyin Entertainment

Musical artist

Oladapo Olaitan Olaonipekun,[1] also known as Dagrin (25 October 1984 – 22 April 2010), was a Nigerian rapper from Ogun, Nigeria.[2] A film of his life entitled Ghetto Dreamz was produced in April 2011.[3][4] He is recognized for paving the way for indigenous rap in Nigeria.[5] He is widely considered one of the greatest Nigerian rappers of all time.[6][7][8][9]

## Early life

[edit]

Olaonipekun's home was in Meiran, Alagbado, Lagos State.[10]

## Career

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He released his first studio album Still On The Matter in 2006-07. In 2009, He released his second studio album called C.E.O. (Chief Executive Omoita). In 2010 he was nominated for the Nigerian Entertainment Awards for Best Album (C.E.O.), Hottest Single "Pon Pon Pon", Best Rap Act and Best Collaboration with vocals.[11] His album C.E.O. (Chief executive Omota English: Chief Executive Thug) won the Hip hop World Award 2010 for best rap album.[12] From it came the singles "Pon Pon Pon", and "Kondo". Dagrin worked with other Nigerian artists such as Y.Q, 9ice, M.I, Iceberg Slim, Omobaba, Hyce_age Terry G, Ms Chief, Owen G, K01, code, MISTAR DOLLAR, TMD entertainment, Omawumi, Chudy K, Bigiano, and Konga. His third studio If I Die was released posthumously One of the song he sang from the album If I Die. was If I Die.[13]

## Legacy

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Da Grin was cited as one of the pioneers of dialect rap singers of Yoruba language and Pidgin in Nigeria. Nigerian journalist, Idoko Salihu of Premium Times stated that "Da Grin was a rapper who revolutionised the Nigerian rap industry, he infused English with his native dialect".[14]

M.I. released "End of Time" tribute to Da Grin after the rapper's demise in 2010.[15]'Nigerian All Stars' which included Sheyman, Ruggedman, Banky W, Omawunmi, Lord of Ajasa, Tony Tetuila and a host of others released "My Pain", a tribute to Da Grin after his death.[16] Rapper Olamide released "Tribute to Dagrin" in 2011.[17]

Musicians who regard Da Grin as influence on their careers includes Olamide,[18][19] CDQ,[20] Reminisce, Oladips, YQ[21] etc.

## Ghetto Dreamz

[edit]

A film of his life Ghetto Dreamz, starring Trybson Dudukoko and Doris Simeon-Ademinokan as his girlfriend has been made and was released in April 2011.[22]

## Discography

[edit]

* Still On The Matter (2006)
* C.E.O (Chief Executive Omoita) (2009)
* If I Die (2011)
* Legends Never Die, Pt. 1 (2023)

## Awards and nominations

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### Won

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* 2010 Hip Hop World Awards – Best Rap Album

### Nominated

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* 2010 Hip Hop World Awards – Artiste of the Year

## Death

[edit]

Olaonipekun had an accident on April 14, 2010 & died 8 days later at the age of 25 on 22 April 2010 after a vehicle accident in Lagos, Nigeria.[1]

## References

[edit]

1. ^ a b "A shining star dimmed too soon – Rising Nigerian Musician DaGrin has passed away". Bella Naija. 22 April 2010. Retrieved 5 June 2011.
2. ^ "Dagrin: The Life of an Artiste". Nationaldailyngr.com. 30 April 2011. Retrieved 5 June 2011.
3. ^ izuzu, chibumga (21 April 2017). "A biopic that fails to capture a rapper's life". Pulse Nigeria. Retrieved 7 November 2023.
4. ^ BellaNaija.com (9 March 2011). "BN Bytes: Trailer & Posters for "Ghetto Dreamz" – The Da Grin Biopic". BellaNaija. Retrieved 7 November 2023.
5. ^ Okeke-Korieocha, Ifeoma (15 April 2023). "The legacy of Dagrin: How he paved way for Olamide, Asake in music scene". Businessday NG. Retrieved 15 January 2024.
6. ^ LHX, TRANSSION. ""Nigerian Hip-Hop Died When DaGrin Died" - CDQ Says | Boombuzz". Boomplay Music - WebPlayer. Retrieved 15 January 2024.
7. ^ "10 Years On: DaGrin, The Novelistic Voice Of The Streets". NotjustOk. 22 April 2020. Retrieved 15 January 2024.
8. ^ www.premiumtimesng.com https://www.premiumtimesng.com/entertainment/music/525253-remembering-dagrin-nigerias-foremost-indigenous-rapper12-years-after.html. Retrieved 15 January 2024. `{{cite web}}`: Missing or empty `|title=` (help)
9. ^ LHX, TRANSSION. "M.I Abaga Tells On The Impact Of Dagrin | Boombuzz". Boomplay Music - WebPlayer. Retrieved 15 January 2024.
10. ^ "Get Heard within Our Artist Community | Slaps powered by DistroKid". Slaps. Retrieved 7 November 2023.
11. ^ "NEA Awards 2010 Nominees – Da Grin & Omawumi Shine". Jaguda.com. 9 July 2010. Archived from the original on 22 October 2016. Retrieved 5 June 2011.
12. ^ "Hip-Hop World Awards 2010 Winners". Jaguda.com. 30 May 2010. Archived from the original on 22 October 2016. Retrieved 5 June 2011.
13. ^ "Download mp3 Dagrin – If I Die". Naijgreen.com. Retrieved 19 January 2019.
14. ^ "Da Grin: Remembering a rap legend decade after death". 22 April 2020.
15. ^ "Premiere: M.I - End of Time (Tribute to DaGrin)". NotjustOk. 6 May 2010. Retrieved 15 January 2024.
16. ^ Wonah, Israel (15 January 2024). "Sheyman - My Pain (Tribute To Dagrin) ft Naija All Stars Mp3 Download » TrendyBeatz". trendybeatz.com. Retrieved 15 January 2024.
17. ^ LHX, TRANSSION. "Olamide - Tribute To Dagrin (Bonus) MP3 Download & Lyrics | Boomplay". Boomplay Music - WebPlayer. Retrieved 15 January 2024.
18. ^ Nwanne, Tony (22 April 2017). "I Never Met Dagrin - Olamide - | Newsbreak Nigeria". Newsbreak.ng. Retrieved 15 January 2024.
19. ^ Godwin, Ameh Comrade (15 June 2015). "Stop comparing me with DaGrin - Olamide". Daily Post Nigeria. Retrieved 15 January 2024.
20. ^ O, Olabimpe (16 September 2020). ""Nigerian Hip-Hop Died When DaGrin Died" - Rapper, CDQ Speaks". tooXclusive. Retrieved 15 January 2024.
21. ^ Onipede, Olamide (15 January 2016). "YQ Reveals How Dagrin's Death Has Affected Him & His Career". BeatingBeats.com. Retrieved 15 January 2024.
22. ^ "BN Bytes: Trailer & Posters for "Ghetto Dreamz" – The Da Grin Biopic". Bella Naija. 9 March 2011. Retrieved 5 June 2011.

## External links

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* Interview about album
* Album review
* Biography Archived 16 June 2021 at the Wayback Machine
* Ghetto Dreamz Trailer

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