Posted by Nigerian rapper LADIPOE, known for his lyrical prowess and compelling storytelling, has just released his latest single, “Hallelujah.” This new track marks another milestone in an already impressive career that has seen LADIPOE rise from local acclaim to international recognition.
LADIPOE, whose real name is Oladipo Eso, began his musical journey in secondary school. His passion for music continued to grow when he moved to the United States to study Chemistry and Biology at the University of North Carolina at Pembroke. It was there that he formed the group Lyrically Equipped with friends Jeffrey and Kurt. This early experience laid the foundation for his future in music.
LADIPOE first caught the public’s eye with his feature on Show Dem Camp’s hit single “Feel Alright,” which brought him into the Nigerian rap scene’s limelight. Following this, he released “Adore Her,” a collaboration with singer Funbi that expanded his fanbase both in Nigeria and abroad. Joining Mavin Records in 2017 as their first rapper, LADIPOE quickly made waves with his launch single, “Man Already,” produced by Altims.
Over the years, LADIPOE has released a series of hits that have cemented his status as one of Nigeria’s top rappers. His debut project, Talk About Poe, released in 2018, received widespread acclaim. Tracks like “Lemme Know” and its remix featuring Teni, along with his “Revival Sundays” series, showcased his versatility and lyrical depth.
In 2020, LADIPOE‘s single “Know You” featuring Simi became an unofficial anthem during the pandemic, topping charts across Africa and appearing on the UK Official Afrobeats Chart. This was followed by “Yoruba Samurai” featuring Joeboy, further solidifying his place in the music industry.
LADIPOE’s biggest hit to date is “Feeling,” featuring Buju. Released in 2021, the song garnered over 80 million streams within four months and was hailed as the “song of the summer” in Nigeria. “Feeling” topped local radio charts for eight consecutive weeks, making LADIPOE the first Nigerian rapper to achieve such a feat. This success earned him multiple award nominations, including a BET Award for Best International Flow.
Now, LADIPOE returns with “Hallelujah,” a track that blends his signature introspective lyrics with a smooth, engaging beat. The song opens with a statement of resilience: “Nothing now wey go kill my vibe / All I need is that peace of mind.” It’s a reflection on finding peace and maintaining a positive outlook amidst life’s challenges.
“Hallelujah” also touches on LADIPOE’s journey from adolescence to adulthood. He reflects on the difficulties of growing up and the lessons learned along the way, rapping, “You know what’s really hard about the shift to manhood from adolescence / Is going forward there’ll be harder lessons.”
The song is a nod to LADIPOE’s Nigerian heritage, filled with cultural references and personal anecdotes that ground his music in authenticity. Lines like “A couple hundred milly on the penthouse and now I’m broke again / Ijesa boy needs Ijebu garri to soak again” highlight his connection to his roots and the realities of financial ups and downs.
As he continues to rise, LADIPOE remains a significant figure in the Nigerian music scene, inspiring both fans and fellow artists with his journey.
Stream “Hallelujah” here: