Olamide – Biography
Olamide
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Olamide
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Olamide performing at the first edition of his OLIC concert
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| Background information | |
| Birth name | Olamide Adedeji |
| Born | 15 March 1989 Bariga, Lagos State, Nigeria |
| Genres | |
| Occupation(s) | |
| Instruments | Vocals |
| Years active | 2011–present |
| Labels | |
| Associated acts | |
| Website | https://www.mrbloaded.com |
Olamide Adedeji (born 15 March 1989), popularly known as Olamide (but popularly called Olamide Baddo or BaddoSneh), is a Nigerian hip hop recording artist. He records in Yoruba, and English. In 2011, he released his debut studio album Rapsodi while signed to Coded Tunes. YBNL, his follow-up album, was released under his label imprint YBNL Nation. The album was supported by the singles “First of All”, “Voice of the St o itreet”, “Stupid Love”, and “Ilefo Illuminati”. On 7 November 2013, he released his third studio album Baddest Guy Ever Liveth. The album’s singles include “Durosoke” and “Yemi My Lover”. On 17 July 2013, Olamide became the first Nigerian to sign an endorsement deal with Cîroc.
Early life and musical beginning
Olamide was born in Bariga, Lagos State on the 15th of March, 1989. He started his career when he released the debut single, “Eni Duro,” in 2010. In 2010, Olamide performed at The Hip Hop World Awards. He studied at Tai Solarin University of Education. In 2011, he released his debut studio album titled Rapsodi.
Music career
He was signed to ID Cabasa’s Coded Tunes record label and was managed by Toni Payne. In 2012, he left Coded Tunes and started his own record label YBNL Nation.
2011:Rapsodi
Olamide’s debut album Rapsodi was released in 2011. Its lead single “Omo To Shan” charted on several radio stations in Lagos and across Nigeria. Olamide’s debut offering led to collaborations with numerous artists, including Wizkid, ID Cabasa, 9ice, Reminisce and D’banj.
2012:YBNL
Olamide’s second studio album YBNL was released in November 2012. Its production was handled by Tyrone (producer), Samklef, 2 Kriss, Pheelz and ID Cabasa. The album features guest appearances from Davido, Tiwa Savage, Kayswitch, Dammy Krane, Reminisce, Samklef, Buckwylla, Minus 2 and Base One. It was supported by the singles “Ilefo Illuminati”, “First of All”, “Stupid Love” and “Voice of the Street”.
2013:” Baddest Guy Ever Liveth”
Baddest Guy Ever Liveth (abbreviated as BGEL) is Olamide’s third Studio Album. It was released on November 7, 2013, by YBNL Nation. Olamide recorded the album between 2012 and 2013 and enlisted Pheelz, Buckwyla, Ketchup, Ice Prince, Pepenazi, Endia, Viktoh, B.Banks, Phyno, Pele Pele and Bez to appear as guest artists on it. The album was produced entirely by Pheelz, except for the thirteenth track “Sitting on the Throne”.
Baddest Guy Ever Liveth was supported by four singles: “Durosoke“, “Turn Up”, “Yemi My Lover” and “Eleda Mi O”. Premium Times newspaper included the album on its list of the 5 yet to be released Nigerian albums of 2013. It was ranked 12th on Afrikka Radio’s list of the top 12 best Nigerian albums of 2013. Baddest Guy Ever Liveth won Best Album of the Year at the 2014 Nigeria Entertainment Awards, and was nominated for Rap Album of the Year at the 2014 City People Entertainment Awards. It won Best Rap Album and Album of the Year at The Headies 2014.
2014:”Street OT”
On November 14, 2014, Olamide released his fourth album Street OT through YBNL Nation. The album is a follow up to his 2013 Baddest Guy Ever Liveth album. Preceded by the singles titled “Story For The Gods” and “Goons Mi”, Street OT features guest appearances from Pasuma, Lil Kesh, Chinko Ekun, Phyno, Don Jazzy, and Reminisce. Its production was handled by Pheelz, B-Banks and Young Jonn. The ideology of the title of the album is to glorify and show his love for the “streets”, a word with which Olamide is synanimous with.
2015:” 2 Kings”
Olamide collaborated with Phyno in 2015 to release 2 Kings. It was released through Cloud 9 and the iTunes Store with little announcement on 1 April 2015, by Penthauze Music and YBNL Nation. The album features collaborations with producers and guest artists such as Wizkid, Lil Kesh, Storm Rex, Pheelz, Major Bangz, B.Banks and Young John. Prior to recording the album, Olamide and Phyno frequently collaborated with each other on several songs, including “Ghost Mode” and “Dope Money”. The album produced the singles “Une” and “Confam Ni”, both of which were released in the months leading to the album’s release.
2015:”Eyan Mayweather”
Olamide’s fifth studio album Eyan Mayweather was released on 23 November 2015. Released through YBNL Nation with studio production from Pheelz, Young Jonn, B Banks and I.D. Cabasa, Eyan Mayweather is the follow up to 2 Kings, a collaborative album by Olamide and Phyno. The album boasted of having 21 tracks with no single feature.
2016:”The Glory”
The Glory, Olamide’s sixth studio album, was released on 23 December 2016. Released through YBNL Nation with studio production from Pheelz. The Album contains 16 back to back track with features from your favourite artistes like Phyno, Wande Coal, Burna Boy, Akuchi and Davolee. The Glory is the follow up to Eyan Mayweather….
Improbable record deal with DB records
In May 2013, it was reported that Olamide signed a record deal with DB Records. Olamide took to Twitter to debunk the reports. In an interview with Toolz on NdaniTV’s The Juice, he said that it is too late for anyone to sign him.
Joint Venture Deal With EMPIRE
Olamide revealed to the public on 18th of February, 2020 that his record label, YBNL Nation has signed a Joint Venture deal with international distribution company , Empire. He further stated that Fireboy DML, and any new artiste signed to YBNL Nation will join him to benefit from the deal.
2020:”999 EP”
On 10th of February, 2020 Olamide released a surprise and his ninth studio album Titled 999. It had nine songs on it. Its production was handled mainly by Pheelz. It had guest appearances by Phyno, Maximilliano (Olamide’s Son) and others.
The EP received average review from music critics, most critics credited Olamide for doing almost 100% rap project after staying off rap for quite a number of years but emphasis was pointed at the fact that the project won’t survive the test of time.
Tooxclusive rated the project 6/10 while Molotani Alake of Pulse TV gave a 5.5/10 review. Some of the songs include No Time, Warlords,Billion Talk, Mojo and others.
Discography
Studio albums
- Rapsodi (2011)
- YBNL (2012)
- Baddest Guy Ever Liveth (2013)
- Street OT (2014)
- Eyan Mayweather (2015)
- 2 Kings (2015)
- The Glory (2016)
- Lagos Nawa (2017)
- Double 2019
- 999 (2020)
Collaborative albums and EPs
- 2 Kings (with Phyno) (2015)
- YBNL Mafia Family (2018)
- 999 (EP) (2020)
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