In 2026, Nigerian hip-hop received a surge of energy sparked by Dremo’s candid freestyle challenge. What began as a personal statement quickly evolved into a nationwide movement.
When Dremo released his freestyle “Man2Man” on January 9, 2026, it served as a moment of honesty and reflection. The rapper used the track to address lingering tensions and personal disputes, aiming to begin the year on a fresh note.
Fans are always intrigued by artists revealing behind-the-scenes drama, and Dremo did not hold back. In his promotional rollout, he referenced his fallout with Oxlade over a woman, called out Olamide for allegedly declining to give him a verse, and spoke about being caught in the middle of the long-running tension between Davido and Wizkid. He also mentioned perceived friction with Odumodublvck, his dispute with BNXN, and revisited his 2024 lyrical attack on Ghanaian rap legend Sarkodie.
“Man2Man” soon became more than just a freestyle. It opened the door for other artists to publicly air their grievances, leading to a viral challenge embraced not only by rappers but also by actors and content creators.
Over the past few weeks, numerous rappers have delivered pointed verses over the instrumental, reigniting rivalries and stirring fresh debates in classic hip-hop fashion. The momentum brought renewed clashes and lyrical exchanges across the scene.
Kabex and Davolee rekindled their long-standing feud, while the duo Ajebo Hustlers traded words with hip-hop veteran Phenom. YCEE and Pryse revisited their lyrical chemistry, and Dan Dizzy showcased his freestyle skills. Rising talents such as Rakeed, Flowolf, Trod, and Kidda also used the platform to voice their thoughts.
Capitalizing on the buzz, Dremo has revealed plans to release a “Man2Man” album. The project will compile standout contributions from the viral challenge and feature 15 artists representing both established names and emerging voices in Nigerian hip-hop.
Artists confirmed for the album include Oladips, Phenom, YCEE, Dan Dizzy, Ajebo Hustlers, Teni, Laime, and Kabex. Rising acts such as Therealbarrylane, Rakeed, Flowolf, Trod, Kapo, Kidda, and Readwon will also appear.
The success of the “Man2Man” challenge has given rappers a spotlight in an industry often dominated by pop-driven sounds. For many artists, it provided a rare opportunity to command mainstream attention through raw lyricism and competitive spirit.
However, questions remain about whether this surge of interest can evolve into sustained support for Nigerian rap or fade as another brief viral moment. Debates about the direction of Nigerian hip-hop continue, especially regarding audience preferences and the tension between traditional purists and more mainstream approaches.
Still, rap battles, diss tracks, and viral freestyles have always been central to hip-hop culture. If history is any indication, moments like “Man2Man” will continue to energize the scene and capture listeners’ attention.
Comments
Axel Bouaziz 5 Aug 2018
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ReplyMegan Fox 28 July 2018
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ReplyMostafa Wahba 10 July 2018
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ReplyZach Roszczewski 15 Jun 2018
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