By Osagie Alonge
If one word was to describe eLDee da Don then it would be ‘Evolution’. Over the last 14 years, Lanre Dabiri has registered his presence in the Nigerian music scene, helped birth many careers, blessed us with hit songs, embraced advocacy, and remained relevant all the time. What more can a Don do, you ask?
After forming the rap group Trybesmen which included rappers Kunle ‘Kaboom’ Bello and Mfon ‘Freestyle‘ Essien back in 1998, the Hip-hop trio went on to dominate the Western region with their new style of music – a blend of American hiphop music laced with Nigerian lingo and lore. Their debut ‘Trybal Marks‘ still makes the list of the most influential Hip-hop records ever to come out of Nigeria.
Eventually eLDee being the dreamer he is, began to expand the empire, snatching up upcoming rappers Sasha, Blaise, 2shotz, Dr SID, Timi, olaDELe and Double O. Along with the KB and Free, they formed Da Trybe – A coalition of talents that rode on the success of just one single ‘Oya‘ and a lukewarm album ‘The Big Picture‘.
The assemble was however short-lived as in-house squabbles led to a early and unceremonious separation.
eLDee however emerged as one of the most successful out of the lot, forging on with his Trybe Records label and releasing three albums and a mixtape. (2shotz is the only Da Trybe member who has released more albums, five in number).
Now, he ‘s back with another squad. In an era where power houses like Chocolate City, EME and the Mo’Hits seem to have it on lock, can he and his new gang reclaim the position he once occupied?
MEET DA TRYBE 2.0
‘Trybe records is proud to announce the new roster of artists for 2012 which currently include eLDee, Sheyman, Sarz, K9 and Sojay. Trybe Records is looking to sign on a few more artists before the end of the year and promise to be the team to watch out for in 2012‘, said a press statement made available to NET.
eLDee
The don is vastly experienced in handling a group as it isn’t his first time. With his production skills and business-like attitude, eLDee will guide his new crew to the top.
SHEYMAN
Another experienced producer, Sheyman boasts of production credits for the late Dagrin, Shank, Iyanya, Bouqui amongst others. His hit single ‘Hotter than fire’ brought him to limelight and don’t forget that long-forgotten stint with D’banj. It is expected that eLDee will drop some of the audio duties on his desk.
SOJAY
The young singer emerged winner of eLDee’s Top Talent competition in April 2011. Already featured on eLDee’s single ‘Higher’, Sojay is talented no doubt, and his inclusion as young blood is a plus.
K9
Another bright young chap who followed Sojay closely but ended up in second place at the Top Talent competition. He was also featured on the ‘Higher’ single. K9 a rapper will certainly appeal to the hip-hop fans. Although a rookie, under the tutorship of eLDee, K9’s future looks bright.
Arguably one of the best hip-hop-urban Nigerian producers, Sarz has proven his worth with his production credit working with the likes of Ruggedman (Bangin’), Reminisce (Kako bi chicken), Jah Bless (Joor oh, Joor oh remix), Goldie (Don’t touch my body), eLDee ( Na wash, Today-Today) to mention a few. His input to Da Trybe 2.0 will be quite immense.
8 comments
This is quite an impressive move, We need more of things like this to move the industry forward… Thumbs up Da Don… U’re simply a “pace setter”
Yeah nice crew but i think u are missing some thing out here and i think thats me am the best ES have ever produce check me out dis is my number 08069833628
Good development. Simply impressed.
On point
Good day, my name is john aniehe, aka Stainz, am 20yrs old, am an upcomming artist, i have written and have also recorded songs, am promoting them on air, ray power fm, joy fm etc.
My aim of introducing my self, is becouse, i want to be part of this great movement/ entertainment.
Am a student of enugu state university, 300 level, am making wave in my schl nd town.
If my request is accepted, you can reach me on : johnmaryaniehe@yahoo.com, 2go : anipath1, on twitter: johnmary17, on facebook: john chinedu aniehe. My number 08134628540. Thanks for reading eldee, i love and pray to be part of this honourable crew. You won’t regret signing me. Am the power house in my school, benue, and enugu at large. Pls i don’t want this dream 2 die. I read ur post on twitter. Give me chance nd ur dreams will be fullfiled
long live eldee’s new era, am seeing him climbing on-top and siting on the blue era, don’t touch this crew cus u won’t stop eldee’s era, he has come to take his rightful place in 9ja musical industry, which i can say he formed, and made wat it is now. Long Eldee. Luv ya stainz. Sign me, and you will see the new revolution, am the new revolutionary. Johnmaryaniehe@yahoo.com. 08134628540
I’m kizito by name, a rapper who’s good @ what he does….. Pls is there anyway u could help me get in the music industry cos I knw I’m talented or u could call me up to judge me and know if I’m good or not. My number is 08130959265 and bb pin is 26cc3982
Please sir, make my dreams of becoming an artiste come true and I promise u won’t regret it. Please mr eldee, I know I’m talented. My twitter handle is cjk3000 and fb username is kizito damix ofoegbu. God bless u sir