Celebrity Of The Week: Olanrewaju “Vector” Ogunmefun | @VectorThaViper

Yeah! *removes headphone* I have been listening to much of Drake’s songs lately; it is the month of love—you know—and it will be cool to be part of it… oshamo! Happy Valentine in advance by the way and it is still your day one nigga, Chibuzo “Hugoboss” Nwadike.

I came back from class one hot afternoon and decided to make myself a nice lunch. As I was waiting for my food to get ready, I put on my radio for company. I heard a song playing and was asking myself when Jay-Z dropped the tune that I wasn’t aware, but to my greatest amazement, the voice rapping shouted “OSHAMO” (a Yoruba word which means “You already know”). I was left with the shock of my life until the rapper screamed his name, which I quickly took to Google, and yours truly, he is a Nigerian!

This week has not been a very good one for the adroit rapper after being sued by the record label owner for breach of contract, but #MikellzBluez is using this medium to celebrate him as our Celebrity of the Week… dear readers, I present to you: Olanrewaju David Ogunmefun, who you all know as Vector Tha Viper or VEC.

HIS LIFE

Lanre was born in Ogun State, the fourth of five children. He schooled in Nigeria, attending Command Children School, Ijebu-Ode Grammar School, Government College Victoria Island and Saint Gregory’s College.

He started his journey into hip-hop way back during his junior high in the year 1994. In St. Gregorys College, he was involved in various social activities, many of which he was made to perform from the stage. In 1999, he formed a duo called “Badder Boiz”, and they started writing their own songs, and in the same year went on to start performing at showcases as a trio. And with a joined effort they aimed at selling the underground music to the surface.

They recorded their first demo series in 1999, and kept on going by attending talent showcases. Vector was going towards the direction of an emcee as his ability to freestyle was made known to the other members of the group. As a group of three, consisting of Vector, Krystal and Blaze, they were together until 2004 when Krystal left the group due to irreconcilable differences. Vector then attended the University of Lagos, graduating in 2008 with a Bachelor’s degree in Philosophy.

HIS CAREER

Vector released his first official single “Kilode” featuring Emmsong for the album “State of Surprise” in February 2010. He later released the video for this single in June 2010. His second official single was “Mary Jane” which was released in April of the same year. The album was released on 29 October 2010 and executively produced by Eloka “Culture” Oligbo. It includes 15 songs, Intro and two skits. His album featured the likes of 2Face Idibia, General Pype, Chuddy K, Ade Piper, Emmsong, Sista Soul and with productions from H-Code, Sam Klef, Da Piano, J-Smith, Xela Xelz and Vibez Production… just to name a few.

He also released a video for the song “Get Down” featuring 2Face in June 2011. At the “Nigerian Music Video Awards 2011”, he was then nominated for “Best Mainstream Hip Hop Video”. He was also nominated at the “Nigerian Entertainment Awards 2010” for “Best Collaboration With Vocals” with the track “Champion” in which he was featured in by General Pype.

He has after then done other songs and has been featured in various songs by notable artistes. His two singles “Angeli” featuring 9ice and “Mr. Vector” featuring Jazzy, both produced by Sagzy were released on 19 May 2011 and were on heavy rotation on radio stations around the country. The video for “Angeli” which also features 9ice was released in October, 2011.

Vector released the track “Born Leader” featuring Jamaican international Mavado, who is under DJ Khaled’s “We the Best Music Group”. Born Leader is Vector’s third single off his sophomore album titled, The Second Coming. He also shot the video in Miami Florida at the exclusive G-Five and it was directed by Antwan Smith.

Olanrewaju David Ogunmefun, better known by his stage name Vector Tha Viper, is an outstanding Nigerian hip-hop artist. Vector has released two studio albums, his debut album “State Of Surprise (SOS)” and a follow-up. He is the voice behind the Sprite commercial that has aired on most radio stations across Nigeria since 2009. In anticipation of his second studio album, he released a mix tape titled “Bar Racks” He released his second studio album titled “The Second Coming” on 12 December 2012.

NOW And THEN

Talk about rap in Nigeria, Vector is a sure name that will come to your mind. He started from the streets of Lagos, putting things together … now he is international, making “dope” songs, winning nominations and awards, spitting ill lines and probably providing beefs for those who need them! Vector indeed can be grouped as one of sorely toughest and ‘dopest’ rappers in Africa.

LOOKS WE LOVE

AWARDS And NOMINATIONS

Nominations

Nigerian Entertainment Awards (NEA) 2011: Most Promising Act to Watch

Hip-Hop World Awards (HEADIES) 2011: Lyricist on the Roll

DYNAMIX Youth Awards 2011: Best New Act

Awards

Nigerian Music Video Awards (NMVA) 2012: Best Afro Hip-Hop Video

Hip-Hop World Awards (HEADIES) 2012: Lyricist on the Roll

Hip-Hop World Awards (HEADIES) 2012: Best Rap Single

Nigeria Entertainment Awards (NEA) 2012: Best Rap Act

DYNAMIX Youth Awards 2012: Recognition Award

Nigerian Music Video Awards (NMVA) 2011: Best Mainstream Hip-Hop Video

VECTOR’s BEST

Choosing by his most popular work(s); songs and videos that have won him most awards and nominations, we bring you Vector’s Bests….

Song

Get Down [ft. 2Face]

Video

Angeli [ft. 9ice]

Album

Second Coming

AMAZING FACTS ABOUT VECTOR

Vector is the only rapper that has won the award for the category of “Lyricist on the Roll” (Headies) aside the previous holder Mode 9.

Vector is a Barrack boy.

Vector is a die-hard Arsenal Fan.

Vector has won more awards than Mode 9.

Vector is the Nigerian rapper who uses wordplay the most.

Chibuzo Nwadike | @Iam_SirHugoboss [twitter]

[source: wikipedia]

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