JESSE JAGZ:

Jesse Garba Abaga aka Jesse Jagz is a rapper, hip hop artiste, song writer and producer. Previously a Choco­late City sign-on alongside his brother MI, he pulled out in 2003 to float his own label, Jagz Nation. A Jukun from Taraba State, Jesse was bred in Jos, Plateau State, by his clergy parents and his exposure to the choir early in life influenced his career as a music artiste. After recording a debut but failed album with a group called Gospel Insanity, he formed another group called Eleven Thirty, which became a relative success. In 2004, he collaborated with MI to establish the Inner Hub Studios and in 2006; he went solo and dropped a debut single entitled Africa. That marked the beginning of his suc­cessful career which was followed with various hits like Bend Down Low and My Brother among other chart top­pers. He has won several awards to date.

The Nigerian music industry has produced a plethora of celebrated rap artistes whose works have impacted Africa and beyond. They include the likes of MI, Ruggedman, Eedris Abdulkareem, 9ice and ELDee to mention a few. This week’s Showdown zeroes in on two talented rappers, Jesse Jagz and Vector, as Nigerian rap enthusiasts determine the better of the pair.

VECTOR THA VIPER:

Olanrewaju Ogunmefun aka Vector Tha Viper is an indigene of Ogun State and holds a Bachelors’ degree in Philosophy. He is a singer, songwriter, rapper and hip hop act active since 2008. He has two studio albums to his credit namely State of Surprise and The Second Coming. His interest in hip hop dates back to his early school days at St Gregory’s College, Victoria Island, Lagos. In 1999, he formed a group called Badder Boiz, with his friends, Krystal and Blaze. However, he released his debut single entitled Kilode in February 2010. A follow up single entitled Mary Jane was released two months later and this was followed by his debut album in October of the same year. To date he has won several awards and numerous nominations.

…And the people’s verdict:

I’ll go for Jesse Jagz – Charles Em­manuel, undergraduate

Jesse Jags is more popular and talented compared to Vector. He is also more experi­enced in the art of rapping. I like his single, Redemption, though some people criticized when it was released. Thank God its success has proved that his exit from Chocolate City was actually a redemption move. So, I will go for him.

It’s Jesse Jagz – Jossey Ileomah, civil servant

I think it should go to Jesse Jagz. The fact that he is MI’s brother already gives him an edge over Vector because there is the advan­tage of him sharing ideas and experience with MI. Besides that, Jesse is also a music producer and is in a better position to put up better raps. He is better than Vector as far as I’m concerned.

Both are good artistes –Bridget Young, entrepreneur

Both Jesse and Vector are good. A look at their career profile will show you that both of them have earned several awards and nominations. Apart from that, they have both dropped a number of hits so I think singling out either of them as the better rap­per is not a good idea. We should not create unwarranted rivalry between them.

Vector is cutier than Jesse Jagz –Ye­tunde Adeola, stylist

I find Vector cuter than Jesse Jagz and also find his rap more intersting too. You know, the popular saying has it that ‘the eye sees before the mouth savours.’ It is very true. What I am trying to say is that the fact that I find Vector cuter, everything other thing about him automatically appeals to me; I hope you understand what I am driving at?

They are at par –Oluseyi Adegbesan, businessman

Judging by my rating, Vector and Jesse Jagz are on the same level career-wise. Talk about hit tracks and awards and you would find that they fall within the same rating. However, let us watch Vector because he recently returned to active recording after a long break so he has a chance to prove himself this time round. Maybe, we shall be in better position to pass judgement towards the end of the year.

Give it to Jesse Jagz –Eniola Oy­etunde, undergraduate

Jesse Jagz is my preferred candidate. That is not to say that he is a spectacular rap artiste but when compared with Vector, he is my pick. I don’t really know much about Vector in terms of hip hop or rap and I don’t know of any hit rap song that is credited to him. But in terms of being endowed with talent, they are both gifted and have what it takes to go very far.

I prefer Vector –Abbey Gabriel, under­graduate

I consider Vector a better rapper com­pared to Jesse Jagz because he can switch from slow to fast tempo, something only a few artistes can do. Jesse Jagz cannot do that so I prefer him to Jesse.

Neither is qualified –Idowu Victoria, PR Executive

Neither Jesse Jagz nor Vector is quali­fied to be rated as colourful rappers as far as I am concerned. Moreover, one of the major assets that qualify an artiste to be recognised as a top act is endorsement. Apart from Vector’s voice which was used for a certain long-running Sprite advertisement, both rappers have not at­tracted any juicy endorsement deal so far. However, they are doing their best and will hopefully get there


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VECTOR Tha Viper! Nigeria's JayZ