Rolling Stone lists Blaqbonez among 50 innovators shaping rap’s future

Rolling Stone, the US magazine, has listed Blaqbonez, the Nigerian rapper, among the 50 innovators shaping rap’s future.

The list was unveiled over the weekend with Blaqbonez being the only Nigerian rapper included.

In the piece, Rolling Stone commended the rapper’s boldness in proclaiming himself the “best rapper in Africa”.

The magazine also lauded Blaqbonez’s commitment to his craft and lyrical dexterity, which he showcases both within the recording booth and on social media.

“Blaqbonez has been declaring himself the ‘best rapper in Africa’ for nearly as long as he’s been rapping publicly,” Rolling Stones wrote.

“We’re not weighing in on that Best Rapper in Africa title, but Blaqbonez’s willingness to declare it,

“His unflinching drive to live up to it, and the skill of his execution — be it in the blazing booth or cracking jokes on social media — is why we are not mad at it.”

Other rappers who made the list include JAE5, Lola Brooke, Ice Spice, Saucy Santana, Alchemist and Danny G Beats.

Born Emeka Akumefule, Blaqbonez’s breakout moment arrived with the release of ‘Bad Boy Blaq’, his debut studio album, in 2018.

His 2021 album ‘Sex Over Love’ has continued to enjoy positive reception from music lovers as he maintains his trajectory in the entertainment industry with several hit projects.

Last year, the rapper made his directorial debut.

In May, he collaborated with American rapper Ludacris on his single titled ‘Cinderella Girl’.