Motolani Alake

Album Title: Hear Me Out

Date of Release: February 19, 2021

Producers: Pheelz

Length:&nbsp;5 songs, 13 minutes

Details/Takeaway:&nbsp;On his Instagram page, Pheelz wrote that, "[I've] Been consistent on these stairs over the years. Finally I’m so proud to announce my first EP."

You can play the EP <a href="https://l.instagram.com/?u=https%3A%2F%2Fpheelz.lnk.to%2FHearMeOut&amp;e=ATPfk3h6k4EhoiEdcjTojInj63MOvrOWzJ2q76BU_U7F3Ciw0VEKCYqwsR638teKKxjvXgj-sRdCCPK3bvPebA&amp;s=1">HERE.</a>

Pheelz releases new EP, 'Hear Me Out.' (Instagram/PheelzMrProducer)

His first EP is a solo act.

Pheelz releases new EP, 'Hear Me Out'

<h1>If Nigerian music had an amazing year in terms of productivity, mass, acclaim and growth, then a lot of that is down to the regulators of equalizers, sounds, strings, kicks, hi-hats, toms, vocoders and BPMs in the studio.&nbsp;</h1>

It is through their art that great art is possible. In their craft lies the beauty on which great music is created. They are as important or even more important than artists in the creative process. We have seen random beats go on to become hits, A Capella seldom produces hits - even Ambient records don’t.&nbsp;

At the end of an amazing year, Pulse Nigeria wants to recognize the top 10 Nigerian producers of 2020.

<h3>Here is the criteria for our selection;</h3>

<ol><li>Year in review: December 2019 - November 30, 2020</li><li>Producers of more than two popular songs during the year in review or producers of 60% of at least two popular critically-acclaimed bodies of work during the year in review.&nbsp;</li><li>Producers who made at least 60% of any album during the year in review also have an added advantage.&nbsp;</li></ol>

Cracker Mallo&nbsp;

Magic Sticks&nbsp;

<h3>Without ado, here is Pulse Nigeria’s list of the top 10 Nigerian albums of 2020;</h3>

Notable singles: ‘Koroba’ by Tiwa Savage, ‘Ginger Me’ by Rema

Like Mansa Jabulani and Telz, London is here on the strength of singles. He also produced ‘Temptation’ for Tiwa Savage, ‘Mystery Girl’ for Johnny Drille and ‘Do Me’ for Crayon.&nbsp;

In addition, he produced ‘Gyrate’ on Wizkid’s album, <a href="https://www.pulse.ng/entertainment/music/wizkid-made-in-lagos-album-review/8cpg1kd">Made In Lagos</a>.&nbsp;

Notable Singles: ‘Wonderful’ By Burna Boy, ‘Abule’ by Patoranking&nbsp;

During the year-in-review, Telz has gone from a Patoraking’s protege to a potential recipient of a Grammy certificate. He also produced ‘Do Me’ and ‘Mon Bebe’ on Patoranking’s album, <a href="https://www.pulse.ng/entertainment/music/patoranking-three-album-review-tiwa-savage-flavour-sauti-sol-and-king-promise-feature/r78hsyp">Three. </a>He then produced ‘Gboju’ for Remy Baggins off <a href="https://www.pulse.ng/entertainment/music/remy-baggins-amaterasu-ep-review-psycho-yp-mojo-marv-otm-veen-kiienka-boogey-and/gtnqj2m">Amaterasu </a>and ‘Wetin You Smoke’ off Prettyboy D-O’s album, <a href="https://www.pulse.ng/entertainment/music/prettyboy-d-o-wildfire-album-review-olamide-wani-tim-lyre-and-solana-feature/rk9zcpr">Wildfire</a>.’

Tag: If it’s Spax, then it gotta be… or Classic

Notable Singles: ‘Away’ by Oxlade, ‘Do Me Nice’ by Show Dem Camp, ‘Puttin’ by Tekno, ‘BBC’ by Blaqbonez

Spax closed 2019 with another impressive work on <a href="https://www.pulse.ng/entertainment/music/show-dem-camp-the-palmwine-express-album-review-burna-boy-moelogo-boj-feature/bmz55wc">Palmwine Express </a>by Show Dem Camp. In 2020, he’s broken free straight into the pop/mainstream with singles for Tekno and Oxlade. He also produced on Wurld’s EP, <a href="https://www.pulse.ng/entertainment/music/ep-review-wurld-afrosoul/n1qzngy">Afrosoul</a>, <a href="https://www.pulse.ng/entertainment/music/tems-for-broken-ears-ep-review/yw7eqz8">For Broken Ears</a> by Tems, <a href="https://www.pulse.ng/entertainment/music/moelogo-me-ep-review/j73spkz">ME</a> by Moelogo and <a href="https://www.pulse.ng/entertainment/music/tekno-old-romance-album-review/lx3x4wf">Old Romance</a> for Tekno.&nbsp;

Tag: Mansa Jabulani

Notable Singles: ‘Of Lay Lay’ by Rahman Jago, ‘If No Be You’ by Jamopyper.&nbsp;

Mansaa Jabulani is often overlooked, but this year he produced 60% of Zlatan’s EP, <a href="https://www.pulse.ng/entertainment/music/zlatan-releases-new-ep-road-to-cdk-review/0llnyf8">Road To CDK.</a> On the EP, there were popular singles like ‘The Matter’ and the title-track. He then produced a new single for Oberz.&nbsp;

Notable singles: ‘Betty Butter’ by Mayorkun, ‘Jowo’ by Davido

First off, he was Executive Producer of Davido’s <a href="https://www.pulse.ng/entertainment/music/davido-a-better-time-album-review/dypcbde#:~:text=On%20'Heaven'%20Davido%20produces%20a,Bubblegum%20pop%20fee%20is%20amazing.">A Better Time</a>. He also produced ‘Park Well’ for Tiwa Savage amongst other singles.&nbsp;

BeatsByJayy is not here on the strength of singles, instead he’s here on the strength of albums. This year alone, he produced 60% or more of the following albums: <a href="https://www.pulse.ng/entertainment/music/mi-abaga-judah-the-ep-ep-review/t6hzwfs">Judah EP</a> for MI Abaga, <a href="https://www.pulse.ng/entertainment/music/aq-gods-engineering-album-review-mi-abaga-oxlade-tomi-thomas-feature/vq1qyxl">God’s Engineering</a> for AQ, <a href="https://www.pulse.ng/entertainment/music/mi-abaga-and-aq-the-live-report-ep-review/ys93hpx">The Live Report</a> for MI Abaga and AQ and <a href="https://www.pulse.ng/entertainment/music/big-daddy-jayy-jaynius-ep-review-buju-features/ff0dl6f">Jaynius </a>for himself as Big Daddy Jayy.

He also produced on critically acclaimed albums like <a href="https://www.pulse.ng/entertainment/music/illbliss-illychapox-album-review/pwqlxt5">IllyChapoX</a> for iLLBliss and <a href="https://www.pulse.ng/entertainment/music/teeto-ceemos-verses-after-dark-album-review/b8gzzsp">Verses After Dark</a> for Teeto Ceemos. In addition, he also produced all the beats for the viral Monster Verse Challenge.&nbsp;

Notable Singles: ‘Bad Influence’ for Omah Lay, ‘Lo Lo’ for Omah Lay

Some producers are more popular than others, but this choice is easy to overlook. Nonetheless, we shall not overlook it. This year alone, Omah Lay produced ‘Bad Influence,’ ‘Lo Lo’ and ‘Confession’ for himself. That’s not very far off Tempo who only made notable mentions but produced ‘Love Nwantiti’ for Ckay and ‘Godly’ for Omah Lay.&nbsp;

However, those two Tempoe-produced songs are neither ‘Bad Influence’ nor ‘Lo Lo,’ and ‘Godly’ has sadly not peaked.&nbsp;

Tags: Yo Rexxie pon this one!&nbsp;

Notable Singles: ‘Aye’ for Naira Marley, ‘As E Dey Go’ for Naira Marley&nbsp;

Last year’s contender for producer of the year has returned for another spell at the top of the pile. This year, he produced all of Naira Marley’s smash hit singles that the Nigerian mainstream dines off. All of those songs have been some of the biggest songs on YouTube Main, Nigeria’s largest streaming platform.&nbsp;

He also produced his own EP and Naira Marley’s EP,<a href="https://www.pulse.ng/entertainment/music/naira-marley-lord-of-lamba-lol-album-review/by6z66n"> Lord of Lamba,</a> ‘Bebo’ on Grammy-nominated Burna Boy album, <a href="https://www.pulse.ng/entertainment/music/burna-boy-twice-as-tall-album-review-sauti-sol-diddy-youssou-ndour-stormzy-chris/hxbfrgt">Twice As Tall</a> as well as ‘Cincinnati’ for Governor of Africa and Peruzzi, ‘Morire’ for Korede Bello and ‘Ole’ for Tiwa Savage. He then produced records for <a href="https://www.pulse.ng/entertainment/music/review-mohbad-light-ep/qhjgb5t">Mohbad</a>, Sarkodie, C Blvck and more.&nbsp;

Notable Singles: ‘Loading’ by Olamide, ‘Infinity’ by Olamide

He produced tracks 1, 2 and 7 on The Basement Gig album. He also produced over 60% of Olamide’s critically acclaimed and commercially successful album, <a href="https://www.pulse.ng/entertainment/music/olamide-carpe-diem-album-review/mz3qp97">Carpe Diem</a>. He produced ‘Shomo,’ ‘Unripe Paw Paw,’ ‘Aki and Paw Paw’ and ‘Lagos Anthem’ for Zlatan.&nbsp;

He produced ‘God Only Knows’ on Fireboy’s Apollo, one song on Cuppy’s album, <a href="https://www.pulse.ng/entertainment/music/cuppy-original-copy-album-review-teni-fireboy-ycee-rema-darkoo-and-more-feature/vmh9wfz">Original Copy</a> and ‘Southy Love’ for Peruzzi and Fireboy.&nbsp;

Tag: Rih! Riddimacoolayor!

Notable Singles: ‘Jore’ by Adekunle Gold and Kizz Daniel, ‘Naughty Girl’ by Wande Coal

First off, he produced 60% or more of Apollo, <a href="https://www.pulse.ng/entertainment/music/darey-way-home-ep-review-teni-and-patoranking-feature/z3mqzcm">Way Home</a> for Darey and <a href="https://www.pulse.ng/entertainment/music/olamide-999-ep-album-review/5ld4d1c">999 EP</a> for Olamide. He also produced multiple songs on each of <a href="https://www.pulse.ng/entertainment/music/tiwa-savage-celia-album-review-davido-naira-marley-stefflon-don-dice-ailes-and-more/dde0y8g">Celia</a> by Tiwa Savage and <a href="https://www.pulse.ng/entertainment/music/album-review-adekunle-gold-afro-pop-vol-1-read/gzjbcec">Afro pop Vol. 1</a> by Adekunle Gold as well as one song on each of <a href="https://www.pulse.ng/entertainment/music/album-review-adekunle-gold-afro-pop-vol-1-read/gzjbcec">Ecstasy</a> by Lil Kesh and Carpe Diem by Olamide.&nbsp;

On 999 EP, he produced a large chunk. The man is firmly in the realms of the greatest Nigerian producers since 1999. In fact, he should be in the top three right now. His catalogue speaks for itself.&nbsp;

Here are the top 10 Nigerian producers of 2020. (Pulse Nigeria)

At the end of an amazing year, Pulse Nigeria wants to recognize the top 10 Nigerian producers of 2020.

Here are the top 10 Nigerian producers of 2020 [Pulse Picks 2020]

<h1>Olamide Baddo isn’t a stranger to anybody, but his reclusiveness is as popular as his success in his illustrious career. As an oft-criticized and analyzed rapper, he sees it all but seldom replies. He’s like the social media user who never sees a reason to engage in anything that will adversely affect his life.&nbsp;</h1>

But more importantly, he appreciates praise and criticism in equal measure. To him, it is hard to have one without the other. He also feels like it is unreasonable to expect one all the time without expecting the other because human beings are complex characters and you can’t&nbsp;predict how a human will behave in the next minute.

“I saw your review [on Pulse] as well. I know a lot of people think I don’t see many things, but just know that I appreciate genuine people and constructive criticism,” he calmly says while sitting on a stool and facing the camera. “I never have issues when people criticize my stuff and that’s why I don’t go crazy online.”&nbsp;

“You guys are some of the few people in the industry who try to balance views. There are times when artists deserve criticism - trust me, we know,” he continued. “But when artists do well, they deserve to hear it. Most of the time, all I get is criticism [laughs] and I got used to that. So when I saw that review and it was positive, it felt good and surprising - I’m not used to hearing it [laughs]. That’s why I said I appreciate and respect that, you know.”

He was honest and open throughout this conversation. He also got on the interview five minutes early. A few weeks earlier, he had released Carpe Diem, but the release coincided with EndSARS protests.&nbsp;

“We had to slow down promotional processes, obviously. It was an issue that concerned all of us as Nigerians. If we don’t fight for what’s right, nobody will fight for us,” he says. “Like I said, I would have joined the protests, but I wasn’t in the country at the time. But shout-out to my team, we still did great.”

ALSO READ: <a href="https://www.pulse.ng/entertainment/music/olamide-carpe-diem-album-review/mz3qp97">Olamide - Carpe Diem [Album Review]</a>

Yes, they did. Despite the protests, Turntable Charts reports that ‘Carpe Diem’ recorded the second-biggest opening week of 2020 after Burna Boy’s <a href="https://www.pulse.ng/entertainment/music/burna-boy-twice-as-tall-album-review-sauti-sol-diddy-youssou-ndour-stormzy-chris/hxbfrgt">Twice As Tall.</a>&nbsp;

When he was creating the album, he wasn’t creating it for hits. On that he says, “If it’s not Jay Z or PartyNextDoor, Fireboy or Drake, I get tired of albums these days. So, I have loads of playlists that I listen to on my phone and I just wanted to give people a feel of that diversity - maybe not exactly recreate the sound though.&nbsp;

“The album is basically a playlist… [smiles] I wasn’t even trying to be Olamide Baddo on it… I just wanted people to listen regardless of who it was and I just hope people listen to it like that.”&nbsp;

The album title originates from Olamide’s state of mind at this time.&nbsp;

On the album opener, Olamide sang that he was on another level. As a certified legend of Nigerian music, it was only a valid statement to make. In his words, “If I’m being honest, my state of mind is that I’ve been there, done that. All I’m praying for is God’s grace for a long life to enjoy all I’ve worked for [laughs].”

“If it’s the art itself, I’ve conquered that church music, rap, commercial music, street music… But because I’m adventurous by nature, I always want to try new things,” he enthused. “I’m not in competition with anybody, I just want to get better as a person and artist. Life itself is a school - a university, if we’re being honest [laughs] and it’s all about learning and that’s the level.”

For him, he wasn’t really bragging on the song, he was merely speaking about his state of mind.&nbsp;

He says, “If you know the people who truly know, they will tell you that they know nothing at all. So, what is it that I’ve done that nobody has done? Why should I feel like the king of the world. As much as in my mind, I know that I’ve done great things, I don’t want to sit on my hands and talent.”

<h2>Carpe Diem: Constant evolution and P-Prime</h2>

What drives Baddo is his passion for music. He says, “Before the money, it was just the passion. It’s just like all those street bros back then. Even if they were working in the bank, they would still come back to play football with us on the street.

"For me, the music is like that. But instead of going back to play football on the streets, I can’t leave the music alone. Even if I didn’t make it, I would still be making music.”&nbsp;&nbsp;

Olamide wants to constantly evolve and improve. That’s one of the reasons why he’s learning music production and fine-tuning his production skills at 31. While Olamide had production credits on Lagos Nawa, he’s doesn't want to stagnate.

In fact, this version of ‘Carpe Diem’ is the second version. The first version had a few Baddo-produced songs. But because he didn’t feel “100” about some melodies, lines or hooks, they had to be cut or reworked.&nbsp;Those issues have since been fixed and he says we will get some of two or three of those songs on his next album.&nbsp;

On the sound of those songs produced by him, he says, “Some of those songs sound like ‘Green Light’ because that’s what I was working on before P-Priime sent me beats. I was like, ‘Guy, how you take know my state of mind?’ I was shocked because it was too accurate. Maybe he read my mind, I still don’t know [laughs]. But he made it easier to work with him.”

Olamide met P-Prime through his Content Manager. And at the time, he didn’t realize that P-Priime was just 18-years-old but he’d heard works like ‘Like I Do’ - which P-Priime produced for Fireboy, off the <a href="https://www.pulse.ng/entertainment/music/fireboy-laughter-tears-and-goosebumps-album-review/w6devcw">Laughter, Tears and Goosebumps</a> album. He just wanted to meet the producer and it happened.&nbsp;

The result of that meeting means that P-Priime produced the majority of ‘Carpe Diem.’ This was also the second Olamide album - after Rapsodi [mostly produced by ID Cabasa] - to not be significantly produced by Pheelz.&nbsp;

Olamide recently released a video for ‘Triumphant’ featuring Bella Shmurda, but that’s only one of the most exciting parts of a song which is one of the most loaded Olamide songs ever. He spoke about how weed and changing his hair colour helped him through frustration and how he lost his parents just as he started making money - among other things.&nbsp;

But to him, that’s just one shade to him. He didn’t plan to say all those things, he just felt the need to let people know that everyone has gone through things.&nbsp;

“I think the way men are nurtured in our society, expressing emotion is not encouraged. I just felt like those things had to be said, you know,” he says. “I was just like let’s use this ‘Carpe Diem’ album to show that side that people had seen on records like ‘Melo Melo,’ ‘Rich and Famous’ and the likes. Everything you heard on that song is true - every word of it is just real life.”&nbsp;

“And you know what’s funny, the original version of ‘Carpe Diem’ had a lot of songs like that. We just chose to filter them [laughs]. Maybe una for don dey ask wetin do Baddo now [laughs],” he continues. “I also didn’t want anybody to think that I was trying to pander or look for pity. Maybe it was just that upbringing that was acting in me again, you know [laughs].”

As Bella Shmurda sang on his hook for the song, people doubted him. He says, "It will always happen and you can't avoid that because it's just life. When you hit a height, people want you to evolve so their thoughts become some of those things... But here we are eating good."

<h2>Throwback: Olamide Adedeji finds music&nbsp;</h2>

Olamide grew up around music, so it was easy to develop a love for it. He says, “My parents loved music a lot. My popsy was steady blasting it [laughs]; Barrister, Obey, Sunny Ade and all that. Then, our neighbours attended different churches, but they were all members of the choir, I swear [laughs]. Till today, I don’t understand how that was possible [laughs].”&nbsp;

Everyday in Olamide’s childhood surrounding was like a choir session. Then around ‘97/’98, a young Olamide found Hip-Hop through his step-brother who was obsessed with Mystikal.&nbsp;

“I don’t even know how [laughs]. I used to watch [my step-brother] do freestyle raps and all that, but I didn’t really connect with the whole Hip-Hop thing at first. It was the idea of music that got me.” He says. “I was so particular about the music that I asked my neighbours who were in the choir to teach me solfa and I took classes for some months in ‘99/2000.”

That’s why all his albums have elements of Church music. On ‘Carpe Diem,’ the church element came on ‘Do Better.’&nbsp;

He continues, “I’ve been lucky that all my producers also come from church backgrounds; from Cabasa to Pheelz to P-Priime… I never have to tell them, they just churn it out without knowing. There’s a way life helps you to [recreate] what you’ve ingested. Not like food sha [laughs], but you get it.”

<h2>Throwback: Olamide meets ID Cabasa</h2>

In 2005, a 16-year-old Olamide and his rap group, Naughty Pound recorded a song produced by Lord of Ajasa. But at the time, Ajasa had released his debut album and was finding success so he didn’t have time to help Naughty Pound master the record. He then linked the rap group up with ID Cabasa.&nbsp;

Olamide says, “You know what’s funny? By the time we linked up with ID Cabasa, omo we don burn all the data and cash wey we suppose use master record [laughs hard].”&nbsp;

<h2>Throwback: The switch from English to Yoruba&nbsp;</h2>

At the time, Olamide was still rapping in English. But just before he was about to join Coded Tunes alongside Kayefi, he switched to rapping in Yoruba.&nbsp;

While looking giddy, he reminisces, “I was inspired by the Akoka guys, man [laughs like a child]. They were so good and they were creating their own rules, man. From Ruggedman, to Lord of Ajasa to Freestyle and all of them. I was always around Akoka a lot at the time because of studio sessions. I would see them rap in Yoruba, Pidgin and any language they felt liked.&nbsp;I thought it was so cool [laughs].

"At that point, I knew that I didn’t want to do anything besides the music. So I thought to myself [describes with his hands], ‘If I want to do this music, how do I service it in the right way that my people will understand and enjoy it?’ I think this is what made me decide to switch from rapping in English to rapping in Yoruba.”

This was also the rationale that made Olamide switch from rapping to singing. According to him, it’s all about exhausting all means of creativity and expression. He says, “There are absolutely no limits. People will say things, at first but you have to make it work.”

Through Cabasa, he met Pheelz who became his trusted comrade on the board and has since blossomed into one of Nigeria’s greatest and most versatile music producers ever.&nbsp;

This is the end of part one. <a href="https://www.pulse.ng/entertainment/music/olamide-tells-pulse-about-ybnl-nation-pressures-of-fame-unreleased-wonma-video-and/9lq9w4v">The second part</a> contains stories from the two waves of YBNL Nation, why he made ‘999 EP,’ his lessons from the EP and more.&nbsp;

Pulse Interview: The constant evolution of a legend. (Instagram/Olamide)

Olamide speaks about 'Carpe Diem,' mental health, toxic masculinity, P-Priime, his beginnings and so forth

Olamide: The constant evolution of a layered legend (Part 1) [Pulse Interview]

<h1>On August 11, 2020, Darey [Art Alade] announced the pre-save link of his new single, 'Jah Guide Me.' The song will be released on August 14, 2020. </h1>

<div class="embed"><blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><a href="https://t.co/aLcGfVvLMr">https://t.co/aLcGfVvLMr</a>&mdash; Darey Art Alade (@dareynow) <a href="https://twitter.com/dareynow/status/1293141121779064832?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 11, 2020</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

</div>

It will be Darey's first single in a number of years. The Livespot boss wrote on his Instagram page that, "Just like many of you, 2020 has so far, brought a handful of uncertainties my way. But the fact is that God isn't surprised. So I guess it's up to all of us to submit and be led.... #JahGuideMe #Aug14 LINK IN BIO TO PRE-ORDER."

The single will come with a beautiful video, brimming with vibrant lustre and great scenes. The song is produced by hitmaker, Pheelz. Can somebody say, 'RIH!'

You can pre-save the single <a href="https://l.instagram.com/?u=https%3A%2F%2Fdarey.ffm.to%2Fjahguideme&amp;e=ATNycK8mCAtaj6_uA-K22_XI8Hkg-i8bmpPRKCqL59fR7d5F_7fTc4fZRYcmrqJgLSZ6tWUxx7hsjuuiiLz7fQ&amp;s=1">HERE.</a>

Alade is the chief creative director at Livespot360 [Instagram/DareyDarey]

The single will come with a beautiful video, brimming with vibrant lustre and great scenes.

Darey announces new single, 'Jah Guide Me'

Date: July 10, 2020

Song Title: Afrobeats To The World

Artist: Energy Gad featuring Olamide and Pepenazi

Video Director: TBA

Details/Takeaway: The song celebrates 'Afrobeats To The World' movement and features Do2dtun's brother, Pepenazi.

Olamide and Pepenazi feature on 'Afrobeats To The World' by Do2dtun.' (Energy Gad)

The song celebrates 'Afrobeats To The World' movement and features Do2dtun's brother, Pepenazi.

Olamide and Pepenazi feature on 'Afrobeats To The World' by Do2dtun'

<h1>At 10 pm on April 1, 2020, Nigerian producers Pheelz and Masterkraft engaged in the second 'Battle of Hits.' At its height, they had 28.5k viewers and played a total of 68 songs. The first was between Sarz and Shizzi who nominated Pheelz to face Masterkraft as one of two battles. </h1>

ALSO READ: <a href="https://www.pulse.ng/entertainment/music/olamide-fireboy-wizkid-flavour-dominated-masterkrafts-and-pheelzs-battle-of-hits/ep6q420">Battle of Hits II: Masterkraft and Pheelz serve up a dramatic night [Review]</a>

As the event which went on, Masterkraft abruptly ended the event around 1:13 am on April 2, 2020. He was playing Vector's 'Alaye Jor Jor Jor,' when he suddenly said, "Goodnight everybody." The event ended abruptly and people wondered why it had to end that suddenly.

<div class="embed"><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">CDQ took the words right out of my mouth <a href="https://t.co/zLt2Gwcjnz">pic.twitter.com/zLt2Gwcjnz</a>&mdash; Big Daddy✨ (@dharmieKING) <a href="https://twitter.com/dharmieKING/status/1245512169103536129?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 2, 2020</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

</div>

However, rapper and frequent Masterkraft collaborator, CDQ has since revealed the reason. On his Instagram story, he wrote that, "You wanna know why @masterkraft_ left that video already *chef emoji*, (it was) cos Pheelz was getting emotional and rude already and taking things too personal with his alterations (utteration) . But the cup don full, na why Masterkraft comot, say e get no point to dey follow am prove. Shikena."

Masterkraft produced two of the biggest hits of CDQ's career. Those are 'Nowo E Soke' featuring Wizkid and 'Indomie (Remix)' featuring Olamide. This issue is complicated because Olamide is close to Pheelz and during the Instagram Live session earlier today, Masterkraft revealed that, "Olamide changed my life. Anything he touches turns to gold."

<h2>You might remember that Pulse Nigeria reported the events of their Battle of Hits thus... </h2>

The event lasted a non-concurrent two hours and 13 minutes. It withstood the crash of Instagram Live and survived three breaks to achieve what it did. Asides that, it also had to survive Pheelz's hot-blooded and slightly insecure nature that came with underhanded statements and blatant disrespect towards Masterkraft.

At the start, Pheelz was dropping the hits like he did throughout the event. However, based on this writer's opinion; a lot of people didn't realize the OG Masterkraft was before 10 pm on April 2, 2020. So, when he started playing songs and didn't stop, they got shocked by his discography and his range.

Then, the surprise birthed shock value and the viewers elevated Masterkraft. Pheelz was still playing bangers at the time, but they judged Pheelz for mostly playing Olamide's songs. Mind you while Masterkraft was showcasing the density of his range, his versatility and experience as regards working with different artists, Pheelz was still playing hits - sometimes bigger hits than Masterkraft's.

<div class="embed"><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">Pheelz we are begging you. Olamide will have sore throat plis&mdash; Jola (@Jollz) <a href="https://twitter.com/Jollz/status/1245477195054813184?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 1, 2020</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

</div>

However, the comments on the Instagram Live feed changed - people started hailing Masterkraft. Presumably, because Pheelz could read the comments, his countenance changed. He grew aloff to everything Masterkraft was doing and used a cold shoulder to shrug off Masterkraft's attempts at camaraderie.

He did not just become rude, he became passively disrespectful. He failed to see what was afoot - an event that was bigger than both of the producers slugging it out in a sonic mud fight. Nonetheless, Masterkraft doused the situation with his experience and naturally calm demeanour. He became a troll and made fun of the situation till Pheelz finally calmed down.

Then, something dramatic happened; Masterkraft played Phyno's 2016 smash hit, 'Fada Fada.' When he stopped, Pheelz intimated that he was robbed of a co-production credit for the song. That was when Masterkraft got dismissive and revealed that Pheelz only offered backing vocals for Olamide - nothing more. Something tells this writer that the drama isn't over yet.

The drama went on, but Masterkraft played it cool and even played the piano to one of Pheelz's songs.

Battle of The Hits II: Masterkraft and Pheelz serve up a dramatic night . (Bullet)

Masterkraft produced two of the biggest hits of CDQ's career. Those are 'Nowo E Soke' featuring Wizkid and 'Indomie (Remix)' featuring Olamide.

'Pheelz was getting emotional and rude,' CDQ reveals why Masterkraft abruptly left 'Battle of Hits' yesterday

<h1>On April 1, 2020, Nigerian producers Masterkraft and Pheelz served up the second edition of the Instagram Live Session-based battle of the hits between Nigerian producers. The first edition saw Sarz and Shizzi play their hits - about 83 songs in total - before a live viewership of 22.2k.</h1>

On the night, Masterkraft and Pheelz attracted a peak viewership of 28.5k and they played a total of 68 songs. The night was stop-start and filled with drama, but it was another important moment to celebrate Nigerian producers.

Known music industry figures who viewed the live session include,, MI Abaga, Ozedikus, Ovie O, Peruzzi, Sarkodie, Adekunle Gold, Tuzibeatz, Tunex, Krizbeatz, Rexxie Vector, Oxlade, Broda Shaggi and more. Here are all the songs Pheelz and Masterkraft played;

<ol><li>The first song - which I missed</li><li>Sound Sultan and Banky W - Very Good Bad Guy</li><li>Jaywon - Filebe</li><li>Mayorkun - Sade</li><li>Pulse featuring Busta Rhymes - Sotay (Remix)</li><li>Banky W and Skales - Can't Stop Me Now</li><li>Bracket featuring Wizkid - Girl</li><li>Jaywon - Facebook Love</li><li>Jaywon and Goldie - Jawo Jawo</li><li>Timaya Ukwu</li><li>Flavour and Wande Coal - Wake Up</li><li>Lynxx and Wizkid - Fine Lady</li><li>Wizkid - No Lele</li><li>Phyno - Obiagu</li><li>Timaya - Bam Bam</li><li>DJ Xclusive and Wizkid - Jeje</li><li>Masterkraft and Wizkid - Odor</li><li>Kizz Daniel - Sin City</li><li>Chidinma - Fallen In Love</li><li>Larry Gaaga, CDQ and Olamide - Shawa Shawa</li><li>Masterkraft, Sarkodie and Flavour - Finally</li><li>Phyno and Olamide - Fada Fada</li><li>Flavour and Seima G. Weisah - Most High</li><li>Phyno, Burna Boy and MI Abaga - Link Up</li><li>Vector - Tetracycling</li><li>Flavour - Gollibe</li><li>Flavour and Diamond Platnumz - Nana</li><li>Timaya - Stoopid</li><li>Kizz Daniel - Jombo</li><li> Culture - Umu Obiligbo ft. Phyno and Flavour.</li><li> Mr Eazi - Life is Eazi ft. Olamide and Phyno</li><li>Tekno - Yawa</li><li>Banky W - Made For You</li><li>Vector - Alaye Jor Jor Jor</li></ol>

<ol><li>Olamide - Jale</li><li>Olamide</li><li>Wale Turner - Faya Faya</li><li>Fireboy - Need You</li><li>D'Banj - Action</li><li>Adekunle Gold - Pick Up</li><li>Olamide - Yemi My Lover</li><li>Olamide - Lagos Boy</li><li>Olamide - Turn Up</li><li>DJ Xclusive and Olamide - Ibebe</li><li>Olamide - Goons Mi</li><li>Olamide - Anifowose</li><li>Olamide - Poverty Die</li><li>Adekunle Gold - Money</li><li>Fireboy - Scatter</li><li>Tiwa Savage - 49-99</li><li>Lil Kesh and Patoranking - Is It Because I Love You?</li><li>DJ Neptune, Olamide and Stonebwoy - Baddest</li><li>Lil Kesh - Ibile</li><li>Olamide and Phyno - Onye Oma</li><li>Vector - Popular</li><li>Lil Kesh and Olamide - Problem Child</li><li>Adekunle Gold - Sade</li><li>Teni - Billionaire</li><li>Adekunle Gold and Kizz Daniel - Jore</li><li>Olamide - Eleda Mi</li><li>Lil Kesh - Cause Trouble</li><li>Olamide -Abule Sowo</li><li>Mr. Eazi and Simi - I Surrender</li><li>Pheelz, Olamide and Naira Marley - Gobe</li><li>Fireboy - Gbas Gbos</li><li>Fireboy - Energy</li><li>Olamide - Rayban Abacha</li></ol>

Here are all the songs Masterkraft and Pheelz played during their 'Battle of Hits.' (Instagram/PheelzMrProducer)

Known music industry figures who viewed the live session include,, MI Abaga, Ozedikus, Ovie O, Peruzzi, Sarkodie, Adekunle Gold, Tuzibeatz, Tunex, Krizbeatz, Rexxie Vector, Oxlade, Broda Shaggi and more.

Here are all the songs Masterkraft and Pheelz played during their 'Battle of Hits'

<h1>These are the producers who crafted the hits currently making waves on Nigerian airwaves.</h1>

Behind the great sounds are underrated composers in the form of producers and songwriters. They are usually unsung and in Nigeria, underpaid or even unpaid.&nbsp;

Their rights are stuck in the doldrums of music economics and their careers are ephemeral. When they don’t pivot, they easily get forgotten and washed up. But when they are in their essence, it’s important to celebrate them. 2019 has seen a reduced rate of hits in Nigerian music, but the music remains enjoyable.&nbsp;

Behind those sounds are producers, championing the cause and headlining the sonic revolution. In the year under review, Killertunes, Speroach, Fresh VDM, and a few others have marked themselves out as a special bunch. In July, Pulse celebrated the five producers of 2019 so far. A lot has happened since and that list has changed.&nbsp;

The year in review is between December 1, 2018, and November 31, 2019. For the top music producers of 2019, here is Pulse's list;

Honourable mentions;

Most people know Jaysynths as Teni’s producer. His tag goes, ‘Jaysynths’ or the very weird sound from the classic movie, Mr. Bones. He ended 2018 by producing the smash hit, ‘Case.’ During the year, he produced ‘Daz How Star Do’ for Skiibii, ‘Power Rangers’ for Teni and a string of other songs for different acts.&nbsp;

Nigerian producer, Northboi visits Pulse Nigeria. (Pulse Nigeria)

In 2018, <a href="https://www.pulse.ng/entertainment/music/northboi-opens-up-on-producing-joro-and-wizkids-reluctance-to-pay-for-beats/kfs2zxt" rel="noopener noreferrer">Northboi</a> launched onto the scene with his work on ‘Soco.’ As the year progressed, he got quieter, but he never stopped working. In 2019, he had a production credit on Beyonce’s album, The Lion King: The Gift, produced ‘Joro’ for Wizkid, produced one song from Teni’s Billionaire EP.&nbsp;

It’s been a slightly quiet year for the producer, but he still made ‘Blow My Mind,’ Davido’s smash hit featuring Chris Brown. He also produced ‘Green Light Riddim’ and ‘Sweet In The Middle’ on Davido’s sophomore album, A Good Time.&nbsp;

You probably don’t know him, but he’s the obscure producer who has soundtracked the voiceless Zanku rhythms that have set parties on fire throughout 2019. Some of those songs are even without known titles, but people know them.&nbsp;

You can simply not Gbese in Lagos without DJ YK Beats. We have since discovered that these beats are titled, ‘Dance Instrumental,’ ‘Leg Work’ ‘Dance Groove,’ and so forth.&nbsp;

The Nigerian producer closed 2018 with by producing ‘Jealous’ for Fireboy. He continued his run by producing 'Sope’ for Mayorkun, ‘Antidote’ for Mr. Real, ‘Mo Cover Eh’ for D’Banj and ‘Otumba Lamba’ for Slimcase.

He also produced ‘Azaman’ for Slimcase featuring Peruzzi, 2baba and Larry Gaaga, ‘Pawon’ for Olamide and ‘Omo Ologo’ as well other songs on Fireboy’s critically-acclaimed debut album, <a href="https://www.pulse.ng/entertainment/music/fireboy-laughter-tears-and-goosebumps-album-review/w6devcw" rel="noopener noreferrer">Laughter, Tears and Goosebumps.&nbsp;</a>

2019 has been a slightly quiet year for Sarz, but not that quiet. He opened the year by releasing the eclectic beat tape titled,<a href="https://www.pulse.ng/entertainment/music/sarz-sinym-ep-review-an-eclectic-and-exciting-mix/7b3zzpc" rel="noopener noreferrer"> Sarz Is Not Your Mate. </a>He then produced ‘Oja’ and ‘Instagram’ for Reminisce, ‘Gimme Love’ for Seyi Shay and ‘Desiigner’ for his serial collaborator, Niniola.

He ended the year with production credits to <a href="https://www.pulse.ng/entertainment/music/sarz-and-wurld-i-like-girls-with-trobul-ep-review/dc7nsnf" rel="noopener noreferrer">I Like Girls With Trobul</a>, his beautiful collaborative work with Wurld.&nbsp;

In 2018, Killertunes was Nigeria’s producer of the year by a country mile. ‘Shabbalistical’ was as popular as songs themselves. He started 2019 on slightly slower terms, but he has increased the pace as the year has progressed under 'Osheeeey...'

Some of the successful songs to his credit include, 'Woske' for Olamide, ‘The Beginning’ and ‘Don’t Call Me Back’ by Joeboy, ‘Doyin’ and ‘Tony Montana’ by Mr. Eazi, ‘Ghetto Love’ for Wizkid, and ‘Monalisa’ for Lyta.&nbsp;

He 'Tingasa' on Naira Marley’s upcoming 6-track EP,<a href="https://www.pulse.ng/entertainment/music/naira-marley-lord-of-lamba-lol-album-review/by6z66n" rel="noopener noreferrer"> Lord of Lamba.&nbsp;</a> Asides that, he also released a beautiful beat tape titled <a href="https://music.apple.com/ng/album/gbedu-things-ep/1488169173" rel="noopener noreferrer">Gbedu and Things. </a> On it is the madness titled, 'Alhaji Riddim.' Help yourself don't play that song alone. You might run mad.

Between March 2017 and August 2018, Pheelz went on a hiatus. Now, we see that he needed the break after a relentless five-year spell during which he killed every beat. In final quarter 2018, he debuted his new ‘Riddimacoolahyor!’ tag - <a href="https://www.pulse.ng/entertainment/music/ybnl-releases-debut-all-star-album-ybnl-mafia-family-listen-here/83g1trv" rel="noopener noreferrer">YBNL Mafia Family</a> album was the canvas.

‘Oke Suna’ and ‘Juju, Guns and Roses’ saw the first fruit. The drum-heavy percussion from ‘Oke Suna’ has since been replicated on songs like ‘Scatter’ for Fireboy,‘Billionaire’ for Teni, ‘Owo Mi Da’ for Tiwa Savage and ‘Gobe,’ his song featuring Olamide and Naira Marley.&nbsp;

In between those spells, he produced ‘49-99’ for Tiwa Savage, ‘Nowo’ for Teni and capped the year with amazing, imaginative work on Fireboy’s debut album, Laughter, Tears and Goosebumps.&nbsp;

Rexxie has been popping since 2018, you just didn’t notice. He is one of the most-trusted producers for the Agege contingent and the larger Lagos Mainland when a commercially viable hit needs to be crafted. His beats are like a soundtrack to the ZANKU/Shepeteri 2.0 era.

‘Yo, Rexxie pon this one’ is how you know it’s him. In 2018, he produced the Detty December soundtracks, ‘Able God’ for Chinko Ekun, Lil Kesh and Zlatan Ibile, 'Logo Benz' for Lil Kesh and Olamide and ‘Zanku (Legwork)’ for Zlatan. Earlier in 2018, the producer also crafted the hit, ‘Jogor’ for Zlatan featuring Lil Kesh and ‘Japa’ for Naira Marley

This year, he has produced ‘Am I A Yahoo Boy?’ for Naira Marley featuring Zlatan, as well as ‘Soapy,’ ‘Pxta’ and ‘Mafo’ for Naira Marley. He also produced ‘Bolanle’ and ‘Yeye Boyfriend’ for Zlatan. Breaking the mould, he produced ‘On God’ for DMW featuring Davido, Mayorkun and Dremo.&nbsp;

To close the year, he produced most of the songs on Zlatan’s debut album, <a href="https://www.pulse.ng/entertainment/music/zlatan-zanku-album-review-davido-burna-boy-tiwa-savage-patoranking-feature/qvz1e9z" rel="noopener noreferrer">ZANKU </a>and four songs from Naira Marley’s debut EP, Lord of Lamba.&nbsp;

A tight one, but Kel P just edges it as Nigeria’s producer of the year because he has been awesome. After rounding the previous year with ‘On The Low’ and ‘Gbona’ for Burna Boy, he didn’t stop. In the year in review, he produced ‘Killin Dem,’ ‘Dangote,’ ‘Another Story,’ and ‘Pull Up’ for Burna Boy.&nbsp;

He has also produced ‘Boda Sodiq’ for Niniola, ‘Put In Pressure’ for Reekado Banks, ‘Cover Me,’ ‘Mine’ and ‘Ease Your Mind’ for Wizkid, ‘Sili-Kon’ for Timaya, ‘Ginika,’ for Dice Ailes, ‘Red Eye’ for Victor AD, and ‘Eleganza’ for Solidstar.&nbsp;

More importantly, he produced the majority of<a href="https://www.pulse.ng/entertainment/music/album-review-pulse-does-a-breakdown-of-burna-boys-african-giant/z2dvdhz" rel="noopener noreferrer"> African Giant,</a> a Grammy-nominated album.&nbsp;

Nigerian producers are stuck in the doldrums of music economics and their careers are ephemeral. When they don’t pivot, they easily get forgotten and washed up. But when they are in their essence, it’s important to celebrate them.

Pheelz