Introduction
Tochukwu Gbubemi Ojogwu (born 19 October 1993), popularly known as Odumodublvck, is a Nigerian rapper, singer and songwriter. He is known for his stage performances, genre-blend and his often portrayal of Okpu Agu. Odumodublvck is a member of the hip-hop collective Anti World Gangstars. He currently resides in Abuja, Nigeria and is fast becoming a rap sensation in the afro music industry.
In 2022, he signed a record deal with NATIVE Records, in partnership with Def Jam. On 23 November 2022, he released his first single under the NATIVE, titled "Picanto" featuring ECko Miles, and Zlatan, which earned him his first chart entry on the Nigeria Top 100 at number 79, and reached number 65. On 23 January 2023, he ranked number 4 on TurnTable's NXT Emerging Top Artistes. In 2023, Def Jam Recordings signed an exclusive deal with Odumodublvck upon the release of EZIOKWU mixtape.
Early life
Born in Lagos, he relocated with his family to Abuja at the age of 7. He had his junior high education at Christ the King College at Gwagwalada Abuja, where he got the stage name "Odumodu" in his second year of his junior high. He attended Bowen University for his first year tertiary education, left and finished up at the University of Lagos, Akoka
Career
In 2022, Odumodublvck released a joint studio album with B.O.C Madaki, titled The Drop, and a few months later he released a follow-up single, "Picanto", featuring ECko Miles, and Zlatan. On 21 November 2022, the single debuted on TurnTable Bubbling Under Top 100 at number 8, and number 15 on Nigeria Hip-Hop/Rap Songs chart. On 28 November 2022, "Picanto" debuted at number 79on the Top 100, and number 44 on Nigeria Radio, the song also reached Number 6 at Nigeria Hip-Hop/Rap Songs chart.
On 26 March 2022, Odumodublvck performed at the Jameson Connects concert alongside DRB LasGidi, and Victony at Abuja. On 8 December 2022, he won the Next Rated Artist category at Galaxy Music Awards. The rapper gets a new Lexus IS 350, as part of the prize that comes with the Next Rated award. On 9 December 2022, he was announced on the line up of Vertical Rave concert opening acts alongside Teezee, Cruel Santino, PsychoYP, Odunsi the Engine, among others, to be held on 17 December 2022.
In March 2023, he released his first single on Friday 24, titled "Declan Rice", shortly after surviving a surgery that almost took his life. On 27 March 2023, Odumodublvck earned his first top 10 entry on TurnTable official Nigeria Top 100 Songs chart at number 8. On 1 April 2023, "Declan Rice" leads TheCable Lifestyle airplay chart at number 1.
West Ham united captain, Declan Rice expressed his excitement as Nigerians sang his name, courtesy of Odumodublavk. On 15 July 2023, Arsenal announced the signing of Declan Rice using his song in the background
Taking to his Instagram page on Thursday, January 25, 2024, Odumodublvck shared a snapshot showcasing his stylish pose alongside the three well-deserved plaques. Additional posts captured the artist celebrating this remarkable accomplishment with a group of friends, symbolising the significance of the moment.
In the TurnTable Charts standings, Blood On The Dance Floor and Cast claimed the top spot in the TurnTable Top 100 songs, showcasing Odumodublvck's undeniable impact on the music scene. Simultaneously, Eziokwu (Uncut) secured the number one position position for the album category on the TurnTable Official Top 50 Albums Chart in Nigeria.
Political awareness
On 25 May 2023, Odumodu tweeted about the presidential inauguration of the 16th President of Nigeria Bola Tinubu Renewed Hope concert. In the quote, he wrote "They Tried To Get Me To Perform At The Inauguration. They Did Not Do Their Research." However, on 2 March 2023, following the release of NATIVE Sound System single "Vex", Odumodu declared his support to Peter Obi in the second verse "I dey hope on Peter Obi to save me", and earlier described himself as Peter Obi's running mate on social media.
Artistry
Odumodublvck is known for fusing Afrobeat, with Drill and Grime music. According to Dazed, "His unrelenting style of drill employs high-life inspired melodies which he calls OKPOROKO RHYTHMS and Nigerian Pidgin English to tell vivid stories about his community and everyday experiences – his narrative style is so specific to Nigerians, it’s hard to pick up on the nuances as an outsider."
Discography
Mixtape albums
| Title | Details | Peak chart positions |
|---|---|---|
| NG | ||
| T.A.B.S (TO ALL Blvcksheep) |
|
— |
| Anti-World Gangstars |
|
— |
| Odiegwu |
|
— |
| The Drop |
|
— |
| EZIOKWU |
|
1 |
Extended plays
| Title | EP details | Peak chart positions |
|---|---|---|
| NG | ||
| Time & Chance |
|
— |
| T a D E : The Afro Drill Experiment |
|
— |
| Time & Chance |
|
— |
| T a D E : The Afro Drill Experiment II |
|
— |
Selected singles
| Title | Year | Chart positions | Certifications | Album | ||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| NG |
NGRap | NGAlt. | UK |
UKAfrobeats | US |
USAfrobeats | ||||
| "Dog Eat Dog" | 2022 | 96 | — | — | — | — | — | — |
|
Non-album single |
| "Picanto"
|
25 | 6 | — | — | — | — | — | EZIOKWU | ||
| "Declan Rice" | 2023 | 8 | 1 | — | — | — | — | 27 |
| |
| "DOG EAT DOG II"
|
17 | — | 1 | — | — | — | — | |||
| "FIREGUN"
|
10 | — | — | — | 15 | — | — | |||
| "WOTOWOTO SEASONiNG" | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | Non-album single | ||
| "Declan Rice (Arsenal Version)" | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | Non-album single | ||
| "MC OLUOMO" | 33 | — | — | — | — | — | — | EZIOKWU | ||
| "BLOOD ON THE DANCE FLOOR"
|
1 | — | — | — | 10 | — | 18 | |||
Accolades
| Year | Awards ceremony | Award description(s) | Nominated work | Results |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2022 | Galaxy Music Awards | Next Rated Artist | Himself | Won |
| 2023 | African Muzik Magazine Awards | Best Newcomer | Won | |
| Best Male Rap Act | Nominated | |||
| The Headies | Rookie of the Year | Won | ||
| Best Rap Single | "Declan Rice" | Won | ||
| Trace Awards & Festival | Best Newcomer | Himself | Nominated |