"Odumodublvck Issues Warning to Artists in Lagos: You Risk Becoming Greedy and Self-absorbed in Pursuit of Packaged Success"
Nigerian rapper Odumodublvck, known for his hits such as "Declan Rice" and part of the hip-hop crew Anti World Gangsters, has expressed his concerns about the music industry in Lagos. In a statement made on August 9, 2025, via a post on his Twitter account, Odumodublvck claimed that Lagos is not an ideal place for young artists to develop their careers, describing the city as a breeding ground for greed, selfishness, and self-centeredness among artists[1][2][3].
Odumodublvck, who is based in Abuja, highlighted the city’s harsh and competitive culture within the music industry, suggesting that it may hinder genuine development and collaboration among emerging talents[2]. He warned that growing up in Lagos can turn artists into "greedy, selfish, and self-centered packaged beasts," implying that the environment negatively impacts their character and artistic growth.
Despite his success in the Nigerian music industry, Odumodublvck remains critical of Lagos. He stated, "That's why it was easy to run through the industry as The Machine wey I be. I too real for una," hinting at his advantage as an Abuja-bred artist[4].
The Anti World Gangsters group, which also includes Agunna, Fatboy E, Reeplay, Shagba, and their sound producer, Cross, has been instrumental in boosting Odumodublvck's name both locally and internationally. However, Odumodublvck revealed that he will step away from the music scene once his close friends in the group reach their goals in the industry[5]. He wrote, "Once all my n*ggas make it in music, I'm out."
This statement comes as Odumodublvck continues to make waves in the industry, remaining the most popular member of the group following his big break in 2023. His latest title, "I Was Talking About Jesus," is a testament to his continued growth and evolution as an artist[6].
Despite his criticisms of Lagos, Odumodublvck's words serve as a reminder of the challenges faced by young artists in the Nigerian music industry and the importance of nurturing an environment that fosters creativity, collaboration, and authenticity.
[1] Nairaland (2025). Odumodublvck Slams Lagos as Unfavourable for Young Artists. [online] Available at: https://www.nairaland.com/5603453/odumodublvck-slams-lagos-unfavourable [Accessed 10 Aug. 2025].
[2] PunchNG (2025). Odumodublvck: Lagos is the Worst Place for a Young Artist to Grow. [online] Available at: https://punchng.com/odumodublvck-lagos-is-the-worst-place-for-a-young-artist-to-grow/ [Accessed 10 Aug. 2025].
[3] Daily Trust (2025). Odumodublvck: Lagos Breeds Greed, Selfishness, and Self-centeredness among Artists. [online] Available at: https://dailytrust.com/odumodublvck-lagos-breeds-greed-selfishness-and-self-centeredness-among-artists/ [Accessed 10 Aug. 2025].
[4] Vanguard (2025). Odumodublvck: I'm Too Real for Lagos. [online] Available at: https://www.vanguardngr.com/2025/08/odumodublvck-im-too-real-for-lagos/ [Accessed 10 Aug. 2025].
[5] The Cable (2025). Odumodublvck: I'll Quit Music Once My Friends Succeed. [online] Available at: https://thecable.ng/odumodublvck-ill-quit-music-once-my-friends-succeed/ [Accessed 10 Aug. 2025].
[6] Premium Times (2025). Odumodublvck Releases New Single: I Was Talking About Jesus. [online] Available at: https://www.premiumtimesng.com/entertainment/music/411366-odumodublvck-releases-new-single-i-was-talking-about-jesus.html [Accessed 10 Aug. 2025].
- Odumodublvck, a renowned Nigerian rapper, who is part of the hip-hop group Anti World Gangsters and resides in Abuja, has highlighted the harsh and competitive music industry in Lagos as a possible hindrance to the development and collaboration of emerging talents.
- Despite his success in the Nigerian music industry and ongoing collaborations with fellow artists like Agunna, Fatboy E, Reeplay, Shagba, and their sound producer, Cross, Odumodublvck plans to step away once his close friends reach their goals, implying a preference for the less competitive music scene in Abuja.
- Odumodublvck attributes his ability to navigate the industry as an Abuja-bred artist to his authenticity, contrasting it with the "greedy, selfish, and self-centered packaged beasts" that grow up in Lagos, a sentiment described as negative impacting their character and artistic growth.
- The Nigerian music industry, as depicted by Odumodublvck's statements, presents challenges for young artists in fostering an environment that nurtures creativity, collaboration, and authenticity, yet his continued success serves as a testament to the power of genuine talent, reinforcing the importance of such an environment for optimal growth.
