Lyrikal facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Lyrikal
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| Background information | |
| Birth name | Jesse James Enoch |
| Also known as | Lyrikal |
| Born | September 14, 1983 Aba, Abia, Nigeria |
| Origin | Port Harcourt, Nigeria |
| Genres | Hip Hop |
| Occupation(s) | Singer-songwriterRapper Producer |
| Years active | 2001–present |
| Associated acts | Korkormikor, M Trill, Mode 9, Eva Alordiah, Shank, KING STUNNA |
Jesse James Enoch (born on September 14, 1983), known as Lyrikal, is a talented Nigerian rapper, music producer, and songwriter. He first became known in 2003 as part of the Tuck Tyght record label in Port Harcourt. Throughout his career, Lyrikal has used his music to talk about important social issues in Nigeria, especially those affecting young people and those who are struggling.
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Early Life and Beginnings
Jesse James Enoch was born in Aba, Abia state, Nigeria, and comes from Akwa Ibom State. He spent his early years in Sokoto. In 1989, when he was six, his family moved to Port Harcourt because his father, a retired civil servant, was posted there.
He went to primary and secondary school in Port Harcourt. In 2005, he started studying at The University of Lagos. However, he had to leave after a year because he didn't have enough money to continue his studies. He then returned to Port Harcourt.
Finding His Musical Path
Lyrikal says he was inspired to make music because he listened to many different types of music when he was young, especially reggae and disco. Some of his first music heroes were Madonna, Michael Jackson, Mc Hammer, and Shabba Ranks. He fell in love with rap music after watching the 1990 movie House Party.
Developing His Skills
In the early 1990s, young Lyrikal became very interested in Hip Hop. He spent a lot of time practicing his rapping, rhyming, and songwriting skills. Later, he was influenced by artists like Snoop Dogg, Dr. Dre, Tupac Shakur, Wu Tang Clan, and Nas. Interestingly, he shares the same birthday with Nas, though they are ten years apart.
In 2003, Lyrikal officially started his music career with Tuck Tyght. He helped create the "Now Official" album for Port Harcourt City.
Solo Career and Projects
In 2006, Lyrikal began working on his own music with "The Escalator Project." During this time, he recorded more than thirty songs, including several singles.
Later, in 2010, Lyrikal joined Xcel Music. There, he recorded over one hundred songs. His first major project, a mixtape called "R.M.F.A.O (Rappin' My ...' ... Off)," was released in 2013.
In 2014, Lyrikal released his second mixtape, "OCD: Obsessive Compulsive Disorder." This project featured other well-known artists like Mode 9, Eva Alordiah, KING STUNNA, and Korkomikor. On January 6, 2014, he released 'Focused,' which was the first official single from the "OCD" mixtape. He also released his own versions of popular songs like 'Pound Cake' by Drake, 'Tom Ford' by Jay-Z, and 'Rap God' by Eminem.
Behind Bars Campaign
In January 2014, Lyrikal started a special campaign to encourage young Nigerians to get more involved in improving themselves and their country. He shared his message through a series of photos where he appeared to be behind prison bars. Each picture came with powerful quotes from famous people like Nelson Mandela and Henri Matisse.
This photo campaign was shared widely on different African blogs. It led to many discussions about how young people can participate in national development and express themselves creatively. Lyrikal explained that the "bars" in the photos were a symbol. They represented the challenges young Nigerians face, such as feeling trapped, limited in their thinking, or unable to express their creativity.
Discography
- 2013: RMFAO (mixtape)
- 2014: O.C.D (mixtape)
See also
- List of Nigerian rappers
