Nigerian rapper and songwriter
Musical artist
Jesse James Enoch (born 14 September 1983), known by his stage name Lyrikal, is a Nigerian rapper, record producer, and songwriter. He emerged onto the music scene in 2003 as part of the Port Harcourt-based record label Tuck Tyght. Throughout his career, Lyrikal has engaged with socio-political issues in Nigeria, contributing his voice to the matters concerning the gifted and oppressed.
Early life
Jesse James Enoch was born in Aba, Abia, and originates from Akwa Ibom state. His upbringing took place in Sokoto. As the second child of a retired civil servant, Enoch's family moved to Port Harcourt in 1989 due to his father's service posting. His primary and secondary education occurred in Port Harcourt. In 2005, he gained admission to the University of Lagos but left after a year due to financial constraints, returning to Port Harcourt.
Music career
Lyrikal's exposure to various music genres during his formative years, particularly reggae and disco, deeply influenced his inclination towards music[citation needed]. His early musical inspirations included icons like Madonna, Michael Jackson, MC Hammer, and Shabba Ranks. He developed an affinity for rap music upon watching the 1990 film House Party.
Early 90s – 2006
In early 1990s, Lyrikal developed a passion for hip-hop and honed his skills in rapping, rhyming, and songwriting. His influences expanded to include Snoop Dogg, Dr. Dre, Tupac Shakur, Wu Tang Clan, and Nas. In 2003, he initiated his music career with Tuck Tyght, contributing to the album "Now Official," representing Port Harcourt City[citation needed].
2006 – 2010
In 2006, Enoch embarked on a solo endeavor called "The Escalator Project," during which he recorded numerous songs and several singles[citation needed].
2010 – 2013
Moving to Xcel Music in the late 2010s, Lyrikal's productivity soared as he recorded a substantial collection of over a hundred songs. His debut project, released in 2013, was titled "R.M.F.A.O (Rappin' My Fuckin' Ass Off)".[1]
2014
Lyrikal continued his musical journey with the release of his second mixtape, "OCD: Obsessive Compulsive Disorder," featuring collaborations with artists such as Mode 9, Eva Alordiah, KING STUNNA, and Korkomikor.[2] He released his interpretation of tracks like "Pound Cake" by Drake, "Tom Ford" by Jay-Z, and "Rap God" by Eminem[3]
Behind Bars Campaign
In January 2014, Lyrikal launched a campaign aimed at inspiring young Nigerians to become more engaged in personal and national development. He conveyed his message by releasing a photo series portraying himself behind prison bars,[4] each image accompanied by thought-provoking quotes from figures like Nelson Mandela, William Glasser, and Henri Matisse. The photo campaign, shared across various African blogs,[5] sparked discussions about social participation in national development and creative expression. Lyrikal explained that the metaphorical "bars" signified the challenges faced by Nigerian youth, encompassing physical oppression, mental captivity, and creative limitations[6]
Discography
- 2013: RMFAO (mixtape)
- 2014: O.C.D (mixtape)[7]
See also
References
