On February 10, 2020, Nigerian rapper Olamide surprised fans with the release of his project 999 under his imprint YBNL Nation. Although often called an album, 999 is officially documented as an extended play (EP) in Olamide’s discography and dropped digitally on this date through major streaming platforms.
The nine-track EP reflects his core artistic identity, blending hip-hop, rap, and afrobeats influences with street-savvy lyricism and rhythmic energy. Production credits include stalwarts like Pheelz, ID Cabasa, Eskeez, and others, with contributions from a wide roster of collaborators.
Standout tracks from 999 include “No Time,” “Warlords” featuring Phyno, Snow, Cheque, and Rhatti, “Billion Talk” featuring Milly, and “Dance With the Devil” featuring Sosa-E and Jackmillz. The EP’s sonic variety underscores Olamide’s ability to navigate rap, street anthems, and more melodic expressions within a compact project.
Released without extensive prior promotion, 999 arrived as a reaffirmation of his presence in the Nigerian music landscape, reminding listeners of his prolific output and instinct for memorable hooks and gritty verses. The project also served as a creative stopgap between full-length albums, keeping momentum alive ahead of later releases.
Five years on, 999 remains a memorable entry in Olamide’s catalog. It captures a snapshot of his artistry at a moment of transition, bridging his early street-rooted sound with the broader evolution that would follow in albums like Carpe Diem and beyond.
