Nigerian rap legend Mr Raw, widely regarded as one of the pioneers of indigenous rap in the country, has opened up about previously unknown details surrounding the rise of award-winning rapper Phyno. In a heartfelt reflection, he explained that many people only see Phyno’s superstar status today but have little idea how far back his talent truly goes.
According to Mr Raw, Phyno’s brilliance didn’t start when he moved to Lagos, nor did it begin when mainstream fame finally located him. Instead, his talent had already reached extraordinary levels long before the world paid attention.
“People don’t even realize how deep Phyno’s talent runs,” Mr Raw said.
“Before the fame, before Lagos, before the hit records—Phyno was already a beast in the studio.”
He stressed that Phyno was never just a rapper looking for a breakthrough; he was a full-blown creative force constantly experimenting, innovating, and sharpening his craft. Many fans today know Phyno as the smooth Igbo rap king, but long before the spotlight, he had already mastered an entirely different skill: music production.
Mr Raw revealed that on his second album, Phyno wasn’t just hanging around the studio—he played a vital role in shaping the sound.
According to him, Phyno handled more than half of the production on the project, showing an impressive level of technical ability that could rival producers who had been in the game for years.
He explained that Phyno crafted beats with the same level of precision, complexity, and emotional depth he later became known for in his rap lyrics. His work behind the scenes involved long hours, sleepless nights, and an unshakeable commitment to perfection.
“Most people only know the superstar,” Mr Raw said,
“not the producer who used to stay up all night building sounds from scratch.”
He described how Phyno would spend hours tweaking drum patterns, layering melodies, and experimenting with sonic textures, refusing to rest until the beat matched the exact emotion he wanted to convey. His creativity didn’t come from mere talent—it was backed by discipline, patience, and a relentless hunger to grow.
While sharing these memories, Mr Raw also recounted a moment from their earlier days in Enugu—a moment he believes perfectly captures Phyno’s mindset, ambition, and eventual rise to greatness.
“One day, Phyno told me, ‘Oga Raw, this city don do. I’m heading to Lagos.’”
That statement alone wasn’t unusual, as many young artists dream of moving to Lagos. But what Phyno said next revealed the depth of his determination.
“He said, ‘I’m not going with this my old car—I’ll get there, make money, and buy a better one.’”
Mr Raw laughed when he narrated this moment, but the laughter wasn’t from humor. It came from deep admiration. According to him, Phyno wasn’t bragging or making empty promises. He was speaking from a place of confidence, vision, and self-belief—qualities that would later become the foundation of his career.
That single conversation marked a turning point. To Mr Raw, it was more than a casual comment; it was a prophecy. Phyno wasn’t waiting for someone to validate him or give him a push. He was ready to bet on himself completely, even if it meant leaving his comfort zone in Enugu and starting all over again in Lagos, a city known for its unforgiving competition.
The decision to relocate wasn’t made lightly. But Phyno’s ambition was bigger than the limitations around him. He had outgrown the city, and he was ready to step onto a broader stage.
That move, as history now shows, became one of the most important decisions of his career.
Today, Phyno is celebrated across Africa and beyond as one of the most influential rappers of his generation. His unique blend of Igbo lyricism, hip-hop flow, and high-energy delivery has set him apart as a cultural icon. From hit records to sold-out concerts, from industry awards to global recognition, Phyno has built a legacy that reflects both his talent and his determination.
To Mr Raw, none of this is surprising.
“Looking at him now, I’m just proud,” he said.
“Everything he said back then, he actually achieved. His growth doesn’t surprise me one bit—he believed in himself long before anyone else did.”
He concluded by saying that Phyno’s journey serves as a powerful lesson to every young person striving for greatness. Talent alone is not enough; passion, discipline, courage, and self-belief are equally important. Phyno had all of these long before the world discovered him.
Mr Raw’s testimony not only highlights Phyno’s genius but also offers fans a rare glimpse into the early years of an artist whose rise was not accidental but the direct result of hard work, vision, and the courage to take risks.
From long studio nights in Enugu to global stages in Lagos and beyond, Phyno’s story remains one of the most inspiring in the Nigerian music industry—a story of persistence, evolution, and undeniable greatness.