As one of the Nigerian leading record labels, Chocolate City has consistently been a pivotal instrument in the evolution and advancement of Nigerian music. The leading record label in another show of its legacy has announced the release of a new cypher featuring award-winning rappers A-Q, M.I Abaga, Ice Prince, Jesse Jagz, Loose Cannon, and Blaqbonez. These artistes have all been associated with the record label at some level in their careers.
Chocolate City Music made the announcement on Monday 8, 2023 via its X handle, formerly known as Twitter. It said that the cypher marks the celebration of its 20th year since its launch in the music industry. The label wrote on X; “To celebrate 50 years of hip-hop and our 20th year in the game, we present to you Chocolate City Cypher”.
The hip-hop stars who were featured on Cypher displayed the rap credentials with which they have written their names in the books of African Hip Hop history. In the single, M.I Abaga rendered tribute to the late coroner Mohbad while he threw shades at Oladips for allegedly faking his death. “Rest in peace Mohbad, welcome back Oladips; I squat for road make I do the sh*t for streets”, M.I. raps.
Chocolate City Music is a subsidiary of Chocolate City Group. it was founded by Lawyer Audu Maikori, Paul Okeugo, and Yahaya Maikori in 2005. The record label is prominently recognized as one of the most successful urban record labels in Africa and it has also won awards for this title. It was the first Nigerian music company to be recognized on a global pedestal as the International Young Music Entrepreneur of the Year by the British Council in 2007.
The record label has also been home to many recording artistes not to mention, including Femi Kuti, M.I., Nosa, Dice Ailes, Blaqbonez, ClassiQ, Ckay, and Candy Bleakz. The label had formerly signed the likes of Victoria Kimani, Ice Prince, DJ Caise, and DJ Lambo. Chocolate City also discovered and managed the careers of prominent music stars like, Djinee, Asa, M.I., Jesse Jagz, Brymo, and Ice Prince who have clinched over 70 awards in local and international limelight.
In both 2013 and 2015, Chocolate City won the “Best Record Label of the Year”, at the City People Entertainment Awards. At the 11th edition, it also snagged the “Record Label of the Year” award.