VECTOR

Early Life and Education

Vector was born on August 7, 1984, in Lagos, Nigeria, but hails from Ogun State. He is the fourth of five children. He grew up in various parts of Lagos, including Macarthy Barracks, and this diverse upbringing influenced his music.

He attended Command Children School, Ijebu Ode Grammar School, and Government College Victoria Island for his early education. He then proceeded to the prestigious University of Lagos, where he graduated with a Bachelor's degree in Philosophy.

Career Beginnings

Vector's journey into hip-hop began in 1999 when he started performing on stage as part of a group called Badder Boiz. The group, which included his friend Krystal, participated in various talent shows and competitions. By 2004, they had recorded their first demo series. Although the group later disbanded, Vector continued to pursue a solo career.

His official entry into the limelight came after winning the "Showtime" competition organized by the British Council in Lagos in 2007.

Rise to Prominence and Record Deals

In 2008, Vector signed a record deal with YSG Entertainment. His debut single, "Kilode," featuring Emmsong, was released in 2010. This was followed by his critically acclaimed debut studio album, "State of Surprise," in the same year. The album featured collaborations with prominent artists like 2Baba, General Pype, and 9ice, and included hit tracks such as "Get Down" and the Femi Kuti-assisted "Mary Jane."

His second studio album, "The Second Coming," was released in 2012. It featured popular singles like "Angeli" with 9ice and "We're Made Oh."

Vector's career faced a significant hurdle due to a well-publicized contract dispute with YSG Entertainment, which led to a hiatus. After resolving the legal issues, he parted ways with the label and founded his own record label imprint, G.R.A.P. Music (G.R.A.P. stands for Greatness Requires A Process). Under this label, he released the mixtape "A7" in 2014.

His third studio album, "Lafiaji," named after a place he grew up in on Lagos Island, was released in 2016 to positive reviews.

Lyrical Feuds and "The Viper" Persona

Vector is famously known as "The Viper" and is celebrated for his exceptional freestyle abilities and complex lyricism. He has been involved in one of the most talked-about feuds in Nigerian hip-hop history with fellow rapper M.I Abaga. The beef, which peaked in 2019, saw both artists exchange a series of diss tracks, including Vector's "The Purge" and "Judas the Rat," which garnered millions of views and sparked widespread debate among fans.

Recent Work and Ventures

Beyond his solo work, Vector has collaborated on numerous projects, including the joint album "Crown of Clay" with M.I Abaga and producer Pheelz, signaling an end to their feud. He is also known for setting a record for the longest freestyle rap on a live radio broadcast in Africa.

In addition to his music, Vector has ventured into acting, appearing in Nollywood films and showcasing his versatility as an artist. He continues to be a powerful and influential voice in Nigerian music, respected for his intellect, skill, and dedication to the art of lyricism.