Jeriq or ‘Jeriqthehussla’ as he is fondly called by his fans has been one of Nigeria’s most consistent rappers since breaking out in 2020. Although his music career started in 2015, he stayed an undiscovered gem until 2020. All that changed when he released his EP Hood Boy Dream. Like the mining of precious gems, ‘Hood Boy Dream’ alerted the world to the presence of something great.
In May 2022, Jeriq released his debut album, ‘Billion Dollar Dream’ which was well received by his adoring fans peaking at Number 1 on the Apple Music Albums Chart. This led him to release a deluxe version of the album, ‘Billion Dollar Dream (Deluxe Edition) in 2023. The appeal to his music lies in the infusion of his Igbo heritage in his art, creating a signature sound for himself. By doing this, Jeriq is the next in line of great rappers including Mc Loph, Mr Raw, Phyno, and Zoro, who have taken rap in the Igbo language to the global stage. In a short span, the rapper has already collaborated with many industry heavyweights including Phyno, Dremo, Kofi Jamar, and DJ Neptune.
With every new track Jeriq releases, his musical prowess continues to grow at a rapid rate, making it clear to all and sundry that he is on a fast track to getting the recognition he deserves. In 2023, he bagged two Headies Award nominations for Best Rap Single for ‘My Bro’ featuring Phyno, and Best Rap Album for ‘Billion Dollar Dream’.
In this interview with Jeriq, Turntable Charts had the pleasure of talking to the artiste about his background, artistry, and inspiration when it comes to making music.
TTC: Can you tell us about yourself?
Jeriq: I was born and brought up in Onitsha, Anambra state, I’m the first in a family of 5. I moved to Enugu for my secondary school education and that was when I first started dabbling into music. I started music officially in 2015.
TTC: You infuse your culture and where you’re from you’re your music, how important is that for you when you rap and sing?
Jeriq: I was brought up in Onitsha, which gave me the ability to connect with the things happening in the street. I never wanted to lose that part of me which is why I always want to represent where I’m from. Infusing my culture into my art is fulfilling my obligation and is very important to me.
TTC: The ‘Billion Dollar Dream’ Deluxe version was released early this year, what was put into consideration when you were releasing this following the release of the first version in 2022?
Jeriq: First of all, there wasn’t supposed to be a deluxe version when I was planning to drop the album, but when I dropped the album, I posted online that if “if my fans take the album to No. 1, I’d drop a deluxe version for the album” and that was it. The album got to No.1 and I felt I had to keep my promise, and that was why I dropped a deluxe version.
TTC: Is there any song that resonates with you that you connect with, that you added either in the original version or in the deluxe?
Jeriq: I wouldn’t say I have a particular favorite because different songs have different stories and different experiences attached to them, all the tracks do it for me to be honest.
TTC: Do you think the Deluxe was received well by the fans?
Jeriq: Yes, it was received well because the deluxe peaked at No. 2 and the reason why it didn’t get the No.1 spot was because Wizkid got it.
TTC: Should we be expecting anything else from Jeriq the rapper this year?
Jeriq: Yeah, I just dropped a song, ‘11:11’ and then the video has been released. I also have an EP dropping later this year. It was supposed to be another album but I don’t want to drop another album this year. The idea behind the EP is to create commercial tracks that will be used to celebrate the festive period so I am thinking five Igbo celebratory songs would do for the EP.
TTC: That sounds nice, can’t wait.