The music industry thrives on raw talent, but for an unknown artist, cutting through the noise can be brutal. Dan Dizzy, however, rewrote the script. His journey began not in a sterile studio, but on the bustling streets of Port Harcourt, Rivers State, Nigeria.
Gone are the days of rappers releasing underground mixtapes filled with uncleared samples. These projects showcased their talent in its purest form, paving the way for polished studio albums with chart-topping singles, big-name collaborations, and a sprinkle of ballads for mainstream appeal.
Dan Dizzy's notable rise started with freestyles on social media, particularly Instagram. My first encounter with Dan Dizzy was through an Instagram post. There he was, backpack slung over his shoulder, bucket hat tilted low, his Bluetooth speaker blaring. This wasn't a staged video; it was an exciting performance in a bustling university courtyard. He wasn't just spitting rhymes, he was conducting a call-and-response, transforming the audience's shouts into lyrical masterpieces. These freestyles were his mixtapes – raw, unfiltered, and infectious – spreading like wildfire and igniting a devoted following.
Unlike the traditional climb to a studio album, Dan Dizzy's freestyles offered an unfiltered glimpse into his artistry. Accessible on anyone's smartphone, they were a two-way street, allowing him to connect with fans and understand their preferences. This direct feedback fueled his growth.
Intrigued by his street performances, I sought out his music on streaming platforms. What I found resonated deeply. His music was similar to the freestyles I had heard on Instagram.
They were unpolished, he wielded humour like a weapon, tracks like “Who Goes Der!” “MDRA (Men Dey Run Am)” and “Your Papa (Freestyle)” drew listeners in while simultaneously honing his craft with every release.
Born Daniel Tuotamuno Darius, in the “Garden City”—Port Harcourt—on the 6th of October, 1996. His musical journey began at nine years old in boarding school, where his talent for rapping earned him respect.
Upon completion of secondary school, Dan turned 15 years old and started music properly. He met a friend, who took him to the renowned producer, Leriq’s house. That’s where he started his artistic development.
“I learned a lot in the house and from there, I started to go to a lot of shows where I would basically do a lot of freestyle and get paid. I used to go to a lot of streets just to do freestyles. So that’s how I got into music commercially,” he says in an interview.
Armed with his street-forged freestyling skills, Dan Dizzy wasn't afraid to take his talents to the toughest crowds. One such venue was the University of Port Harcourt, Nigerian audiences are notorious for its discerning taste and unforgiving hecklers, especially if you are an unknown artist. Several artists such as Asake had shared their experience of being booed.
Dan Dizzy stepped on stage, and the crowd were left in awe, By the end of his set, the cheers were deafening, he had walked off the stage with his head in the sky, Another rare talent to watch out for.
Port Harcourt has been the hub for refined talents, the Ghetto gospel of Timaya, the compelling voice of Duncan Mighty, the African Giant Burna Boy, and the star Omah Lay, whose music reflects the city's youthful struggles.
Patrolling the city were also other rising stars such as the dynamic duo Ajebo Hustlers, 1da Banton and more. They too have since imprinted their stamps on the sands of Nigerian music.
Now, Dan Dizzy stands poised to join their ranks.
In July 2023, Dan Dizzy dropped "Morale," showcasing his ability to blend humour with catchy hooks. This skill continued with later releases like the love-seeking "Sote" featuring Falz and the gritty "Oppress" with Odumodu Blvck, Jeriq, and DTG. These tracks highlighted his ability to balance his freestyle energy with artistic growth.
Finally, after years of anticipation, Dan Dizzy unleashed his debut project – "UGLY" (U Gats Love Yourself). Featuring collaborations with ten artists, the album feels like a glimpse into his potential. The 15 tracks offer a blend of radio-ready bangers. The album may be the rope that pulls in a much wider audience for Dan Dizzy.
"UGLY" thrives on its authenticity, consisting of tales and conversations shared between friends. This commentary style reflects the rapper he's always been and likely will remain. The formula has garnered him a loyal following who appreciate his dedication to keeping it real. Tracks like "Wave Zaddy" detail his come-up, while "Money Talks" showcases his hunger for success delivered in a patois flow. "Shayo" features fellow South-South natives 1da Banton and Kaptain as they trade stories of overindulgence.
However, the album's length can feel excessive, especially since many songs explore similar themes. Some might argue that "UGLY" lacks lyrical innovation, with Dan possibly relying too heavily on familiar themes rather than pushing creative boundaries. The features and production, while solid, stay within Dan's comfort zone, offering little in the way of experimentation.
Thematically, "UGLY" feels scattered, resembling a curated playlist that Dan Dizzy uses to display his skills as an artist. He moves from braggadocio to romance to vulnerability but the songs would have hit harder if a thread connected them. Dan’s notable ability was to thread the needle via his freestyles, such connection was missing on “UGLY”
The fire that ignited audiences during his freestyles seems to simmer rather than blaze on the album.
Despite these shortcomings, Dan Dizzy deserves a round of applause for his dedication and hustle. His journey from street cyphers to streaming success is an inspiration. With time, he will thread the needle.
Listen to UGLY.