A new chapter opened in Nigerian hip-hop the moment M.I. Abaga released Talk About It in 2008. The project didn’t just introduce a rapper but a mind sharp, intentional, and proudly different.
Songs like “Anoti,” “Fast Money, Fast Cars,” and “Safe” showed M.I.’s command of punchlines, storytelling, and clever sampling, instantly placing him in a league of his own. On “Crowd Mentality,” he challenged Nigerians to stop thinking like everyone else. On “Money,” he examined greed, survival, and the moral grey areas of chasing wealth. Tracks like “Jehovah” and “Forever” revealed a softer, spiritual side, proving he could be vulnerable without losing his edge.
The features also colored the album: Jesse Jagz, Lindsey, Ice Prince, and Uche contributed to the sound. Meanwhile, the production leaned into soulful samples, crisp drums, and melodic hooks.
Talk About It became a landmark debut bold enough to challenge, smooth enough to enjoy, and smart enough to repeat.
