Born Dapo Olaonipekun, DaGrin is no newcomer to the game. Referred by many as the 50 cent of Yoruba music, he’s one of the hottest indigenous Yoruba rappers to emerge from the motherland and you’ll see why once you listen to his tracks below! DaGrin, C.E.O of Misofunyin entertainment has 6 years of professional experience as a rapper though he wasn’t recognized until he emerged with collaborations with several artists due to lack of adequate promotion of his first album. His first album titled “Still on the matter” was released in 2006 under Leo Entertainment. His collaboration list includes but not limited to “Efi mile” with YQ, “Idi Nla” with Lala, “Call the Police” with TuStep, “Iyalaya won” with Sheyman and J. Holiday, “Hola Hola” with T-Frizzle, “Owo ati Swagger Remix” with Cartiair, Eva and Terry Tha Rapman, “2 much money” with Fresh, and “Jump” with Azadus and Lord of Ajasa.

His road to stardom was definitely not a smooth ride. Nonetheless, DaGrin comes forth with his sophomore album titled C.E.O, Chief Executive Omoita, released under his own record label.

Like most artists, DaGrin realized his passion for music while singing in the children’s choir in his younger days before he went out into the streets and adapted a different twist to merge Yoruba language and music. With music influences like Alhaji Agba Kollington, King Sunny Ade and the late legendary Fela Anikulapo-Kuti, we asked why he chose Yoruba as the language of choice rather than English or Pidgin. He explained that Yoruba which he regards as his first language followed by English, is the best way to reach people of his ethnic background. When asked about the reason and origin of his stage name: DaGrin, he explained the reason behind the name: before his verses, he always has a big grin/smile before flowing and mocks the beats before dropping his lines; hence DaGrin.

C.E.O, the name of his album which hits the streets today: 8/25/09, was named as such because he is always on the streets and the reasoning that if you don’t sleep at home, you are an omoita. Additionally, he’s the boss of Misofunyin Entertainment which makes him the C.E.O. Hence, these two facts when merged are roots of his album name. As imagined, you can expect collaborations with other artists on his new album! He worked with established and underground artists to help expose their talents and showcase what they had to offer. Some artists featured on his album includes but not limited to Dark Poet Cartier, Isolate Arafada, T-Frizzle, Omawunmi and his producer, Sossick.

Even though he has collaborated with a lot of artists, DaGrin still has some artists in mind that he hopes to work with in the future. He hopes to one day work with Mr. Incredible himself: M.I., Tuface Idibia and the Paris-born but Nigerian raised jazz and soul sensation: Aṣa (pronounced Asha). As to what his fans can expect from this album, DaGrin says they can expect street oriented tracks, mad hits, and their money’s worth! You can review some tracks off his C.E.O album below!

This is definitely one artist to watch out for now and in the coming years!! He’s FIRE!!!!

DaGrin sadly passed away on April 22, 2010.
Read press release from family here and news here.