Nigeria’s hit-making rapper ODUMODUBLVCK has finally dropped his much-awaited surprise mixtape THE MACHINE IS COMING, a 16-track project that sees his dynamic artistry and cements his status as one of Nigeria’s most innovative rap talents. Just ahead of his scheduled performance at The Headies, Nigeria’s premier music awards, the mixtape arrives at a pivotal moment for the rapper.
ODUMODUBLVCK, born Tochukwu Gbubemi Ojogwu, is the most nominated artist at this year’s Headies, racking up an impressive eight nominations across categories like Best Rap Single, Best Collaboration, Best Street-Hop Artist, Next Rated, Rap Album of the Year, and Rap Song of the Year. The mixtape serves as a celebration of his meteoric rise.
THE MACHINE IS COMING, sonically, never lingers in one place, it is driven by ODUMODUBLVCK’s sharp lyrical finesse and keen ear for quality production. The project seamlessly blends Afro-fusion, hip-hop, and his signature Okporoko Rhythms—often used to describe his unique fusion of high-life-inspired melodies with drill and grime influences. This genre-bending approach has been a hallmark of his career, allowing him to discover a distinct niche in the Nigerian music scene. The mixtape clocks in at just over 41 minutes, offering a diverse soundscape that moves from hard-hitting street anthems to more introspective cuts, ensuring there’s something for every listener to latch onto with each spin.
The 16 tracks are packed with guest appearances from some of the most relevant names in music today, including Victony, Shallipopi, BOJ, Rondodasosa, Vector, Falz, Ajebo Hustlers, and Afroselecta-BBK, among others. These collaborations amplify the project’s expansive vision, with each artist bringing their unique offering to the table. For instance, tracks like Pity This Boy featuring Victony—which has already gained traction following its earlier release—showcase ODUMODUBLVCK’s ability to create emotionally charged bangers that resonate deeply. Other standout collaborations include Juju with Smur Lee and Shallipopi, and the Ramadan remix featuring Tolibian and BOJ, both of which were fan favorites prior to the mixtape’s release and now find a fitting home on this project. Meanwhile, solo tracks like Wage War, Go Report, and Kylian highlight his commanding presence, proving he can hold his own without features, delivering raw, unfiltered bars over pulsating beats.
Beyond its commercial success, THE MACHINE IS COMING serves as a precursor to ODUMODUBLVCK’s forthcoming album, INDUSTRY MACHINE, which he has been teasing since early 2025. The mixtape is described as an “appetizer,” offering a taste of the rawness and innovation that fans can expect from the full-length project.
