PsychoYP: Trailblazing Artist Leading New Wave In Nigerian Hip Hop

Nicholas Ihua-Maduenyi aka PsychoYP is one of Nigeria’s standout artists standing at the forefront of a new, international wave. Born and raised in Abuja, Nigeria, PsychoYP’s sound effortlessly merges multiple genres, ranging from Trap and Rap to Grime, Drill and R&B. With such a diverse sound, it’s no wonder his reach spans the globe. Counting up 30 million streams and several brand endorsements, including Martell Cognac, the influential Nigerian artist’s rise has been phenomenal.

PsychoYP’s work ethic has placed him in the ranks of Africa’s most sought-after and fastest-rising artists. 2020 alone found him featured on 34 new releases, making him the most featured artist in Nigeria that year. Which is probably why he also took NATIVE Mag’s #1 Rapper slot as well.

If you’re reading this from another continent aside from Africa, you might be unfamiliar with PsychoYP. But good news, Hype Off Life has got you covered with this exclusive interview. Tap in to learn more about his American music influences, the state of Nigerian Hip Hop, and his killer work ethic. Right now and only on Hype Off Life 🚀

Thanks for your time. How has the year been treating you so far?

Happy New Year. It’s been real hectic but that’s what we do.

Your sound is a genre-blending sound, ranging from Trap, Grime, Hip Hop, Drill, and R&B. Where do you draw your creativity from?

I’m really just a very experimental person. Also been around so much music all my life I feel like once it’s time to create I just tap in.

Do you have any American Hip Hop influences 

For sure. Grew up listening to a lot of Young Money you know I was locked in on datpiff.com getting all the mixtapes I could when I was a kid so yeah most definitely.

How’s the Hip Hop scene in Nigeria?

It’s in shambles but it’s only because I’ve been on a bit of a holiday. Tryna get my mind right but I’m back real soon. There’s definitely a few people holding it down for me though big shout out Jeriq in the East and the boys at Apex Village in Abuja.

What do you love about it the most?

I love the fact that now people are starting to understand and appreciate what we create.

Aside from a diverse sound, your work ethic is insane. Most notably, you did 34 features in 2020. What fuels your grind?

The music literally. The year I had the most features [was] 2020 I don’t even think we had set up proper channels of communication to even get paid for these features. I was just out here rapping and stressing my managers because I loved the records. [I] would literally send back a feature in 25 mins.

Speaking of the hustle, give us a short rundown of your rise to the top.

Right now I’m still in that story. Somewhere in between 50 & 60%. Deffo gonna shock the world soon.

What is your vision for 2025, and how do you plan on getting there?

Greatness. All year-round greatness. I’m just going to keep working as hard as ever and not let anything get me off that.

Anything else you want your fans to know?

I’m grateful for all the support. New PsychoYP soon