By Ghazali Ibrahim
Celebrated Nigerian disc jockey and producer DJ Neptune has paid a heartfelt tribute to late rapper Da Grin, describing him as the most impressive artist he ever worked with in the studio.
In a recent interview on Hip TV, Neptune recounted the unforgettable moment Da Grin recorded his verse on the remix of their song “123” in under eight minutes, leaving him completely blown away.
“If there’s one artist I respect so much, it’s Da Grin,” Neptune said.
“When we recorded the remix of ‘123’, he delivered his verse in eight minutes. That day, he walked into my studio, and just like that—boom—he nailed it.”
Tragically, Neptune revealed that would be the last time he saw the rapper, as Da Grin died two days later in a fatal car accident in April 2010.
The shocking loss rocked Nigeria’s music industry, cutting short the life of one of the most promising voices in Yoruba rap and indigenous hip hop.
Da Grin’s critically acclaimed album, CEO (Chief Executive Omoita), released in 2009, solidified his place as a street legend, and continues to influence Nigerian rap culture over a decade later.
During the interview, Neptune also reflected on his early journey into music, which began despite opposition from his father, a mechanical engineer.
With a career spanning over a decade, DJ Neptune has risen to become one of Africa’s most prominent DJs, working with top Afrobeats stars such as Davido, Burna Boy, Omah Lay, and more.
His 2020 breakout single “Nobody” featuring Mr Eazi and Joeboy became a continental smash hit and earned him the Headies Award for Song of the Year.
Fans and industry peers continue to echo Neptune’s admiration for Da Grin, whose lyrical prowess and cultural impact remain unmatched years after his passing.
