Early Beginnings
A-Q, whose real name is Gilbert Ubani, was born on April 1, 1986, in Lagos, Nigeria. From a young age, he showed a deep passion for music and poetry, often writing his songs and performing for friends and family. Growing up in a culturally rich environment, he was influenced by various genres of music, including hip-hop, afrobeat, and highlife, which would later shape his unique style as an artist.
Education
A-Q pursued his education at the prestigious University of Lagos, where he obtained a bachelor’s degree in English Literature. During his college years, he continued to nurture his love for music and began honing his skills as a rapper and lyricist. His studies in literature provided him with a deeper understanding of storytelling and poetic techniques, which he seamlessly incorporated into his music.
Musical Career
A-Q’s musical journey officially began in the mid-2000s when he emerged as a prominent figure in the Nigerian underground hip-hop scene. His debut album, “Listen and Overstand,” released in 2008, garnered critical acclaim and marked the beginning of his ascent in the industry. Known for his thought-provoking lyrics and introspective storytelling, A-Q quickly gained recognition for his ability to address social and political issues through his music.
A-Q’s Music Labels
Throughout his career, A-Q has been associated with several record labels, including Hustle Inc, where he released his debut album, and 100 Crowns, a subsidiary of Chocolate City Music, which he joined in 2019. These affiliations have provided him with a platform to reach a wider audience and collaborate with other talented artists.
A-Q’s Music Discography
A-Q has released a series of successful albums and EPs throughout his career. His notable projects include “Listen and Overstand” (2008), “Make Your Best Rapper Look Stupid” (2010), “Rose” (2016), “Blessed Forever” (2017), and “God’s Engineering” (2020). Each album showcased his growth as an artist, featuring lyrical dexterity, social commentary, and diverse musical influences.
Artists A-Q Has Featured With
A-Q has collaborated with numerous artists in the Nigerian music industry, displaying his versatility and willingness to explore different sounds. Some notable collaborations include M.I Abaga, Vector, Phyno, Yemi Alade, Brymo, and Boogey. These collaborations have resulted in several chart-topping songs and further solidified his reputation as a respected artist in the Nigerian music scene.
Top 50 Songs
“Agu Ji Ndi Men” (featuring Boogey)
“The Definition”
“Shaking Tables”
“M.I Abaga” (featuring A-Q)
“Eunice”
“Bata Mi” (featuring Phyno)
“Lekki Express Way” (featuring Wavy The Creator)
“Catch Your Sub”
“G Boys (Feeling Like)” (featuring M.I Abaga)
“Distraction 2” (M.I Abaga Diss)
“Bang!”
“My President Is Sick”
“Rapperholic”
“The PVC Story”
“Not for Sale”
“Machine Gun Flow”
“Vegetarian” (featuring BaseOne)
“I Don’t Like Church”
“We Are Dreaming” (featuring Boogey)
“Another Classic”
“Red Cups” (featuring Boogey)
“Don’t Let the Devil Use You”
“Emotional
Albums
Listen and Overstand
The Past Present and Future
Rose
Blessed Forever
Crown (with Loose Kaynon)
Live Report (collaboration with MI Abaga)
God’s Engineering
Golden
Ethos(with Brymo)
God’s Engineering 2
A-Q’s Obstacles
Industry Challenges: Like many artists, A-Q has faced various challenges within the music industry. These include limited opportunities for exposure, difficulties in securing record deals, and competition from other artists vying for recognition. Overcoming these obstacles required persistence, determination, and continuous improvement of his craft.
Financial Constraints: The music industry can be financially demanding, especially for independent artists like A-Q. Funding music production, marketing, and promotional activities can be a significant obstacle. A-Q had to navigate through financial constraints by seeking sponsorships, and partnerships, and exploring alternative avenues for funding his projects.
Mainstream Acceptance: A-Q’s music often delves into social and political issues, tackling subjects that may not always align with mainstream trends. Breaking into the mainstream music scene and gaining widespread acceptance can be challenging when the industry favours more commercially driven and radio-friendly content. A-Q had to strike a balance between his artistic integrity and commercial appeal to expand his audience reach.
Criticism and Controversy: Artists are often subjected to criticism and controversy, and A-Q is no exception. His bold and honest lyrical content has sometimes attracted backlash or sparked debates. However, he has faced these challenges with resilience, using criticism as a catalyst for growth and learning from past experiences.
Personal Struggles: Like any individual, A-Q has faced personal struggles that can impact his creative process and career. Balancing personal life, relationships, and mental well-being while pursuing a demanding music career can be challenging. A-Q has openly discussed his experiences with anxiety and depression, emphasizing the importance of self-care and seeking support during difficult times.
Despite these obstacles, A-Q’s determination, talent, and commitment to his craft have allowed him to overcome challenges and establish himself as a respected artist in the Nigerian music industry. His ability to adapt, innovate, and stay true to his artistic vision has been instrumental in his success.
Friendship with MI Abaga
A-Q and M.I Abaga have had longstanding friendships and professional relationships within the Nigerian music industry. Both artists are highly regarded for their lyrical prowess and have collaborated on numerous occasions, showcasing their mutual respect and admiration for each other’s talent.
Their friendship dates back to their early years in the industry, and they have often been seen supporting and promoting each other’s work. A-Q and M.I Abaga have collaborated on tracks such as “G Boys (Feeling Like)” and “The PVC Story.” They have also engaged in friendly competition, most notably during the M.I Abaga diss track saga where A-Q released “Distraction 2” in response to M.I’s “The Viper.”
Their friendship extends beyond music, as they have been spotted together at various events and social gatherings, displaying a camaraderie that goes beyond their professional collaborations. A-Q and M.I Abaga’s friendship is a testament to the unity and collaboration among artists in the Nigerian music industry, as they continue to inspire and push each other to greater heights.
Friendship with Blaqbonez
A-Q and Blaqbonez (Emeka Akumefule) have a friendly and supportive relationship within the Nigerian music industry. While there may not be extensive information available about the specific dynamics of their friendship, they have been seen collaborating and showing mutual respect and talent.
Both artists are known for their lyrical prowess and have established themselves as prominent figures in Nigerian rap. Blaqbonez, who is signed to Chocolate City Music, the same record label as A-Q, has often expressed his admiration for A-Q’s artistry and the influence he has had on his music.
Their collaboration can be seen on tracks like “God’s Work” from A-Q’s album “God’s Engineering 1 and 2” where Blaqbonez contributed a feature. This collaboration showcases their camaraderie and willingness to work together on music projects.
While the exact details of their friendship might not be widely publicized, it is evident that A-Q and Blaqbonez share a mutual appreciation for each other’s talent and have collaborated to create impactful music within the Nigerian hip-hop scene.
Beef with Vector The Viper
A-Q and Vector the Viper (Olanrewaju Ogunmefun) were involved in a well-known rap feud that gained significant attention within the Nigerian music scene. The feud between the two artists began in 2019 and spanned several diss tracks and public exchanges.
The origins of the beef can be traced back to M.I Abaga’s controversial track “You Rappers Should Fix Up Your Lives,” where he addressed the state of Nigerian rap and challenged rappers to raise their standards. Vector, in response, released a diss track titled “The Purge,” where he took shots at M.I Abaga and other rappers, including A-Q.
A-Q, being a close associate of M.I Abaga, felt compelled to defend his friend and responded with a scathing diss track titled “Distraction 2.” The track, A-Q aimed at Vector, criticizing his claims of being the best rapper and questioning his authenticity. This marked the beginning of the beef between A-Q and Vector.
The feud continued with both artists releasing subsequent diss tracks aimed at each other. The tracks included Vector’s “Judas the Rat” and A-Q’s “Eunice,” among others. The diss tracks dissected various aspects of each other’s careers, personal lives, and rap skills.
While the beef between A-Q and Vector generated significant attention and sparked debates among fans and music enthusiasts, it is worth noting that rap feuds in the music industry are not uncommon. Such feuds often serve as a platform for artists to showcase their lyrical abilities, express their opinions, and engage in healthy competition.
It is important to recognize that the beef between A-Q and Vector was primarily a professional rivalry and did not necessarily reflect their relationship outside of the music sphere.
Networth
A-Q has gained an international online distribution deal as far back as 2006 which no doubt proves that the rapper has made money off his career, although he had a break from music in 2007, however since upon his return to the rap game he succeeded in getting back his fan base. From a rough estimation, the rapper is worth millions of naira.
