M.I Abaga Albums Ranked: From Talk About It to The Guy
M.I Abaga is more than a rapper; he is a cultural architect whose influence reshaped Nigerian hip-hop. Long before Nigerian rap occupied mainstream spaces, he redefined the genre’s boundaries, fusing lyrical excellence with a distinctly local identity. His arrival marked a turning point, transforming the scene from an underground niche into a respected and commercially viable force.
Known as “Mr. Incredible,” M.I Abaga carried an unmatched confidence and an artistic vision that has guided his career for nearly two decades. His discography is deliberate, with each project serving a defined purpose — whether experimental, introspective, or fiercely competitive. While no project in his catalogue is without merit, some stand out for their innovation, cohesion, and cultural impact.
This ranking focuses exclusively on his solo albums, EPs, and mixtapes, excluding collaborative projects, tracing his journey from 2008’s Talk About It to 2022’s The Guy.
10. Rendezvous 
Rendezvous marked an unexpected creative detour, leaning heavily toward mood-driven, genre-blending soundscapes. It showcased a more relaxed, experimental side of M.I Abaga, featuring a stellar cast including Odunsi, Ajebutter22, Falz, Ghost from SDC, Terry Apala, and Dice Ailes.
Tracks such as Lekki, Jiggy, and Your Father brought energy and playfulness, yet the project felt more like an interlude than a defining statement. While enjoyable, it lacked the lyrical precision and thematic depth that cemented his legacy, functioning as a refreshing palate cleanser rather than a career milestone.
9. A Study on Self-Worth: Yxng Dxnzl 
This introspective work presented M.I Abaga at his most vulnerable, blending personal reflection with social commentary. Subtle production supported deeply confessional writing, addressing themes such as trauma, self-doubt, and industry politics.
While its depth and honesty made it artistically significant, the project’s heavy tone limited its accessibility. Standout tracks like You Rappers Should Fix Up Your Lives delivered sharp critique, but much of the album felt more therapeutic than entertaining, making it a challenging listen for casual audiences.
8. The Guy 
Positioned as a reintroduction, The Guy reaffirmed M.I Abaga’s skill and charisma. The title track captured the confident delivery fans admire, while collaborations such as The Love Song with Wande Coal and The Front Door with Duncan Mighty added polish.
However, the album played more like a compilation of standout moments than a cohesive narrative. While it demonstrated his enduring ability, it avoided the risk-taking that had defined earlier high points in his career.
7. Illegal Music 1 
The first entry in the Illegal Music series was raw, daring, and unfiltered. M.I. Abaga rapped over borrowed beats with a freedom that emphasized lyrical dominance rather than commercial appeal.
Tracks like Birds Fly High and I’m Hot highlighted his sharp penmanship and creative ambition. Though less refined than his studio albums, the mixtape’s authenticity cemented his reputation among dedicated hip-hop audiences.
6. Talk About It 
Talk About It was the breakthrough — a debut that disrupted the Nigerian rap landscape. From the playful interpolation in Safe to the anthemic Short Black Boy and Anoti, the album announced a new era for local hip-hop.
Though it carries the raw edges of a debut, its cultural impact remains unmatched. It captured the hunger of an artist poised for dominance while setting a new standard for mainstream Nigerian rap.
5. Judah EP 
Released after his lyrical face-off with Vector, Judah served as a concise showcase of technical mastery. Tracks such as The Trinity and The Blood combined sharp wordplay with spiritual undertones, resulting in a project that was both assertive and thematically rich.
At just eight tracks, the EP delivered concentrated impact, reaffirming his position as a top-tier lyricist.
4. Illegal Music 2 
The second installment in the Illegal Music series balanced the unpolished energy of its predecessor with more strategic execution. Strong lyricism, ambitious production choices, and candid industry observations defined the mixtape.
Highlights like 6 Foot 7 Foot Freestyle and F** You* blended bravado with frustration, making it a compelling yet often underrated work in his catalogue.
3. Illegal Music 3 
The final chapter of the Illegal Music trilogy displayed refined aggression and confident storytelling. Songs such as All Fall Down and Phase II explored philosophical and introspective themes, while the overall production struck a perfect balance between polish and grit.
This project stands as the most complete representation of the series’ ethos, merging lyrical intensity with thematic depth.
2. The Chairman 
A demonstration of versatility, the Chairman positioned M.I Abaga as a complete artist. The album’s conceptual framework, divided into thematic opposites and bridged by The Middle, reflected meticulous planning.
Tracks like Bad Belle, Monkey, Bullion Van, and Brother showcased his range — from social commentary to personal reflection, from playful banter to heartfelt storytelling.
1. MI2: The Movie 
A defining moment in Nigerian hip-hop, MI2: The Movie remains M.I. Abaga’s most cohesive and celebrated work. Structured like a cinematic experience, it flowed seamlessly from Prelude through to Undisputed.
The album balanced commercial appeal with lyrical excellence, delivering classics such as Action Film and One Naira. Its combination of narrative coherence, emotional range, and technical skill solidified his position at the pinnacle of African rap.