UNLEASHING THE "DA TRYBE 2.0" BY "ELDEE THE DON"

Words:Adedosu 'kenzy' Adekunle

After the defunct of the former group,If there is one word to describe "ELDee da Don" then it would be "Evolution".

Over the last 14 years, Lanre Dabiri, has registered his presence in the Nigerian music scene, helped birth many careers, blessed us with hit songs, embraced advocacy, and remained relevant all the time. What more can a Don do, you ask?

After forming the rap group "Trybesmen" which included rappers Kunle ‘Kaboom’ Bello and Mfon ‘Freestyle‘ Essien back in 1998, the Hip-hop trio went on to dominate the Western region with their new style of music – a blend of American hiphop music laced with Nigerian lingo and lore.

Their debut "Trybal Marks" still makes the list of the most influential Hip-hop records ever to come out of Nigeria.

Eventually eLDee being the dreamer he is, began to expand the empire, snatching up upcoming rappers Sasha, Blaise, 2shotz, Dr SID, Timi, olaDELe and Double O.

Along with the KB and Free, they formed Da Trybe - A coalition of talents that rode on the success of just one single ‘Oya‘ and a lukewarm album ‘The Big Picture‘.

The assemble was however short-lived as in-house squabbles led to a early and unceremonious separation.

eLDee however emerged as one of the most successful out of the lot, forging on with his Trybe Records label and releasing three albums and a mixtape. (2shotz is the only Da Trybe member who has released more albums, five in number).

Now, he ’s back with another squad. In an era where power houses like Chocolate City, EME and the Mo’Hits seem to have it on lock, can he and his new gang reclaim the position he once occupied?

MEET DA TRYBE 2.0

‘Trybe records is proud to announce the new roster of artists for 2012 which currently include eLDee, Sheyman, Sarz, K9 and Sojay. Trybe Records is looking to sign on a few more artists before the end of the year and promise to be the team to watch out for in 2012‘, said a press statement made available to journalists.