Nigeria’s Foreign Affairs Minister, Yusuf Tuggar, has sparked online conversation after sharing his all-time favorite rap songs — with zero Nigerian rappers on the list.
While defending Nigeria’s refusal to accept Venezuelan deportees during an interview on Channels TV, Tuggar referenced a famous line from Public Enemy’s Flavor Flav: “I can’t do nothing for you, man.” He used the quote to emphasize that Nigeria, already facing significant internal challenges and a massive population, cannot afford to take in prisoners from another country.
His use of rap lyrics quickly caught the attention of author Lola Shoneyin, who playfully urged him on social media to release a full playlist of his favorite rap songs — and Tuggar responded almost immediately.
The minister revealed his top 10 rap tracks, featuring only American hip-hop legends like Jay Z, Tupac, Missy Elliott, and Public Enemy. The list, however, didn’t include any Nigerian rappers, which led to mixed reactions from the public.
Yusuf Tuggar’s Top 10 Rap Picks:
1. My Mind is Playing Tricks on Me – Ghetto Boys
2. Paid in Full – Eric B & Rakim
3. Fight the Power – Public Enemy
4. It’s a Shame – Monie Luv
5. The Story of OJ – Jay Z
6. Get Your Freak On – Missy Elliot
7. The Crown – Gary Byrd & the GB Experience
8. It Takes Two – Rob Base
9. Nuthin’ but a G Thang – Snoop Dogg & Dr. Dre
10. Do For Love – Tupac
While some praised his classic taste in music, others were surprised and disappointed that iconic Nigerian rap talents like M.I, Phyno, or Vector didn’t make the cut. Still, the moment gave Nigerians a rare look into the music side of the minister’s personality.
