Tobechukwu Nwigwe, a Texas-born rapper of Nigerian descent is one of the United States’ most consistent and prolific rappers.
With a video of a new song every week, Tobe uses his YouTube page to spread the message of purpose.
His goal is simple, “making purpose popular” as he raps about social justice, lifestyle and his life.
Tobe, born to Nigerian immigrants in the US 33 years ago has said in his latest single “Father Figure” that he’s a level above other rappers.
In the song featuring American rappers Black Thought and Royce Da 5’9”, Tobe eulogised his Nigerian roots and greatness.
Highly revered in Houston, Texas, Tobe is seen by many as a source of motivation and a man who typifies happiness.
He has a close-knit team of video directors, singers and drummers, with his wife, simply known as Fat, being one of the most important members of the team.
Tobe also has many of his extended family members on his projects and says he never wants to be popular but will always spread the word of purpose round.
Contrary to his desires, his fame rose when he released a video about the killing of Breonna Taylor, as Americans celebrated him for lending a voice.
Erykah Badu and Michelle Obama are some of the rapper’s staunchest supporters.
From American Football To Hip-Hop
Tobe wanted to become an American football player and was a great linebacker before a knee injury put paid to his career while he was in college. He attended the University of North Texas where he studied Real Estate and was an NFL hopeful before his injury in 2009.
He focused the burning passion in him on music and chose to rap about lifestyles and the need to be consistent.
Tobe never shies away from hailing his Igbo, Southeast Nigerian roots, and is known to celebrate his blackness.
In one of his songs, “Shine”, he said; “The world can be toxic. Especially when your skin looks like chocolate. Be cautious, all branches ain’t olive. And look towards the sun for your solace and, Shine, Shine, Shine on all of them.”
Nwigwe loves his family and his art has always been personal to him. He carries them along in all his strides and they form a strong part of his ascent.
Tobe has said he’s not interested in the perks of being a record label. The rapper said he rejected Mass Appeal, Roc Nation and Sony Music as they were never able to answer his one important question.
“They have someone call you and say, ‘Anything we can do,’” Fat, his wife said in an interview with the New York Times.
His response, he says has always been; “What can you do for me that I’m not already doing?”
He markets his songs and has a creative control of his branding and art.
Nwigwe says the only thing he does on his own is writing. His clothes come from his different travel experiences at Nigeria and Japan and he gives them to his African brother, a Cameroonian tailor your sew. Every other thing is done by members of his close-knit team of friends and family.
A hardworking rapper, flanked by a solid group of creatives, Nwigwe says he’s hard to be convinced to join a label because he’s not lazy.
Tobe’s Get Twisted Sundays on Instagram and his website is one of the most followed shows in Texas, and the rapper has been described in the city as a visionary who is in a mission to change the scope of hip-hop.