Da Grin

Oladapo Olaitan Olaonipekun, also known as Dagrin (25 October 1984 – 22 April 2010), was a Nigerian rapper from Ogun, Nigeria. A film of his life entitled Ghetto Dreamz was produced in April 2011. He is recognized for paving the way for indigenous rap in Nigeria. He is widely considered one of the greatest Nigerian rappers of all time.

Early life
Olaonipekun's home was in Meiran, Alagbado, Lagos State.

Career
He released his first studio album Still On The Matter in 2006-07. In 2009, He released his second studio album called C.E.O. (Chief Executive Omoita). In 2010 he was nominated for the Nigerian Entertainment Awards for Best Album (C.E.O.), Hottest Single "Pon Pon Pon", Best Rap Act and Best Collaboration with vocals. His album C.E.O. (Chief executive Omota English: Chief Executive Thug) won the Hip hop World Award 2010 for best rap album. From it came the singles "Pon Pon Pon", and "Kondo". Dagrin worked with other Nigerian artists such as Y.Q, 9ice, M.I, Iceberg Slim, Omobaba, Terry G, Ms Chief, Owen G, K01, code, MISTAR DOLLAR, TMD entertainment, Omawumi, Chudy K, Bigiano, and Konga. His third studio If I Die was released posthumously One of the song he sang from the album If I Die. was If I Die.

Legacy
Da Grin was cited as one of the pioneers of dialect rap singers of Yoruba language and Pidgin in Nigeria. Nigerian journalist, Idoko Salihu of Premium Times stated that "Da Grin was a rapper who revolutionised the Nigerian rap industry, he infused English with his native dialect".

M.I. released "End of Time" tribute to Da Grin after the rapper's demise in 2010. 'Nigerian All Stars' which included Sheyman, Ruggedman, Banky W, Omawunmi, Lord of Ajasa, Tony Tetuila and a host of others released "My Pain", a tribute to Da Grin after his death. Rapper Olamide released "Tribute to Dagrin" in 2011.

Musicians who regard Da Grin as influence on their careers includes Olamide, CDQ, Reminisce, Oladips, YQ etc.

Ghetto Dreamz
A film of his life Ghetto Dreamz, starring Trybson Dudukoko and Doris Simeon-Ademinokan as his girlfriend has been made and was released in April 2011.

Discography

 * Still On The Matter (2006)
 * C.E.O (Chief Executive Omoita) (2009)
 * If I Die (2011)
 * Legends Never Die, Pt. 1 (2023)

Won

 * 2010 Hip Hop World Awards – Best Rap Album

Nominated

 * 2010 Hip Hop World Awards – Artiste of the Year

Death
Olaonipekun had an accident on April 14, 2010 & died 8 days later at the age of 25 on 22 April 2010 after a vehicle accident in Lagos, Nigeria.