ELDee

Lanre Dabiri, (born May 23, 1977) better known by his stage name Eldee, stylized as eLDee, is a Nigerian rapper, record producer and architect. "Lanre" is a diminutive for the Yoruba name "Olanrewaju" (which translates to "Wealth is moving forward").^[1] eLDee studied Architecture at the University of Lagos, Nigeria. He is an original member of the band Trybesmen, which was started in 1998 with rappers KB and Freestyle. He hails from Lagos Island in Lagos State of Nigeria

Music career

Solo recordings

After moving to the United States in 2002, eLDee recorded a solo album titled Long Time Coming and followed up with Return of the King in 2006. The latter album earned various nominations and awards for both videos and songs, including the Nigerian Entertainment Award for “Best International Album”.

The album “Return of the King” marked the beginning of eLDee’s impressive solo career which has seen 4 albums, over 50 major award nominations, and critically acclaimed singles like “Im leaving”, “I go yarn”, “Champion”, “African Chiquito”, “big boy”, “Ota mi”, “One day”, “Bosi Gbangba”, “Higher”, “Wash-wash”, and "We Made It" airing on radio stations all over the world.

eLDee’s robust resume includes his work as an artist, producer, video director and a cutting-edge interactive media consultant for Fortune 500 international brands such as CNN, D3 Publishing, Hines, Accenture, Andersen, Kimberly Clark, Naruto, Primedia, NBA, UPS, Cartoon Network, Consumer Source, and Warner Bros, just to name a few, with numerous national and international awards for design and new media campaigns.

In addition to his numerous accomplishments as an artist and businessman, eLDee is very passionate about the current state of Africa and is one of the few outspoken Nigerian celebrities when it comes to social issues. His passion is evident in his activism towards social change. eLDee’s thirst for sustainability in Africa is also evident in his music as with each album, he hammers on real issues and seeks to motivate/inspire fans to greatness. eLDee was recently featured on CNN for some of his social campaigns.

Gay supporters

In December 2013, the rapper posted a message on his official Twitter page to voice his support for gay rights, saying that hopefully one day soon Africa will realize that anti-gay sentiment is no different from racial or religious discrimination.^[2]

Trybe Records

Trybe Records developed artists such as Sasha P, 2Shots, Trybesmen, eLDee, Lequse, olaDele, Timi, Chiddy and Dr Sid, who is now a member of the Mavin Records label. Current artist roster includes K9, Sojay, Aramide, Rukus, and Sarz.

eLDee came up with a collaboration of all the artists on the record label and named them Da Trybe. They produced singles "Work it out" and "Oya" in 2002, and the album BIG Picture in 2005.

Long Time Coming

Long Time Coming is the debut album by Eldee which sold lots of copies, it was released in 2004.

Return of the King

Return of the King is the second album by Eldee. It was released in 2006, and contains the single ‘I Go Yarn.’

Big Boy

Big Boy is the third album by Eldee, released in 2008 and was originally titled "Evolution".

Is It Your Money

eLDee's fourth album is titled "Is it your money Vol.1" and was released in 2010.

Undeniable

eLDee's fifth album is titled "Undeniable" and was released in 2012.

Personal life

eLDee (Lanre Dabiri) and his long-term partner, Dolapo Latinwo-Belo married and together they have 2 daughters, Temi, and Toke. He has been based in Atlanta, U.S.A since 2002.

Discography

Albums

• 2004: Long Time Coming
• 2006: Return of the King
• 2008: Big Boy
• 2010: Is It Your Money
• 2012: Undeniable

Compilations

• 2000: L.A.G Style
• 2004: The Big Picture (Trybe Records Album)
• 2009: The Champion: The Hits

See also

• African hip hop
• Nigerian hip hop
• Music of Nigeria

References

External links

• Official Website
• Official Myspace
• Interview with Eldee
• Listen to a clip of a Trybesmen single from the BBC Website
• Watch Eldee's video: Champion
• Repping Eldee