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Chapter 1 - Lil Kobiz

- Lil Kobiz: The Mystery, Music and Street Influence Behind an Emerging Nigerian Rapper

Written by 26ix Media.

Lil Kobiz is gradually building a name for himself within Nigeria's underground hip-hop scene, developing an identity rooted in raw lyricism, street-inspired storytelling and an unmistakable sense of mystery. Originally from the Ughievwen clan in Delta State, Kobiz grew up around the Delta Steel Company (DSC), an environment that played a significant role in shaping his early experiences and creative outlook.

Rather than follow the more commercially established Afrobeats route, the independent rapper has gravitated towards a grittier hip-hop sound, drawing heavily from drill, trap and street rap. His interest in music began at a remarkably young age. Having developed a passion for writing and storytelling as a child, he reportedly began making music at the age of nine, setting the foundation for what would eventually become his pursuit of rap.

His musical influences reflect a combination of international and homegrown hip-hop culture. Among his inspirations are Delta-born rappers Erigga and Kida Wonder, as well as Corizo, whose distinctive storytelling and unfiltered approach to street narratives have helped shape his appreciation for lyricism. However, one name stands out particularly when discussing his relationship with drill music: the late Chicago rapper King Von.

Widely recognised for his vivid storytelling and contribution to Chicago drill, King Von is Lil Kobiz's self-proclaimed idol and a major inspiration behind his involvement in the drill scene. Von's influence extends beyond musical appreciation, playing a role in Kobiz's creative direction and the inspiration behind 4Tf, an artistic identity associated with his drill-oriented vision.

Over time, Lil Kobiz has developed a growing catalogue of music, showcasing different sides of his artistry. His releases include tracks such as "5pm in Naija," "Drug Time," "Hot Soup" and "Regrets." He has also demonstrated his admiration for King Von through "Crazy Story Pt. 7," a cover inspired by the Chicago rapper's popular storytelling series. Another track, "Fantasy," has generated interest through an earlier snippet, giving listeners a glimpse of his creative direction.

Much of his musical identity has also been associated with the atmospheric production of Noblebeat, whose sound contributes to the darker, more distinctive feel of some of his work.

- From Warri to Port Harcourt: An Unexpected Silence

Although Lil Kobiz originally established his roots in Warri, Delta State, his journey eventually took him to Port Harcourt, Rivers State, where he currently appears to have stepped away from active music recording.

His relocation has coincided with a noticeable period of silence in his musical activities. While there have been no known new recordings during this period, he briefly resurfaced on TikTok with a freestyle titled "Nigerian Demons." Interestingly, the freestyle was taken down the following day, leaving listeners with unanswered questions about its sudden disappearance. The reason behind its removal remains unknown.

Whether this silence represents a temporary break, a period of personal development or preparation for a different creative direction is yet to be established. Nevertheless, the brief appearance of "Nigerian Demons" offered a reminder that his connection to music has not necessarily disappeared.

- 4Tf: The Identity Behind the Mystery

Beyond his individual music, another aspect of Lil Kobiz's artistic identity that has attracted curiosity is his association with a collective known as 4Tf.

The acronym is understood to stand for "4ever Two Faced," a name that reflects themes of duality, contrasting personalities and the complicated realities surrounding street life and the music industry. The collective maintains a relatively low public profile, with limited information available about its members, internal structure and long-term ambitions.

In an era where emerging rap collectives often rely heavily on social media exposure to establish their identities, 4Tf appears to take a different approach. Its association with drill culture, particularly the influence of King Von on Kobiz's artistic vision, gives the collective an identity that extends beyond simply being a musical affiliation.

Another name connected to this circle is Lil Suskid, an emerging rapper who shares a musical association with Kobiz and is also linked to 4Tf. Although details surrounding the collective remain limited, the connection between the artists suggests a shared creative environment built around their interest in underground hip-hop and drill music.

The musical connection between the two rappers also produced a collaborative release titled "Evil Twins," which dropped on August 19, 2026. The song marked a joint effort between Lil Kobiz and Lil Suskid, further highlighting their musical chemistry and shared involvement in the underground rap scene.

For now, much of the curiosity surrounding Lil Kobiz and 4Tf remains unanswered. His relocation, extended recording silence and the brief appearance of "Nigerian Demons" have only added another layer to an already mysterious musical journey.

Whether his next move involves returning to the studio, expanding the 4Tf identity or exploring a different sound, Lil Kobiz remains an emerging name worth keeping an eye on within Nigeria's underground rap landscape.

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