M Trill

Teria Yarhere (born 18 May 1979)^[1] is a Nigerian rapper from Delta State who performs under the name M Trill (stylised as M-Trill or M.Trill). He released his debut studio album Number One in 2008 along with a follow-up mixtape entitled Ladies and Gentlemen (2010). That same year, he won the "Best West African Act" at the Channel O Music Video Awards for his single "Bounce".^[2] M Trill has been featured on songs with Timaya, Cyrus da Virus, Ruggedman, Slim Burna, 2shots, A-Q, Kraftmatiks, Modenine, Godwon, Evaezi, and Pyrelli among others.^[3] He was ranked by BellaNaija Magazine as one of the illest rappers in the game.^[4]

Biography

Teria Yarhere was born into the family of Mr. and Mrs. Yarhere on 18 May 1979. He joined the Hip hop movement while attending Federal Government College, Odogbolu. Although he knew how to rap, he was never on the fore-front, instead, he began exerting his energy into organising hip hop shows. After graduating from secondary school, Yarhere found himself in the company of people that boosted his love for hip hop especially rap music one of which is Wale Oni (Mr. Dallas). Having learnt the basics for rapping like counting bars properly and rhyming, he began to thirst for publicity. 'I just wanted to put out one song, at least one that I could play for my kids, eventually, I did the song by myself without Wale Oni and when people heard it, they were really impressed’

His first single titled "Bounce" enjoyed massive airplay in Port Harcourt which was why when he left Xcel music—a record label in Port Harcourt, where he was signed on to—after graduating from the University of Port Harcourt he got a lot of offers from different record labels. Eventually, he stuck with Grafton records, a UK based record label with twigs in Port Harcourt and Lagos, Nigeria . "I have always wanted to be one of the world's best, and since my deal with Grafton included a UK release and I have always looked at the wider market. Also, I knew Grafton records as always being true to their words. When they say something, they do it, so I signed with them" So when Grafton records insisted he moved to Lagos, he saw it as an ample opportunity to strap up "I have always known Lagos, I was just staying in Port Harcourt with my brother before I finally relocated, but back in the days, we used to come to Lagos for holidays. My mum stays in Lagos while my dad is always shuttling between Warri and Lagos."

He currently continues to shuffle between carving a niche for himself and recording a different kind of music, "I am trying to bring more contents into the Nigerian music industry".^[5] In 2012, Trill linked up with fellow Nigerian artist Slim Burna and the pair recorded a song called "Oya Na" which was later released in May that same year.^[6]M-Trill was also honoured alongside Timaya, Duncan Mighty, Timi Dakolo, Sodi Cookey and Becky Enyioma at the 4th annual Odudu Music Awards in Nigeria, also tagged "Niger Delta's Biggest Awards Ceremony".^[7]

In 2013, M-Trill teamed up with an up-and-coming rapper known as Rraz. The duo which go by the name SSS (South South Syndicate) began working on a collaborative project. Their first single "Fastlanes" has Trilla and Rraz rapping over 'Eminem and Royce d 5'9′s single. It was mixed with additional production by Charlie X and Sean Stan.^[8]

Musical influences

M-Trill cites Jay-Z, Nas, The Notorious B.I.G., Snoop Dogg, Tupac Shakur, Dr. Dre as his musical influences.^[9] He also states that part of his childhood revolved around African music, naming the likes of Onyeka Onwenu, Salif Keita, Youssou N'Dour, Mieway, Koffi Olomide, and Sunny Ade as the few artists he listened to.^[10]

Discography

• 2008: Number One
• 2010: Ladies and Gentlemen

Awards and nominations

Channel O Music Video Awards

African Music Awards

Odudu Music Awards

See also

• List of people from Port Harcourt
• List of Nigerians

References

External links

• M Trill on Twitter