Cham absolutely shows out on this.
Tobe Nwigwe
Tobe Nwigwe Has A Reason To Flex In His ‘Been Broke’ Video With 2 Chainz, Chamillionaire, And Fat
Alief, Texas rapper Tobe Nwigwe‘s videos are always elaborate, self-directed affairs but he really pulls out all the stops in his new video for “Been Broke,” which also features Atlanta trap captain 2 Chainz, Houston hard hitter Chamillionaire, and, as always, Tobe’s wife, Fat. As he does in many of his videos, Tobe highlights his Nigerian heritage, his family’s close bond, and unique aesthetic sensibilities. This time, though, he goes all-in on flexing his wealth too, contrasting his current circumstances with the song’s all-too-relatable chorus.
The video opens with a reference to the tradition of a newly wedded couple being showered with cash as he and Fat embrace on the lawn of a massive mansion, surrounded by aunties in their big hats, the usual Tobe dance team, and a squadron of muscle cars doing laps around the circular driveway. Of course, there’s the requisite shot of Tobe, Fat, and their babies, then 2 Chainz and Chamillionaire both tell their own rags-to-riches stories from various spots on the grounds. Chainz’s verse makes nifty use of an international wordplay motif, while Chamillionaire brags about escaping one-hit-wonder status. And, as usual, the whole cast is decked out in mint green styles designed by Tobe himself.
Watch Tobe Nwigwe’s Facebook-exclusive “Been Broke” video featuring 2 Chainz and Chamillionaire below.
Tobe Nwigwe’s Reflective ‘Unfollow Me’ Video Has Some Helpful Advice For His Haters
Each Sunday brings a new Tobe Nwigwe video to look forward to, as the Alief, Texas-based rapper continues his independent campaign to offer a counterpoint to the imagery and messages pervading rap’s mainstream. This week, though, he slows it down as he offers some helpful advice to anyone bothered by his choice of content.
If there was a moment that you could point to as the beginning of Tobe’s breakthrough to a broader level of public awareness, it would likely be the release of his 2020 single, “Try Jesus,” in which he tapped into a gospel vibe for a tongue-in-cheek reminder that he won’t be turning the other cheek. He returns to that well on “Unfollow Me,” which utilizes strains of a pulpit-certified organ as Tobe reminds his haters that they don’t have to stay tuned into his every move.
“If you don’t like what I say or do,” he croons, “Please, for your sake and mine — unfollow me.” As the camera pulls back from the standard closeup his Sunday singles often begin with, he advises his critics that they don’t have to like, comment, or follow if they really don’t want to. The mood is very much in line with his two most recent releases, “Passing Through” and “Undressing Criticism,” in both music and message.
Watch the video for “Unfollow Me” above.
Tobe Nwigwe And His Wife Fat Call For Healing With The Tender ‘Undressing Criticism’ Video
Tobe Nwigwe returned with a new Get Twisted Sundays release this week, deciding to address some of his online detractors in the “Undressing Criticism” video. This time around, Tobe takes a sharp left turn from the usual aggressive vibe of songs for a tender reflection on his and his wife Martika’s — aka Fat — relationship, which recently came under fire online after the two opened up about their rocky start in a confessional video years ago.
After an interview with Erykah Badu brought renewed attention to the old video, commenters, gossip bloggers, and YouTubers lashed out at the honest way the couple presented their story. One reaction video is titled, “Why Black Women Will Always Be An After Thought [sic],” while comments on the original video suggest that viewers feel Tobe said he settled for her because he did not originally want a relationship.
However, here the couple is, four years, three kids, and a viral rise to stardom later, and Fat remains central to Tobe’s music, often contributing verses or vocals to his Sunday single releases and nearly always popping up in the videos for songs like “Fye Fye” and “The Truth,” and performing with him on Jimmy Kimmel Live!. In “Undressing Criticism,” he calls out those critics, rhyming, “How the hell is one offended when presented with someone’s genuine experience that don’t make or break you doing you?” Fat even comes in at the end with a spoken-word piece encouraging the people in the peanut gallery to find healing so that don’t feel the need to lash out over someone else’s story.
Watch Tobe Nwigwe’s “Undressing Criticism” video above.
Tobe Nwigwe Flexes His Star Power With Viral Movement
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Tobe Nwigwe Contemplates The Afterlife In His Peaceful ‘Passing Through’ Video
Texas rising star Tobe Nwigwe had a breakout 2021 and looks to carry that momentum into the new year with his new video for “Passing Through.” Produced by Tobe himself as well as his longtime production partner Lanell Grant and directed by Nate The Director, who shoots most of Tobe’s videos, “Passing Through” features familiar imagery from throughout the Tobe Nwigwe cinematic universe — monochrome costumes, the mint-colored interior of Tobe’s home, the rapper’s family, which includes his wife Fat and his two babies, and picturesque scenes from around their Alief, Texas community.
Lyrically, the song focuses on Tobe’s spirituality — another common theme of his music — but strips down the blasting beats and his boisterous bars for a more contemplative, peaceful direction, which reflects the song’s subject well. “This world is not my home,” Tobe sings. “I’m just a passing through.”
Nwigwe’s busy 2021 included a long streak of videos as part of his Get Twisted Sundays campaign, which saw him collaborate with a number of his fellow indie rap vets such as Big KRIT, D Smoke, Lil Keke, Bun B, Trae The Truth, and even Fat, who contributed a verse to their final jam of 2021. That all culminated in Tobe’s first-ever late-night television performance and his addition to the 2021 Roots Picnic. Keeping that same energy, he’s already kicked off 2022 with his latest Get Twisted Sundays single and a new NFT which he’s auctioning off on January 16. Find more info for that here.
Tobe Nwigwe And His Wife Fat Shout Out Their Hometown In The Exuberant ‘Fye Fye’ Video
After taking a little break in the wake of his and Fat’s pregnancy announcement, Tobe Nwigwe and his family return in the elaborate, exuberant video for “Fye Fye.” Debuting the video exclusively on Facebook, Tobe and the gang turn all the way up while representing South West Alief, Texas (aka SWAT, aka “WEEEEEST”), again donning their matching uniforms and employing a small army of dancers on a local outdoor basketball court.
This time around, Tobe’s flow reaches a register normally reserved for college basketball fans after winning a championship game as he shouts out his hometown — literally — and asserts his realness over yet another domineering, bass-heavy production from Lanell Grant. Fat herself appears midway through the video to run rampant all over the beat, proclaiming her toughness, wit, and loyalty as she and the bun in her oven bop along. “I ain’t Kim,” she shouts to close her verse. “Tob’ can’t never go Kanye!”
2021 looks to be a big year for the Nwigwe family. Not only was Tobe booked for The Roots’ 2021 Jam Session in March (with kids and wife in tow, as per usual), he also made his television debut with a performance of “Eat” on JImmy Kimmel Live! Tobe’s always been about progressing with every move, so his next one is sure to be even bigger.
Watch the “Fye Fye” video above.
The Roots Reveal Their 2021 Jam Session Lineup Including Ari Lennox And Tobe Nwigwe
Each year around Grammy Week, The Roots hold an annual Jam Session inviting special guests from their endless list of collaborators and connections for a one-of-a-kind live show experience. Unfortunately, with most venues still shut down due to COVID-19 safety precautions, there won’t be a live show this year, but the fact that it’s streaming via Tidal means there’s no capacity limit, and fans from outside of Los Angeles get to “attend” as well. Also, this year, the band partnered with Oculus, granting virtual reality access so it can still feel like you’re front row.
The band revealed this year’s lineup in a press release sharing the details of the new partnerships. Special guests for this year’s event include R&B singers Ant Clemons, Ari Lennox, and Emily King, as well as rapper-producer Tobe Nwigwe and pianist-singer Jon Batiste. Burgeoning country star Brittney Spencer and soul icon Kathy Sledge of the legendary Sledge Sisters will also appear. Clemons is nominated for Best R&B Album for his 2020 debut Happy 2 Be Here, while Batiste has two nominations at this year’s awards.
Ahead of the Jam Session, The Roots have updated their Essentials Playlist on Tidal. You can check that out now, and watch the Roots Jam Session Saturday, March 13 at 6 pm PT / 9 pm ET in-app or via the embed below.
Tobe Nwigwe Makes His Late-Night Debut With An Elaborate Performance Of ‘Eat’ On ‘Jimmy Kimmel Live!’
Six months ago, Tobe Nwigwe debuted the video for his song “Eat” as part of an extensive and seemingly endless string of self-released singles showcasing the self-contained creative factory he’s created with his wife Fat, business partner/producer Lanell Grant, and director Nate Edwards. Last night, they brought their elaborate creations to late-night television for the first time, performing “Eat” on Jimmy Kimmel Live! and making sure it was an experience none of the show’s viewers will ever forget.
The performance, which was pre-taped due to COVID-19 restrictions, featured an eye-catching mod look, placing each of Tobe’s band members on a separate, social-distancing-approved circular stage, as masked models cat-walked through the background, then hit the spacious floor for another of Tobe’s elegantly-choreographed routines. Meanwhile, Tobe’s fit did as much talking as his bars did, as he flexed a massive puffer trench bearing the likenesses of Breonna Taylor and revolutionary Fred Hampton under the slogan “It’s hard to sleep these days.” Both Hampton and Taylor were killed by law enforcement officers in their sleep during raids on their homes.
Tobe’s ongoing release campaign has so far included songs like “The Truth,” “Pistol,” and “Tundah Fiyah” and featured guests like Big KRIT, Black Thought, Bun B, D Smoke, and Trae The Truth. Tobe also performed a cover of Harold Melvin and The Blue Notes’ 1975 classic “Wake Up Everybody.” You can watch below.
Watch Tobe’s late-night debut above.