Nicholas Ihua Maduenyi, professionally known as PsychoYP, was born on October 28, 1998 in Abuja and rose from weekend bedroom recordings to become one of Nigeria’s most influential new wave rappers. He began releasing music on SoundCloud around 2016 while based in Manchester, later returning to Nigeria and joining the Apex Village collective; his breakthrough came with the YPSZN mixtape series (YPSZN, YPSZN2, YPSZN3), which earned critical praise and award nominations, including recognition at the South African Music Awards and The Headies.

PsychoYP is celebrated for fusing trap, drill, grime, afroswing and R&B into a distinctive sound and has cited both Nigerian and international artists among his influences; his creative range and growing catalogue have led to millions of streams, international festival bookings (including SXSW), and a reputation as a leading voice for Nigeria’s alternative hip hop scene.

PsychoYP has credited his mother with having a major influence on his musical path recalling how she filled their home with a variety of music, from P-Square to Michael Jackson, which sparked his early passion for rap and singing.

Musical Career

PhyscoYp first major breakthrough came with the release of “YPSZN” in 2018, a mixtape that established him as a rising force in Nigerian rap. The project was followed by “YPSZN2” (2019), which received critical acclaim and earned him nominations at The Headies. He then consolidated his reputation with “YPSZN3” (2021), which featured collaborations with top Nigerian and international acts, showcasing his versatility in trap, drill, and afroswing. Alongside his solo work, he has released joint projects like “This Is What You Wanted” (2020) with Azanti, further expanding his audience.

Over time, PsychoYP has grown into one of the most streamed and celebrated rappers of his generation, performing at international festivals such as SXSW and collaborating with big names across the African music industry. Today, he is widely regarded as the “Fresh Prince of Nigerian Rap”, representing a new wave of artists pushing hiphop, trap, and alté culture into the mainstream.

Popular Songs by PsychoYP

• Bando Diaries – A gritty drill anthem that shows off his street-influenced rap style.
• Stronger (feat. Zlatan) – A high energy fusion of Afrobeat and rap, one of his most streamed tracks.
• IC3 – A bold statement track from YPSZN3, showcasing his lyrical confidence.
• YPSZN (feat. BOJ) – Title track of his breakout mixtape, blending trap with Nigerian alté vibes.
• Oga – One of his early hits; the remix with Blaqbonez and YCEE made it a fan favorite.

Networth

PsychoYP's net worth is estimated to be over $1 million, showcasing his solid presence in Nigeria's hip-hop scene.