SOCIOLINGUISTICS ANALYSIS OF CODE MIXING IN SELECTED HIP-HOP SINGERS' LYRICS

While many studies have examined code-mixing in education, literature, and social media, little attention has been given to hip-hop. Therefore, this study was designed to conduct a sociolinguistic analysis of code-mixing in Nigerian hip-hop lyrics, focusing on linguistic features, thematic content, and cultural implications. The study applied the Dual Language Approach because it explains how bilinguals draw from their full linguistic repertoire. A qualitative design was employed, with fifteen purposively selected songs including Wizkid’s“Scatter the Floor”, “Shout Out,’ and “Totori”; Davido’s“No Visa,”“Fans Mi,” and “Dodo”; Kizz Daniel’s “Titi,”“Lost,” and “Woju”; Naira Marley’s “Am I a Yahoo Boy,”“Opotoyi,” and “PXTA”; and Mohbad’s“Ronaldo”, “Omo Mi,” and “Ask About Me”. Data were thematically analysed. Findings revealed that code-mixing is not random but purposeful, serving functions of identity, humour, rhythm, and authenticity. Wizkid’s songs show playful negotiation of love and cultural intimacy, while Davido’s lyrics reflect migration dreams, fame, and social pride. Kizz Daniel uses code-mixing to express loyalty, heartbreak, and flirtation, whereas Naira Marley employs it for satire, rebellion, and street solidarity. Mohbad blends Yoruba, Pidgin, and English to express vulnerability, survival, and defiance. Code-mixing enriches themes of romance, struggle, migration, celebration, and resistance. It strengthens cultural pride and creates a Pan-Nigerian voice that resonates both locally and globally. This study concluded that code-mixing in Nigerian hip-hop is a tool for cultural negotiation and identity construction. It recommended that artists maintain this practice to preserve authenticity, while future studies should investigate its influence on global hip-hop culture. Keywords: Authenticity, Code mixing, Cultural identity, Dual language approach, Linguistics features, Nigerian hip-hop, Sociolinguistics. Word Count:250 words