Youngsta – The Defiant Voice
Words by Mercia Tucker Africandrone, a non-profit entity, funded a photography project in 2017 aimed at showing the separation between the working class and the bourgeoisie’s Unequal Scenes. Headed up by Johnny Miller, the project portrayed that “communities of extreme wealth and privilege will exist just meters from squalid conditions and shack dwellings.” An award-winning […]
The Queen Bee Analogy & the Optics of Female Rap
Words By Ziyanda Ntloko There can only be one: an exploration of hip-hop’s intrinsic bias against female MCs and why the Nicki vs Cardi beef is predetermined For anyone who watched the 2018 Grammys, one of the few highlights of the night was Cardi’s B’s debut performance in front of the star studded audience and millions […]
Interview: DJ SuperNova
DJ SuperNova has enjoyed an illustrious career spanning over 10 years. Of Dominican decent, the Bronx native emerged from the birth place of hip hop set to make an indelible mark on the game. Fascinated by the South African hip hop scene and passionate about sharing his fascination with others, SuperNova embarked on documenting this […]
5 Things Streetwear Can Learn From Hip Hop
Words by Neo Mtshali Hip-Hop is a lifestyle that has carved out some of the most resilient individuals (from street hustlers to an American president), given us music which became the soundtrack to so many of our memories and has been the key to familiarising us with so many luxuries that rich white taste-makers would rather […]
Interview: K-$
K-$ has emerged as one of the most refreshing talents we’ve come across within South Africa’s night life scene. Reppin’ Cape Town, the talented DJ is exposing the rest of South Africa to the wonder’s of Yaadt music and Cape Town’s unique cultural flair. We chatted with him about his musical journey thus far, being […]
Should Artists Still Sign To Record Labels?
Words by Caron Williams Jay Z released his triumphant 13th studio album, 4:44, last year and dropped countless gems as he has since his Reasonable Doubt days. One of the most fascinating parts of the album was his commentary on wealth, financial freedom, ownership and navigating the pitfalls of the music industry. On the melodic […]
Priddy Ugly – E.G.Y.P.T Album Review
Words by Sizwe Ray Shabalala In 2012, Priddy Ugly released his first debut solo project titled The Ugly Truth. However, I only caught wind of it at the end of 2013/early 2014 by chance. His single Hunnids spent a short time on my playlist back in 2015. It wasn’t until 2016 when he dropped You […]
Afropunk JHB – A Celebration of Artistry & Individuality
Words by Caron Williams Afropunk Joburg was a phenomenal experience. It goes without saying that the talent presented during the festival was incredible, but the level of artistry witnessed on that stage was truly out of this world. From Petite Noir’s amazing indie set, Sho Madjozi pulsating performance which invigorated every single person in the […]
The Best Hip Hop Projects of 2017
Words by Kenny Wood 2017 was a beautiful year for project releases. We were actually spoilt for choice; almost everyone’s favourite rapper put out a body of work. Check out the best South African hip hop projects dropped this year. Shane Eagle – Yellow Probably the most well received album of 2017, Yellow exceeded […]
Is Lyricism Still Important in Hip Hop?
Words by Mzonke Maloney How many purists may characterize lyricism in hip hop is through a template that insists on overt complexity, density and the multi-layering of thought. However, Hip hop has sought to provide space for anyone capable of finding a particular eloquence in interpreting its unique vernacular. It is important to first make […]
10 SA Rappers To Watch In 2018
Words by Kenny Wood 2017 has been an interesting year for South African hip hop. The culture has had a hell of a face lift. The cyphers under bridges have moved into wavy parties at streetwear stores (hello La Familia), and backpacks have been traded in for moonbags and fanny packs. The aesthetic transformation of […]
Cassper Shifted The Paradigm of SA Hip Hop
Words by Glenn Kisela Hip hop has always held a level of romanticism. It’s carried the hopes of many and provided soundtracks to our deepest yearnings and most audacious dreams. To many people, hip hop has also served as a form of hope, a trait no one has exemplified more locally than Cassper Nyovest. He […]