Ebro in South Africa
Apple Music’s Global Editorial Head of Hip Hop and R&B, Ebro Darden, a longtime champion of music and artists emerging from across Africa, recently visited South Africa as part of his ongoing exploration of the continent. During his visit, he spent time with some of the nation’s most gifted young artists in Johannesburg and Cape […]
The Plug x Castle Lite present: 100 Most Influential People in Urban Culture
“There’s no argument. I am a hundred percent the reason why hip hop is drenched.” Part of his Utatakho Remix verse that shook up the fourth quarter of 2019, Riky Rick stakes his claim on the game boldly with that bar. Hubris is almost a cornerstone of hip hop, but who really got the block […]
Ebro features YoungstaCPT, Shane Eagle, and Sjava on Rap Life
Ebro Darden was recently in the country. For those who are unfamiliar with the OG, he’s a radio veteran on one of New York’s most popular stations; Hot 97. He was appointed the Global Editorial Head of Hip-Hop and R&B earlier this year for Apple Music and also hosts a show on the platform titled […]
South Africa’s Best Dressed Rappers
Words by Tinuke Eboka Fashion and music have always been inextricably tied but this connection has become more significant as the explosion of streetwear meant rappers were able to take centre stage, not only as influencers, but even as designers in their own right. Today, rappers are more than just mere musicians but rather cultural […]
AKA’s back with a double drop
AKA’s back. He’s dropped two singles today; “F.R.E.E” featuring DJ Tira and Riky Rick, and “Main Ous” featuring YoungstaCPT. Tweeting yesterday “I think it’s important to have a good contrast between something really cool for the socials and the streets, something hard for the culture … and something that will without a doubt be a […]
Kwesta celebrates his birthday Reporting Live from Katlehong
11th August is a significant date in the hip hop calendar. Not only is it recognised as the birth date of hip hop – in that Bronx basement when DJ Kool Herc hosted his back to school jam at 1520 Sedgewick Avenue – but it is also Kwesta DaKAR’s birthday. Da King of African Rap […]
YoungstaCPT: The King
For any artist, the debut album is a fabled thing. An introduction to a mass audience, a culmination of past work, and a distinct declaration of an artist’s current creative space, the debut is a significant and infinite threshold. For an artist like YoungstaCPT, this milestone comes at the perfect time and most importantly, on […]
The Cape Crusaders
Fresh Music Friday – Week 6
Youngsta’s debut album has arrived. One of the hardest working artists in SA has released 3T which is narrated by his grandfather, and is a journey on his life and history. The album can be found here. ByLwansta has released the first chapter in his SpijØnget series. Released as a series of three four-track EPs, […]
YoungstaCPT on His PUMA Collaboration
PUMA has resurrected the CELL Endura and CELL Venom from the past and reimagined it in black and white, with reflective elements on the upper and signature CELL cushioning technology at the midsole. Originally a training shoe made for high mileage runs, the CELL Endura and CELL Venom arrives in a new context to celebrate […]
Hip Hop – Rediscovering its Political Roots
Words by Glenn Kisela Hip hop has a long and storied history with roots deeply embedded within political movements. It has often been used as a medium for storytelling as well as a source of inspiration for the oppressed, specifically with its American origin. Hip hop has rarely strayed from delving into political issues even […]
Fresh Music Fridays – Week 1
DJ Speedsta has a new EP out titled “Bottlebrush Street.” It’s the debut project from him and can be found here. Yugen Blakrok has released a video for her second single – Picture Box – off her upcoming album. The video can be found here. TRESOR’s new album, Nostalgia, is out now on all music […]