New music from Khuli Chana, Ginger Trill and more

Whilst everybody is still recovering from the electrifying performances that they enjoyed this past weekend at Back to the City, our favorite Hip Hop artists haven’t been sleeping and some exciting stuff has happened over the past week!

FRESH OUT –

Motswakoriginator – The Return.

This morning, Khuli Chana dropped his much-anticipated project “Khuliyano”, after having taken a much-deserved break from the industry over the past two years. Although it is not clear as to whether “Khuliyano” is a single or a full body of work, Bars ‘n’ Rhymes is most certainly impressed with the manner in which the verses are delivered by the artists featured. The beat itself is constructed by Vino, DJ Slim, Lunatik and Zadok, and has a unique flavor that sounds piano but, feels very much like something Jabbaman would flip flawlessly on. The song features Stino Le Thwenny, KayGizm and Luigi Anywhere. The project is available on all Khuli Chana streaming platforms.

REFLECTIONS –

El NinoDrie and IFani released Lidlozi in August and the song has been getting love all across the country. Since the separation from Driemanskap, El Nino has proven time and again, that he has always had the prowess to deliver rich content, well executed flows with cadence, whilst iFani’s playful delivery gives tracks a comic flair. The track is available in all major digital stores.

Music Video News

Zakwe has finally dropped the long-awaited music video for “Thixo Wami”, featuring the legendary Zola 7, Riot and Big Zulu. The music video for this track, which is, essentially, a prayer for protection against enemies and ill-wishers was released on the 12^th of October 2023 and has already hit over 15 000 views on YouTube.

The KZN born rapper was very excited to share the music video with fans, and even mentioned how happy he was now that he had finally worked with his hero, Zola 7, again on such a significant song. Zakwe has been flying the hip hop flag high since his emergences, and raised eye brows this year when he took to the booth to in a “State of Hip Hop” address where he mentioned former members of the Pretoria crew The Anvils by name, stating that he ain’t feeling ‘em and that he would, essentially, mop the floor with them.

ON BEATS

“Uber to The Desert”

Johannesburg based female producer Pilzy Lee has announced the release of a collaborative project between her, Mag’Oveni and Mo Tarr, titled “Uber to the Dessert”

The project consists of 10 songs and reflects the conceptual brilliance of the creatives involved, effortlessly and is available for streaming on Audiomack.

Shots Fired.

In a double treat for us this week, Ginger Trill and Touchline have released “Tell A Friend”, and the lyricism from both rappers is impeccable. Trill tells the other kids to watch their mouths before he turns into their arch nemesis and critiques the fight the veterans have put up for the culture: “Proving we fought better than ya’ll veterans, God’s penning it, Heaven sent.”.

A Word of Thanks.

Kasi Rap extraordinaire Duncan has

released a song of thanksgiving featuring the Qwabe Twins and rap/r&b queen, Skye Wanda. The song, titled “Ngiyabonga, was released less than 24 hours ago and has already received a warm welcome from fans who relate so much to the content that they have been tagging him in his quotable non-stop since it dropped. The song highlights the importance of gratitude, and how no matter what you do, those who don’t like you, don’t like you, even if it is for no reason and you can’t help that. The Afrotainment signed rapper also shares some controversial views regarding single mothers, women with tattoos and home wrecking. “Ngiyabonga” is available for streaming on all Afrotainment digital platforms.

“Off the Hook” founder Lwazi the MC has released a single titled “Makwedini”, from his latest Extended Play “Scamtho Hip Hop”. Makwedini is an isiXhosa term used to refer to young male children or grown-ups who act like little children, and is generally derogatory when used in the latter manner, so you should have an inkling of what the overall content of the song is about. In true “dyan style”, Lwazi jumps on a fire, self-produced boom-bap beat, and challenges the bravest of rappers to step up. Another single, titled “Fede Fokol” dropped this week and is produced by Ndhloko Zitha, formerly known as Larry. His music is available for purchase directly from him.

ON BEATS

The Midnight Project

Durban based Producer IVOX ZA dropped a phenomenal beat tape, “The Midnight Project” on the 19^th of September 2023.

The beat tape, in true IVOX style, blends soulful hip hop instrumentals with some hard-hitting boom bap beats, a la Stones Throw and is definitely one of the most prolific underground producers to emerge from Kwa-Zulu Natal. IVOX has worked with the likes of LandmarQue, Rez Proph and Nate the Lyricist (UK). The ten-track beat tape is available for streaming on Youtube and Bandcamp, with soft copies available from IVOX himself.

COMING SOON

In The Booth

Johannesburg based Cape Town rapper TrustedSLK has announced that he is finally working on her debut Album “If I don’t do it, who will?” “The album boasts 11 tracks which will take you on a journey that starts with some heart felt, soulful music transitioning in to a more commercial sound.

The Umthatha born rapper has confirmed that the featured artists include Muziholiq, Lord Script and PDotO amongst others, and has combined the sounds of Umthatha, Cape Town, and Johannesburg on one project, to bring fans something classic and memorable.