Fresh out of the BET Cipher, what’s new?
In a phenomenally disappointing display of the current state of South African mainstream Hip-Hop on the BET Cipher, this week we are giving commercial a rest because we need ya’ll to heal!
FRESH OUT
Sakhile-STP x STEBU– KnoXmen
A concoction of good sh*#
In a world where there is pure, unfiltered penmanship, STEBU and STP, step in; in their fresh threads, with their thick dreads to smoke some of the phattest beats you can bump to. In their collaborative album “KnoxMen”, the two rappers deliver some of most refreshing music, with fire verses, on production mainly by STEBU as BeatKartel and PluckNPlayZa. They flow seamlessly together, showing their range as emcees in a sonically well-rounded project that gives the listener a feeling of extravagance. The album art definitely reflects the trip you take through the block and each song tells a unique story about the everyday ins and outs of life, Hip-Hip and everything that comes with it.
Ezase Kasi
Back To The City 10k Challenge Winner Thizo released Zwana La earlier this month featuring Rev. Tumza and Sotra Ciphers very own, Speeka.
In what can only be described as one for the Kasi, “Zwana La” is a what should’ve happened at the BET Cipher in terms of both production and lyricism. Thizo is a formidable rapper, and has the ability to transport you into the gray of Soweto and make up feel at home, whilst Rev and Speeka’s flow meticulously. Zwana La is available on all Digital Streaming Platforms.
GBTGB Debut’s Tasha Hendrixx
In some exciting news this week, G.B.T G B artists and Sound Engineer Tasha Hendrixx has finally released her debut album “Blacked Out” and oh my goodness, what a treat for South African RnB/Neo-Soul.
Boasting 8 phenomenal tracks, if features production by Kaizer Beats, TaylorMadeBeats and Soduh, and takes you on journey of reflection, healing, transformation and elevation.
Tasha’s beats and voice have a soothing holistic feeling that carries you with her through a whirlpool of emotional pain, harsh realizations and letting go of the past in order to prepare yourself for the best that is yet to come.
In “Toxic Love”, she sings of love gone bad, an experience most people commonly share, where they find themselves in a situation where they continuously find themselves being hurt by or hurting someone in a Never-ending cycle of repetitive behavior.
The album also has guest appearances from GBTGB founder and rapper PDotO, and Don Trozo, amongst other.
The album is available for purchase and streaming on all Digital Platforms.
REFLECTIONS –
Long Live the Trap!
There’s nothing more exciting than watching the rise of a rapper who used to cipher with the grimiest of cats! Durban Trap Lord, thusly dubbed “Our Father”, LordScript dropped “Run It” featuring EMtee and the track has ama2k and the veterans Wilding! When it comes to trap music, EMtee has held the mantle and flown the flag up high, and has introduced some of the freshest cats to hit the ground running. On the other hand LordScript has been on the come up for a minute, and finally got the recognition he has worked so hard for, from being a founding member of the KZN supercew DopeArtists, to rocking the stage at CottonFest and working with the likes of Blxckie, Nasty C, OkMalumKoolKat, to mention a few.
“Run It” is what you get when a A Trap God and a Trap Lord rub shoulders. The joint is a pure flex and makes you feel like you’re part of a group of people that know something other people don’t.
Words of Wizdom.
Wizdom is one of the best rappers to ever touch a mic in the Eastern Cape. To paraphrase Yahkeem from TruFM’s “The Urban Exchange” Wizdom is the kind of rapper that makes a true hip-hop head want to cry.
“For Days” is a single he released on the 10th of October 2023 and is available on all online stores.
Music Video News
A Magikal Experience.
South Coast born and bred producer/rapper O.B Magik has finally landed in Johannesburg, and is receiving mad love for his collaboration with Rashid Kay on “031 to Jozi”. In true O. B style, the track is an explosion of wordplay, where both emcees deliver on concept. The music video for this Collab is out now on all streaming platforms and is eye catching to say the least. The song itself is a street anthem and a very warm welcome to one of Durban’s finest Lyricists.
ON BEATS
The Midnight Project
BlackTearz, born Tukiso Mankge, is a young producer based in Pretoria with a catalog most niggas his age could die for. Having worked with the likes of PDotO, EMtee and Chad da Don, to name a few, BlackTearz is an underdog we can’t ignore, and are excited to hear that he’ll be co- producing a track alongside Shaney Jay, on an offering by 7th Letter, who is signed to African Trap Movement.
COMING SOON
In The Booth
Lastee play has confirmed the release of Maraza’s long awaited soul touching remix for “Kuningi”. As the title suggests, “Kuningi” is a heartfelt, soul-touching song, which will feature Lastee, EMtee, Bravo Le Roux, and Aubrey Qwana.
Dropping Soon.
Young Sterkspruit rapper Double Tee DeBlackSpider has confirmed that he will be dropping a project produced by Dj. Malefactor sometime soon. Although the release date is not yet confirmed, the Mpumalanga based Sterkspruit rapper has shared a track list that has not yet been confirmed as final. The project will consist of 5 tracks thus far and a feature by SFIKILWANE.
IN HIP-HOP WE TRUST.
