Category: South Africa

Posted in Artist Profiles, South Africa, Student Projects

#Uber2daCrib

Posted on by landinneal

  1.  If I heard this come on the radio in my car I would not turn the station.
  2. This is one of those songs that when it comes on everyone just vibes to it.

V-Way was one of the Top 18 contestants in X-factor South Africa 2014. He was the last standing rapper in the competition who garnered praise and appreciation from the likes of Oskido during his run. With a flow that glides over any beat effortlessly combining vernacular and English lyricism he creates an energetic and locally infused brand of music. He is a member of the hopeboyclub and founder of Pretoria’s very own Only The Illest (OTI) hip hop crew.

V-Way The Hero is definitely a ladies’ man. Most of his songs are anthems that celebrate women of every shape and size, school of thought, skin color and religion. The beat produced by Taurus The Mind is a funky throwback to hip-hop’s hey day with the crisp production quality of a 2017 jam. #Uber2DaCrib is shout out to all the ladies who make such a good impression that you can’t help but uber them to the crib. This jam is set to prime hip-hop dance floors for the summer.

With the reference with some hip hop icon’s like French Montana and Flo Rida. V-Way clearly has confidence in his music career. I think he should be very confident in his career with a catchy song like this one if he keeps producing “popping” hits he should be headed to the top in no time. I will be on a look out for more music by V-Way I always need a song to dance around the house while I’m cleaning or just in the mood to listen to some chill music. You can never have too many songs where you can just turn them on and just let them play on repeat.

Social Media:

Download #Uber2DaCrib
Posted in Artist Profiles, South Africa, Student Projects

Everyone Needs To STAY WOKE on The Artist Dee Wyz

Posted on by landinneal

Link to Dee Wyz- Stay Woke https://soundcloud.com/chauffeured-dream/dee-wyz-stay-woke

Stay Woke-

/stā/ /wōk/

Deriving from “stay awake,” to stay woke is to keep informed of the storm going on around you in times of turmoil and conflict.

 

Dee Wyz is a 19 year old South African artist. I had the pleasure of listening to his song Stay Woke. When I first listened to the song the beat caught my attention IMMEDIATELY.  He first starts off the song by repeated “Stay Woke’ x8, since this is a very common term that my peers and I use, I had to keep listening. The song tells the life story about the hard times Dee Wyz has been through. I feel this song could be considered a pick me up, for those who are going through the same or similar situations. Since Dee the age of 3 Dee’s experiences have all helped him become the amazing artist he is today.

This is the type of music I enjoy listening to. Artist that sings/raps about REAL life experiences make REAL music! The amount of personal information Dee exposes in this song means he isn’t afraid to share his journey to success. This song could come off as vulnerable but that is not the case at all. He is sharing his story to tell the listeners that you don’t have to be stuck in your situation. I would definitely be looking out for more music by Dee Wyz, and Stay Woke has just been added to my “fave song” list. He is an artist that everyone is to look out for.

No matter what you are going through remember to always “STAY WOKE,” being aware of situations means you have taken the first step in realizing that change needs to be made. Never let anyone determine your destiny for you. Your life is yours and you’re the only one who can make it better for YOURself.

Dee Wyz Twitter: https://twitter.com/officialdeewyz/media

Posted in Benin, Burkina Faso, Ivory Coast, Nigeria, South Africa, Student Projects

Artist Music Review: “KMG” and “Yung Swiss”

Posted on by raisadorsainville

I had the pleasure to review a song under Kalakuta music, which is the only Pan African and bilingual record label in the Ivory coast. This song is called “My Lady” by KMG, a group, featuring “EZZDEAN DUANE” an artist, and collaboration with “MALA ADAMO”, a comedian. This was interesting to listen to since it consisted of lyrics in english, french and yoruba. Since I am not too familiar with understanding french or yoruba, I used my context clues to figure out what the lyrics meant while watching the video and it was quite funny to observe. The comedian in collaboration with the group brought a comedic feel to the scenes he was featured in which made me laugh out loud. Also, the lyrics were quite catchy. I caught myself saying the lyrics towards the end of the video even though I didn’t know what they meant, which not to mention, meshed pretty well with the Afrobeat in the background. Overall, KMG created a pretty cool song I will definitely “bump” to in the future!

As for the second reviewed artist “Yung Swiss”, his two songs were great! One song is called “For the Nation” and the other is “Don’t Go There” featuring “Casino”. They both had a mix of R&B/Hip Hop feel to them. My favorite song out of the two is, “Don’t Go There” mostly because of the beat. If I like a beat to a song, no matter how good the lyrics are, I always find myself putting the song on repeat. This song definitely had one of those types of beats. The lyrics were also quite catchy too. I’ve played it about five times already writing this post! Bravo to Yung Swiss, I’m a new fan and will inquire about the rest of his work and give him a listen!

Here’s the link to KMG’s video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=O27MbmreW1U&t=9s

Here’s the streaming link to Yung Swiss’s two songs: https://www.audiomack.com/album/playground-productions/for-the-nation

Featured Images of Artists:

Yung Swiss: 

KMG: 

Posted in Africa, Botswana, Female Emcees, Ghana, Kenya, Podcasts, Senegal, South Africa, Tanzania, Zimbabwe

HHAP Episode 14: African (Women) MCs & Hip Hop Lyricists

Posted on by Msia Kibona Clark

This episode features the music of several MCs from across Africa. We depart from the interview format and bring you music from some of our favorite (women) MCs. This is essentially a mixtape of diverse female voices in African hip hop. These MCs live in different countries, seek different languages, and speak on diverse topics. In each of these songs, the artists performing deliver strong, hard hitting lyrics that are both classic hip hop and representative of African styles of hip hop. See the artists’ social media pages for more information. Additionally, some of the artists have their work on iTunes. Those links are provided.

Continue reading “HHAP Episode 14: African (Women) MCs & Hip Hop Lyricists” →

Posted in Diaspora, South Africa, Student Projects

AKA – Congratulate Vs. Drake – Thank Me Now

Posted on by postsbyaaron

In terms of style and delivery AKA is almost synonymous with Jay Z in that their familiar rap patterns let you know that this track is about to be amazing. Meanwhile Drake has developed his own sound within Young Money under Lil Wayne and with a similar connotation to the naming of the tracks we can see that Thank me Now would be just as effective as Congratulate me. In Congratulate me AKA has to take the time to congratulate himself for how far he’s made since he started, Meanwhile, Drake in thank me now comes of as a little more cocky and prepared, thanking the listener directly and giving them ample opportunity to thank him for a song well done. While the topics are very similar, as previously dictated in the post, the way they give permission to give them thanks and a pat on the back for a job well done, couldn’t be any more different in their delivery. “Hold your applause, this is your song, not mine,” “On the bed, on the floor, now congratulate me.” The songs are also a critical look at self from Drake and AKA analyzing the lives that they lead up to this point in their respective careers. As can be expected of any performance art there are times that an artist can perform in front of 40 people or 400 people either way they need to perform as if they’ve packed out Maddison Square Garden. There is also the process of becoming a household name which takes not only time but proper preparation and relationships. Now that AKA can be heard on the radio as well as Drake, at least in the context of this post, you can feel the similar motif which is simply support and congratulate both artist on a job well done.

AKA – Congratulate

Drake – Thank Me Now

Posted in Africa, Female Emcees, Hip Hop African Article, South Africa

Nadia Nakai – Like Me vs Nadia Rose – Station

Posted on by postsbyaaron

This post is dedicated to the comparison of two talented female emcees, from two different countries that share a first name. Nadia Nakai and Nadia Rose both speak on the fact that no one can step to them, whether lyrically or otherwise. With upbeat rhythms and fast rap patterns one could definitely draw a comparison between their styles of delivery and topic choice, however the visuals to accompany the video could not be more different. Nakai brought the b-girl aspect of hip hop to her video, whereas Rose’s Station is literally at a train station saying that she has the go. Station starts with a uptempo boom-bap pattern beat, and a song that would leave you understanding that she won’t be in the same position, space or even place as she is always on the go. Meanwhile, you cannot forget Nadia Nakai, nor can you get close to have the relentless flow that she professes to use throughout the track. Typical in Nakai fashion Nadia flaunts what she has and challenges anyone who thinks that they can step to her about it.

Meanwhile, Nadia Rose calls out fans who talk about her as if she wont talk about it to their face, and when they do reply they want to keep up and if it weren’t obvious at this point, they cannot. Even down to the more specifics of the beats that they decided to use for the songs are tough, as Nakai’s beat for Like Me sounds like a Swiss beats classic and, Rose’s beat selection sounded like a Neptune’s sound. The overall message trying to be conveyed as previously mentioned is that you cant step to these talented ladies with anything short of amazing. Both Femcees also defy the standard representation of what’s ladylike for an emcee, with the overaggressive crumping in Like Me, and to the aggressive styles in which she tells you that you can’t see her in Station.

Nadia Rose – Station [Official Video]

Nadia Nakai – Like Me

Posted in Africa, South Africa

Sammy Vomits – M.I.A

Posted on by brandig22

The song I chose to analyze is M.I.A by Sammy Vomits, a South African hip hop artist. The song begins with a period of straight rhythm, no words just beats. Immediately you begin bobbing your head. Then in comes Sammy Vomits, “They say I’ve been missing in action,” at just the right moment. In M.I.A Vomits addresses and denounces the rumors that he has been slacking, while those around him have been busy grinding. Vomits states that he hasn’t been missing but instead he is keeping his plans on the low. Yes, he’s putting in work but he’s not on scene stunting and flaunting all that he’s doing. This song is Vomits way of flexing on his haters: putting in work, by producing music, and still and still belittling his critics. While others are busy focusing on what all he is doing and accomplishing, he’s making moves whether they see notice them or not. I believe Sammy Vomits embodies all that in the delivery of his song. His voice is rough, harsh, and it beats up the track. Vomits is letting all those who ever doubted him know it is not appreciated. I am a fan of roguish, hard music so I really took a liking to Vomits’s song. I especially liked the fact there was a reason to the rhyme, his message served a person. Sammy Vomits did not just wake up one day and decide to brag about all that he’s accomplished, he woke up one day and decided enough was enough. It’s time they know what I’ve accomplished, time they know that I’ve been putting in work. I believe sometimes is to speak your truth when so many of peers believe otherwise. I also believe that’s what hip hop is for, for black people to speak their truth.

Posted in Diaspora, Female Emcees, Nigeria, South Africa

Black Girl Magic

Posted on by aero2424x

The power of women on the hip hop scene is growing each day in Africa. Female hip hop artist often struggle to get there music and art pushed into the mainstream of a genre that has been historically male dominated. I believe this is the reason that these women are producing more revolutionary hip hop art. Two artist that have made particularly creative music videos are Little Simz, who hails from London but is born to Nigerian parents, and Patty Monroe, who was born and raised in South Africa. These artist show very different sides of the artistic spectrum in the themes they convey and hopefully this blog can give some insight into their messages.

Continue reading “Black Girl Magic” →

Posted in Africa, Diaspora, South Africa

ShabZi Madallion Holy Key

Posted on by brandig22

True to the form of South African hip hop, Holy Key (Remix) by DJ Khaled ft. Kendrick Lamar and South African artist ShabZi Madallion, is an example of conscious rap. As the song opens, ShabZi Madallion immediately erupts, issuing a powerful first verse laced with metaphors and ill punchlines. Madallion talks about the corruption of prominent people in positions of power and how they are taking advantage of the citizens. But, he even discusses how sometimes it is not the rich and powerful, but merely are own peers who sell us out for profit or gain, yet in reality all they obtain is a loss a freedom. Madallion’s verse highlights many of the key issues that plague the black community. First, we (the black community) are our own worst enemy. In his verse, Madallion states “they breaking even with demons,” illustrating that greed is the seed of all evil. Continuously it us who send our own people to their demise, trying to increase our own social status. Next he discusses how those in power are manipulating and deceiving the people, which has in turn led to anger and mistrust. Soon, there will be no more obedience amongst citizens. Madallion acknowledges that the black community is fed up with government corruption and will soon decide to discontinue being misled and mistreated. Finally, ShabZi Madallion highlights how the churches are exploiting the black community, fooling them to believe they have their best interest at heart but instead are contributing to the success of the exact leaders that are taking advantage of the community. Overall, I believe Madallion’s verse was the best on the song. He made me really feel everything he was saying. It was powerful, real, and the delivery was impeccable. Even though his lyrics were conscious, they were still engaging and riveting.

Posted in Female Emcees, Kenya, Nigeria, South Africa, Student Projects

Nigerian, South African/Kenyan connection. The battle of the “Koolest”

Posted on by postsbyaaron

Today on The Hip-Hop African Blog we analyze the comparison between Nigerian rapper Davido’s song “Coolest kid in Africa” featuring, awesome, South African rapper Nasty C and Kenyan pop singer/rapper Stella Mwangi’s song “Koolio.” Both songs are exciting and begin with catchy beats, however, where Davido’s “Coolest kid in Africa” starts low and slow, with heavy bass and a sick trap beat drop, Stella’s “Koolio” picks up the pace with a faster electro-hop beat that is reminiscent of Pitbull’s I” I Know You Want Me.”

In Davido’s song “ Coolest kid in Africa” he describes that the reasons that he is the coolest are that he is both rich and connected, has enough money to change your life, if you let him, and because of the amount of women who choose to accompany him wherever he goes. Whereas, Stella in “Koolio” describes her “Koolness” as a product of her awesome life, which you should already know about, because of her gangsta style, though she does profess to not be a gangsta. Additionally, she suggests that you should not try to hinder her style or movements, because she keeps her Kool cooler that Coolio, which is not only a metaphor for being the pinnacle of coolness, but also a reference to famous 90’s Hip Hop Artist Coolio, who was known for not only his Coolness but his gangsta lifestyle, point of reference “Gangsta’s Paradise.”

The biggest comparison between the two can be found in Nasty C’s verse on the “Coolest kid in Africa” which connects the party vibe of knowing how cool he is, much like how Stella professes her coolness as a fact before the song, to the concept of finding out how cool he is like Davido suggests throughout the song. Two braggadocio songs professing to how cool the other is based on previous memory of their exploits.

Davido – Coolest Kid in Africa (Official Video) ft. Nasty C

STELLA MWANGI – KOOLIO (Official Video)