PHFAT – The Whip Featuring Mikhaela Faye
by Phil Chard
Despite the split that resulted in Mike and Narch Beats going their separate ways. (Mike stayed on as the sole member of PHFAT) the Cape Town (now a 1 man outfit) PHFAT continue to explore and blur the line between hip hop , electro and alternative music as Mike delivers a hard and grimy set of bars on the new release The Whip. Mike’s dark lyrics are broken up by Mikheala Faye’s lyrics which act as the polar opposite to what was being delivered in the first half of the song in sound and sentiment.
The AHHB Podcast Featuring Blayze & The Ladies Night Review
by Phil Chard
In this week’s episode of the African Hip Hop Blog podcast I sit down with South African rapper Blayze, for a live review of his new offering The Ladies Night EP. We discuss what went into the making of the project, the emotional rollercoasters that inspired it, industry politics, and Caitlyn Jenner.
In the news rundown we also discuss Da L.E.S, Nasty C and our search for new members of the AHHB Team.
Sipho The Gift – Asanda
by Phil Chard
After releasing one of the best Hip Hop offerings I have ever heard, Sipho The Gift has had a surprisingly quiet 2016 devoid of any more videos or promotion surrounding Coming Of Age. It would also seem that Sipho has already decided to move on from his last project, with the release of his new song Asanda.
The new song also marks a totally new, different and experimental style for Sipho as he hops on a trap beat rapping about the woman that left for Johannesburg , changed and broke his heart using on an auto tune assisted chorus.
Jnr Brown – Amen Remix (Featuring. Cal Vin)
by Phil Chard
The “beef” between Cal_Vin & Jnr Brown seems to be officially over. Though it seemed to have kicked off with a great deal of gusto, the rivalry between the two Zimbabwean rappers dwindled into the ether as cooler heads prevailed and both of them focused on releasing music and leaving the debates and battles to take place in the court of public opinion.
Last week, at the Harare International Festival of Food & Music the two rappers officially announced to the fans in attendance that the beef was over when they appeared on stage together.
Jnr Brown
Now the announcement is made officially to the rest of us with the release of the Amen Remix that features both artists. Interestingly, Cal_Vin is given the first verse that he delivers with his typical energy and ever improving flow, coupled with his own refix of the song’s chorus in Ndebele. In another act that can be interpreted as an olive branch Cal_Vin’s side profile with a bowed head and hands clasped in prayer is featured on the song’s artwork.
The song itself is an impressive remix that features two new verses and reworked productions with subtle changes to the base line and drums. The biggest and most notable change is the addition of some incredibly gnarly electric guitar riffs courtesy of Sylent Nqo.
If Zimbabwean Hip Hop is to enjoy the boon it desperately needs in the near future it needs more of what this remix embodies.
We Sat Down With Ms Supa To Discuss Women In Hip Hop, TV & Her Music
by Phil Chard
Hailing from South Africa’s East Rand town of Benoni, Ms Supa says she started rapping in the 7th grade after listening to Foxy Brown on the radio and realising that women could rap too. That day she went home and wrote her first verse.
Now 20 years later, Ms Supa is a seasoned veteran of not only the South African Hip Hop but the entertainment scene at large. Her career is littered with several achievements; in 2007 she graced the cover of Hype Magazine, she has also starred in the South Africa drama series Yizo Yizo as well as hosting her own show on South Africa’s Highveld FM station. She is also the founding member of the Ladies OF The Mic collective. A group formed to help give women in Hip Hop a platform to share their talent and gain recognition in a male dominated industry.
I got hold of her to discuss the Sa Hip Hop Industry and her latest project HerStory In The Making
I think the challenge in any industry and community is for women to be seen as more than possessions
You have now been rapping for over decade now. What have the highlights of your career been so far?
My biggest highlight would have to be the Hype cover in 2005 when I was fairly new to the industry. Amongst others was being featured on HHP's Dumela Album and getting to introduce my singing to the market.
The issue of women in Hip Hop and their struggles to gain recognition is a recurring theme. Personally what challenges have you encountered to gain recognition?
I think the challenge in any industry and community is for women to be seen as more than possessions. Every girl who has ever blown up had to belong to a particular crew or male artist. This was my biggest struggle as I had no "team" or "squad" and rolled alone. I think this might have been seen as a threat. "Who does she think she is?" kind of question.
You helped spearhead the Ladies Of The Mic movement. Can you explain what it is and what it has achieved since its inception?
This platform was made to give females an audience within Hip Hop. So often I'd know of 2 female rappers at any given time and hear people complain that there were no Female rappers. This frustrated me as I knew how much talent there was. This allowed for people to have access to talented Females in the Hip Hop community. Miss Isis who was a part of the movement is doing quite well as a featured artist on a hit single called ONLY. BlakRok who's an MC occasionally travels to perform her music in various cities in Europe.
You are a rapper that has worked on radio and TV. Which career do you enjoy the most?
I enjoy TV. The lights, camera, action side of things. Where you need to perform with all of you.
It’s been a year since you released HerStory In The Making. What was the plan for that project and how was it received?
The plan was to re-introduce myself to those who were not active in Hip Hop years ago and the youngins who think Nicki Minaj is the 1st female rapper. Through recording, a lot happened. God blessed me with 2 babies literally in 2 years. So my focus was diverted and I ended up giving the project out for free online. It was well received and had great reviews from Hip Hop bloggers. [sic]
What is your view of the current state of Hip Hop in South Africa and how do you want your music to be received ?
I am happy with the state of Hip Hop in SA. Finally one has playing ground and there is money to be made. Before we mainly did it for the love. But as much as it's an art form, a lot of work gets pushed in it. Eventually great work must be rewarded. Personally I want people to fall in love with the music. Bars are good and well, but real songs last a lifetime.
Myke Pimp – Get Mine ft TRK
by mudimusimon
Myke Pimp last featured on the blog with his video for Harare Hairarwe featuring Mariachi, now he is back with another solid single, Get Mine that features fellow Zimbabwean TRK. The song has more of a laid back vibe than his previous street oriented track, but still offers that trap vibe. The video is very minimal, featuring only Myke Pimp and a studio style backdrop and cool lighting to match the visual with the vibe of the audio.
Check the video out below and comment!
Black Vulcanite – Ahab Vs Tarantula
by Phil Chard
New music from Black Vulcanite titled Ahab Vs Tarantula The mellow, jazzy song with reggae inflections is produced by German producer Twit One and features the vocals of the duo known as Stardust on the hook. The song sees the Mark rapping about his awkward formative years while Ali sings about his love for music while switching in and out of a reggae delivery in faux patois.
Essentially this song is very much like an episode of Seinfeld. An entertaining and well-crafted effort that you will enjoy but you will struggle to pinpoint its true motivation or subject matter. Even the song’s title is absurdly derived.
According to the group
“The SONG is called Ahab (As in Moby-Dick) VS Tarantula, a spider-whale song. You know us for our weird naming convention. The beautifully eerie artwork was crafted by our friend Romeo Sankila of Kwesu Art. “
Burna Boy Featuring Cynthia Morgan – Acting Bad
by Phil Chard
A week after the unofficial version of the song “leaked” online , Burna Boy has released his new dancehall inspired joint Acting Bad. The song features talented, yet mathematically challenged new artist Cynthia Morgan who is signed to Jude Okeye’s Northside Music.
NewRapOrder – Turning Down Feat. Lucid Lee, Shakes Aquinas & IV
by Phil Chard
New music from Johannesburg based label Aquinas Music. The song is a full in house effort featuring production from GoldenBeats and verses from Lucid Lee, Shakes and IV.
LayLizzy – Hello Featuring AKA
by Phil Chard
Mozambican rapper Lay Lizzy first made waves onto our radar late last year with the release of his song The Crew. Lay Lizzy and his team at Geobek managed to parlay that hit into a collaboration with AKA on his high energy joint Hello.
Mozambican Hip Hop has always been somewhat of an unknown entity to the rest of the continent with only a handful of recognised names that have been able to attain regional and continental notoriety. It would seem that Lay Lizzy’s strategy to focus on getting that regional attention via South Africa is paying off. Lay Lizzy also got a chance to perform the song at AKA's Super Mega Show last week.
Rymez Presents: Dirry Cash – Y’zia
by Phil Chard
Zimbabwean producer Rymez has been working with fellow Zimbabweans Dirry Cash for a few years to develop their sound. The relationship is at least 3 years old, my first introduction to Dirry Cash was SP23’s Davinci’s Memoir (also produced by Rymez in 2013). The collective and producer have linked up on the up-tempo Y'Zia
Listen to the fast paced club joint that is very reminiscent of the sound MMT pioneered and share your thoughts in the comments
Solo – How Cool Is This Love Feat. Zyon
by Phil Chard
This rap game is tough nut to crack, even tougher if you choose to go it alone via the independent route.
Others I’ll steady decline on some dimishing shit
....they still learning the pace
And I’m very seasoned , I just turned 28
But the flow is a Kyrie Irving disguised as an Uncle Drew
And I know I might be blurring lines as I bother dudes.
South African rapper Solo recently made the decision to sever ties with his label Universal and handle his career independently. Going forward the majority of his releases and exclusives will be releasedd via his BETR Gang website. The site is named after the duo comprised of Solo and Buks was launched with the release of the incredible We Need A Title project.
On the track How Cool Is Your Love , Solo recruits the vocals of Zyon as Solo raps about his love for the game and dealing with industry setbacks while balancing the desire to move his career forward while maintaining his artistic integrity. How Cool Is Your Love is set to appear on Solo’s sophomore offering Dreams.B.Plenty.
@ThisIsSoloSA
Meyniak – The Werther Effect
by Phil Chard
Zimbabwean MC Meyniak is prepping for the release for the release of his upcoming EP Suicidal Ideation: Colors. The 5 track project will be released sometime in May with Boy Tricky as the sole producer.
The second single off that release is The Werther Effect and explores the subject of a man living an unfulfilling life and contemplating his suicide, burial and the state f his spirit after he leaves.
This is an impressive and powerful piece of art that explores a subject that is often viewed as taboo on our continent.
@meyniak_artist
Jay GaklactiK – Lavhu Ne Homwe Yangu
by Phil Chard
Zimbabwe’s Jay GaklactiK just dropped his new single Lavhu Ne Homwe Yangu , a single slated to appear on his Zvichanaka EP. The song has a melodic and catchy delivery that speaks tell the oft untold tale from the side of the would be “blesser”. Ironically Jay describes his song this way
“This is on a different tip though, I fused a lil rnb n dancehall style on it just to create a difference from whats on the market right now” [sic]
Guess Jay has been spending so much time in the studio he never realised his beat sounds like eerily similar every DJ Mustard joint released in the last 2 years.
@jaygalactikzw
Jay Galactik
Radiofein – Bad For You
by Phil Chard
Seems like it was aeons ago when Radiofein first broke onto the scene with her high pitched voice, vibrant and energetic Hip Pop style. Since she started working with Dutch, Radiofein has settled into a more mellow, moody and deliberate delivery and style that often sees her rhyming over slower tempo beats with rich synth and horn patterns and hard baselines as she dances between rap and melodic vocal delivery.
Her new single Bad For You fits into this theme perfectly fits that mould as she raps
You stole my heart boo, so I had to cop you
Same reason that I had to drop you
The song sees Radiofein reminding the object of her affection that she is basically a savage that will rip his heart out if he makes the mistake of catching feelings.
@_Radiofien
Cal_Vin – My Life
by Phil Chard
Zimbabwe’s Cal_Vin just wants to live his life, either you love him or you don’t he declares on his new song My Life. The song marks a shift in the sound Cal_Vin usually gravitates towards with a slower tempo beat comprised of , muffled synths , 808s and marching drums.
Let’s Meet – Teliq
by Phil Chard
Let’s Meet Masaku Chrispine Sapele better known by his stage name Teliq hailing from Zambia. Teliq has been rapping since he was 15 and in 2013 he made his first dent on the Zambian scene after dropped a joint album with fellow Zambian rapper Smaq tiled The Genesis.
Teliq has an aggressive rap style coupled with a gruff voice reminiscent of Sticky Fingaz (Check out Gehena). Currently Teliq is signed under Mzenga Man’s M.Beats imprint.
@Telikanatik
Kazz – Thinking Of You Remix Ft Cal Vin, Q Rigga & Jungle Bwoi
by Phil Chard
Kazz AKA Mr Boomslang recruits Cal_Vin, Q Rigga and Jungle Bwoi for an all Zimbabwean remix to his Reggae –Pop track Thinking of You. View the video for the original below.
@Mr_Boomslang @cal_vin @QRiggaman
MI Just Dropped a Video For Everything and I Couldn’t Talk About It Before Giving Illegal Music III The Praise It Deserves
by Phil Chard
While I was enduring my unwanted and ill-timed Internet hiatus Nigeria's MI was out here collecting bodies. Literally. Two months ago MI released the third and final instalment of his Illegal Music series subtitled The Finale.
Despite my inability to cover the release during its release I could not speak on anything on Illegal Music in good conscience without explaining how incredible it is. As with previous Illegal Music releases MI utilises the instrumentals, melodies, and hooks of existing songs to create his own unique renditions. What is new however with this release is how polished the reworks and mash-ups are. We are treated to blends of Jay Z's La Familia and Kanye West's Never Let Me Down on Head Of The Family and the seamless transition on NotJustOK-Savage which incorporates AKA's Composure before switching to Rihanna's Needed Me while also splicing in Greg Hardy's infamous interview after a Dallas Cowboys loss, all while MI raps about his ChocNation empire. Illegal-Music-III-Art
“At this stage in my career and life, finding the time to record another Illegal Music was purely a labor of love. I hope that Nigerian HipHop will rise and claim its place at the table on Hip-Hop’s mount Olympus. I would like to see a lot of rappers remix and recreate the song ‘The Box‘. The team was GPLUS, Ckay and I. And I want to appreciate them for their love in making this ‘FREE’ project. LOL. To the fans.. I love you #LoveYours.”
MI is undoubtedly one for the continent's most skilled wordsmiths and Illegal Music III is a boisterous and triumphant reminder that Jude Abaga still wants to be considered as one of the finest. Throughout the project and in its footnotes MI declares that he no longer wants to be considered one of Nigeria's or Africa's finest rappers. But one of the world's best. As he states "at the Hip Hop Vatican I'm seated right next to Hov ".
Illegal Music also provides MI the platform to address the controversial NotJustOK Hottest rapper list that I ranted about last year while also addressing the Headies and his disdain for unqualified opinions on his music.
Ultimately, Illegal Music III is an exhibition match that allows MI the opportunity to flex on us all and remind those who ever questioned his ability as an artist and leader not to make that mistake again. His lyrical prowess and use of various sound clips and songs to narrate a very clear story makes for an impressive offering that will have you hitting repeat repeatedly.
MI also just dropped the visuals for Everything - the introspective song about his career and his untimely sabbatical from music. Produced by Capital Dreams Pictures the song utilises stop motion animation, cutaways and slow pan shots in a single set to narrate MI's message.
Jakk Wonders – Kids Back Then Beat Tape
by Phil Chard
South African producer Jakk Wonders is back again with another free beat tape. On Kids Back Then Wonders utilises his signature sampling and cutting techniques on a new set of mostly soul music samples. Though his talent and work ethic are above reproach I would love to hear Jakk cutting up some African samples.