Submission | The Assembly Featuring Ginger Trill – Bang Bang
by Phil Chard
Bang Bang is the first single off The Assembly's Orientation LP that features GinGer BreadMan. The Future Currency Creatives produced track features a sample fro the Nancy Sinatra version of Bang Bang as the ensemble of rappers fire a 4 minute barrage of lyrical shots
Watch MarazA’s New Video for Gwan & Stream His AM EP
by Phil Chard
Since 2008 when he appeared on the SABC show Jam Alley and won their Versus TV competition, MarazA has perennially been one or of South Africa's most promising young MCs on the cusp of blowing up. The now 27 year old who cut his teeth as a poetry slam performer and battle rapper made the transition into a fully fledged rapper and has released a series of impressive singles and his debut album Smithsonian One back in 2014.
Two years removed from that project MarazA released the 6 track AM EP earlier this year which also featured his lead single Gwan.
What I have found interesting about MarazA’s return is how it is evident that he has revamped his approach to the industry and seems to have assembled a competent machine to drive his efforts. Unlike 2014 when I remember seeing MarazA venting on Vuzu about his lack of finances and connections to buy his way onto radio and mainstream notoriety. Inexplicably, MarazA also did not release a video for Siyadlala ( his biggest hit at the time, though he did hint that a disagreement resulted in him having to nix the video due to costs).
This time around, backed by a certified banger of a song in Gwan, MarazA seems to have found a way to garner an incredible amount of radio and media push behind him. He has made recent appearances on Vuzu, MTV, Live Amp (where he also premiered the video for Gwan) and Channel O’s Turn Up.
Watch Burna Boy’s Crib Session Performance For Tim Westwood
by Phil Chard
Burna Boy is truly maximizing on his return to the UK. After a series performances across the England a number of interviews and a Beats1 Radio Single premiere , Burna also stopped by Tim Westwood's Crib for a freestyle session.
Burna has and his entourage of professional snapchat mandem delivered a 14 minute performance where Burna recited verses from his joints like Acting Bad and is new song Pree Me over Drake’s Controlla instrumental.
@burnaboy
I Watched AKA’s Interview on Sway On The Morning Then I Wrote Down My Thoughts
by Phil Chard
AKA has bad a busy two week stint over in the states. After attending the BET Awards the Super Mega made his way over to New York where he performed at the Every Afrique event on July 4th.
Yesterday AKA and DJ Fanatic also made their way to Shade 45 studios where AKA appeared on Sway Calloway's morning show. image001 (1)
No matter how hard we all try to avoid the AKA and Cassper comparisons it seems the two artists are almost inseparable when conversations about their careers pop up. Coupled with the fact that AKA was appearing on the same show that Cassper was on a week earlier, all the lazy journalists and timeline terrorists must have been frothing at mouth for this easy layup of a headline.
I tuned into the show yesterday to listen in live as AKA discussed a number of issues with Sway. From his career to his relationship with Protools Bonang, his daughter and his various achievements.
Sadly, once again, much like his compatriot AKA said what I can only deem to be damaging comments with regards to racial epithets and race relations in South Africa. AKAa basically echoed the problematic statements uttered by Cassper on the very same show. AKA's statements also resulted in him getting into a little tiff with a caller who took umbrage to his use of the N word his music.
AKA also couldn't resist the temptation to take shots at Cassper during his freestyle when he rapped "now begotten sitting in the same damn chair as Tsibib"
Disappointingly AKA was rapping his bars off his phone and only managed to drop 4 bars off the top of his dome before he stumbled and then rapped his verse from Bang Out.
The thing that I can't seem to understand is why in two consecutive interviews two of South Africa's and Africa's most popular rap artists went onto one of the three biggest Hip Hop morning shows in THE WORLD and failed to deliver when they were called upon to display their skills as true MCs.
@akaworldwide
Part Time Cooks Remind Us That Black Lives Matter In Their Video for Giant
by Phil Chard
It seems a week, or even a day cannot go by without hearing about another black American being gunned down the police. The way in which black lives are treated with such little regard by those tasked to protect and serve is a draining, horrifying and traumatic reality that all melanated people have been forced to confront in a very painful way.
The killings occur so frequently that when Part Time Cooks had finalised the release of their new video for Giant that Alton Sterling had just been senselessly murdered by police in Louisiana. As I type this post, I have just watched a video of another black man being murdered by the hands of police, this time it was Philando Castile who suffered the brutal misfortune of being black in America.
The video for Giant by Part Time Cooks was directed by Richard Rose . The concept for the song taken off their last offering Baker’s Dozen is simple – Saul and Black Moss experience the same day and circumstances on a split screen , the twist being that Saul experiences some of the mild everyday microaggressions that black people have to constantly endure as we the audience watch this all unfold on TV.
@PartTimeCooks
Why Vic. O Represents Rap’s New Era Perfectly
by Mayuyuka
I recently watched the XXL 2016 Freshman Class freestyles... I actually burst out laughing at some of them: not because of funny punchlines, but I couldn't bring myself to take them seriously! Now I might be missing something or maybe entering that scary twilight zone where your age is reflected in your music taste. Perhaps this is just Rap's New Era: a rap game that isn't meant for me anymore; and has new heroes and dare I say it... new 'standards'.
It's hard to pinpoint if Vic. O is knowingly playing up to people's view of him and is always in character, or whether his exaggerated demeanour and self-belief is genuine
Whether these standards are lower or higher is debatable and will ultimately come down to each of our own preferences. What's interesting is that what's going on in America- the place that influences most African artists, as Cassper Nyovest recently put it, is actually being mirrored here too. Enter Vic. O... a viral sensation in Nigeria known for confidently displaying his artistic talents. He's somewhat of a walking caricature of himself and has pounced on peoples voyeurism and need to laugh at him by capitalising and creating an actual career for himself. By all accounts he is somewhat of a successful, established artist now; with a firm foothold in the entertainment industry!
vic-o-set-to-give-out-n2-5million-on-twitterIt's hard to pinpoint if Vic. O is knowingly playing up to people's view of him and is always in character, or whether his exaggerated demeanour and self-belief is genuine. Regardless, his constant appearances on several media channels isn't something to scoff at, he is a force... there's a demand for this man! And if other rappers with similar levels of mastery of rap get love anywhere else; who are we to deny him his moment in the spotlight. For better or worse; the sound and face of rap is changing. The things once held so dear, including enunciating your words and rapping in schemes and patterns, have been replaced by the way words sound: in a world where net worth trumps talent and chart success automatically denotes skill. Lil Yachty's freestyle is a great example of this new notion of rapping and so is Young Thug's relative success. There are plenty more new rappers on either side of the map attaining success with similar styles too!
That being said... what is interesting is what we can take away from these rappers' journeys to the summit of hip hop; especially Vic. O's runaway success. How do they achieve success, seemingly against all odds and in spite of our better judgment? They must be doing something right! Vic. O's ability to tap into the curiosity of fans... and manipulate social media to his advantage is actually one real lesson we can glean from his ironic existence in this sphere. His over-confidence is clearly counterbalanced by his actual musical abilities and skill level; but he represents the best lesson in branding an artist possibly can as Osagie Alonge, of Pulse Nigeria, addresses below:
As mentioned above, the views Vic's music videos have garnered reflect his popularity and cement his pseudo-famous persona. His comically bad 2011 release After Party is currently on over 600 000 YouTube views, and that's not bad considering, well... him. His diss songs to Falz, and (believe it or not) both Meek Mill and Drake are cringeworthy quite frankly, but provide him with plenty of mileage as the guy everyone loves to hate or take a dig at. That is another facet of Vic. O's persona that is striking though... how he keeps himself relevant and latches on to what's trendy to boost his presence.
What might have started out as a half-joking gesture, might just have all the ingredients of snowballing into a career built on being famous for being famous, rather than the actual quality of work churned out. This makes some sense when you consider that nowadays we declare rappers winners of beefs by how many funny memes their words garner, we react to shock tactics in predictably amused ways and don't critically engage with originality by praising appropriation. Social media has contributed to how we pick our preferred heroes basically. This artist seems to know that and has played that field expertly... gaining a following through his savvy use of the tools at his disposal. As you'll here on After Party below (if you dare) actual rapping isn't one of those tools:
For us fans to honestly dislike Vic. O without any sense of complicity, though, would be to ignore how we contribute to the cult of personality that fuels who our favourite artists are. We as fans need to take that responsibility and at the very least admit that we overlook our favourite artists' flaws, precisely because they are our favourites! But by the same token; perhaps we should extend that same courtesy to other artists; in appreciating their journeys to the top despite their own shortcomings. In short; artists supply what our ears demand, and even if we respond to what is supplied due to our collective curiosity; it's our duty as fans to let all rappers shine... even if they string us along whilst mumbling through 3 minutes and 37 seconds of their victory song!
@VICOTVS
Ice Prince Explains His Relationship With Chocolate CIty Music
by Phil Chard
Ice Prince recently stopped by The Juice to give his first interview on the show in almost three years. While on the show Ice Prince spoke about his new position at Chocolate City as a Vice President who recently signed his own imprint Super Cool Cats to the label. When asked about how he was appointed to be the Vice President he said“ It happened as an honour from my bosses, I am talking about Audu Maikori , I am Paul Okeugo who deemed it fit for me to be Vice President of Chocolate City Music. My role is really to mentor the artists and guide the artist and not sit in an office…..”Ice Prince also spoke about what it is like to have MI as his boss “MI has always been my president ... my mentor, my big dog” before Zamani discussed as now dual role at Chocolate City and running his own imprint Super Cool Cats, “It’s not that difficult, it’s just relationships, it’s just vibes, it’s just how you connect with each other” .
Ice Prince also discussed his current musical direction and was quick to point out that he has always straddled the line between Pop and Rap, before speaking on the drama surrounding his relationship with his current girlfriend that unfolded on social media a few months back and also what it is like being a celebrity dad.
Falz – Soft Work (Official Video)
by Phil Chard
Fresh off his Best Newcomer award at the BETs Falz aka Falz The Bahd Guy has dropped the video for the 6th video off his impressive album Stories That Touch.
The song Soft Work was always one of my favourite tracks on the album and Falz and Mex produced a video worthy of such a beautifully crafted dancefloor anthem that displays Falz talents as a rapper.
Simba Tagz – No pressure (Official Music Video)
by Phil Chard
In a surprising and muted release Zimbabwean artist Simba Tagz releases his video for No Pressure. The uptempo pop themed song that was produced by Nigeria’s Sarz was first released over a year ago and saw Tagz adopting a more Nigerian Pop style of delivery. The video for the song had been completed and awaiting release for quite some time, I first saw the finished version around February, in a conversation with the rapper a while back he had revealed that the delay was due to compliance issues with TV.
The Chris Shoca directed video has scenes of frolicking in an open vlei cut in between scenes of him spoiling the leading lady, played by Radio host Gamu Chinamasa
Da L.E.S Real Stuff Official Video ft AKA & Maggz
by Mayuyuka
Da L.E.S recently dropped his Real Stuff video online after a prolonged TV exclusive. This video has been highly anticipated and the slick visuals don't disappoint. The camouflage theme ties in pretty nicely with the AKA-helmed hook.
The track sees somewhat of a reunion between this trio, which includes Cashtime's Maggz, as they previously linked up on Da L.E.S' Heaven. This "new collabo" follows previous singles Paid and Summer Time that come off the North God album.
4 Classic African Hip Hop Video Moments
Words By TNGlive
A song, by itself, is a whole world created for us to experience. The founders of the world’s first music television station in 1981, understood that a whole new world is created on top of this first one, when visuals are combined with music.
In a 2BrokeTwimbos podcast interview, Taponeswa Mavunga, former head of Talent and Music at MTV Base Africa and now head of publicity at Columbia Records U.K., spoke about the import role music videos play in launching, growing and sustaining a music career in today's world. Emphasis was placed on the music video needing to be at the correct high fidelity standard, specifics of which can be found on MTV Base’s submission section. In addition, it should possess production value that can compete with international videos because the consumer is now judging all works on the same level.
So assuming these checks and balances are ticked off, there is that extra special touch that can be added. When artists and their directors create a moment within the music video, and it hits the mark just right, it cements the memory of the music video in your brain for years to come. Think Puffy Woods when he was about to take that shot in Mo’ Money Mo’ Problems, or the breaking news bulletin about a man identified only as ODBon top of a building in Staten Island at the beginning of Triumph.
Here are 4 such moments in some of the best African Hip Hop videos.
"Heh, party?"
DJ Vigilante featuring L-Tido, KiD X, Maggz & Yanga - Sorry Makhe
The moment can be comedic because of a subtle character trait a true fan would've picked up. In this case, take K.O's lyrics in his first verse of Caracara. In it, many of us where introduced to the unique “no” that we just have to sing along to every time it comes around. So when a cop is banging on the door about a noise complaint, at timestamp 3.27, DJ Vigilante’s party is about to get him into serious trouble. His pleading is falling on deaf ears and he’s at a loss. In comes K.O. peaking in to back up DJ Vigilante with confirmation about whether or not there is actually a party going on.
The moment lasts 2 seconds and it’s money. You can even hear a split second of the cast in the background breaking character and cracking up before they role again.
Honourable mention to Trevor Gumbi for the genius performance and setting up of the moment.
@DJVigilanteSA @L_Tido @ItsYangaChief @KidXSA @Maggz100
"Serious Business"
AKA featuring Burna Boy, J.R., DA L.E.S. - All Eyes On Me.
Lost count of the number of times you've seen the "money phone" in a music video? Bet you can't think of anything better than how Burna Boy and DA L.E.S. did it in All Eyes On Me. At 3.10, Burna Boy is having a full on conversation bruv, like serious serious. Then cut to a brief shot of the DA L.E.S. impatiently waiting downstairs for his turn on the phone.
This is so dope because, it's also DA L.E.S’s time to rap, but the music video has been paused. I mean, the man has to talk to the money too, in other words, earn those publishing and performing rights and Burna Boy is busy having an extended conversation. There’s even a bridge before DA L.E.S’s verse starts, so he’s been waiting. When he catches that "money phone" and actually goes full serious while everyone else is completely still, that’s the moment, so hilariously genius.
@akaworldwide @burnaboy @JRafrika @2freshLES
"Falling"
Falz featuring SIMI - Soldier (Full Length version)
The brilliance of this moment at 11.13, is that this comedic delivery of the introspective monologue as Falz walks away, the camera work, the editing choice, Falz physical performance, all perfectly capture something universally relatable.
Every man has a moment in their past, or still to come, when he cannot fathom that someone with his own set of specific skills, can go down in flames after applying all his focussed efforts in wooing THE one (or at least at the time someone you think is the one). It’s the stuff friend zone nightmares are made off. This moment captures the entire spirit of this experience, a perfect summary of the song.
@falzthebahdguy @SympLySimi
“Real recognize real'“
NGA - Normal
The special moment in this video is at 2.40, where a lady is explaining during an interview why NGA is so successful.
Every die hard fan you come across is quick to explain to you how NGA’s work ethic is not only unlike any other artist, he is highly regarded as the voice of the voiceless amongst his people, and arguably by extension, a greater part of an African generation that is overlooked when the topics of African vs Western creep up.
NGA, whilst a superstar, is authentically him and this moment captures the fan spirit that recognizes this realness that forms the foundation of his appeal.
@NGA_reidals
Marcques – Nyarara (Official Video)
by Phil Chard
Zimbabwean rapper Marcques has just dropped the video for his YoungNash produced song Nyarara. The song is set to appear on Lost In Translation – a collaborative project between Marcques and Mile.
The Chris Shoca directed video was shot on location in Mbare and a Westgate studio. Much like my opinions on the song when it first dropped I am not sure where Marcqyes is going with this offering. The video was shot in Mbare but features nothing more than tight shots of Marcques and his crew performing awkwardly in scenes that could have been captured at any location in Harare. The studio shots are equally as awkward and I struggle to see why they were even necessary.
After breaking into the scene in 2013 the last 2 years have been relatively quiet for Marcques. Nyarara is his somewhat flat footed re-entry into the scene as he slowly dips his toes back into the water and finds his footing (See what I did there?). It is also his first solo video, surprising when you consider that we never got a visual offering for Zunguza. Without a doubt Marques has a great deal of potential and talent once he zeros in on exactly what sound he and brand he wants to build.
@Marcques_
Franko – Téléphone (Official Video)
by Phil Chard
With the advent of cellphones and instant messaging the dynamics of social and romantic interactions have become infinitely more complex and muddied. Cameroonian artist Franko has thrust himself smack dab into the heart of the debate to help provide some much needed commentary on the a myriad of topics included but not limited to “who is he texting?”
Téléphone is a light hearted and entertaining song with an equally entertaining video on the topic of cellular communication. I also found it particularly hilarious that Judge Franko presides over his court with a rubber mallet instead of a gavel.
@FrankoOfficiel
Submission | Swagg City – Africa nae
by Phil Chard
Ivory Coast's 5 man rap ensemble going by the name of Swagg City just dropped the video for the Hip Hop/Zouk/Dance/Rock fusion titled Africa Nae
MX – Since The Come Up Featuring ByLwansta
by Phil Chard
We featured MX's debut project IAMX a few weeks ago and now the Durban rapper is back with a video for one of the most popular songs on the project - Since The Come Up featuring ByLwansta Nasty C (on the original version). According to MX, Nasty C was out the country so they decided to shoot a video based off a version of the track without Nasty C. Despite whatever led to not having Nasty C involved on the song I feel that completely removing one of South Africa's most promising and popular young rappers from your song is a massive strategic misstep. Even if it meant MX had to mouth Nasty's verse to the camera.
Aside from the cutting room floor changes the video was directed Media Beyond Vision and is a simple visual which I would have appreciated if more time was spent on the storyboard and development of the concept.
E.L – Kaa Bu Ame (Official Video)
by Phil Chard
5 time 2016 Ghana Music Awards winner E.L just dropped the video to Kaa Bu Ame. The song’s title is roughly translated to " Don't Mind Them" and as he proclaims on the song "next time you say my name make sure you put some respect on it " . The song is a follow up to his sophomore album ELOM as we all await the release his BAR III.
@elrepgh
DJ Milkshake – Bank Roll Featuring. Da L.E.S & Kid X (Official Music Video)
by Phil Chard
DJ Milkshake just dropped the video for Bank Roll, a song that was first released as his song then appeared on Da L.E.S' North God Album which seems to back to being DJ Milkshake's song once again.
The trap party anthem produced by V.A.M also feature a verse from Cashtime artist Kid X. The video which was directed by Studio Space Pictures borrows heavily from the concept of their video for the Amantombazane Remix. Featuring three beautiful women and the three artists in a set accentuated by coloured lighting and a smoke machine the whole video is one continuous shot as the artists perform their lines while Milkshake randomly sprays the set with R100 bills.
@DJMilkshake @2freshLES @KidXSA
I Live Tweeted Cassper Nyovest’s Interview On Sway In The Morning
by Phil Chard
South African rapper Cassper Nyovest is currently in the USA for the BET Awards which will be taking place later this weekend. Before heading to LA, Cassper stopped by Sway Calloway's show in New York for an interview where the veteran Hip Hop journalist discussed Cassper's career , South African Hip Hop and the rise of African music as whole in the West.
The significance of this event was not lost on Cassper as he rapped "Back home they are listening and hoping I don't flop/I feel like the whole fucking continent is on my shoulders!" during his freestyle yet somehow I can't help but feel that he was somewhat unprepared to deal with the gravity of the moment. The sad truth s that when any African artist is allowed to be featured on a major Western platform they not only represent themselves but they also represent their nation, culture and the continent by extension. It may not be fair or right, but that is how the world works. So I couldn't help but feel disappointed when Cassper Nyovest proclaimed that he is known as the Kanye west of South Africa......[insert appropriate meme gif here] Can those that truly believe this notion and have proclaimed t publicly please leave a comment on this post or tweet me.
He also made some incredibly irresponsible remarks about racial epithets and how they are viewed in South Africa before he was finally given a chance to display his lyrical prowess on a radio freestyle. As far Cassper lyrics go the freestyle was going well, despite the small issue of Cassper mumbling a few words and getting caught off beat as he rhymed (so truly par for the course). I did feel he was delivering far too many lines in English and should have ventured more into his native Setswana where he truly shines as rapper. Not really gonna dwell on him fumbling the verse and rack that up to the nerves.
The annoying thing is despite his missteps I hate to always have to call Cassper out when I feel he has done a lot that needs to be celebrated and acknowledged. I am a fan of his work but as always seems to be the case when you're a Hip Hop fan - ours faves always seem to fall over themselves to remind us of their blemishes.
Cassper Nyovest On Sway - Curated tweets by PhilChard
Introducing Kid Tini
by Mayuyuka
Record label TinismDotc0m has unveiled their prized possession Kid Tini as the latest young rapper ready to stamp his mark on the game. Real name Phiwe Unam Tini, he hails from Butterworth in South Africa’s Eastern Cape and is actually the reason for his label's very existence! His desire to do music from a young age inspired his brother, Miso Tini, to build an environment which could nurture the skills he required to make it in the music industry: thus the birth of TinismDotc0m. With that weight on his shoulders, Kid Tini's breakout project carries a lot of expectations with it.
His debut offering, Coming Of Age, is a combination of his experiences, hunger, drive and passion all encapsulated in 18 tracks. The length of the mixtape is a literal reflection of both his age and how much work he's putting in. The project encloses well crafted verses backed up by effortless flows that definitely come with the self assurance of coming into your own.
The most palpable quality of this project is how the rapper presents himself: he sounds right at home on the mic, with an authenticity that makes it impossible to confuse him with anyone else! This is a musical journey penned by an adolescent that will gain plenty of respect from his peers and elders alike. In what's quickly becoming a crowded space of young up-and-coming rappers; you don't get the sense Kid Tini's trying too hard to prove himself and differentiates himself by faithfully telling his own story. With plenty of boxing references and smart punchlines, the sonic balance is achieved through mellow cuts like Sextape and Running Back To You that display a different aspect of the artist's abilities.
Over solid production from the likes of J Smallz, Tone Jonez and Digital Beatz the rapper's versatility is refreshing and promises some mileage well into the future. If he really does have your "role model tripping off his blueprint" it might be because of his ability to fuse elements of his influences whist moulding a distinct sound for himself. This is best reflected on the sincere track Ghetto. This song pays homage to the rapper's favourite local group Driemanskap by interpolating their track S'phuméGugs. Also accompanying that is how the melody of the hook salutes another favourite of his, in the form of Ludacris' Runaway Love.
He definitely won't be accused of having no respect for those that came before him! And with the delivery and lyrical content of someone beyond his years, it's no surprise he's “schooling dudes he was skipping class with”. Trying to whittle down this effort to a list of standout tracks is pretty hard between the hypnotic No Favours, Shay Wei, Addiction, Koze Kuse and the earworm Dreaming Out Loud. The beauty of Coming Of Age is how it puts Kid Tini's best foot forward whilst seamlessly catering to different palates.
With the release of the short video for his intro Fight Every Figtht, Kid Tini introduces himself to the world. Peep the visuals below and find out what he had to say when we caught up with him afterwards.
AHHB: Who is Kid Tini and how would you describe your sound?
Kid Tini: Kid Tini is a young dreamer from the Eastern Cape who loves to listen to and create music. My sound is a combination of everything that inspires me as an artist, this could refer to music from some of my favourite artists or art in general.
AHHB: You're only 18... where did all this begin for you?
Kid Tini: I started rapping at the age of 10. I told my brother who is also my label head that I wanted to make music after hearing some of his old work. I got inspired to pick up the pen and I've been writing ever since.
AHHB: In No Favours you speak about being under pressure. Is it because of being signed to family and needing to prove yourself more?
Kid Tini: Yes. Basically, I have a very professional relationship with my brother when it comes to the music. I guess you can say tough love and hard work is the motto. I was never given any shortcuts, hence the title of the song is "No Favours"
AHHB: Who were some of your influences coming up?
Kid Tini: My influences are the likes of J.Cole, Kendrick Lamar, Jay Z, Drake and Pac. I basically grew up in the studio, with this came perks of being able to watch artists like Ginger Breadman, PdotO and Kid X create music and that's usually the difference between what my peers think is dope and what I think is dope.
AHHB: You've only got a couple of collaborations on the mixtape. Can we expect more in future, anyone in mind?
Kid Tini: There are a couple of artists I admire. You can definitely expect features. I would really like to have a song with Kid X though.
AHHB: At 18 tracks long, you put in some work on Coming Of Age: what's your recording process like?
Kid Tini: I like being in an environment that allows creativity to flow freely. It all starts with an idea, the idea then grows into a whole concept and it keeps growing from there into a whole song. That's what I did with the project and before I knew it we had a full body of work.
AHHB: Preach is one of your standout tracks, when can we expect the video to drop?
Kid Tini: I'm not certain about the timeline about the drop as yet but it should be sometime in July
AHHB: Other than Dj Switch's Now or Never Remix, what's next for Kid Tini and Tinism?
Kid Tini: More music! There's a lot more I wish to share with y'all and I hope it will be received in a manner that allows for more growth.
AHHB: Finally, If you could ask a fan one question what would it be?
Kid Tini: I would ask them how to make their favourite song.
Nasty C Just Dropped His Video FOr Switched Up: Here Are Our Thoughts
by Phil Chard
As South African Hip Hop continues its astronomical rise into the mainstream, a number of young, talented, and hungry artists have presented themselves as the next crop of youth culture ambassadors. One of those acts is the extremely talented Durban born Nasty C.
Boasting a string of recent radio hits like Juice Back (its remix included) and Hell Naw , Nasty has positioned himself as the lyrical alternative in the complex trap music zeitgeist permeating the current Hip Hop scene.
Where other new acts seemed to have struggled and bristled under the pressures of their new found fame and the scrutiny that comes with it, Nasty has always presented the persona of an artist born to be famous. His hushed and gentle voice, demure frame and boy band good looks are a marketers dream and his penchant for lacing together complex flows and wordplay that can translate into radio friendly hits have made him an unmistakable force in 2016.
With all that in his favour, Nasty C dropped Switched Up at the beginning of the month along with two other surprise releases. The song had Nasty switching effortlessly between a catchy hook and bridge while dropping multi syllabic verses with a stagnated flow.
Three weeks later Switched up now has a video but after viewing it a few times I have to ask the question, “Does Nasty C know that he his famous now?” The video is a drab and disappointing affair whose only real highlight is Nasty krumping in the middle of a quarry.
Well clearly he does, as he declared on his impressive verse on Anatii’s Jump “What you think they taking photos for? I am very important bitch. Please call all the curtains for me. They might be recording this”
Clearly the aspects of his new found fame are not lost on the artist but the question as to whether he fully understands the gravitas of the moment and his brand need to be asked.
Outside of the Sesan and Uprooted Media produced video for the Juice Back Remix , Nasty C has yet to produce a set visuals befitting his current trajectory. My sentiments were echoed by famed host Scoop when he spoke to Nasty C on his show Turn Up after Nasty C released his video for Hell Naw. Nasty is too famous and skilled to be releasing videos that don’t leave an indelible mark in the mind of fans living in an age of microwaveable news and content. Sentimental significance aside the video for Hell Naw, which has become a massive radio and online hit was a forgettable offering and sadly the video Switched Up looks like it will leave a similar imprint.
Scoop and I could very well be picking at the insignificant minutia, an incredible video won’t mean much if the artist can only deliver a constant stream of struggle bars. But of Nasty C is an incredible rapper, with a great deal of momentum and mainstream interest. If he is to truly make a memorable mark on the scene it has to be done though his music, performances AND his videos.
@Nasty_CSA