Lady Donli – FREE ?
by Phil Chard
Nigerian born artist Lady Donli is currently juggling the pursuit of her law degree and making music in the UK. The multifaceted artist just released her new song FREE? that fuses Electro, HIp Hop and uptempo R&B on a song that has a deceptively upbeat instrumental accentuated by the Panda like ad libs as Lady Donli speaks about some heavy issues like growth. depression and suicide on the path to self discovery.
YCEE – Condo (Remix) Featuing Patoranking, Khuli Chana & KiD X
by Phil Chard
Nigeria’s YCEE just dropped a remix to his 2015 release Condo. In addition to the vocals of Patoranking on the chorus who featured on the original version, the remix features additional vocals from Khuli Chana and Kid X on the bouncy eKelly beat.
You can view the video for the original version of Condo below
Twitter Review | C-Real – Business Suits & Dress Shoes EP
by Phil Chard
Ghanaian wordsmith C-Real dropped a surprise 5 track EP to mark his birthday on July 16 . We decided to give it a brief review on our twitter account.
Business Suits EP - Curated tweets by AfricanHHB
DJ Sliqe – Mercy Featuring Riky Rick, Kwesta, Reason & Thaiwanda
by Phil Chard
SAMA award winning DJ Slique just dropped the video for his latest release Mercy and this is one of the most impressive set of visuals to come out of South Africa in 2016. (Yes I said it)
The video features impressive animation effects that are seen during Riky's verse in a tight corridor and when Thai delivers his bridge on the graffiti decorated pillars in Newtown Johannesburg.
Another impressive feature of the video is how each rapper has their own set. Riky has the corridor, Reason and his troop of krumping, flashlight wielding men are on an abandoned street, Kwesta uses a massive South African flag as his backdrop and Thai weaves in and out of these scenes as he recites the chorus in faux patios.
For Slique anything after the visuals for iLife would be an improvement but he clearly made a significant effort and went all the way to the other end of the spectrum with these visuals.
Watch Ice Prince Lyric Video for Excellency Featuring DJ Buckz
by Phil Chard
Nigeria's Ice Prince links up with South Africa’s DJ Buckz on his latest release for Excellency. The dance floor centred song merges EDM and Dancehall as Ice Prince delivers a series of simple bars that lead into the Buckz chorus.
@Iceprincezamani @Deejay_Buckz
Rouge – Sheba Ngwan O’
by Phil Chard
Watching the progress of Rouge’s career has made for interested viewing the talented Pretoria based rapper of Congolese descent has not enjoyed an easy path to success. She started off signed to Rockstar 4000 and when things didn't work out (they rarely do over there, ask Xtatic) she shifted to Farah Fortune’s African Star Communications. It seems that Rouge may have parted ways and she is now going it alone. SHe has hinted that she is now going at it alone as an independent artist without PR in interviews
In her new single titled Sheba Ngwan O’ she hops on a Wichi1080 beat and raps
I'm too put together the haters gossiping can miss meWannabes all trying to diss diss meBut I'm to busy I just got my dealProgression don't ask me no questionsI'll tell you now deceit is my friend in this industry
I wonder which deal she referring to….. What we do know is she is now under David Gresham though the details of that arrangement are not clear as yet. We will try get Rouge in for a follow up interview to discuss everything that has happened since we last spoke.
Saudi – There She Go Featuring A-Reece (Official Video)
by Phil Chard
Ambitiouz Entertainment has made an indelible mark on the South African Hip Hop scene in the last 18 months. Not content with the domination they have been enjoying via their two marquee artists the label has diversified their portfolio with a string of new signings. Two of those acts are the trap rapper Saudi and the young lyricist A-Reece.
The two young talents link up on the song There She Go where they give the 2016 rendition of Have You Seen Her (granted it is somewhat more graphic). The video was directed by Unclescrooch and Ofentse Mwase
Sarkodie – MMMP Featuring Edem
by Phil Chard
Sarkodie has displayed an incredible workrate as of late . This month alone, he has released the single and video for Bossy, dropped a diss record (Kanta) and collaborated with Patoranking yesterday a leak of a song that he did with Eva Alordiah also popped up on the interwebs. Now the Ghanaian artist has released his own official single for MMMP ( More Money More Problems. As the title suggest the song speaks on the stresses of success and features fellow Ghanaian Edem.
Flo Dee – Kanamwali Featuring. Zyuga
by Phil Chard
New music from Malawian artist Flo Dee titled Kanamwali featuring Zyuga. The soulful song which is Hip Hop - Bongo Flava hybrid is an extremely catchy tune. Flo Dee is a member of the 10 man Malawian musical collective ClassMatesMusic
Kevin Grands – Wish Featuring Superprodusir
by Phil Chard
Kenya’s Kevin Grands switches gears sonically on his new release for Wish which features a chorus from Superprodusir. The song which borrows heavily from 80s pop sounds and influences is a laid back song about a man waiting for the green light from a from a woman “because he can’t read her signs”
@KevinGrands
Gudntentionz – Joshuas (Cheers)
by Phil Chard
Zimbabwean born rapper Gudntentionz drops the heartfelt and solemn Joshuas (Cheers) a song dedicated to his close friend Kundai Rambanapasi. On the song Gudntenzionz raps;
“If I had known that this would be the last time, I would have said I love you for the first and last time”
There is great deal of sincerity and pain in his lyrics and it reminds to to always tell our loved how we truly feel before it is too late.
@gudatit_
#FeatureFridays Interview with GZE
Words By Phil Chard
#FeatureFridays is weekly poll where the fans get to vote on who they want us to profile on the website via a twitter poll. Last week ZImbabwean rapper GZE walked away with the win. I got hold of the husky voiced rapper to discuss his upcoming album, his new movement and what his outlook for 2016 looked like.
AHHB: It's been awhile since we caught up with you. Why don't you tell us what you've been up to?
GZE: Yeah I just been loud behind the scenes, I believe with with great power comes great responsibility. I just laid back trying to to get a few artists up and running, setting up our stable and label and putting out a lot of dope music. I believe that's the only way you can grow the culture. It's not on one man, it's not on two artists it's in the the whole bunch of dope rappers, just come out and be heard and make a beautiful noise and bring that attention on Hip Hop . We did Brian G. We did Jnr Brown, now I'm up next.
AHHB: So what's the name of your label?
GZE: It's a conglomerate, it's a consortium of very open skilled synergies integrating to put put one big explosion. I represent Dream Catchers, Jnr Brown represent Big Boy Business and [Begotten Sun] represents Kings of a Young Nation - KYN records and we just come together to push from front different angles. These guys handle the media, we handle the studio processes and the other guys are Zezuru creatives, they do the visuals and make sure the revolution is televised.
AHHB: So you said you working with Brian G what work has he put out this year?
GZE: He put out Skiri at the beginning of the year, definite banger that's been doing well on charts, 4,5 weeks in the top 10. Just yesterday we were in the mixing session for his new joint featuring Guluva 7 it's called Hustlers Prayer it's a definite banger.
AHHB: What can we expect from you in 2016?
GZE: The album is definitely dropping this year. I'm just cultivating interest around the project. I just finished wrapping up shooting the Imhandu video and I got some deals lined up with Boyz Dze Tonaz, I got a joint that's meant to come out in August, they are endorsing that, they're coming out with the apparel and we'll do like a street bash barbecue in the streets out in the middle of Harare. I also got a mini documentary and short film coming out. All those go by the title of the album so it's the Hustlemania documentary and Hustlemania short film. I wrote the script for the short film, it's gonna be shot in the neighbourhood I grew up, [Southerton Harare].
AHHB: When is Your album expected to drop?
GZE: I'm looking at November, I just need to smash people with three more singles and get the documentary and short film out. I am hoping by then there will be enough pre-orders to make me want to put the album out. This time it has to make dollars not cents. We are here to set up the structures so it's right for the up and coming you know what I mean.. We have to be the torch bearers. We are all independent out here we have to think smart and act smart.
@resilience_gze
We Spoke To Poe About HIs New Single I Want U
by Phil Chard
With its uptempo sound that borrows from caribbean steelpan and bass heavy electro the Spax produced song I Want U promises to be one of Poe’s biggest hits to date. The song also features Tesh Carter, Tec, Saeon and Mojeed on what is a gathering of what I consider to be some of the most promising new faces i n NIgerian Hip Hop. I got hold of Poe to discuss his new single and when we can finally expect his highly anticipated Talk About Poe debut album.
AHHB: You've been consistently releasing quality work, it doesn't seem like you're getting the recognition someone of your talents deserves. Do you agree?
Poe : To be honest with you, yes and no. I do feel like any artist that considers themselves of a certain level feels that they should be getting much more recognition than they are currently getting. At the same time, key people from behind the scenes have approached me and said we see what you're doing and we want to help you take it to the next level and I think that's just as important.
AHHB : I just came across you new song I Want U and off the bat I feel like this might be your biggest hit to date.
Poe : I Want U was a collaborative effort. It's me and Tech from SDC, a very dope rapper called Mojeed, Saeon - her whole movement is picking up and Tesh Carter who sings as well and raps, she sings on this record. We were just in the same space at the time with the producer producer Spax. It was Mojeed’s birthday, we happened to be chilling and we were like we all make music, we are all here let's do something
AHHB: So What Is The Plan For the Single?
Poe we are trying to push this so far. We just dropped the track and we're getting a tonne of love from radio already. We haven't gone to all the radios yet but a number of OAPs [On Air Personalities] have been hollering at us to request it. One of the bigger ones has already put it as song of the week. We all believe it's a great song.
#ToolzSongOfTheWeek #NP 'I Want U' by @LadiPoe @TeshCarter @ShowDemCamp @SAEONMUSIC & @whoismojeed
— THE BEAT 99.9FM (@THEBEAT999FM) July 14, 2016
AHHB: When can we expect your debut project?
Poe: Man I want it so bad this year. There's been so many setbacks that have taken us a few steps back with the project. But I really hope I'm back on course. I'm working with two main two producers but I'm 6 tracks, 7 tracks in and I want to hit 10. I'm in London right now but I'll be back in Nigeria end of the month to finish up those tracks. I'm saying this year, Talk About Poe [The album title], let's do this!
The full interview can be found on the latest episode of the AHHB Podcast form the 1:01:00 mark
@LadiPoe @TeshCarter @ShowDemCamp @SAEONMUSIC @whoismojeed
Morale – Korobela Featuring Gigi Lamayne & Kwesta (Official Video)
by Phil Chard
South Africa's Morale linked up with Gigi LaMayne and Kwesta 5 months ago on the slow tempo trap joint Korobela. The Neo Shanty from man just dropped the video for the song that is filled with beautiful women, brand placements and Gigi in an outfit that inspire many a wet dream. Check it out above.
@Morale_ZA @Gigi_Lamayne @KwestaDaKAR
The AHHB Podcast Featuring E.L, Youngsta, DJ Obi, And Poe
by Phil Chard
The AHHB podcast is back once again with what is undoubtedly our best episode to date, no really I mean it this time.
We have interviews with the world record holding DJ Obi to discuss his gruelling 10 day marathon set, we speak to Youngsta who is currently on tour in Europe having interesting encounters with groupies, we also speak to E.L about his two new singles and his BAR III release and finally we also speak to Poe about his new single I Want You.
In between all these incredible interviews we also have music from Kagwe Mungai and DJ Switch’s massive Now Or Never Remix that features Ginger Trill, Proveb, Proddy Ugly, Zakwe, Blaklez, BigStar Johnson, Pro, Reason, Siya Shezi, Shane Eagle, Kid Tini and Youngsta.
Follow us on Twitter @africanhhb @philchard
The Best Of Soundcloud Mixtape Vol. III
by Phil Chard
We are back with another edition of our Best Of Soundcloud mixtape series. As always we have collated some of the best African Hip Hop jams for your listening pleasure. This week we feature music from Cameroon’s TchopDye, Zimbabwe’s Cal_Vin, Rwanda’s Raiza Biza, Kenya’s Benady and many more.
Stonebwoy & Mugeez – We Made It
Witness The Funk – Ncika
Kid Tini – Shay’wei
DexKwasi & Sarkodie – Fine
SlapDee – 10101
Raiza Biza – Bring It On (Demo) Feat. Lukan Raisey
Solve The Problem – Once Was
IFKR – Omi Gbono Feat. Odunsi
Teeklef – Timmy Turner (African Cover)
Gigi LaMayne – Delete Your MF Number Feat. Xtatic
King Lutendo – Lost In July
TTP Presents The Now Or Never Street Remix
Blaklez – Ooh Child
Phyno – E Sure For Me
Xtatic – Jabulani Remix
Benady – Hakuna Matata
JR – 4Four
Epixode – Body Feat. Mr Eazi
Cal_Vin – Izandla Emoyeni Feat Asaph
TchopDye – Passa Passa
VOL III Track List
E.L – Love God (Official Music Video)
by Phil Chard
E.L drops the video for his latest single off BAR III titled Love God. I just interviewed the Elien President (and he failed to mention this surprise release….) and he did confirm that this song is the first official single from the project, he is still undecided if BAR III will be a full album or mixtape. He also hinted at a massive collaboration with a legendary artist. You can get the full interview tomorrow, but for now enjoy the video.
@elrepgh
Submission of The Week | Yours Truly – Afforded Freedom EP
by Phil Chard
We receive a great deal of submissions here at the AHHB. The ones that are not bad enough to make your ears bleed usually make it #SubmissionSunday where we feature all the best music sent in by artists across the continent. However once in awhile we receive a submission so jaw droppingly good that it reminds us of why we love blogging about African Hip Hop. Yours Truly and his Afforded Freedom EP is one of said submissions. The Kenyan poet/rapper who now resides in the USA has released what I consider to be one the best submissions we have ever received. We did a full tweet review of the album on our twitter page.
Yours Tully AF EP - Curated tweets by AfricanHHB
Burna Boy – Realest (Offical Video)
by Phil Chard
Despite the fact that we are still awaiting his new EP which was supposed to drop last week ( GIVE US THE MUSIC BURNA) Burna Boy is still enjoying a massively productive week as he reconnects with his UK fans and mandem alike. After releasing his new single and passing through Tim Westwood's for a performance Burna has just dropped a video for his single Realest taken off his On A Spaceship album. The mellow song accentuated by guitar licks and synths was produced by Simba Tagz.
@burnaboy @SimbaTagz
FimFim – Ohene (Official Video)
by Phil Chard
Ghanaian FimFim just dropped the video for his new single Ohene. At a time when we are beset with stereotypical videos I appreciate the fact that he attempted to tell a story in this video as he depicts a a tale of a number of men who take part in an annual tournament to seek a highly sought after treasure from a group of bandits. In actuality it's a TDK cassette (remembers those?) but still it is entertaining .
@FimFim_GH