With K.O causing heavy traffic on Youtube and AKA touring the continent with his music for the LEVELS tour , summer time is definitely a time to look out for the heat that will drop from the local hip hop scene. I decided to sit down and compile a list of the most relevant movements in the hip hop game that are going to bring the heat this summer – if they haven’t already.
Note: This list is in no particular order and is based solely on MY opinion. If you are part of a movement and believe you and your crew could have made it on this list but didn’t, then hey… work harder.
Cashtime Life – This reformed movement led by Ma-E and K.O is a force to be reckoned with. K.O dropped heat earlier this year when he released his second single Caracara that featured label signee Kid X. The song took South Africa by storm and had everyone doing the popular dance they introduced in the video. To date, the video has done wonders on YouTube and just became the first local hip hop video to see a million views. Bonginkosi Mahlangu, better known as Kid X, is also a big contributor. His single Pass N Special has been getting the streets shouting, “21 questions, ung’buza ipass ne special”.
While we were vibing to this street banger that is the best definition of what the team calls “Skhanda rap” more dust (heat) was released from the Cashtime Life clan. Ma-E dropped another banger called uGogo where he re-used the chorus from the popular Mzekezeke’s song. We couldn’t help but sing along with the nostalgic chorus, a reminder of what we got up to when Mzeke dropped this track. K.O has a new album on the way called Skhanda Republic and we don’t doubt that it will be hot. Along with their tour deejay DJ Vigilante this summer definitely belongs to Cashtime.
North Gods – This movement has a stigma attached to it, often resulting in them being called the “cheese boys” of the game. The crew includes AKA, Da LES, Sbuda Roc, DJ Fanatic and everything they touch in the north of Johannesburg turns to gold. They rock gold grills with gold chains and the fliest sneakers, highlighting the fact that they’re getting paid from one of the richest areas in Africa.
AKA has been dropping songs the whole country can’t stop jamming to. This controversial rapper does nothing but release hit after hit. Songs like Jealousy, Kontrol, Congratulate and his recent banger (featuring Cashtime Life cohort K.O) Run Jozi have done nothing but get fans out of their seats. He also recently collaborated with clothing brand Head Honcho for their new range that will be dropping this year. With Fanatic as his tour DJ and Sbuda Roc pushing the business side of things, the team is set. Sbuda Roc has been ensuring their online presence is heard through a platform called 3rd World, meaning fans are always updated. He just dropped his sophomore album LEVELS which is set to be another classic.
Da L.E.S has also had a remarkable year with this clique. His single Heaven dropped late last year and caused havoc. The video had great shots, expert editing and a very interesting concept with the rappers dressed in all white while they showed off their rhyming skills for the camera. The song features his BFFs AKA and Maggz. LES later dropped his second single, titled Fire, and flew to the US of A to shoot his video with popular director Matt Alonzo. Godly huh? His new single Dice is doing well on radio and in the club scene. He also just dropped his sophomore album Mandela Money which should heating up the airwaves pretty soon. That’s not all though , DJ Fanatic has also recently released a song called Flexin’ that features LES himself – no doubt, the North Gods will be all over summer like bucket hats.
Boyz N Buck$ – This is the clique that has often been referred to as our own A$AP MOB. This creative collective is made up of Riky Rick, Bhubesii, Stilo Magolide, Scoop Makhathini, Mckay Fresh, OKMALUMKOOLKAT, uSanele, Phiko and DJ Spyzee.
They don’t only make music. They flourish at anything that involves clothing, graphics and branding. The list of their talents is endless.
Riky Rick and OKMALUMKOOLKAT have taken over the mainstream scene using nothing but street buzz and social media. Meanwhile, Bhubesii and Scoop Makhathini have been prominent in the fashion industry with their own clothing labels Punk & Ivy and Pieces respectively – you can’t miss their work.
They also had the BoyzNBuckz East Coast Tour and they totally shut down every corner of KZN’s coast.
OKMALUMKOOLKAT has dropped his Holy Oxygen EP and Riky Rick is gearing up to drop his album Family Values next year. But while we wait, Rick’s single Boss Zonke is also set to drop in a month, or so (we know rappers and dates!). The Boyz N Buck$ mixtape is also on it’s way; the guys have just been adding their final touches at the Redbull Studios in Braamfontein.
Clothing labels are coming up and new music is set to drop. If you are not feeling the boys yet, you will soon. Very soon.
Words : @Thy_Black_Hippy
