NIPSEY HUSSLE GONE TOO SOON. . .WHAT A LOSS!!!

Courtesy: Twitter Pic

What a sad day for hip hop and the Crenshaw community...

By Sipho Ramaru

The industry has lost yet another Visionary, Legend and Revolutionary rapper to gun violence. Nipsey Hussle was shot multiple times and killed outside his clothing store in Los Angeles.

Born Ermias Davidson Asghedom, Nip was gunned down on Sunday afternoon, 31st of March 2019, outside his store, Marathon Clothing in L.A 

According to eye witnesses, Hussle was shot multiple times in the parking lot, with five bullets on the body and one to the head. He was later declared dead by paramedics.

Tributes from fellow industry mates started flooding when the news of his passing broke. J-Cole described him as "a legend" and someone he "admired" for what he's done for the culture and his community. The Crenshaw rapper.

Nipsey Hussle's debut album Victory Lap, released in 2018 received a nomination for best rap album at this year's Grammy Awards, where he was nominated against Cardi B, Mac Miller, Pusha T and Travis Scott.

When asked by Big Boy in an interview on how he felt about the nomination, Hussle described himself as "excited" but at the same time, didn't want to feel validated by someone and their opinions but by his process and the amount of work he puts in his music.

Nipsey leaves behind his girlfriend of six years, Lauren London, their son and a daughter he had from a previous relationship. . .

Rest In Power King!!!

MA-E UYA HLASELA

By Sipho Ramaru

Ma-E has always been one of the best story tellers in the game since his Teargas days. Punchlines? Nothing he was shot of. . .

Maeze-Does-It was never the kind of rapper to “fit in” in terms of style and flow…

He’s one of the few rappers who don’t compromise when it comes to spitting in vernac and tells stories most of us from the hood can relate to.

The homey just released a new single and the video to the joint called Hlasela. Basically the song is about hustling and just keep on keeping on till you make it. Dope joint, nice video!

Check out the video below:

DRAKE BRINGS OUT EMINEM AT HIS #SUMMERSIXTEEN SHOW AND BOW DOWN TO THE GHAAD EMCEE!

By Sipho Ramaru

So     the     rumour...or the reports rather, that Drake has called out Eminem for a rap battle has been making headlines all over social media and hip hop publications, both online and print.

My     first     reaction to this was, "how is it that my favorite rapper wants to commit a career suicide by battling the illest rapper to ever touch the mic?? Please don’t it…"


Now just in, a post by Montreal facebook page has updated that Drake brought out Eminem at his #SummerSixteen show in Detroit, and bowed down to the legend, calling him “the greatest to ever touch a microphone”. . .You got that one right suhn!

Well, if the reports about Champagne Papi challenging Slim Shady aren’t true, then I’m really happy about that! Nobody wants to see their favorite rapper being killed in a rap battle. . .When you are being killed in a feature, we can debate about it, have different views and it’s normal for every feature to have that one artist ripping it off. But a rap battle is a different ballgame.

In a feature, you get murked, you accept defeat and step it up on your next track, but in a rap battle it's not like that! For someone with Drake’s status, you gonna be trending for quite some time and you better brace yourself for those million memes.

Shouts to the 6-God and B-Rabbit…Real game changers and that “Forever” joint was just a certification stamp that Drake has officially made his mark in hip hop. We would really like to see more performances and features of Drizzy and Slim…Not a rap battle!

ANOTHER SOUTH AFRICAN START ON SWAY’S SWAY IN THE MORNING. . . .ON SHADE45

Just as the excitement and disappointment about Cassper Nyovest’s interview with Sway a few weeks ago was dying down, “The same chair Kanye sat on”. . .The SUPA MEGA himself was there to re-represent the country once more.

Check the pictures out. . .Courtesy AKA’S Facebook page

BLACK COFFEE MAKES HISTORY. . .AKA CONGRATULATE. . .?

Sipho Ramaru

Seems like AKA can’t stay away from of controversy, twar or whatever you wanna call it. . .even with artists outside the hip hop genre. This is not the first time AKA throws shade at the house Dee-Jay, Black Coffee even after the house mogul made history.

Black Coffee whose real name is Nkosinathi Maphumulo made history by becoming the first South African artist to win a BET award held in Los Angeles on Saturday for Best International Act: Africa.

Kiernan Forbes first tweeted: “As long as a South African artist wins this award. That’s fine by me”

Then after Nathi got the award, AKA came back to add “Look Black Coffee and me don't dig each other but I respect him and his art. I acknowledge him for the pioneer he is.” And that was when fans went bug on him. . .You know black twitter don’t let things slide.

Shots were fired. . .even Barry Roux (parody) had something something to day:

But I’m guessing this is not something new for the homey, he’s used to being the center of attention even when the spotlight is not on him or not supposed to be on him.

Black Coffee walked in a green suit with some black sneakers, looking as stylish and unique as always. . .on his right, accompanied by his lovely wife Enhle Mbali Mlotshwa.

twitter pic

In an interview with the SABC Black Coffee expressed that although it seems a bit weird to be nominated for a BET award outside the country, he is holding that SA up flag high. His achievement was acknowledged and praised by the minister of the people, Fikile Mbalula who tweeted “Congratulations for the win and thank you for hoisting our high”

AKA just congratulate and step back dawg. . .that’s all you have to do. Congratulate and fall back.

REFILOE PHOOLO ON SWAY IN THE MORNING. . .SHADE45

Refiloe Phoolo aka Cassper Nyovest is the first South African rapper to touch down on Sway In The Morning (In The Morning) on Shade 45. . .There’s no denying the fact that homeboy Cassper just keeps breaking these barriers. Made the act of speaking reality into your dreams a tradition to young dreamers.

Sway took it to twitter to express his excitement to do the interview with Sway, and that this is a milestone. . .

Flying the SA flag up high in one of the biggest hip hop morning shows in the world with the greatest hip hop journalist of all time, Sway Calloway. Yesss, he sat on the same chair Kanye sat on, the same chair my favorite rapper of all time, Common sat on, damn the same chair even the legendary Scarface sat on.

Contrats to the brother. . .Keep the dream alive. 'Talk your sh** Sway'!!!

IT’S A BANG OUT

Sipho Ramaru


The     homey     DJ     Vigilante     has     officially graduated from the South African hip hop school of hits!!!

The     homey     has     now reached a point where, every collabo he puts under his name becomes a hit. Going a few years back when he released the joint, God’s Will featuring the Skhanda godfather, KO and Supa Mega, AKA, aka Kienaan Forbes.

Then     going     to     Sgelekeqe     with Ma-E, M-A-Double, and the kingpin himself, PRO which claimed the streets. I still remember how my uncle used to play that joint the whole day (on repeat). Another banger was released in the year, 2014, Sorry Makhe. This was a point DJ Vigi proved to us that he does not disappoint!

Now the homey just released another smash called Bang Out, featuring the Skhanda god, Supa Mega and the new kid on the block, who’s not that new on the block if you know what I mean…Nasty C.

“You can lose a lot of paper chasing women just know/ but all that p*** as soon as you get your money is a given/ see a bad b*** get sticky, young Uber ex-trips/ I’m Mango air-ticks and that’s it”. . .The CashTime president got game and you cannot for one minute, doubt that!! Shout to the new age Papa Action. . .

Nasty C is a young versatile rapper you can never know what to expect from him in terms of content lyrically, but can definitely expect him to kill whatever feature or track he jumps on! “Love and money I place ‘em apart/ I started, hating stages I broke a leg and a heart/ y’all need a real muh***r and I’m great for the part/ Coz I bumped into hip hop when she had her legs apart” daaamn son!! Let’s get in to his lyrics some more “If you’re expecting me to fall hold your breath, cross fingers/  biiiii your favorite rapper is either dead or a witness/ If I said it I meant it (ou, ou)”. . .That Nasty C boi is nasty with them lyrics, boy!!

Starting from production to execution, the song is just a BANG OUT!!! Lyrical content is just on another level that is out of this world. Credit goes to the man behind this hot jam…DJ Vigilante, you never disappoint when it comes to producing classic joints. . .Big ups to you brother! Vi...Vi...Vi...Vigi!

RAPPERS IN POLITICS. . .

Image by: AKA Instagram

Sipho Ramaru

I believe we are now well aware of what political party AKA is promoting, or “supports” as he puts it on twitter. Kiernan Forbes has never been the one to bite his tongue when it comes to sharing his views and that’s one of the reasons he is the most loved and most hated.

The Congratulate Me hit maker went public to express his aversion for the Economic Freedom Fighters and Democratic Alliance on twitter, which newspapers make it seem as if he went “head to head” with Mbuyiseni Ndlozi aka the people’s bae on a public platform.

I believe this is just another matter of difference in opinion, and being as dramatic as we are, journalists made it seem as if it’s way more than just two public figures supporting different movements for their own personal reasons.

One has to admit though that AKA is too confrontational whenever he express his views. The rapper went on to say that the ANC is the only party he believes has the capability to lead South Africa into a new day. Further stating that he will not be performing at the DA and EFF’s events because he does not support the parties and doesn’t “need the money that bad”. AKA says his views are influenced by the fact that he has a child now has to think about her future and the South Africa she’s going to live in.

It is AKA’s constitutional right to support the political party he wants and believes in. One other thing is, we need to be aware of the fact that there is a thin line between publicly supporting a political party and promoting it especially by public figures.

We are now going through a season of political rallies, and political parties are booking artists to perform at their events. A gig is a gig and this is how artists put bread on the table. . .but my problem comes in when artists promote political parties because as people we go through different struggles and believe in different systems even though we support the same artist, not all parties acknowledge and attend to our needs the way we want and need them to.

Just like AKA, fans should be given a chance to voice out their concerns and support a party they believe it best address issues they are faced with on a daily. The EFF might not be a party for me based on whatever reasons only I know, but the DA might be the party for me, or maybe the IFP might be the party for me, or the even ANC. What I’m saying is, public figures have a strong influence on the youth but in most cases do not always relate to their struggles, so not every party my favorite artist promotes or publicly “supports” is the one that has been attending to the needs of my people in my region.

J-COLE IS NOW OFFICIALLY A MARRIED MAN

Sipho Ramaru
Reports have recently come out, saying that J-Cole is secretly married, and these have been making headlines since the week began.

Well, congratulations to the homey for tying the knot. That’s a stage we all gotta go through unless you don’t see yourself spending the rest of your life with that special somebody.

The reports claiming that J-Cole is “SECRETLY” married. . .I think that’s just a dramatisation of facts.

The homey is not secretly married, he just chose not to put it out there that he is now a married man, which is allowed, even as a public figure, you deserve some privacy and just do your own thing without media attention.

He first came out some time a while back that he is engaged, and shortly after that he was accused of hiding the fact that he is engaged and was busy acting single flirting with groupies.

When interviewed on Monday’s special #MLKNow event, he confirmed that he is indeed married and jokingly hinted that his business should not be put out there…but now that the fans know, “it’s all good”.

WORD TO THE 2015 MATRICULANTS...

Pic courtesy: eNCA

Sipho Ramaru

First and foremost I just want to congratulate all the matriculants of 2015, whether pass or fail, the fact that you made it thus far says a lot about your character and your goals as an individual. 

Most of our peers would have loved to reach this point but due to unforeseen circumstances, some couldn’t, some tried taking short-cuts to life and some just gave up on the way.


A big congratulations to those that made it, I hope you don’t focus too much on “I passed my matric” to a point where you forget to focus on more important and bigger things like enrolling at an institution of your dreams and pursuing that career you've always wanted. . .And those that didn’t make it, it’s not the end of the world, pick yourself up and just keep going at it till you get it right! Sometimes there’s more lessons and experience in failure than anything else.

Failing matric doesn’t make you stupid or a failure. . .You still own your future! And you can make whatever you want of your situation. Get back to it, and go harder this time! The future belongs to us!

#COMPOSURE. . .COMPOSURE. . .COMPOSUREEEE!!!

Sipho Ramaru

Hold it Now. . .Hold it Now. . .Hold it Now. . .This is that Takeover and Either typ’a ish. . .One week you posting about #Fill_Up_The_Dome & #MIMI, and the next you’re posting about #Composure.

This is that typ’a ish that make you feel some type of way because AKA owned this moment!

The beef between the two predominant hip hop acts in SA is far from over, we just knew that after the slapping allegations. . .But as if the slapping wasn’t enough, AKA had to come rhymes blazing on the new heat #Composure; “See when it rains it pours, understand with me when it’s war, it’s war…” which set Twitter on fire shortly after it was released!!!

Now three things on my list that make a battle record a blow: FACTS – RHYMES AND FLOW. AKA pulled all these three aspects quite well on the joint. I mean you listen to this tune and all you hear is FACTS – FACTS. . .Nice flow and slayer rhymes aaand FACTS!

“I know you hate me with a passion, I ain’t mad at ya/ I know you f*ck with every classic in my catalogue”. . .I don’t know if you remember this but, just over 2 years ago, Cassper Nyovest posted a video of himself dancing to “Congratulate Me” and complimenting the joint on how it’s a hit and all that, and this was broadcasted on VEntertainment. . .and I also like the fact he admitted to being a Cassper fan at some point. Cassper is everyone’s favorite rapper including me!

“I know you play like you’re humble but we just one and the same”. . .Could this be true? I mean we can all admit that Cassper Nyovest is always tryna be the righteous one all the time with this whole beef. Even when he released that BEEF joint, no one spoke otherwise about him, instead, he got props and he even name dropped AKA on Phumakim! It was all good because it’s Cassper Nyovest.

“I ain’t gonna treat your pony-tail like the holy grail/ That’s the problem with you new school cats/ Took your old style from OKMalumKoolKat”. . .I don’t know if you remember this but, some months back, Cassper Nyovest posted a video on facebook of his “new” dance move which later on, OkMalumKoolKat took to his page to express his disappointment in niggaz who steal moves from them and make minor changes and make it seem as if they are the ones who invented the whole shandis!

Another thing, you gotta hit where it hurts when you beefing with someone, especially in the mainstream where there’s a lot of criticism. You don't wanna be the dude with the wack diss track! That SAGA line touched some nerves though! Moderately a chilled and catchy beat with no too many snares and complicated keys and notes to it. . .I guess that’s what you looking for as a rapper in order to make sure your statement is clearly caught. Kinda like what Drake did on #ChargedUp, but like The SuperMega says “it’s beyond Drake and Meek Mill ish”. . .

“KO did it and didn't even floss with it”. . .The gold plaque, yeah we were all happy for the homey Cassper but at some point it was as if he’s the first rapper in SA to sell gold, KO is one laid back rapper who’s as dope and successful! Ain’t no need to floss with it, the homey is super chilled. And if the Debut is the issue here, KO also achieved that with his debut solo album.

Composure. . .Composure. . .Composure!! Apparently the joint is about "composure"! But I doubt that because the tripwire on this track tells a totally different story! This joint deserves that Funkmaster Flex bomb effect!

AKA AND DJ ZINHLE CALL IT QUITS

Insta Pic

Sipho Ramaru

In other news, the power couple, AKA and DJ Zinhle have called it quits just a month after the birth of their bundle of joy, Kairo Owethu Forbes.

The break-up comes as a surprise and sudden to fans of both the rapper and the DJ.

This derives after AKA posted on Sunday, on his Instagram account a picture of a cow being slaughtered, signaling that he has followed the Zulu customs and paid ‘Inhlawulo’, damages.

DJ Zinhle posted on her website to announce the break up and stated that baby Kairo remains their top priority. According to DJ Zinhle, this is an amicable separation and they will always be in good terms with each other for the sake of good co-parenting to their little girl

Official Statement:

After a great deal of thought, reflection and discussion we have decided to end our relationship of three years. We entered our relationship with love and it’s with love and kindness we leave it.

We both wish nothing but a great future for each other and remain dear and trusted friends as well as co-parents to our wonderful baby Kairo, whose happiness and well-being remains our number one priority.

We both deeply care for each other and remain close friends.

There will be no further statements or interviews regarding our relationship as we choose to move on with our lives. Though we choose to live our lives in the public eye we thank you for your understanding and ask for privacy during this time.

Thank you to everyone for your loyalty and support.

Kiernan Forbes (AKA) and Ntombezinhle Jiyane (DJ Zinhle)

http://momentsbydjzinhle.com/index.php/2015/08/26/amicable-separation/

HIPHOP FACTS101. . .

DID YOU KNOW FACTS ???

Did you know that the OG Mr. Warren G aka The G Funk leader, is Dr. Dre’s brother ?

#PASOP. . .THE LOCAL GAME HAS FINALLY REACHED THE HEIGHTS!!!

Pasop Artwork

Sipho Ramaru

South African hip hop continues to break barriers in the local scene. . .gradually becoming the most influential culture within the borders of our country, more especially on the youth.

I can safely say in the past decade, there has been so much growth in the culture and I can proudly state that we have procreated our own native identity.

We have now reached a point where, when a local act announce their single that’s yet to drop or hit the net, we wait in anticipation to hear what fire they spitting on the joint.

There has been so much hype around the #PASOP joint by CashTime Life’s Dee-Jay, DJ-Vigilante featuring his camp. When the project premiered on Metro-FM and the very same night, aired on GP’s hottest frequency, known to be Y-FM. . .Social networks went crazy over the track, even zanier over the Skhanda Queen’s verse.

I have to admit, at first when I heard Moozlie’s verse, I was kind of skeptical, but gave myself some time to listen to the track a few more times. That lady is killin’ the homies on that joint it’s not even funny! I like how she’s handling the pressure, growing and matching up to the standard of some of the best rappers in the game.

Kinda disappointed in my favorite rapper though….Maggz didn’t really bring his A-Game on the joint, he wasn’t that mean. He came through with a nice flow though, as always! I guess he was just being remissive towards them. . .K.O in his very nature, is a chilled out rapper and knows how to come across as laidback but still kill ish and be out! Need I say more…? Skhanda rap is his and he owns it on every joint! Ma-Eezy-Does-It! He’s always the problem child. . .You can tell by his lyrics, “Bavala ngapha, vele s’vule ngapha/ S’khuzwe ngapha, siy’suse ngale”, the homey went in well with his lyrical dexterity. He can never disappoint when it comes to spittin in vernac. The Kid with the X- factor! Like I said in my past articles, Kid-X is a problem especially when it comes to features…His verse always gets set apart from the others. He can’t be on a feature, and not be talked about!

The overall of the project is just too niceeee. . .Exactly how local flavor should be! I am now a proud fan of SA hip hop!!!

D’BANJ’S B-DAY WISH SPARK SIDE-CHICK RUMOURS…

Twitter Pic

Sipho Ramaru


JOHANNESBURG - Social networks have been swamping with rumours that Mzansi’s ‘IT’ girl, Queen B whom we thought was now a Nigerian princess could be a ‘Side Chick’.

The South African TV and radio diva, Bonang Matheba started trending on twitter with the hashtag #Bonang, shortly after her Nigarian superstar boyfriend, D’banj took to Instagram to wish his “ex-girlfrined”, Adama Idimi a sensational happy birthday.

This left Matheba’s fans making speculations and creating what could be a worst scenario when D’banj took it up a notch and declared his love for Idimi.

Nigerian media reports that the singer, whose real name is Oladapo Daniel Oyebanjo and Adama Idimi have been in an on and off love affair since the year 2011. The astounding move by D’banj comes few weeks after he made his first appearance with Bonang at the MTV Africa Music Awards, which they also kissed on live television.

D’banj also referred to Idimi as “the queen of his heart”, “his princess” and expressed how much he really loves her, stating that she is one in a life time. That’s a bit too much for what is supposed to be an ex-girlfriend wouldn’t you say?

Fans on twitter weighed in on the side chick saga and Bonang Matheba’s ex-boyfriend, DJ Euphonik didn’t waste time to get a bucket of popcorn and watch the social network drama as it unfolds:

REFILOE_#MAMAIMADEIT.31.08.15

REFILOE Artwork

Sipho Ramaru

A video for a newly dropped single is just as important as the artwork of an album cover is to the project (even a single). 
Hence artists have introduced a tradition of dropping an artwork for a single that's yet to be released, few weeks back before the track drop.

Drawing the audience and interest them to a yet to be released project, is a marketing strategy

As they would say: "A picture says a thousand words". Most of the album covers' artwork, tells a story that portrays either the whole project or the artist's life in a picture. . .same applies to a single, an artwork goes hand in hand with the single and draws an image of what the track is about.

Refiloe Phoolo, known by his stage name, Cassper Nyovest, took to twitter to announce the title of his new album and a release date for the now, much anticipated project and the album artwork (cover). REFILOE is the name of the album. I have to admit, it's a simple piece of artwork yet profound and dope. The cover on its own tells a story about Cassper Nyovest. The Phumakim hit maker also announced that the first single to come out of the album will drop on the 31^st of August 2015.