From a concrete who knew a flower would grow

Conscious Rap is a sub-genre of Hip Hop that focuses on creating awareness and imparting knowledge. Conscious rappers traditionally decry violence, discrimination, and other societal ailments. It’s propelled by the conviction that radical social change comes through knowledge of self and personal growth as well as societal awareness.

Former T.I.C member, award nominee and active HHC community member, Adroit TDO. Currently residing in Polokwane, Turf is now a solo artist. He is a recording artists/songwriter that started in 2009, with a group of friends collectively known as “T.I.C”- they have had hit songs such as “United We Stand Alone” a single that won ‘Song of the Year’ at Hip Hop Cares Awards in 2014 before going solo and quietly dropping an array of singles.

Rappers are products of different musical stylings informed by different environments, attitudes and aspirations. "The songs i write are about my life, friends, family and most people i come across along the way, my inspiration comes from my everyday experiences and J. Cole music.” Says Adroit.

(05/10/2018)
Adroit dropped The Breakhrough EP:

The BreakThrough EP

When asked about the EP before the release, this is what Adroit had to say “It has different sounds that basically focused on the breakthrough on every situation that i come across. And hopefully people can relate to, and find comfort in listening to them as it might be what a few are going through as well.”

The Breakthrough EP, showcases Adroit's overall musicality, pairing his ability as a lyricist breaking through from being a Group MC to a Solo artist with a more broadly developed production palette and being a better person.

And I think this is true: Adroit delivers his lyrics with different flows, intensity and passion. This along with the realness of his perspective, gave this EP a whole sense of credit. The lyrics as well as, the simple album cover designed by Selby Thlolo Maile of SeFosh, paints a bigger picture of “From a concrete who knew that a flower would grow” says Czar ODriego, transports you into the time and places. In terms of music, the instruments are kept simple and stay in the background, enabling the focus to stay on Adroit’s gritty lyrics.

This latest EP finds the Mi-image signee in a referential state of mind. In addition to all the name checks, the tape also features Panel, Slabsta, and Afro25, and Bravo99 on the productions.

“Hip Hop” is the opening track of the the EP and more than a cliché coming-of-age strory, the narrative of the song revolves around his journey of falling in-love and staying in within the Hip Hop culture, and it fades off with Adroit reminiscing about writing his first rhyme and realizing that this is exactly what he wants to do for the most part of his life. It's not just the wild concepts that keep these songs afloat, it is Adroit’s tremendous underrated delivery. Some artists who focus strictly on lyricism are often criticized for overwhelming listeners with “too much” content. Honestly, it’s a fair complaint. But that’s not case for “Dreams”, NO YOU SERIOUSLY NEED TO HEAR THIS!!

“The Man” and its flipside “Mi-image”, here’s what I got from them: Just because someone perceives you to be a certain way, it doesn’t mean you’re that way. I’m sure a lot of people already know that. And if do already know it, I applaud big time. That’s a huge weight off your shoulders and a serious sign of healthy self-image. But if you’re not anything like that, I hope this song helps you to see what it is trying to encourage. Just because someone some has an opinion about you, it doesn’t mean it’s always right and you have the right to be you own image!

“Down For You,” on this song Adroit talks about his relationship troubles, which underneath the moral struggles and dream theme he keeps hinting at as it’s also a track on the EP, he goes back to throughout the record. He is trying to be a good to his girl but he isn’t succeeding “Sometimes it’s hard for me too/ and I know you hate the change I’m going through/ Like I’m neglecting you, it’s nothing like that/ It’s part of what the game entails/And I hope it don’t change how we feel inside/And how we live to see us grow/”, it inspires new-found, less misogynistic thoughts about women than we are accustomed to hearing from the regular rap songs. And the drama builds musically as well, with Panel’s enthusiasm on the chorus and Afro 25 on the production side.

“Style sa December” this is ahead of its time (no pun intended), as far as the song. This is a great representation of the album sound and style. It’s psychedelic, futuristic and urban. It is simply other worldly, Slabsta and Adroit TDO are a blend of two realities based on the same idea. They are two perfect example of synergistic inception, they put out joint Kwaito together.

“I'd like to believe for now what my music brings to the community is knowledge, inspiration, motivation, and change to each individual listening. It's a part of an extrinsic positive motivation that i brings about light to each and every situation that i talk about that correlates with them.” Says Adroit.

The ideas are and execution are operated on a different level, “The Breakthrough” is noteworthy for the creativity evident throughout every song. By 2018 you’d think that emcees had covered every topic in conceivable manner, but the varying themes all flow together as one EP feel natural and far from forced.

Hip Hop lyrics are powerful, not only are many of them amazingly inspirational in themselves, but when spoken in a song, the message becomes clearer and sinks in much more than it normally would. We all know how great music make us feel.

Yours Truly:Shabba-Pen

Follow Adroit TDO on the following:

Facebook: Adroit Phoshoko
Twitter: A_Droit_
Wapttrends: Waptrendz.com/adroittdo
SoundCloud: soundcloud.com/adroittdo

Listen and download this tape here:

https://audiomack.com/album/adroit-tdo/the-breakthrough-ep

https:https://m.soundcloud.com/user-649929923/sets/the-Breakthrough-EP

Watch "Mi-image" here:
https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=M6oHBZUVoAc&feature=youtu.be

Lil Chief - Hometown Famous EP - First Listen Review

This tape celebrates different themes, from the darker side of love: heartaches, breakups, unhealthy obsessions and general relationship dysfunctions as well as the fast-paced nightlife and day to day situations.

TrapLawd and Musific Promo's production styles are instrumental in creating Lil Chief's music, and together their 'atmospheric, brooding sound has revitalised their definition of hip-hop.'

While Lil Chief Thakay focuses more about selling records and getting people to dance, he still able to hit you with lyrics like this:
"And I'm in love with the character and finer things in your heart,
These models I'm with don't mean shit, you're an Art.
And i hope you remember how i had you up as my one.
And i hate the fact that that we grew out of each other ey... "

One of the songs that stand out on this tape is, Around Me(Feat. Musific Promo), the guy behind 75% of the tape's production finally got behind the mic to deliver one of the incredible singing/verse on the tape.

The pain reflected in this song 'Interlude for Papa' probably ain't even half of what he's feeling. The song drops some notable lines like:
"Life you've made your point clear. When you took my dad I thought it was the end, and it was. But I understand, I let the God's will happen cause I'm just a man"

On songs like 'Messy and If I lose you' reflects on the decisions he’s made in life and tries to make them right, now knowing how much people believe in him and look up to him. He expresses gratitude towards his ex-girlfriend and his mother, apologizing to his mom and recognizing that he wouldn't have became the man he is without her guidance and teachings.

Critics can knock his sappy lyrics or 'lack of hardcore street cred' but you can't deny his dedication to the craft nor his dedication to dominating charts. Boy knows his lane and trust me the he doesn't deviate ever.

He's no one hit wonder, he's been able to be a fledge pop star yet maintained his credibility as a 'real lyricist'.

Build his respective empire solely on rhymes and beats. And i for one, love him for it. You can say he's too soft, he's sings too much, you may say the voice is too annoying but you can't say he don't spit and as the rap community must accept we're on the top now, rap is now popular music.

And with that we might as well broaden our definition of what real rap is, just because something is on the radio every 15 minutes or sells a lot doesn't mean it's not quality anymore.

With no huge features. While it still not the popular sound in town. One of the singles from this did make him end up with the award for HHC 2017 - Song of the year.

By: Shabba-Pen


Keep in touch with Lil Chief and his music:
Twitter: LilChief_RSA
Instagram: lilchief_rsa

Audiomack Link: https://audiomack.com/album/lil-chief-7/hometown-famous-tape-2

Datafilehost Link: http://www.datafilehost.com/d/ca215165

Hip Hop on depression

Hip Hop on Depression



From the very beginning of Hip Hop music, artists have used their medium to express struggles faced by themselves and their community. It’s no surprise that the theme of emotional suffering and pain shows up regularly in rap lyrics. Hearing how deeply this illness impacts so many, regardless of race, creed, background or economic status, can provide some comfort in knowing that you are not alone in your journey.

Young black men experience a lot of trauma. They’ve lost people, seen violence, been humiliated by the society. In this song Turm communicates many feelings most have when death occurs, especially at random, undeserving times.

This is the fourth installment on his ‘13 August Freestyle’ marathon, he releases yearly to celebrate his birthday with his fans.

In this emotional roller-coaster there's a sense of weariness due to anxiety of his past and present life difficulties, nonetheless it's one of Turm’s more philosophical raps that truly explains his relationship with God and how seriously he takes death.

First verse he is reading his suicide note. In which he outlines all his struggles, suffering and fight with depression, from feeling trapped in his own body, not being able to sleep, confidence and self-esteem dropping to feeling like a disappointment to his family and hurting the mother of his child endlessly – he feels he has lost purpose in this life and in turn this leads to him taking his own life. He chooses every word carefully showing that deep inside he doesn’t want to die, but he can’t deny it will end his struggles. 

Second verse his spirit is floating on earth, all confused looking at the pain he has caused. This verse has close links to scenes from the book of Revelations, he is in heaven where he is to receive his divine judgement, but he realises that he has sinned and now feels bad for putting his loved one through that pain and he thinks he is going to be sent hell. He asks God for his life back, a second chance so he can go home and be a better father and son but it’s too late, they’re carrying his lifeless body in a coffin.

Third verse an angel of death responding and speaking to him. It suggests that suicide is indeed a permanent solution but to a temporary problem and the big downside is its very permanence make room for other options. Also suggests that time and perspective change even the trenchant of beliefs, it goes further to tell him he should have forgiven himself, pray about it and use those problems to build himself because everyone else has their demons that they battle with, instead of being comfortable with the unfortunate ‘last’ option of victimizing himself.

It’s a perfect model to write about suicidal thoughts because there is a big difference between suicide awareness and suicide prevention, it’s very easy to glamorize it and get the message wrong. “Art can connect people with sufferings, but there has to be hope on the other side. It does not have to end in tragedy if you give people an action step.” – Draper

When rappers open up, fans listen; and this case, they’re moved to open up too. Now that the genre is finally more open to its dark mental storms, how should artists write and work in honest ways, while also helping those who are truly suffering?

By Shabba-Pen

For counselling queries e-mail: zane@sadag.org

To contact a counsellor between 8am-8pm Monday to Sunday,
Call: 011 234 4837 / Fax number: 011 234 8182

For a suicidal Emergency contact us on 0800 567 567

24hr Helpline 0800 12 13 14
www.sadag.org

Dj 949 is a multitasking Hip Hop Dj/Producer

DJ 949 is a multi-tasking Hip Hop producer and a DJ


You may not know the name Setshaba Maganyela, but if you are a fan of local acts and real Hip Hop head that enjoys the streets-inspired and handcrafted occasional hop you know who DJ 949 is.

Some artists use nicknames that they have had their whole life, while other MCs and Djs create an entirely new persona, Setshaba decided to keep it simple and use his birthdate, September 9th in 1994, so keeping up with the theme, DJ 949 was born.

As a local Dj, Setshaba started small like many other, to mention the recent few, in 2017 he played at HHC Awards in Burgersfort, Hip Hop in the Park (SK) and also played at Sekhukhune Picnic hosted by Mzansi Humour, the same year he did a radio tour with SK FM and Mascom FM.

His hard work and dedication did not stop there as he continued to work his way to consistent gigs and eventually winning the Best Producer of the Year (2017) at BEM Limhop Awards.

Working with local talent, DJ 949 dropped a beat-tape with SK’s finest and renowned producer Kay Beats. His 100% local Hip Hop mix aired on TransAfrica Radio Channel DSTV872, OVHD609.

He also showcased beats at F.C.A event in Johannesburg, K1 where the guest artists were the members of South African Hip Hop outfit hailing from the Vaal, Rapper Golden Shovel and MC/Producer - Battlekat.

DJ 949 really made his mark when he represented the whole province (Limpopo) in the biggest Hip Hop Festival in Africa, the mighty Back To The City(BTTC) hosted in JHB, Newtown with over 30 000 spectators and made it to Top 20 of South African Hip Hop producers and see himself coming second in the 10K producers challenge.

Dee-jaying wasn’t the initial draw for Setshaba. He says he was inspired by his uncle who was also a House music DJ. “My love for Hip Hop developed back in 2004 when my brother used to play old school Hip Hop music videos ....I was inspired by DJ Premier as he would always appear on music videos punching mpc pads and doing vinyl scratches.”

At the age of 24, DJ 949 has been dee-jaying since he was 18. “In 2012 I took interest in beat-making, my high school friend hooked me up with a fruity loops studio and taught me the basics of how it works then I started working on dopeness that people are only hearing now” 949 said.

Hip Hop was founded by DJs. DJ Kool Herc to be specific on 11 August 1973, inspired by ladies, dee-jaying for his sister Cindy at her party in 1520 Sedgwick Avenue. Since that party and throughout the 80s and 90s, Hip Hop has always been all about DJs as the linchpin of experimentation with the practice of scratching, mixing and cutting. DJs and/or producers play a major role in the foundation of turning a simple track into a song and despite of all that, they still do not get enough recognition for their dedication and hard work.

The DJ is no longer part of the creative role with the shared responsibility for the overall sound and the live performance. And not only does this cripple the growth of Hip Hop Djs but makes it hard for the current ones to make a living out of their craft.

Like any other artist in this fast pacing competition filled-industry, DJ 949 aspire to get more paying gigs nationwide for both dee-jaying and beats presentations. He said “anyone can help by booking me to deejay at any event or donate me Dee-jaying gear /mpc resonance or money to buy one, I would appreciate anyone who wanna help”

For bookings and contact with DJ 949:

Contact number: 0721819919
Email: setshabamaganyela@gmail.com
Twitter: @DJ949_Sa
Facebook: Dj nine four nine setshaba maganyela

His work is also available on Soundcloud, Audiomack and Fakaza.com
https://soundcloud.com/user-10407735/do-it-now-freestyle-prod-by-dj-949
https://audiomack.com/song/dj-949-sa/do-it-now-freestyle-prod-by-dj-949

Know that Pedi rap is here and it’s not gonna stop

Pedi rap is unique and has a lot of chance takers but King Solomon II is the man who is proving worthy to take Pedi rap to new and unchartered heights and introduce it into the mainstream.
Born and raised in Limpopo, Schoonoord. Real name Solly Phahlamohlaka aka King Solomon II is a self-taught rapper and producer who handles everything from music production to mastering his own songs.
He creates music that caters for everyone from pure lyricism that savours every word without a drop of substance to the throne for rap royalty, no one is crafting street shit this thorough.

My first encounter with King Solomon II was on his 2015 mixtape, Take Me To Your Leader (TMTYL), which included tracks like “Sho Bafosa and O seke wa lla” when I first heard this tape my thoughts were ”This is an absolute essential for any head who’s really down with this underground shit.” He mixes old Pedi idioms and new age township slang and barrage of wordplay and jaw dropping rhymes.
Like most cats, King Solomon II fell in love with Hip Hop at a very young age, when he was 12, “My first encounter with Hip Hop was in 2002, and my sister was a huge fan of hip hop. She collected a whole bunch of Hip Hop music that we jammed to. I started rapping a year after that.” He said.
“In 2005 my friends and I started a crew called BC3. It was like 7 of us. Only a few of them still rap to this day. I believe being part of that crew helped build my character and it helped me grow lyrically as an MC. Being around people who have the same ambition can motivate you.” Solly said.
In early July, 2018 King Solomon II appeared on Shiz Live to perform his latest single, “Ke Nna” from his upcoming EP “Deleted Scenes” before going to rock the stage at Hip Hop Cares (HHC) in Burgersfort, “I enjoyed performing at HHC and I'm glad the reception was good. There was no major purpose to it, it was all about having a good time with the Hip Hop community.” He said.
King Solomon has a collaboration project “Order & Chaos” with the founder of Kay Beats Foundation, HHCA2017 Producer of the Year, the man Kay Beats himself. He also appeared on a joint collaboration tape between Nose The Capital and Kay Beats “Fabrics” on the song “Militiate” which is basically a textbook example of pure lyricism, intentional or not, this song is a seminal work serving as an antithesis to the warpspeed cadences, delivery methods Nose and King are exchanging.
As a Hip Hop head that I am myself, it’s clear that the the deleted scenes happen to be the biggest highlights of his career, and I for one waiting for the EP to drop…
You can use the following details contact to King Solomon II
Twitter @King_Solomon_II
Facebook: I Am King Solomon II
Insta: @King_Solomon_II
pr@iamkingsolomonii.co.za
bookings@iamkingsolomonii.co.za
Reverbnation.com/kingsolomonii
Soundcloud.com/kingsolomonii

Written by Shabba-Pen

The Next Gear

In my life and time I have come across dozens of rappers and the classifications while vast are very simple. Rappers raised by Skwatta Kamp, H20, Slaghuis, 1808 , Teargas before skinny jeans have a different approach to the rap business than your #FiLLupTheDome guys. The first distinction would be the style of music which is the palpitation of this article.
There are a lot of vodka faces as far as the status of rap goes in relation to rappers pre Nyovest era. We can agree that a lot of the rappers we loved were phased out by evolution. The few that survived the sharp turn had to panel beat themselves to be worthy of a highway of tech-era.
Riky Rick used to drop real verses (not that his verses now are not real. In perspective they might be the bible). The new Rick sings and slims himself through a 16. The first thing we will have to admit is that Hip Hop/Rap on its own is a growing culture. Growth is synonymous with change. Facts !

Photo by Magoshi photography at Hip Hop Cares Awards 2016

This would follow the line of reasoning that supports the argument that says one must adapt if they will survive. An understanding of the mentality stated above would have avoided the blood spatter we saw between Cassper and Tumi (now known as Stogie T in attempts of evolution).
I downloaded a few mixtapes over the past year looking for something worth listening to. A body of art that has direction and purpose. The above paragraphs were supported by a wordsmith from Jane Furse , Limpopo who currently resides in the East Rand. I was not able to immediately identify him as he changed coats like Tumi did. DizzyMan Ape now known as Mochene perfectly articulates what adapt or die means in the rap world. What previously was a “I can rap” artist is now a “I can make you listen “guy.
I have learned a few things from his offering which I am keen to share. First things first, create something unique. I have never been a big believer of the soap box advocates who preach that rap is saturated. It is not possible. There are eight billion people on earth and they are all unique. If you give the market yourself it will consume faster than cocaine in one’s bloodstream. Mochene created a genre called Chantrap.
My findings are subject to correction as I did not have prior consultation with him for this particular article. What I heard from the genre was a mixture of Kiba and diphala , which are ethnic music of the Bapedi denomination. You can pick this up in ad libs and choruses. He identifies with his origins in a subtle manner. The last time we heard this was when there was an attempt to mix Maskadi and rap. It faded quickly because the maskadi was too obvious on the ear. Mochene was able to wrap the vegetables with good looking food in you get what I am saying.
Secondly, Brand imaging. It does not help to call yourself the street king but you hardly in the streets. After becoming Mochene he made sure on social media platforms he is identified as such. He is a musician and that is what his brand is about. It is disappointing to see an artist dedicating themselves to narrating jokes on their timeline rather than sharing their music. He made is music available everywhere and easily accessible to all mediums of persons. This composition must appeal to the village people too, why put it on ITunes?
Thirdly, He did not compromise what rap is really about for the sake of the industry. You must understand that after the noise your single makes we either forget about it or we sit down and really listen to your project. Chant chorus , hooky bars , heart filled lines … I am overwhelmed. This must have been an easy project to write but it should have been difficult to project. Such honesty doesn’t come across a lot of times. He basically gave us him , Mochene !!!!

I would pay for this project. It is a collector’s item. There is something for everyone without ruining the harmony of what a work of art is supposed to be. Do not take my word for it. Download ChanTrap by clicking here.
#MocheneSA on social media to extend the conversation.


@HipHopCaresSa on Twitter
Hip Hop Cares Foundation on facebook

#HHC STREET WALL

If its on the streets .....we got it


Turm- We got this

Lil Chief - Changes

Tylin - Bang Bang

Illy Ft Nose - Pen Game


Czar - First Cut Ep

Mochene - ChanTrap Mixtape