Since we find ourselves with more times on our hands than we usually have. It seemed fitting to put together a short list of five SA Hip Hop projects from 2019 that require an attentive ear and are worth revisiting.
PIF is a 6-pack EP by Ginger Trill. It's a concept project, telling a cinematic story as it happens. The project is inspired by the movie Paid In Full. On the EP, Ginger Trill does little to dispute that he's on the list of rapper that sound like they could sell you something if you're looking to buy.
Each of the tracks come together to give a suspense-filled experience of a hustler's life experiences. Ginger Trill showcase his way with words like he's known to do. Even the love stories have some gangsta in them. Not once does he break character. Well-executed concept. See full review
It is said that Yanga Chief was on the verge of quitting Hip Hop when he decided to put this EP out as a Hail Mary. And it worked!! BAPS was well-received by the fans and it out its creator back in good spirits. BAPS didn’t get good review by Jointz but it went on to be well-received. It also gave out a couple of hit so it is definitely worth revisiting to hear what’s what.
This EP makes it to this list with perfect timing as Stogie T just released a deluxe version with two additional tracks. The Empire Of Sheep gave us the the best storytelling of any of its contemporaries. In it Stogie gives us stories of ear and the effects it has both on soldiers and civilians, while orchestrators reap the benefits without risking their well-being.
Stogie had found a way to make rappity-raps fun again. He capitalised on this with his Freestyle Fridays, which will no doubt do a lot to reinstate the importance of rapping in Hip Hop. Stogie himself is mean but he has a thing for teaching. That comes out in full effect on The Empire Of Sheep. See full review
It was only after his mixtape 18 Flow that Touchline really became a name worth giving some attention to. His writing showed great skill and even greater potential with the hope that he brushed up his delivery. And he did.
On 19 Flow you get a more confident, more calm Touchline. The music is not only great quality but it's a good balance of bumpy light raps and him showing us he can hold his own against seasoned rappers like Jimmy Wiz. He is fast becoming a favourite for many.
Anxiety is arguably one of the best Hip Hop projects of 2019. It's an album by rapper/producer Zoocci Coke Dope. It has a surprising element of being exceptionally good both sonically and on the content.
Zoocci raps and sings about heartbreak and healing from bad experiences. He does this over a collection of well-written and well-produced songs. He is far from anxious with his delivery. Easy album to keep on repeat. He really put his best into this and it's definitely worth a revisit. See full review
Some may have brushed these albums off so it will be the first time they listen. Still this short list comes highly recommended.
