Top 5: South Africa's forgotten hip hop tracks

6 Jul 2017 - 14:41

South African hip hop has been dynamic since the 1980s when Prophets of Da City were using rap as an activism tool. Hip Hop has grown exponentially since then with new styles and new voices emerging onto the scene. Below is a list of the top five songs in South African hip hop history, in no particular order.

Cape Town hip hop group Prophets of Da City.

'Hegemony' – Ben Sharpa

Ben Sharpa is a lyrical and conceptual genius with a poignant style of delivery. In the song ‘Hegemony’ he proved this to be true by providing social commentary on the plight of the black youth and presenting it through complex rhyme schemes.

'Never Again' – Prophets of Da City

Cape Town crew Prophets of Da City introduced hip hop to South Africa as an outlet for young people to vent their frustration with the apartheid regime. ‘Never Again’ was recorded as a song of celebration following the first democratic elections in South Africa. The title of the song is taken from former president and struggle icon Nelson Mandela’s inauguration speech at the Union Buildings in Pretoria in 1994.

'Chance' – Teargas

With a pitch-shifted sample of Toto’s ‘I Won't Hold You Back’, Chance became an instant classic. The song also introduced Teargas to South Africa. The group consisted of Ntukza, Ma-E and K.O, all of whom have become solo artists.

'Touch and Go' – Entity

Before becoming a solo artist, AKA was part of Entity, a teenage group that was set to make a mark in the industry and rival South Africa’s hip hop greats. Their lyrical skills and beat production were ahead of their time. The group split in 2006, shortly after releasing their first album Royal School of Hip Hop in 2005.

'Heartbeat' – Proverb

“Shut your mouth and let the heart speak.” Proverb is one of the best South African rappers to have ever stood behind the mic. He is a knowledgeable writer with the skill to entertain. Proverb is the definition of what it means to be an emcee. In 'Heartbeat', he invites the listener into his mind to experience what the rapper is going through. To this end, Proverb's storytelling ability has the listener resonate with the words and story.