For followers of rapper Lukorito and producer MR. LU*, the release of Gweztapes has been highly anticipated. Serving as both a collaborative project between the two and Lukorito’s debut release, the wait was well worth it. An ode to the release induced by sparking one up, and characterized by Lukorito’s witty wordplay and MR. LU*’s eclectic production, Gweztapes offers the perfect distraction and mellow vibes that we’re all in desperate need of during these apocalyptic times.

What is Gweztapes about and what inspired the project?

Gweztapes is basically a mock internal monologue when I'm off the gwez. Self evaluation, paranoia, social commentary, rationalization, but at the same time, the release from these things when you light one up and none of that matters.

How did Gweztapes come together?

Generally, it just came off the nature of my relationship with LU*. That's what made the title, which we had way before the first song, and it's definitely what informed how most of the songs came up. So any random conversations and moments in the process of making it could find it’s way into the music, consciously or otherwise.

What inspired the project?

It was inspired by who we are; our obsession with Benga and Kamba slappers, Mac Miller & Earl Sweatshirt (if they were a duo lol) & of course, the Gwez.

How long did it take you to work on the project?

It took us about 9 months of constant Facetimes and Skype calls while Luko was at school to conceptualise; so close to a year to finish. The EP was meant to be only four songs initially, which took like a month or two to do. But just because we were sitting with it for a minute, while still making music, we kept adding songs as we went along until it got here. Then it's like, "Okay, let's leave this for something else."

What were you hoping people would feel/take away from Gweztapes?

Self awareness. Back to the concept of the inner monologue, overhearing someone makes you look into yours, and that's what's up. But also it's a nice smoke break to just vent and break from all of that. 

What does this project mean to the two of you?

It was our debut project, basically, Lukorito wearing his art on my sleeves (pun intended) I wanted to make sure that he had the necessary soundscape to communicate his message to the world in a way that represents both of us. 

What are your personal favourite’s off of the project?

Magwezmbe, Mashada for Mashida, Shasha Ruka Fence and Interlu*

Stream Gweztapes here.