April's Hip Hop Hits
April is a month of fruitfulness. It springs in the temperates and it rains in the tropics.It is a time of freshness and calm; gotten a hold of the new year, and things don't seem so hectic anymore. Musically, the artists start to pick u,. More drops noticeably happened this month, leaving fans more than pleased. Here is a look at what Kenyan hip hop had to offer.
Note To Self - Yaxis, G.Q & firstnameRicky
On this project (an EP) the rapper does 4 songs all with a soulful vibe. He features Jakk Quill and Y Axis,But it's not only the manner of production and presentation that makes the project intimate. The lyricism and genius or talking about normal issues in a deep and personal way is the element that stands out from this EP. In R&B for example, the rapper talks about smoking marijuana; at least on the surface it appears so.On consecutive listens however, you start to realise it is a wish list. Here is a rapper sharing his innermost thoughts about what he wants- a relationship, a great music career, among other things. On Note to Self , he struggles with inner conflict. He is a persona advising himself but it's ironic - because he is talking from a point of introspection, judging himself but telling himself not to. The whole EP has this laid back energy not the average pumped up type of rap.
Walaghai - Trabolee & Kaa La Moto
For lovers of conscious hip hop, this is the collaboration that gets adrenaline pumping. Just the mention of these two men working together, was already exciting enough. And they did not disappoint either. In a season where the Kenyan general elections are drawing nearer and nearer, political rhetoric and conversations are getting wilder and wilder. A lot more artists are guaranteed to point out the ills of our political system. Trabolee and Kaa La Moto went ahead to tackle the issue of leadership and integrity. They point out how time after time we believe in leaders whose lying just can't stop. The bars on this one are spectacular, word play, clever storytelling and stuff like that. The video was shot on the coast and both rappers adorned traditional garments representing Agiriama culture.
Whoopty Freestyle/Top Form/Goals - Nyashinski
The hashtag #NyashinskiDay trended for a better part of the night on the 8th. The reason was that the rapper Nyashinski was celebrating his birthday. He dropped three audios on YouTube in celebration. The songs, he hinted, were written during the lockdown in 2020. On a long social media post he talked about how his experiences as an artist and as a person forced him into certain dark corners of his mind. It is no wonder then that if you listen to the songs, several references are made about mental health. Whoopty Freestyle is the least deep content wise as it is a braggadocious piece. The real deal is with the other two numbers; Goals and Top Form. On goals he recalls how he, like most humans, had made plans for 2020 and were excited only for the covid 19 pandemic to dampen things. He then admits that the whole ordeal has taught him to be more patient and take it one day at a time. On Top Form ,he opens a can of worms when he decides the song will address issues happening in the industry. He bemoans the sad state of affairs the covid 19 pandemic has left artists in. However he doesn't stop there. He points out that covid may have happened but it's not the only issue for Kenyan music He lashes at media establishments for playing favorites, and for castigating gengetone. He says the young rappers need more mentorship than censorship. He voices support for the legalization of marijuana but in the same breath warns of dependence on drugs and living a fake lifestyle. Somewhere in between he finds time to eulogize one of the greatest Kenyan mcees, calling him South C's finest.
Dea Moda Freestyle - Ssaru
It feels like everytime Ssaru does something extraordinary, she wants to move on to the next thing that outdoes it. She is climbing the levels like a hungry predator focused on some prey. And while she is doing that, her artistic capacity gets revealed more and more. And this is the thing about Dea Moda Freestyle, her latest single.It's a music-film hybrid with emphasis on visual expressionism that is.an absolute trend right now. The freestyle shows the lyrical wit of the femcee. She subtly addresses critics and naysayers while doing a great job with euphemism. It's an absolute pleasure to listen to, bearing in mind it's a skill set not too many gengetone rappers can boast of.
She also flexes her personal achievements and vows to keep going so as to escape a life of poverty and desperation. She lays a lot on that track and it's really a rare invitation to understand her on a personal level.
Usingizi Wa Pono - Kay Green ft Kay J Wong
When Shrap was more of an underground thing, three names were its face. However, Kay Green didn't get to be big as Boutross or Jovie Jovv. And the reason for this is because he took a long hiatus- we are talking a little over a year. His fans miss him, and some feel he is a bit unlucky in that regard. His voice and style of rapping is one of the most unique, not only in Shrap circles but within the context of Kenyan rap as a whole. This month he made a comeback, releasing 3 singles, one of which features Tulia. Usingizi Wa Pono is an X-rated jam, something fans associate with this rapper. The song performed over a Luigi beat is a high energy, adrenaline fueled type of song. Definitely something for a casual listener.
Si Mtangoja - Afrocentric ft Scar Mkadinali
Afrocentric have been quiet as a unit in the recent 6 months or so. Individually, Chumba and Katapilla have been the most visible, dropping singles and doing collaborations. However, the group is still intact and their fabric or lets say spine, the rawness that drew fans to them is still there. Working on a drill beat, produced by their own Tasla, the rappers go hard. Chumba opens the poetry, slamming his haters and doubters while appreciating how far he has gone as an artist and as an individual. Hassano focuses on word play, flexing lyricism, while Katapilla just goes full berserk. It is just the kind of short,hard-hitting, fastly-delivered bars you'd love to hear from Katapilla. Finally Scar Mkadinali’ verse comes last and the reigning Unkut Hiphop Awards Male Artist of the year shows just why he is one of the most sought rappers for collaborations. He flavors the song, in ways that a fan may not really articulate. He talks about how he moved from Nairobi, boasting of gang ties in the process. He also reaffirms his position as one of the top drill rappers. A mention of John Moore would also suffice, the singer came up with a catchy hook. The special thing about the hook is that it makes the song not sound like an obvious drill tune. The melody softens the sound and makes it much more interesting.
What If - Larry Dwayne
Right off a successful single with Monski last month, Larry Dwayne is not ready to pump the brakes yet. He's dropped another banger this month too,and he decided to be conscious. "What If there were no plastics? Or What If the rivers weren't polluted??" He asks these and many more questions, calling on his audience to emulate the legacy of The Nobel Peace Price Laurete Wangare Maathai and do better for our environment. He features Lily Wilson who provides a beautiful hook and dreamy back up vocals. The video is thematic as it is shot on site at the Nairobi River. It relies heavily on juxtaposition to drive home the point with rotating scenes showing the cleaner parts of the river and the not so clean parts of the same river. Larry Dwayne's call to action isn't a stunt,as he has committed to picking up some of the waste at the site himself.
Mapenzi Ya Pesa - Stivo Simple Boy
Ever since the Kibera born and raised rapper burst into the national limelight with 'Mihadarati' he has been a polarizing figure. While some felt that his content seemed a bit too cheesy, others embraced him for rapping about his convictions, however unpopular they were. Many more took to making of memes and sharing them, having a laugh at this anomaly. Rappers glorified drugs, he forbade them. Cheating, no! He made a song about respecting the sanctity of marriage. But if one thing the memes showed was that his lyrics are quotable and memorable. And that is the thing about Stivo Simple Boy, he has this memorability thing going for him that makes him popular. This month he's back talking about love, romance and money. And his take on the issue,go on and guess! Money doesn't buy love or shouldn't be a reason for love. He raps over a standard tempo of dancehall beats with a catchy hook. The visuals are directed to tell a story. Stivo plays a poorer younger man, who falls in love with an older foreign lady. The relationship does not last however, when they fight over money supposedly stolen by the young man.
Ponky - Kagwe Mungai
Kagwe Mungai has always been an enigma and quite a peculiar type of artist. This is because his style is so diverse. He may belt a pop tune, or a soulful high pitch melody with Niniola and still vibe with The Kansoul on a gengetone hit. On his latest single, Ponky ,he went the trap way. He raps over a moderate tempo beat, but weaves a catchy hook that keeps the song interesting.
Mr President - The s3cr3t
The second lockdown may not be very popular among the creative industry. Without warning, systems or conditions that support the earning of money by creatives were slowed down. It is no wonder that the most outspoken group of professionals on matters lockdown in Kenya right now are artists. Some like melodic rapper The S3cr3t have put their frustrations in their music. In an open letter to the president, he blames him and the political class at large for mishandling the covid situation, holding large rallies and gatherings. He also dwells on the issue of misappropriated funds during the past year, an issue that has stoked public interest in the last few months. Lastly he talks about the adverse economic impacts on the youth and how it's leading to depression. It's quite a deep listen,and relatable.
Trilogy 2 - Depo Dice
Budhouse Music crooner Depo Dice is one of the most hardworking and fastest rising Shrap stars. As shrap takes more and more space at the center stage, new stars are emerging, and none is more remarkable than Dice. Trilogy 2 is a strange concept, yet one that has served the artist well in the past (i.e Trilogy 1) It's a three song EPbut it is presented as one long track of about 8 minutes. The hype rapper choose to go with milder tempo beats for this project, without sacrificing an ounce of his notable energy. Beats from Kvptyre, DJ Luigi and Slxm Jxxxmy make the pack so much more interesting. With an agreeable mood at any time of the day, one would say these are the best trap producers in the country. As usual, Depo talks about a lot of issues on his songs, from partying to crime to his artistry. This is the sort of projest you'd definitely enjoy while working out at the gym.
Zooby Zoo - AJ Barracuda & Trio Mio ft. Fena Gitu , Bon'eye
Trio Mio's older brother features him on his latest tune. The two have great chemistry, naturally ,and it is no secret that each influences the other musically. AJ Barracuda's contribution to Trio Mio's debut project , Son Of the City was immense. On Zooby Zoo, they talk about the dream they have. The achievements they hope to make. The phrase 'Zooby Zoo' is a play on the word Zubaa- which is Swahili (broadly translating here) for someone who is being lazy, unmotivated and incapable of achievement. They promise to stay true to their dream and not be lazy about it. Fena Gitu on her verse, prays for Trio Mio especially, wishing him a long life and comparing him to the rap legend E-Sir. This song is important as it shows a different side of Trio. He has been hailed as the King of gengetone's second generation - and rightly so, but fans rarely speak enough to his versatility as a rapper. The Son Of the City project wasn't all gengetone. There were trap tunes in there, the same as this particular song. Trio is young, refreshing & energetic but he's been boxed to a gengetone rapper, when he could do more than that as this song proves.
Wote - Rosa Ree ft All Stars
Two big hiphop hits in Kenya right now are group songs featuring upto to more than 5 different artists. The visuals for Khaligraph's Luku and Wakadinali's Avoid Those People are doing great numbers. And even though the audios dropped earlier, release of the visuals have spiked views and streams. But the bug didn't bite Kenyan rappers. Down south across the Mara, Tanzanian Femcee Rosa Ree is doing the same. A few months ago,she started an online competition called #CollaboNaRosaRee and young independent rappers were given the opportunity to participate. Her team went on to pick the winners, who all have been featured on this song. The beat is high tempo and high energy. Rosa Ree and her new comrades tear the beat dropping bars after bars with braggadocio. This is definitely a club hit.
