THE RAP LAB RELOADED 2.0 20.06.2020
Refreshing new music dropping every week these days, bringing about that much needed competitive creativity. Bulawayo is now in a good space in terms of identity. Though the lines between hip hop and urban music have been blurred, we are proud to have a sound that encompasses different genres under the hip hop banner, even though thats got hip hopers up in arms. Realness is whatever you think it is nowadays because it is exhausting to have to define hip hop every other Sunday when the gate keepers keep confusing the masses. Recently, I was approached by a certain journalist who asked me if hip hop is safe in a certain artist's hands, after typing my response and going over it, I decided to delete everything I had written and decided to ask him a question in response. And my question was do you think Hip hop was safe in R. Kelly's hands? I can only pray that he caught my drift, no pun intended. No disrespect to Kellz either, though a lot of hip hopers could relate to his street appeal, did that make his RnB hip hop? I don't know but hey, I'm just saying,
those that think they are hip hop, be about it, don't let us catch you slipping". And those that's not, don't stress just be yourself and do what you do to the best of your abilities, surely we can't all be rappers.
THIS WEEK ON THE SOUND TRACK TO THE STREETS
LitLife Cypher - All-star
features a mix of old school and new school rappers like CTL , Silola to & King Rodney, Mr Lit, Sugar Shane & Prozac
Hayi kabi - Phanas
Asaph and Amara Brown
Cal Vin - Maybe If I Was A - (Feat. DeeVox)
WORD ON THE STREETS
So I hit up a couple of people on their thoughts with regards to the current state of hip hop in the city.
According to producer P2daoh
He says, " I think we seeing more content on social Madia as far as hip hop is concerned , and more visuals and artworks spreadings the awareness of this Covid pandemic and we can safely say that the Bulawayo hip hop community is being creative during these trying times and most of all we can see who is putting in genuine work and who is not (taking chances), the culture is not a delicate specialised craft as it was before. Now anyone can jump on it and call it hip hop. The edges are fuzzy. Currently we seeing a lot more people pushin (in studio, live streams and dropping projects). Which is refreshing from the old narrative of "I am about to drop". The content is a bit suspect but then again we in Lockdown".LOL
And we also spoke to NguDonni. Who said,
Manier times, most people think exposure brings that long awaited chance they needed to 'blow' but in actual fact when that moment comes that might be one's downfall & getting up from that might prove harder than expected.Have come across so many dope projects from the artists in the city & still believe the cancer that has plagued the city for all these years remains very much active...inconsistency.The creativity is somewhat limited but overall I'm impressed with what I've been discovering thus far
That's yo boy, NguDonni.
Calvin's new release is the subject of discussion on many social media platforms, some believe his blunt and creative approach at addressing the social imbalances on tribal grounds was both provocative and eye opening while others think its one of the most priceless work of art in Bulawayo hip hop in years. Those that like to think or pretend the elephant is not in the room are pissed off while others are celebrating the fact that someone has stood up and spoken out loud about an issue that is usually whispered about. The conversation is still ongoing.
ARTIST OF THE WEEK - J. Dumza,
Born Zibusiso Dumisani Dube
Jay Dumza is from the Northern side of Pumula in Bulawayo.
He says, "My schooling began from Malindela Primary School up to grade 7. Forms 1&2 were in Pumula High School, l later transfered to Wanezi High School based in Filabusi/Insiza district".
With relationships he says "I ain't had many of those, I'm in one right now & I'm happy for the first time".
"My dustry Crush Has to be Vuyo Brown. He says I like her voice.
On his first lay, J Dumza says I live by the code "Man shall not kiss & tell" . I believe it's every man's duty to protect the image of who he's been with. With that said, shame on people that leak nudes nje
On Alcohol & Drugs: I've never enjoyed alcohol, I've had bad experiences more than good ones & that felt like a waste of money. I am a big fan of food though, l bet my money on that. On drugs, I think everyone is a drug addict, we cannot live out alcohol because it's the first drug l fell for.
J Dumza says "I give all my musical credits to Lil Wayne. Wayne made "A Milli" & l felt like l could rap too because he made it feel so easy. I later started listening to the late PRO hence the transition from english to vernacular, I even switched names from Mazz, to MazzVernacular then later J. Dumza. The "JD" being my pops' initials l inherited as a home name from childhood to present day.
HHP & Drake are amongst the few to influence my writing.
Ambitions: My ambition in the music industry is to see this Harare & Bulawayo beef laid to rest. Over the years I've felt like we have became less entitled as Bulawayo. All that negative energy was channeled onto the music & the out come was amazing. Radio started playing artists without them advocating for spins. My Ambition as an artist is to gain corporate ties, INGWEBU breweries is on my list. Someone has to do it.
As for my Love life: If she's listening to this, I want her to know that l feel lucky in her presence.
On Beef: I've never been in a public beef to be honest. I don't think it's a mater of fear , l haven't met someone who dislikes me that much to be open about it. We've had frictions when we were emerging back in 2011, mostly were internet beefs that were very awkward when we met. Most of my industry friends began as rivals. When you're young & rapping you're always ready to press that KILLSWITCH. I guess confrontation is how you make friends.
On Family: Dumza says I'm a momma's boy thats what l hear. Atually I'm magogo's boy since day one. Those two are the parents l know.
My Favourite local Artists are Takura, K. Brizzy and Asaph. In no particular order
My 5 year plan is to have Multiple streams of income is my next challenge. I also wish to nature my little cousin into rap, he's in grade 6 now so its a perfect time to start.
J Dumza @Jaydumza artist of the week.
Fresh new single just dropped on youtube this week called UXOLO. A different side to the lyricist. Check it out on the link below
NEXT WEEK, by public demand, we are bringing back poetic justice, we'll also try to drop you some of the poetry right here
THE MICNIFICENT FIVE stood as follows:
5. SUGAR SHAYNE - ME
4. J DUMZA - GCOBHA REMIX ft. Muse and Gunx da Pharoah
3. Gunx da Pharoah - GABAZI ft. Vic Jita and Prey Yung
2. STENNO - MFOWETHU ft. Cal Vin
1. TERRY TEMPO - Been Focused
Remember voting for the Micnificent 5 is done ONLY DURING THE SHOW every Saturday morning at 09:30am to 10:30am via Whatsapp 00263784323334. Catch the show on Khulumani Fm 95.0 if you out of range just go to Google play store and download the Khulumani Fm app and live stream
#hiphopcapital
@RapLab09
@ThorneLaroq
email:laroqthorne@gmail.com
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