Smowkey & T.O.N.I.C

Local vs. Boom Bap

On Tuesday, the Magic Fam went to a local session for a quick performance.
The guys were packed and prepared to rock the crowd Magic-style. So, I had
finalized performance times and all, got to the session, only to be put at the
end of the show. Looking into the crowd of people attending the event, we were
all keen on giving the people a show to remember. There were artists on stage,
the Dj was playing decent Hip Hop music, and people at the bar buying all sorts
of drinks. The show was well on the way, so we decided to post up and watch the
performances.
*Before I continue, I would to make a note on South African Hip Hop, which
is a blend of vernacular music(prominently Zulu) we call Kwaito, and the
rugged kicks & snares of Rap music.
I noticed one key factor about artists that were entertaining the audience;
they all had a similar sequence of Rhymes, projecting their flows with a
similar tone. I for one am an avid listener of rap, whether it's underground
(Non-phixion & Necro) or new school (J. Cole, Lil Wayne). Being the "head"
that I am, I listen to the execution and delivery of lines, the variety of
subject-matter and the persona of Hip Hop artists. Kwaihop, although fairly new
to the scene, has made notable waves, especially in the local South African
scene. However, most of the rappers on stage sounded like duplicates of Prokid,
Red Button, and so forth. Where is the authencity of Kwaihop? Who knows...?
On the other hand, you have Magic Music Allstars. We are South Africa
Emcees that rap in English. We feel that Hip hop is universal; therefore all
should have the right to hear and listen to the thoughts, knowledge and wisdom
of Modern-day South African rappers. South Africa has gone through
different phases throughout the years. Moving from the Apartheid regime way of
life, my blossoming country underwent drastic changes. This includes social,
cultural and economic changes that are still happening today. We, the youth and
future of the country reflect the progression that our country has undertaken.
Now, Black kids have the opportunity to acquire proper knowledge and insight.
We project our nation Evolution through the rhymes we spit on the mic.
As the show was coming to an end, the session's Mc was pushing for more
Kwaihop acts to perform. So we decided to leave the already boring session. At
that precise moment, I realized the amount of disrespect Kwaihop emcees have
for English-rapping emcees. And the real funny part of this is that these guys
are scared of battlin', yet they run their mouths as if they have 10 years or
so experience like the Magic Fam. As much as I support all forms of rap,
Kwaihop emcees need to know their place. Hip hop promotes unity and the
celebration of diversity, not hatred. Kwaihop is too young to step up to the
mic and start "running things". In Hip Hop, the best and most
refined emcees flourish and become successful.