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.

Another day in the Magic World has arrived. Gone are days where talented young artists would sit back and do nothing about their careers. From record labels and click-downloads, a new era is upon us. Through intergration and diversification of cultures, we can communicate with virtually anyone on the planet. This is a call for true artists and music-lovers to rise beyond beef, criticism and superficiality so that we may work together. All can be done and accomplished in the name of Hip Hop.
South Africa is filled with endless opportunity. It is time for growth. If we, the youth of modern-day society, make the right moves, we can expand our platforms. From break-dancers, to grafitti artists, to djs and mcs... This is where we should begin. Drop the act and step up. Do something about your skills and talent. Use social networks to market the culture. Share and exchange links with others. Use platforms like Reverbnation, Soundcloud and Youtube and encourage your family, friends and peers to support you. Support and listen to other people's music and product. Take part in discussions and forums. These are only a few tips on how Hip Hop can advance to newer, greater levels.
Support the Magic Music page on Facebook. Hip Hop lives forever yall.

The Magic Fam will soon be introducing our two resident djs and fellow musicians, Dj Swagger and Dj Money P. These guys are on fire, playing for various crowds all over Joburg. They are also resident djs at Ndofaya Fm, a popular local radio station which is soon going national. So stay tuned for mixes, performance vidz, and our own Hotbox Top 10 Hip hop chart. Also, you will be able to download and share music from Magic Music Allstars. Remember to check us out on Reverbnation.com, Facebook.com and Youtube.com. ''Magic be the foundation to God's plan''- OBK (founding member of Magic Music)

On Saturday morning, a very close friend and co-producer, Sliq T called me up and asked me for a favor. He wanted me to help him out. There were two British friends who desperately needed to go to Soweto. So I had agreed to meet up with them at Chaf Possie, a popular braai/barbeque spot at Power Park in Orlando West, Soweto. As I entered the place, my attention was immediately set upon the two gigentic towers, made popular by the 100m high Bunjee Jump. I walked towards the table, and saw my friends' faces. As I joined them, Ben and Sarah, the two British friends, were still quite shaken. That's when I knew they had just experianced the 100m jump off the towers. After moments of retelling the jump, the five of us, my other friend Nathi included, ordered drinks and meat.
We then proceeded to my hometown hood, Meadowlands Zone 9 in Soweto west. I took them to my aunt's place for a traditional ceremony and a quick unofficial tour of Soweto streets. We then went to Baggy's, where a couple of friends of mine were having a Hip hop session. As the night progress, more and more people came through, and we all had one big party. Sarah and Ben were having so much fun, we lost track of time and jammed till the wee hours of the morning. One thing I noticed was Ben's love for Castle Lager, a famous South African brewed beer. We had so much beer, it started raining but we were still having the best time ever. We then moved indoors. At this time, people were flooding into Baggy'z for the party. The session became a bash.
It was at about 1 am that I realised thd power of Hip hop. It really brings people from all walks of life together. The two tourists had a tremendous amount of fun, they didn't to leave Soweto. With a rich blend of music and culture, we were able to give our British friends an experiance of a lifetime. All thanks to Hip hop, people can unite and spread the love globally. So if you just so happen to be my hood, come to Baggy'z. Check out the performance Magic Music LIVE at Baggy Ill Sessions on Youtube. Oneness