Hip-hop. The very word conjures images of rhythmic beats, lyrical prowess, and a culture that has undeniably shaped the global landscape. But its roots are far humbler, born not in glitz and glamour, but in the gritty streets of the South Bronx, New York, in the early 1970s. This is the story of how a local sound blossomed into a worldwide phenomenon, branching into countless genres and reaching even the southern tip of Africa. A Bronx Block Party Imagine a neighbourhood facing economic hardship, where avenues for expression were limited. It was in this environment that Clive Campbell, a Jamaican immigrant known as DJ Kool Herc, threw a back-to-school jam in the summer of 1973. Instead of simply playing entire records, Herc focused on the instrumental breaks – the percussive interludes that got people moving. Using two turntables, he could extend these "breaks," creating a continuous loop of raw, infectious rhythm. This technique, known as "breakbeat DJing,...

noun 1. A person who intentionally provokes others by posting irrelevant, offensive or other disruptive content online. Verb 2. To post and comment irrelevant, offensive and other disruptive content online with the intent of annoying or provoking others.

Congratulations are in order for the many artists who got awarded for all their hardwork and impact at this year's Metro FM Music Awards.  Click here to skip to the winners list On the 27th of April, South Africa celebrated Freedom Day as well as music as the awards ceremony went live at Mbombela Stadium in Mpumalanga. The "Black to the Future" themed ceremony was oozing with drip as numerous superstars took to the stage to perform, to present and to receive well-deserved accolades. A-Reece Wins Best Hip-hop The slimes must be ecstatic for A-Reaper. The "Boy Doing Things" gets a trophy for his Ving Rhames project. Despite the song's noticable short length (01:23), it managed to topple over formidable contenders like Nasty C's Prosper In Peace, Khuli Chana's Khuliyano, DA Les's Solo and Cassper Nyovest's 018. Tyla Wins 1 out of Multiple Nominations Tyla, who took the world by a storm last year when her song "Wat...

This is slang that Jimmy and Jey Uso from WWE have repopularized, arguably. According to Bark , it originates from a video from a now discontinued Vine app. In this video, a girl takes an empty soda can and throws it into a hallway full of people as she says, “Yeet!” verb 1. To forcefully throw or toss something. Interjection 2. Yeet is also used as an interjection that often expresses excitement or enthusiasm.

The Metro FM Music Awards are back and they are ready to go on Freedom Day! Are you ready? You can get yourself a ticket to experience them firsthand at Bombela Stadium in Mpumalanga or you can chill at home and watch the live broadcast on SABC 1. Venue: Mbombela Stadium, , Mpumalanga Date: 27 April Theme: Black to the Future Tickets: R200 Early Bird, R300 General at Computicket  Tyla Gets Nominated in 6 Categories Tyla, who's been on a roll since her chart-topping single "Water" shot her to international stardom, is the lead nominee with 6 nominations. She is nominated for the Artist of the Year, Best Female Artist, Best Music Video, Best R&B, Best Viral Challenge and Song of the Year categories. With multiple nominations like these, the 22 year old popiano sensation might bag multiple wins on the 27th of April. But then again, you know it's a tough competition when you look at the people she'll be up against in all the categories she's in.  T...

This is a new phrase that has been circulating since the sexual misconduct allegations against P. Diddy surfaced.  synonym: no homo 1. Used to show that one dismisses any involvement in homosexual behaviour and engagement. 2. Denotes that someone is straight and not gay. Example: @BNYX on X: "I put all my guys in positions. No diddy."

Calling all Rapsody fans! The wait is almost over. Guess who is coming back with a new album after four long years? Her latest single, " Stand Tall ," addresses some issues she's had about her sexuality and it's probably a taste of what's to come from her highly anticipated fourth studio album. Photo by Steven Pisano Please Don't Cry On March 14th, Rapsody made a lot fans happy when she went on Instagram and X to announce her long awaited album. While revealing the title of the album, Please Don't Cry, the release date, the artwork and the tracklist, she said: "The last four years have been a beautiful, challenging, exciting, scary, journey back to self. A becoming. A reintroduction. An unveiling. An unlearning. A knowing. An unplugging. A welcome home. A reality check. A love story with the reflection in the mirror. And I love her. She’s raw. Imperfect. Real. Goofy. Intelligent. Cool as a cucumber. Patient. Kind. Mad. Emotional. Funn...

This is a term that was made popular and probably coined by Migos.  noun 1. A house, usually abandoned, that is used to deal (sell) and smoke drugs. 2. A plug or trap house. Example:

Have you bumped Priddy Ugly's latest album yet? This broski's pen game is fire – seriously, don't be fooled by his chilled demeanor. His delivery might be smooth, but his lyrics pack a punch. This whole project, DUST, goes hard. Artwork (left) and tracklist (right) A Legendary Farewell After a long and fruitful career in the rap game, Priddy Ugly is hanging his mic. DUST, released on January 26th, 2024, marks the end of an era for this award-winning artist. Although his retirement may not be well received by fans, his retirement is no surprise as the rapper made sure to announce it in advance. Last year in October, the rapper took to social media to announce his retirement while showcasing his impressive discography. Here is what he said: "It's been 15 years. That's 3 albums and 3 mixtapes. That's 5 EPs, 500 features and thousands of verses. Millions of minds blown (that's word to my pen). That's a whole wife and daughter. Some h...

Fugazi (or fugazy) is a term of uncertain origins that has found its way to the hip-hop scene. What does it mean though? Pronounced: foo-gay-zee adjective 1. Fugazi is a slang term used to describe a messed up situation. 2. It is also used to describe something that is fake. noun 1. Someone or something that is fake. Example You made me blind to reality, that shxt fugazi Yeah, I said that shxt is so fugazi - Trippie Redd, Days Before

The year is in motion and good music has been rolling in. Last week Thursday (February 29th), Meek Mill released an EP titled HEATHENISM . The Philly rapper's EP has 5 songs in it and it features guest appearances from Fivio Foreign and Future .  Photo by Chris Sikich. Unfortunately for the rapper, the release comes through while many people are dragging him on X. Pictures of him and P. Diddy have been circulating online as they accuse him of having sexual relations with the notorious rapper and moghul P. Diddy . One photo in particular shows him and Diddy rocking matching shirts. However, Meek Mill is vehemently denying having any sexual relations with Diddy . He made sure to call out Andrew Tate , a former kick-boxer, and DJ Akademiks who seemed to be supporting the narrative that's going around. This rumour comes up as Sean " Diddy " Combs battles another lawsuit yet again. Newsweek reports that on Monday, a producer and videographer called Rodney ...

Let's face it, hip-hop is notorious for many things and love just isn't one of them. But contrary to popular belief, hip-hop music isn't all misogyny, vulgar, drugs and violence. In fact, some rappers over the years have been exploring different subject matters, and yes, including romance. With Valentine's here, you might want to switch up your playlist with some good love jams. I have listed a few songs I have experienced and loved over the years if you're looking for any suggestions. While these songs might jog memories to some, to others, they are evidence that hip-hop transcends disses and beef. Without further ado, let's go ahead and dive in this list of hip-hop love songs you could add to your Valentine's playlist. 1. J. Cole - Deja Vu Right off the bat, it's J. Cole's Deja Vu. This song is a lyrical masterpiece which tells the tale of some guy who falls in love with a girl he sees at the Club. 2. Lil Wayne - Dark Side ...

Congratulations are in order for Tyla who just won herself the prestigious grammy award for her "Water" song. At only 22 years old, she becomes the youngest South African to get such an accolade and the first artist to win in the Best African Perfomance category. Image: Tyla on X Man, the popiano star has been making history since Water dropped last year in June. The song shot her to international stardom garnering her a bunch of nominations, interviews, performances and chart debuts. And now, she adds Grammy Award Winner to her young career's list of accomplishments. Getting this award from the American Recording Academy was no easy feat though. She was up against some of the biggest names in the African music scene who were also nominated for the same award. I'm talking about the Nigerian sensations Asake (and Olamide), Ayra Starr, Burna Boy and Davido (feat. Musa Keys), of course. In Other News: Hip-hop News NWA Is Awarded the Life...

G ALXBOY has announced a special limited edition tribute t-shirt for the late AKA, much to the delight of fans wanting to honor "The Supamega." The t-shirt is available for R700 exclusively on galxboy.co.za, but act fast as they are expected to sell out quickly. Image: GALXBOY on X In a post on X (formerly Twitter), GALXBOY stated, "The Kiernan Forbes Foundation and Bravado, the world’s leading Music Merchandise company, are proud to announce a special collaboration with GALXBOY to honor the late and legendary Kiernan Forbes (AKA)." This announcement follows a series of exhibitions held at the Mall of Africa in memory of the rapper's would-have-been 36th birthday. These exhibitions showcased exclusive AKA artwork and merchandise. According to AKA's father, the "limited-time showcase offers a unique opportunity for the public to acquire one-of-a-kind pieces." Jarryd Kiernan Forbes, also known as AKA or The Supamega...

The 2024 Grammy Awards are almost here and they go live on February 4th at the Crypto.com arena in Los Angeles, California, USA. The Recording Academy, has recognized the exceptional talents of South Africa, with two notable figures, Trevor Noah and Tyla, securing nominations in their respective categories.  Grammy Vectors by Vecteezy Trevor Noah I Wish You Would View this post on Instagram A post shared by Trevor Noah (@trevornoah) Renowned for his wit and comedic brilliance, Trevor Noah has earned a nomination in the "Best Comedy Album" category for his Netflix comedy special titled "I Wish You Would". Not only is he a nominee for the night, he is also set to host the prestigious awards ceremony again! The celebrated former host of "The Daily Show" has consistently delivered incisive commentary and humor, earning accolades globally. His Grammy nomination stands as a testament to his ability to navigate complex issues with a tou...