Drew XL; Real name Andrew Tebogo Magombo. Born and raised in the City of Stars, Polokwane in the township of Seshego. Rapper/MC, songwriter and photographer.
Who or what got you into Hip hop?
The freedom of expression you find in hip-hop is what drew me to the genre and the culture of hip hop. First as a listener and eventually an enthusiast and ultimately a rapper. I do not have a single reason or artist I can attribute my passion for hip-hop to however I have been inspired by many From the likes of Nas, Ms Laurin Hill, HHP, Common, Khuli Chana etc
What is the good and the bad thing about Hip hop around your hood?
The Polokwane music scene is more interested in dance music than content based music. It is really difficult to get people interested in your music without adding something more rhythmic they could listen to alongside the lyrics. The one huge positive is that there is a great number of people who enjoy hip-hop and enjoy it even more when you write/Rap in their language.
What is this one song that made a lot of people to know or love Drew XL?
It’s actually a tie between two songs, “CGE” and “Nothing Comes Easy”. Most people discovered me through ‘CGE’ and when they listen to my catalogue most people reach out to me to tell me how much they relate to ‘Nothing Comes Easy’.
What have you Achieved through Hip hop in your Journey?
The love from the people in my city is really the biggest trophy I’ve won. But the write up from HYPE magazine for my EP, ‘What Can I Say?’ really helped out with exposure.
How is the response from your family and friends towards your music journey?
My friends have always been supportive of my endeavours but my family was uncomfortable with the idea. Now with my latest release; “Paid in Full” they’ve really been supportive. My nieces know my lyrics.
What do you write about on most of your songs and why?
I write about normal everyday life, struggles and wins. I love to keep my lyrics as personal as possible, telling my story on records. I write about this because my listeners find it most relatable and I get to vent, free therapy.
Drew XL… what’s the story behind this stage name?
Drew comes from my first name Andrew and the XL is just a play on my size. I felt there are too many ‘Big so and so’s’ and ‘Lil so and so’s’ so I just put my actual clothing size on my name. Kinda making it easy for people to send me clothes lol.
Who is your Celebrity Crush and Why?
FILAH LAH LAH any time, anywhere and anyhow.
Shout Outs
Huge Shoutout to my nieces: Bontle and Dikgaogelo. Shoutout Gabila 1 of 1, Pablo 300, TheBoyIsDivine, Izxk015, MalcomZee and the biggest s/o goes out to my favourite lady rapper Ms Kulie, Generational talent.
Golden Shovel, real name Stephen Mdwebi Msibi; is an Emcee / Rapper / Hip hop Artist born in the Free State – and moved to the Vaal in the early 80s.
I started rapping around the same time and joined a group called Optical Illusion comprising of The High Priest, BattleKat, Geno and Logic in 2000.
Currently, I work in corporate, and I have a company called Alpha Titan Music, through which I emcee corporate events, produce music, model, act and do voiceover work.
Who or what got you into Hip hop and Poetry?
My first influence was a movie called New Jack City which became a gateway to my love for Gangster Rap and Movies like Menace to Society, Boyz n the hood and Juice. It all looked and sounded cool to me at the time. I listened to rappers like MC Eight, Face Mob, Scarface and NWA.
What’s the first song that made a lot of people Love or Know Golden Shovel More?
It’s a song called “Pure Service” from Optical Illusion’s album” The Offering” which came out in 2005. The day the song was recorded, I went to the studio with a bunch of verses I had written. We started recording and from all those verses, came a song which featured as solo track on the group album. The song ultimately became a street anthem in underground hip hop scene.
What is the Difference Between SA hip hop back in the day’s vs the new wave?
I think the key difference lies in approach, style and platforms rather than quality or passion. Back in the day, SA Hip Hop was more rooted in storytelling, lyrical depth, and raw expression. Artis focused heavily on bars, street cyphers, conscious messages and building credibility in the underground spaces. It was about authenticity in creativity and style, research and information sharing, healthy competition through friendly battles (sparing) which helped in sharpening one’s freestyle skills and writing abilities The new wave brings a more genre-blending, experimental energy. Its sonically diverse, mixing hip hop with amapiano, trap, afrobeats and more. Today artists are more digitally driven and global in their thinking as well, using technology to drive exposure. It’s not that one is better than the other – It’s just an evolution. The culture is still alive; it just expresses itself in new ways. Both eras contribute to what makes SA Hip Hop special.
Back in the days, Crews used to be Stronger, Nowadays Artists Prefer going Solo, how did you guys manage to survive as Optical Illusion?
A five-member music group comes with obvious challenges i.e. diverging views, ideas, scheduling conflicts etc. however our winning formula was to focus on creating quality music, open lines of communication and accommodating each other’s needs as far as possible. One of our group members, High Priest, relocated to London (God bless his soul) around 2003, leaving four members of the group. For the most part, we managed to keep it together and keep working on our music. However, as we all eventually moved in different directions professionally, our priorities changed. It became difficult to attend events, interviews and recording sessions etc as a collective which eventually led to our breakup. Working solo is easier but there is magic in working as a collective. I can attest to this.
How was the Experience being on The Tswyza Show?
It was an honour and privilege to be hosted by Tswyza. The man has built an incredible platform for Hip Hop artists that has garnered a lot of respect and reach. Tswyza is a remarkably creative performer, which meant I had to bring my A-game. The experience was nerve-wreaking but exhilarating, helped by the fact he is a very humble human being, which put me at ease. Overall, it was a great experience to be on a platform showered by top-notch artists.
Golden Shovel… What’s the Story Behind This Stage name?
It’s a bit of a complicated story but the meaning is simple – gems are found underground, and Shovels do the digging. Put some gold on it and you get a golden, majestic and a functional name - a tool. It speaks to my creative approach to music as an artist in that I dig deep to find lyrical gems.
Who can you say is the King of SA Hip hop or the Best Rapper in Mzansi and why?
Stogie T, no doubt about it. Stogie is an incredibly intelligent MC, and I have been a fan particularly back in the days of Tumi and the Volume and the Open Mind Sessions at Bassline back when it was in Melville
What can we expect from Golden Shovel next?
I’m writing again, basically putting concepts together. It could be mixtape or album material – it really depends on how the journey unfolds as I have been away from the game for a while and only taking it one verse at a time. I’ve recently started using my Tik Tok account (@mightygoldenshovel) to upload short clips of new music and some clips of old material, reshot for a campaign I call AWE (Ancient Wisdom Episodes) for Golden Shovel and Optical Illusion’s die-hard fans
Follow Golden Shovel On:
Facebook - Golden Shovel Music
Instagram - @themightygoldenshovel
Shout Outs
Firstly, I give thanks to The All in whom we live and move and have our being. Special thanks to my significant other – my life support and my source of inspiration, Ebang (Be) and Smilo (BC) daddy’s kids – I love you. Shout out to Bhekithemba Simelane, Vincent Kheswa, DJ OB, Raw Beats and Landmarque, Mic Bitz, Mic G and Vince Black. Shout out to the Vaal hip hop community and all the heads that supported this “Intelligent Rap Movement” since back in the day.
Calvin Jesster a.k.a J-Killer is Rapper born & raised in Vaal 016. I was born in a family of music enthusiasts, I joined a family choir when I was about 10 years old which built the music passion in me
Who or what got you into Gangsta Rap?
Boombap was ma first love in Rap, the way words were projected it seemed & sounded like magic to me, not knowing my love for it was slowly building up an artist within & then Gangsta rap made it seem simple because rappers like Crooked I, Royce Da 5'9 told stories that were more relatable to how my environment was like
What is the good and the bad thing about Gangsta Rap around your hood?
The good thang about gangsta rap around ma hood is the fact that it brought up a lotta artists, people traded a life of crime to being artists & there has harmony ever since but the bad thang about it is that everybody thinks they can do it without knowing that music especially Gangsta rap is a calling
Which song made a lot of people to know or love Calvin Jesster?
There was a song me & my team released back in 2010 called "I miss u" produced by ma closest friend Beatz Blaze who is still my producer to this day… This song made everyone realize that I was King of what I do & at ma school (back when I was still in school) my fellow school mates pushed me a lot & made me recognize myself as an artist
Calvin Jesster… what’s the story behind this stage name? Is it your real name or nick name?
Calvin Jesster is a nickname given to me by my Producer's sister, she believed I was a King who served his people by entertaining & motivating them to be bigger than themselves so she gave me the name… My real name is Themba Matshata
How is the response from your Family and Friends towards your Music Journey?
They love & support me, if I were to quit, they would kill me 😂😂😂 real talk
What makes a good rapper in your opinion?
What makes a good rapper is the ability to have a contagious confidence because rappers are the most influential people in the world, if u do it right… The world could be a better place
Who would you say is the King of Hip hop in SA and Why?
I'm the King of SA Hip Hop bro 😂 no lie, I proved that to myself a lotta times, but if I didn't exist… I'd say Stogie T is the King
What can we Expect from Calvin Jesster from now?
Expect my album Native Hip Hop produced by ma friend & brother Beatz Blaze it consists of all 11 official languages
Who is your Celebrity Crush and Why?
Nkosazana Daughter 😍❤️ damn, she is all kinds of beautiful…
Shout Outs
Firstly I wanna send a Shout Out to u Rap Hop Mag for recognising me brother 🙏❤️ really, people like u are rare, I wanna send a Shout to every Hip Hop artist for shaping it into what it is today, I wanna send a Shout Out to Miss Thandi Mase for believing in me & ma homie Beatz Blaze also send a Shout Out to ma family, friends & everybody who believes in me… And Oh Shout Out to Beatz Blaze for being ma friend & brother, honestly I don't know where I would be without him
Floyd ZA is a Rapper, Singer, Song Writer, Radio Presenter, Photographer and Music Producer at R-M Productions
This is a Creative from Nwaxinyamani Village in Limpopo; South Africa
Who or what got you into hip hop?
Local Rappers got me into Hip hop, Rappers like EmC Style from Mbokota,
Lester Matthews from Chavani, Hancho Dyi Obzo from Chavani as well…
Rural Dreams From Giyani, Socha Bee and Nebo SixFour
Those Rappers made me develop the love for Hip hop. Every time I played their songs neh… Hayi wena, Relax
What is the good and the bad thing about hip hop around your hood?
The Good Thing is; hip hop can take you far if you take it serious, My hood does support if you do Good. The Bad however is we don’t have a huge fan base, other Genres Dominate
Which song made a lot of people to know or love Floyd ZA?
A song called “Mabeki” and “Vo-Malume”
How is the response from your Family and Friends towards your Music Journey?
They love my music and are incredibly supportive. For example, my latest project, I KHALE VAHI HLEKA, was inspired by My Mom and Grandma. I truly appreciate having people who believe in me Like that.
What makes a good rapper in your opinion?
You dont really have to be good at freestyles to be considered a good rapper. If everyone thought that way then people would say Rappers such as Kanye West, are not good Rappers. For me, a good rapper is someone who has good delivery, flow and substance in their lyrics. This varies a lot though, so my advice for you is, just be yourself and try not to care what people think.
Who would you say is the King of Tsonga Rap and Why?
Mthimbani, Jalt Jay and Nebo SixFour. They are way too Good
What can we Expect from Floyd ZA from now?
Single track called “Switaku Dlayisa”, Expect a Hot EP as well… Still Cooking it
Who is your Celebrity Crush and Why?
NER NON
Shout Outs
MY Ni**A Lester Matthews, Anixbayi Production, Ashley Benicia, and Rap Type Mag
AHOYII
Sgk Beats is a Rapper born in Soweto, Pimville ext 4, he relocated to Limpopo; N'waxinyamani at the age of 8 years. He is known for music production and being a vasitile rapper.
Who or what got you into hip hop?
Hip Hop music was introduced to me at an early age of 11 years by my neighbor who was a rapper at the time, Known by a stage name of Tory Blaze (Rito Baloyi). I didn't understand anything about the culture, but I was inspired by how he wears, walk and talk… even the fact that he had songs Out like 'N'waxinyamani can you take me home'. Me and his younger Brother Tiyani Blade we were close friends at a time, so we decided to make music using Ring tones and a Voice recorder. We then later got to know NTW Boy who had a young studio, then we started making music.
What is the good and the bad thing about hip hop around your hood?
I think Hip Hop has been a treasure around the world, we get to express ourselves and communicate in a way without boundaries. Hip Hop is not just music, is a whole factory with many Subsection. Where I’m from we live Hip Hop everyday without even realising but Hip Hop can never die.
Which song made a lot of people love or know SGK Beats?
Sgk Beats is also known as Sgondi King. Sgk is name derived from Sgondi King and it was given to me by Tory Blaze as he saw how serious we were with music. A lot of people and fans still call me Sgondi as they knew me from the days of NKB music, B3 music, Big team music and 2.4 musc.
During those times we were making a lot of records, to a point where beef started raising. B3 music was beefing with Big team music, so I was under B3 music, the other group released a Hit Beef titled 'Holi Holi', that's where people started knowing me around the Hood.
How is the response from your Family and Friends towards your Music Journey?
My family is very much aware of me being a musician, and I believe they do support me on this journey even though sometimes there's uncertainty for the journey.
What makes a good rapper in your opinion?
A good rapper combines strong lyricism, flow, and delivery. They tell compelling stories or convey emotions through clever wordplay, punchlines, and metaphors. Their flow (the rhythm and cadence of their rhymes) needs to be smooth, versatile, and well-timed with the beat. Authenticity, creativity, and the ability to connect with an audience are also key factors.
Who would you say is the King of Tsonga Rap and Why?
I don't think we have a King as Yet, Because as Tsonga rap we still have a lot to do overall. Tsonga Rap is in a narrow range to dispute the King, I think we need a use sample and many factors involved to announce the King.
What can we Expect from Sgk Beats from now?
An Ep must be Expected from Sgk beats before December and a lot of features and content as a whole.
Who is your celebrity crush and why?
I don't really crush on them but I'll say ' Nomzamo Mbatha' because of the natural beauty.
Shout Outs
Shout Out to Tory Blaze (Rito Baloyi) and a Big shout Out to Rap type Mag for every opportunity.
LazyLazy Culinun is Sabelo who was born and raised in Pimville Soweto, then moved to Alexandra Township where he started taking his music thing serious
Who or what got you into hip hop?
I first had my Hip Hop encounter on YFM when they were playing Zola 7 - Don't cry back in 2010 when I was 10 years old, his rhyming pattern and story telling are what instantly kidnapped my mind and that's how my hip hop life was born
What is the Good and the Bad thing about Hip hop around your hood?
One of the most greatest things about hip hop in Soweto is that people understand what it is which forces an artist to really become authentic in their craft, because if it's fraud they are able to pick it up and you'll only be left to embarrassment alone.
But one bad thing about it are its participants. There's no unity in artist and event organizers don't really put in the effort to organize well
What Made a lot of people know or love Lazy Lazy Culinun?
I'd like to believe that people loved me for the way I'm able to lyrically get my points across. My punchlines abilities and how lethal they are 😅. And also the battle rap space accommodated me very well.
LazyLazy Culinun… What’s the Story behind this Stage name?
The story behind my name is from home. I'd always run away from my chores and when I get shouted they'd always call me Lazy and it never got to hurt me instead I took the name to my raps and it bloomed quite well.
What challenges do you have when you are busy dropping freestyles live or in public?
I won't say I have problems that much when I'm freestyling live or in Public I just believe that I have the ability to command any audience I step my foot into.
Who would you say is the King of Kasi Rap and Why?
It will forever be Prokid. Everyone is still trying catch up to the bar he raised. No one flowed like he did. Punched like he did. Tell a story like he did. Rhyme like he did while entertaining and educating.
What can we Expect from LazyLazy from now?
People can expect me in the commercial space as I have just signed with a particular label that I don't want to mention right now since the work isn't complete and tangible
Who is your Celebrity Crush and why?
Yanda woods 😂😂😂 because iType yam nje
Shout outs
Shout to my son Nkanyezi ❤️
AB Crazy real name Tumelo is a Musician and Producer from Mpumalanga
Who or what got you into hip hop?
Just being able to hold a Note sort of gave Me motivation to want to do more and tell My Stories using Music
What is the Good and the Bad thing about Hip hop around your hood?
There’s no Hip hop around where i live but there’s definitely Hip hop in Mpumalanga province
What made a lot of people to know or love AB Crazy?
My Voice and the music I make. Ive also made big songs that made Me a house hold name .
AB Crazy… what’s the story behind this stage name?
No story at all, its just a name i came up with when i decided to be a Rapper
Would you say SA Hip Hop is Slowly dying due to Genres like Amapiano Making Noise or you’d say it is getting Stronger?
Hip hop will never Die. We actually getting Stronger
What is this One Thing that you’d wish to Change in the SA Hip hop scene?
Rappers should focus more on making hits so hip hop can be stronger and dominate again like it did in 2014 and 15
Who would you say is the King of Hip hop or The Best Rapper in SA and Why?
AKA is king of SA Hip hop because he made hits and not only for Rappers but for the entire continent.
What can we Expect from AB Crazy from now?
Look out for My single Ghost featuring Nomfundo Yekani and the music video aswel .
What are your funny Childhood memories?
Some boys and i once performed at a Fan park during half time when i was a kid , all of a sudden the crowd started screaming and i thought they were feeling my music but they just wanted me to move so they can watch the game
Shout Outs
Shout out to everyone that supports and loves AB Crazy to this day. I really Appreciate that .
Ifani is a South African Rapper, Born in Mthatha and raised in Port Elizabeth…
“I represent Blawa, I Kasi lam’, I studied in Cape Town… Kapa is my place of education and Jozi is where I hustled, did My thing and got everything I got up to this day, so that makes me a South African.
I’ve been everywhere around this country (Mzansi), IsiXhosa which is my language is My weapon in the Rap game and a Rapper is who I am.
How has your musical journey been from the era of Hola Hater, Ewe, Shake… etc until today?
My musical journey has been interesting, full of ups and downs, I guess it’s kinda like everyone else’s journey but mine has been a little bit extra, very steep you know… super adventurous, and… it was made for me you know, I was built for it.
Hola hater, Ewe, Shake, Ingoma ezimnandi… then the silence, and now reappearing, it’s all part of my journey, it’s part of the circle that I am dropping which is divided into four quadrants; 1st Quadrant, 2nd, 3rd and 4th Quadrant, those are the Four Albums I’m releasing as a rapper, describing who I am as Ifani
What is the good and the bad thing about hip hop in Mzansi?
The Good thing is that it exists, so people like myself and others can exist, there’s a community out there that listens to what we offer, there are people that follow and promote the culture like you guys (Rap type Mag),so it’s good that we all exist in it.
The bad thing is that it’s not number One anymore.
That’s the only bad thing but we can work on it you know, we can still turn it around.
As a Rapper, how do you deal with Negative Vibes from people or other Rappers?
Ey My man… I’m still learning as I go… it’s not something that we are born with, negative vibes will always make you feel negative, but then the difference is how quickly do you bounce back from that negative, that’s how I have been experiencing it myself, sometimes it gets me, sometimes it doesn’t, but when it does get to me, I need to get back as quickly as I can.
Ifani… what’s the story behind this stage name?
“Ifani” means “it’s not the same”, Mzi plus Ifani = Mzayifani, that’s the Full name, Mzayifani
How was the experience being on The Tswyza Show as a guest?
Yoh the Experience at The Tswyza Show was great my man, I told him it’s a great concept, this is what we need as a culture, this is beautiful man I love this concept and I wanted to support it, so wanted to go hard so that I can get my fans and my followers to join the movement, cos I really think it’s a great thing to have as South Africans. More stars will be born from this you know, More new guys will go to that show and become superstar’s there after… so Big ups to Tswyza for sure
Who would you say is the King of Hip hop or The Best Rapper in SA and Why?
Ah… Come on, Me, Myself… Ifani, Mr Hayimani… I’m the King, I’m the Best Rapper in South Africa, My weapon like I told you is IsiXhosa. The only person in here that can give me a run for my money is Kwesta.
Kwesta is the only one that can battle me to death but everyone else goes down… EVERYBODY goes down, from KZN to Gauteng to Mpumalanga, to Western Cape, Eastern Cape, Zonke maba bonke… they fall down, and like I said, my weapon of choice is IsiXhosa and I’d lie my friend, my flows are dangerous, they would eat anything in this country.
The only one that can stand before me is Kwesta. But other than that like I said; SupaMega… Down, I was going against him and he knows he dodged the bullet with me…
What are the wise words can you tell to upcoming rappers as words of inspiration?
To Rappers… Guys, this is a sport, Enjoy it, have fun but treat it like a sport, I wouldn’t say treat it as a career My man cos Yoh, this thing is not stable but if you look at it as a sport, then you will enjoy it, and in sports there’s injuries, there’s offseasons… you know, it’s a sport my man, enjoy this thing, have fun and make your own legacy.
What can we Expect from Ifani from now on?
More Music is coming out. This whole year I’m dropping things, so musically I’m in the creative space right now and I’m releasing more and more, so yeah, look out for those
What are your funny Childhood memories?
Failing my June exams in Grade 8, that is the funniest thing ever because I had never failed and I have never failed there after… ever ever ever…
So it’s the only time ever in my life to fail an exam… I still think it’s the funniest thing ever
Shout Out?
Shout out to Cassper Nyovest…
Great comeback with the amapiano song, it is dope, it is doing the rounds, well done… and I know I’ve been throwing a lot of dirt on his brand over the years, I just wanna say shout out to the man, he’s still standing, he’s still doing his thing and yeah… big ups man, big ups… I’m just adding to all the other dirt I’ve been throwing out there throughout the years… let this be one of those clean T shirts, i throw out there and it’s sincerely from the heart.
Dopeness my man, Dopeness, keep flying… Sharp
Ta Longz
Ride On My Beat
Ride On My Beat
Lumakii
Kay Faith
Rashid Kay
UPTOWN is motivated by urban culture , or I can even say hip-hop culture, hustle, passion, style, and being true to what you love, which in our case is music.
Emphasis on loyalty and staying focused.
Entirely, the song is a vibe, but an expression of how I was feeling at that time.
How long did it take for the whole Song to Be Completed?
I recorded the song on the same day and finished it on the same day, it probably took me 30 minutes to record the hook cause I was freestyling and the artists I worked with caught the vibe and did the same, I don't put so much thought into if I'm in the zone… I just buzz instantly after hearing the beat and then lay vocals ASAP.
Who did you work with on this Song and how was the experience working with them?
A homie named Zwa produced the beat, and I featured Kiing Core and LarsPsa, which are people I have worked with a lot on a number of songs and projects.
It's always a vibe when we lock in with the boys it's just that simple.
Are you planning to do any music videos on it?
Yes, the music video is coming soon. we are planning to shoot next week, and the video will drop soon.
Are you Planning to do a remix on it?
Remix?! I can't be sure, anything goes
