Uno July. Photograph provided by the artist.
Uno July “Skelem”
Ill Skillz’s Uno July surprised many with his trap and kwaito-influenced solo hit “Skelem”. The song is a departure from what fans would expect from Ill Skillz, but it was so great that even the most insufferable of purists found themselves gyrating to the song’s thick bassline and leading synth. Uno July incorporated more vernacular than he normally does and it came out great. “Skelem” may not have become a national hit but that doesn’t take away from the work he and young producer Pyschedelic AK put on.
Read Okayafrica's interview with Uno July on being Cape Town hip-hop's 'Best Kept Secret.'
Reason ft. Tweezy “The Realest”
Tweezy was introduced to the South African hip hop scene via AKA’s Levels album, and he hasn’t let up since. He’s churned out hits for L-Tido, E-Jay, Reason and more. “The Realest” is, in my opinion, one of his strongest productions for 2015. Reason laces those bass squelches with honesty and conviction as per usual with lines like “Oh God, I’m a lion king/ And I got all of my lions with.” The message was straight to the point and somehow typical of Reason but the marriage of beats and lyrics was impressive. Whose bassline kicks better than Tweezy’s? I’ll wait.
Read Okayafrica's interview with Tweezy on his 'God Level' beat tape.
Priddy Ugly “Bula Boot”
Priddy Ugly’s fresh take on an old Thebe track of the same name is one of the most overlooked songs of 2015. Producer Wichi 1080’s bassline is an eardrum wrecker and Priddy Ugly’s flows and low-pitch voice projection just set him apart. “Bula Boot”’s problem is that it tells you to chill and also to shake your assets at the same time. Great rapper and producer combination.
Gigi Lamayne ft. Khuli Chana “Ice Cream (Remix)”
Gigi Lamayne’s ability to rap in both English and Zulu plays to her advantage on “Ice Cream”. Her girl next door-innocence and familiarity brings her closer to her listeners and not to mention her above average rhyming. Khuli Chana’s verse is just the cherry on the cake. I feel like this track came several months too soon—it was supposed to be one for the summer. Not that there’s anything stopping you from vibing to it now.
Christian Tiger School ft. Okmalumkoolkat “Damn January”
This song isn’t for everyone. The off-beat production by Christian Tiger School
yearns for verses from Hymphatic Thabs. Instead, it gets a Future Mfana treatment. Okmalumkoolkat’s light-hearted approach and calm delivery changes mood. Giving dark music a happy feel is an ability that looks easy for Okmalumkoolkat but is something other emcees would struggle with.
Watch Christian Tiger School create a track with Bilal & World's Fair in Okayafrica's Player Xchange series.
