Innovators are to be included in the upcoming release DIY, through African Dope Records. DIY is a product of the nationwide competition that Yfm’s Harambe Show and Levi’s Silvertab were conducting over 12 weeks on several radio stations across the country. Read on to find out more about the Innovators.

Introduction

The Innovators are Second Son, and TNG. Two rappers/producers that collaborated on numerous projects, before formalizing the team called – Innovators. 

Second Son is a versatile lyricist with strong roots in hardcore and mentally stimulating rap. ‘The keeping it real type rapper’. This is reflected in his production style that ranges from sweet sounding poetry beats to heavy hardcore sounds. 

TNG is a dynamic entertainer. Coming from a radio background, his niche is in making music for the easy listener. This is reflected in his bouncy, energetic beats and catchy phrases. 

Image 

Second Son: 
strong silent strategist type.
Always appears in a camouflage hat, which he links to the military’s strong strategist approach.

TNG: 
energetic flamboyant where-the-ladies-at type. 
Matching headgear (usually doo-rags) is his signature style.

Innovators Discography

2003 

Bon Appetite. An EP put together to formally introduce the Innovators. Released strictly for promotional purposes, to various radio jocks and marketed online. This comes hot off the release of the Innovators compilation album, The RU Project, in order to satisfy the growing demand. (See below)

2003 

Innovators compilation album: The RU Project 
Brought together a group of multinational artists with the common purpose of independently putting together and releasing an album produced soley by the Innovators. 
Hits spurned

I just wanna rhyme – Enjoys spins on South Africa’s largest urban youth radio station that has over 1 million daily listeners. See www.yfm.co.za 

I’m a doctor – Even though The Innovators are unsigned rappers/ producers with a credible heavy street buzz, they qualified to compete in an “Up & Coming Artists” national competition which saw them win the most votes from the public (over 30 000, at least 8 000 clear of the runner-up) out of over 60 contestants. See www.silvertab.co.za

Smaller radio stations scattered across South Africa continue to play more songs from the album. See downloads section of the Hiphocalypse website. Hiphocalypse

Individual Biographies

Second Son
Born: In Lusaka Zambia, THE REAL AFRICA!!

Part 1

Born on a farm and spent the first part of his journey growing up on the farm. As he grew, began to appreciate Mother Nature, the earth, sun, moon and stars. Born into a fairly conservative family, that comprised of six champions. From an early age, the head of the house, ‘The Head Grand Champion of the Family’, began to instill the strong principles into the minds of his team. That was one of the highlights of part 1 and will forever be appreciated. 

Started stringing words together like; “I’m Bad!”. Was not very good at it but loved the art form, the freedom of expression. Together with older brother, Mr. K and The Sharpshooter formed the Man-X crew. 

Sent away to boarding in his early teens.

Part 2

At boarding school began writing the real subject matter and chose the name Devious. Together with two other lyricists (Fraizhe & Tek) formed the ‘Gas Chamber’ (one of the illest groups of its time, major skills). Won a number of awards and was recognized as a ‘Lyrical Giant’. Some time later recruited a female member. Made a public appearance and performed with Mr.K. 

Started studying in South Africa and met some fellow hip-hop lovers (One love AL & Naz!). Really started holding it down and incorporated the all important mental aspect of his lyrics (after some self realization and deep thought). Introduced to the Johannesburg scene and met some more hip-hopers like Sibot (Max Normal), Slinky and Chad (One love!). Changed names after hearing an artist called Ms. Devious at the Nelson Mandela concert. New name: Second Son.

Part 3

Met my fellow hip-hoppers at Rhodes University, where he enrolled to pursue a Bachelor of Commerce Degree (majoring in Accounting). He then featured on a few unreleased tracks with fellow artists, while keeping a low profile in the corridors of his residence. Then the Innovators Project was born.

TNG

Born, Harare Zimbabwe (right in the belly of the beast Southern Part of Africa)

Pre- South Africa

Watching the older guys take it so seriously, with scheduled rehearsals and all, the young TNG followed suit with his own constant writing and rehearsals. Along with mentor Zell (one half of BBMC), reciting and crafting lyrics and styles, talking about plans for the future, making instrumentals by beat boxing and simultaneously taping on something else to give the desired drum accompaniment. Being it Africa, they hard to learn how to make do with what they had. 

Later groups that were mainly formed to encourage TNG’s progression were Muvvment in ’94 (which comprised of TNG and a friend known as Locust 24). This was followed by Moc-a-de-ranche in the same year (which combined TNG, Locust and Zell together). Ruff Rugged Technicians would follow, under the guidance of the other half of BBMC, Nimshnak Jiney, in early 1995. Performances, radio airplay and t.v. appearances in Zimbabwe continued during this period, without any company involved in these marketing schemes.

South Africa 2000 onwards

A couple of rushed small releases in 2000 and 2001 respectively, all receiving radio airplay, and creating little buzz, were for the purpose of an ongoing process of learning the politics and business side of the industry. 

Discography

2000. 

Buzz single called ‘Babey’ off the Album G-Town Hiphop: Tha Festival Edition.

Album was released independently during the Grahamstown Arts Festival of 2000. Performance launch of Album at Rhodes Union, followed up with artists selling copies of the CD on the street.

2001. 

Single: How do I hint (to you) {for the concept album ‘RMR’s HitStarz’ that never materialized that year}. Single floated in the RMR Top30 for a few weeks.

2002. 

Album: Chillin’ with TNG: The show vol. 1. A live album recorded live on radio. The second of it’s kind ever in the history of South African Radio (The first to do such a project was Lucky Dube).

Not included are various singles that were produced for:
Great Stone Entertainment, Atlanta USA. 
DJ. Street, United Kingdom.
Chipo, Zimbabwean Artist, based in Zimbabwe.
ZED, Malawian Artist now based in Los Angeles, U.S.A. 

Closing Remarks

Today, the buzz is nationwide in the Republic of South Africa. Fuelled with the natural formalization of what has always been in the last 3 years, Innovators. 

“The overall goal is to make history by bringing in another unique sound to the landscape that is Hip Hop. A sound that would be testimony to a tip of the ice berg of what strength and talent lies in Africa, which has much that is not known about it to the rest of the world. Think about what the Illmatic did for New York, or what the Chronic did for L.A., both showed the rest of the world how they do it over there. The world is always listening out for the next new thing, which progresses to be the next big thing. The question is who makes it happen” – The Innovators

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