some random thoughts
Maybe we should have regional kings (and put all these artsists mentioned for the various areas). My request is to place Tumi & Ben Sharpa on a level higher than everyone else. maybe confer them the title "Kings of SA" or something.
Durban - EWOK -this white kid has represented KZN in hip hop battles & brought back the crown as the best emcee in the land (Hip Hop Indaba 2004). He has received critical acclaim in potery circles as well (Urban Voices, Poetry Africa). He is probably one of the most well known emcess in Durban amongst DBN residents (not just amongst headez). His crew Illuminating shadows is also well known and has a following troughout DBN.
Big Idea could also be considered as kings - but they've been tgethor for a short period as a group to really garner a big following and be well known. The Ghetto Prophecy Movement is probably more respected and popular in Durban (just like the Big idea, they are not pure hip hop - live band plays jazz, regggae and other sounds. San - their lead member has been singing and rapping for ages) Perharps the only band that has "hit songs" amongst locals. They can attract reasonable audiences where most people know the songs and appear like a big band.
In KZN, you can also onsider Blackfist of Garvey (Keith's band) - One of the best bands in SA fronted by one of the best emcees. in another world, Keith & the band would have been like the Jimi hendrix experience / Public Enemy & attained superstardom. These guys are probably in the same league as Tumi & the Volume but without the exposure. They have conquered everything there is to be conquered in KZN - Flux, Awesome Africa, own gigs in venues across DBN. Household names. (BTW I dont know whether these gusys are still around, though).
There is also the nymphonic bastards in Durban - a motley crew of 7 or so emcees that include some of Durbna's most well known/ illest aemcees - SAN from GPM, bullet (one of the best freestylers & battle emcees), Blaq, Seven Lox, etc. problem is their style can get over many people's heads at times - just like those cape cats - writers block,archetypes,etc. Their second EP (destruction Design/Krust 2) is banging nonetheless & is mixed by Durban's Finest (no not Tira & Sox - but DJ Papercut. He now goes by Pay-per-Cut). I hear his birthday party will see him being reborn as P-Kattuh or something like that) If you in DBN check that out (i think it will be in Skybar this weekend or next weekend)..
+ Nkayiso of Izimbongi in DBN has done more for KZn hip hop than anyone else - regular shows (MIC Check back in the days ) a compilation CD of DBN ish, bringing Jsec cats, media coverage, etc. + with Nstika - Inqaba, radio slots, True activists.
Eastern Cape - Abantu is probably the illest cat I've heard from the Eastern Cape. lousy Living (LI, nqo & all those cats) also tight. Izithunywa Zohlanaga are just in adifferent league - they have taken hip hop much closer to the people and yet their style is so advanced. I just wonder why local/community radio stations & umhlobo Wenene are not bumping their ish. It's got a local appeal yet still real hip hop. their lyrical content is mind boggling.
+ I'm sure we all know JBux by now. Everyone seems to respect him in the PE area.
I have not listened to dangatye & all these other cats. big problem in SA hip hop. you can be the king of your hood and yet no one has even heard about you elsewhere. Everyone is like Dangatye is the illest cat around & you like who the hell is that. the music is not circulating far & wide.
Cape Town
Konfab (writers Block), middle finga, middle finga aka rhamcwa, maniacs (Rattex, Sketch & them) , Goddessa + Endzi's album rocks.
Would go for Ben Sharpa though (in case he is not procalimed king of SA alongside Tumi). Sharpa should rhyme over morer accessible beats though - some boom bap shit. he can get over the average heads' head. I think this is what Tumi will get with his latest album - a wider audience.
+ BVK & Ready D. Who has driemanskap + illeterate Skill joints so we can hear wether they are worth the props they get.
POC should also be declared Kings of SA. one of the pioneers.
Jozi
@ the end of the day it's your call Mizi (togethor with your team hopefully)