The second round winners of the Afrikaans HipHopKop competition was recently announced. After receiving around 90 entries the following 5 winners (as chosen by the judges EJ von Lyric, DJ Azhul and Gian Groen) are: Cream, JBux en Schaik, Hakkiesdraad Hartman, Ill Huminatie Getuies and Lee Ursus. The popular vote winner is Slim X. For more information check out the hiphopkop website.

This week we profile Shynin Armour, a member of the Black Army Movement (BAM) crew. Shynin Armour was born in Meadowlands, Soweto (South Africa) and started following the Hip Hop movement during the mid 90’s. We also feature the first single called “Word Play” which features Dark Spark [Prod. Tuxman, Dynami & P2daoH] from his 3rd album titled RUGGED 3//3 dropping 27th April 2011.

Hailing from Kwa-Thema, east of Johannesburg, Kevluv epitomizes the African dream, embodied in a Hip-hop artist.The name Kevluv described simply means “Kevin doing what he loves”. Currently wrapping up work on his much anticipated debut mixtape, titled NODAYZOFF which will be independently released ushering in a new era through his own label Eargazm Entertainment.

Catch Blaq Pearl tonight at Zula Bar, 194 Long Street in Cape Town at 9pm. R50 is going to get you in the door. Read the rest of the article to view the flyer.

Kool Out Entertainment in association with Millers, Red Bull, Adidas, and Butan Wear is bringing the legendary Ras Kass to South Africa to promote his new album A.D.I.D.A.S (All Day I Dream About Spittin).

Rob One will be releasing the "African" album on the 6th April 2011. The album will feature production from Alias, Nyambz, ProChrist, Phil the Kritik, Makhi the Heartbeat and Sloth. In addition there will also be special appearances by Zubz, Core Wreckah and ProChrist and cuts by The Last Skeptik. To hear a sample of what the album will sound like you can download a sampler here consisting of 3 tracks.

This week we talk to Optic Nerve a.k.a. Luzuko Makumbula from Port Elizabeth and Grahamstown. Together with Epic, he is also a member of the rap duo Supremacy and is set to release his full length album The Master Plan: World Domination later this year.

Translated from his native isiXhosa, ‘manqoba’ means ‘the winner’. This hungry young emcee from Khayelitsha certainly lived up to his name by cleaning up at a Pioneer Unit open mic talent search competition that was held in association with Kool Out Entertainment and Red Bull in Cape Town in 2010.

Johannesburg, Gauteng, 21 February 2011 – Afrikaans rapper and producer Dokte has released another song ‘Hou Vi Jou Lekke’ from his new upcoming album via his official website dokte.com.

Recovered from the twisted wreckage of charred hard drives, scratched CD-Rs and dusty tape reels, this previously unreleased collection of KONFAB’s work has finally emerged to allow you a glimpse into the mind of one of South Africa’s most accomplished lyricists.

Word Up Ezine is an online “culture” magazine founded by South Africa’s Big Dre and Nash and the second issue is out. Issue No.2 features stunning graffiti from Hungaria’s Mr Zero and a write up on EJ Von Lyrik’s new album. Read on for a download link to the issues.

Solo Freestyle Dancing has been a favourite past time for many youth around the Western Cape, youth see dancing and performance art as their way out of the townships and on to the big theatre, live concert productions or television shows. South Africa has many professional and talented dancers working on cruise ships, 5 star hotels, Broadway theatres and night clubs around the world.

This night is a strong expression of pure music in a complementary setting where the artist is able to connect with you, the audience, live and direct. Street Live Connect will be featuring the internationally acclaimed Canadian/South African Songstress, Zaki Ibrahim and the Cape Town based hip-hop legends, Fifth Floor.

From Here to Fame Publishing will be releasing a brand new Faith 47 book in March 2011. Faith47, South Africa’s first lady of graffiti, is well versed in the art of getting up. She rolls with the hardcore, but touches the hearts of the masses. With a combination of street art and graffiti styles, she creates thought-provoking artwork that crosses artistic and cultural boundaries.

The six finalists for the first round of the Hiphopkop contest was recently announced. There are 6 finalists (five selected by judges and one selected by popular vote). They will also perform alongside DJ Ready D and Jack Parow at the Artscape in Cape Town on 28 January at 19h00.