TRAINING GROUNDS
The fact that we focus most of our energy on the so-called ‘underground’ should come as no surprise. After all, our culture developed itself, not on air, but on the ground. This is not to say that the efforts of those who have cracked the mainstream have gone unnoticed, instead it’s to capture the activities on the training grounds.
Taking a look at the South African soundscape, it’s easy to see that there is a clear imbalance. I mean, out of a thousand active hip hop artists, only four will be playlisted on the radio this year. Out of eight hip hop sub-genres, only two will be heard on air.
Over the past year, we have worked towards creating that balance, realising that it is more valuable for us to create a platform that favours the under-developed or under-exposed side of the industry. In this way, we aim to help boost the rest of the culture while our mainstream soldiers keep our place amongst the stars.
What makes this particular issue so valuable to the game is not the image on the front, nor is it the words on the inside, but the science behind it all. In the previous issue we struck a deal with you. We promised a local cover in return for your support of local covers which should result in a string o local covers. Thanks for copping this one. Placing an artist such as Sharpa on the cover symbolises perseverance… sticking to your guns no matter what. In other words, not selling out. I mean, plenty of cats switch up their steez to try and accommodate the market, often coming out with an unnatural sound. Then there are those who work at what they know until they are so good at it they become icons. Street legends. The greatest. This issue is dedicated to the training grounds. Your day will come.
Mizi
Editor
mizi@hypemagazine.co.za
083 222 667SYKE
HYPE Tracklisting Vol.18
1. M’Changani feat. Ishmael. ' Nakhensa’. Produced by Ishmael. Published Ghetto Ruff
2. T.O.P. ‘Pholas’. Produced by Gemini .Published by EclipseXLR Publishing, Electrolosis
3. Maggz feat. Omen Sgebi Dome. ‘Break’. Produced by Don Juan for Octave Couplet/Royal Firm Productions/Jazzworx. Published by J2 Publishing
4. Koldproduk. ‘How We Ride’. Produced by Whispa. Published by Uproot Records Publishing
5. Slik. ‘Falling’. Produced by Stethascope. Published by Glue Ear Publishing
6. Nosizwe ‘You Hurt Me’. Produced by 635 for Tsotsitall Productions. Published by EMI Publishing
7. Imbube. ‘Qeda Indlala’. Produced by Draztik. Published by Unreleased Records Publishing
8. Landmynz feat. Devuous D. 'Woman, Man and Child’. Produced by MR.C, Published by Landmynz Publishing
9. Bmac 'Orgasm’. Produced by Tash, Published by Sheer Publishing.
10. Spaceman 'Get Down’. Produced by AN-g, Published by Munna Music,
11. Show Time. ‘From New York To SA’, Produced by Ootz, Published by Sheer
12. DA and Kastro 'Leave You Amazed’. Produced by Heatmakers, Publishing Independent
13. Sudan ft. Busisiwe Ntshwanti. ‘Don’t Shoot’. Produced by Thir[13]teen. Published by Kush Publishing
14. Hipe. ‘Facebook’. Produced by Hipe. Published by Unreleased Publishing
