S. African Hip Hop Sample Roundup Pt 1
From R&B to Kwaito and Bubblegum, SA Rappers have been infusing their tracks with nostalgic elements in 2017. From Cassper Nyovest’s Destiny tapping into Malaika to Kwesta revisiting Spirit Chaser, some of the biggest records have been prominent samples of yesteryear’s hits. South African rappers are reinterpreting feel-good classics and we’re here for it. Here’s a few tracks that either flip vocals or interpolate some dope production that went a bit under the mainstream radar.
Dr Duda & Stogie T — “Stimela saseZola (Trapmix)”: Mbongeni Ngema “Stimela saseZola”
Stogie T is one of a handful of South African rappers who’s thrived across SA hip hop’s various eras and he lets us know on Zocci Coke Dope’s “I Knew” “I was here before Chana, back when they was giving Zwai hip-hop SAMAs”. He teams up with one-third of Micasa, Dr Duda to rework Mbongeni Ngema’s classic “Stimela saseZola” with hints of trap infused into the homecoming ballad. It’s another relatable song that’s sure to stir up the nostalgia in OGs and re-introduce a South African legend to a younger audience.
K.O — 7even Up: Mandoza “Indoda” & Brenda Fassie “No No No Senor”
K.O’s return as a solo artist since the disbandment of Castime Life is proving triumphant. His track “7even Up” is proof of a return to being the main man. It makes perfect sense that he interpolates Mandoza’s “Indoda” with lines like “riding solo now, I don’t need a squad or crew, it was hard to move with the weight on my shoulder, the streets are harsh and cruel”. The GloTheBeatz and Scales-produced joint also samples Brenda Fassie’s “No No No Senor” to give it a lush soundscape.
P Dot O — Angels: Sade “Pearls”
No stranger to making heartfelt music, Pretoria’s own P Dot O looks over the pond for his inspiration on the soul-stirring Angels. By Interpolating Sade Adu’s vocals off her band’s “Pearls”, the artist proves that relatability can be a painful experience — “you can try these shoes on but it gon’ hurt to walk” the lyricist warns us. P Dot O gets the gravity of his message across with the right doses of emotion and grit. The vocal sample is a great way to capture the feeling on the track. “It hurts like brand new shoes” is an incredible line because of its juxtaposition of gain and loss. P Dot O similarly tackles the strife that comes with being an Angel, when he asks “who’s tryna fly with no wings?”.
Ginger Trill ft Tommy Ills — Psychotic: The Roots ft John Legend “Doin’ It Again”
Keeping it soulful is Ginger Trill infusing John Legend’s vocals from The Roots’ “Doin’ It Again” on “Psychotic”. It’s probably his best hook on GVNG Tapes and that’s saying a lot after SimmySimmyNYA’s geat work on “Forest Guap”. This one sees the John Legend’s singing of the phrase “take it slow” actually slowed down, setting the backdrop for a vibey joint with enough bounce to induce repeated head nodding. It fits in with the subject matter of the track too, with a psycho love interest moving a little too fast to be contained.
Kid X ft Chiano Sky — Aunty: TK “How Do You Feel”
After the success of Kwesta’s kwaito/house-tinged “Ngud” and Cassper Nyovest’s reworking of Malaika, a second wave of kwaito-leaning hip hop was inevitable. For his part, Kid X re-imagines the TK’s “How Do YOu Feel” on “Aunty”. The track is themed around having a good time and guzzling Black Label as the artwork suggest. It follows the blueprint laid down by the aforementioned artists’ collab on Ngud. Also lookout for his joint with Shwi no Mtekhala.
Thanks for reading.
