Four SA Underground Mixtapes To Look Forward To In 2015

1. High $chool Dreams - Ill Scripts
Mack Records 

They've been active in the West Coast underground scene since 2012, and after diss songs, a hiatus, chart-toppers, winning second place in their high school talent show, South African remakes, street-cred, and whatever else goes with the ISOE brand, a coined term which stands for: 'Ill Scripts Over Everything', the Saldanha-Bay based rap crew promises that their anticipated debut mixtape, 'High $chool Dreams' is nearing completion.

Let's hope that this year, will be the year it releases.


2. The Fresh Prince of Kimberley - Big Twist
Star Media Communications | Twistyle Muzik 

Following his debut 'Twistyle Mixtape' in 2012, Big Twist returns to the scene with his sophomore LP, 'The Fresh Prince of Kimberley'. An obvious play on words from the popular TV-show 'The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air' which stared the young Will Smith, Twist sees himself reaching his hometown and reflecting it in it's very best in both the West Coast underground and Kimberley underground scenes.

The mixtape is scheduled for release March 2, 2015, through Star Media Communications, Twist's latest distributor, and is released under the artists' own recording label, Twistyle Muzik.

3. #ShalomaFuture - Shaloma Muzik
Independent | Shaloma Muzik Recordings

After a year long hiatus from the music scene, Shaloma Muzik aims to reach broader audiences and new markets with it's upcoming mixtape '#ShalomaFuture'.

While this would be the forth mixtape project from the label following it's two 'Shaloma Friday' and '#Shalomatober' series in 2013, and '50/50: The Vision', the debut mixtape by it's founder Tha Real U - #ShalomaFuture promises be unlike anything heard before from the label.

It claims to be the future of Hip-Hop and is taking on the massive Cape Town underground Hip-Hop scene with this release. Already in partnership with various local brands, namely Music Generation Apparel, a growing Cape Town's street wear brand - this mixtape is something not to be overlooked by the revolutionary label.

4. SWGCTY.tk Presents We Are The Underground - SWGCTY
Cape Vinyal Beats Mixtapes

The leaders in West Coast Hip-Hop music, SWGCTY (formerly Swag City) plans to take to the mixtape market as well by further promoting local content with the launch of it's new website, brand and interface.

With their former tagline, "We Support Local Music" - the website now seeks to uplift new and undiscovered artists, whilst providing quality free, underground downloads from across South Africa all on it's website, hence it's new slogan "We The Underground."

The line is more than just a slogan now, as it gives birth to the first self-compilation mixtape the West Coast has seen. It promises to deliver familiar favorites with the addition of new artists and sounds - blending the West Coast with a lot of the other music scenes left unheard.

While all songs are featured on the website as  "SwagCityXclusives" - this mixtape is surely iconic and every-way and a first to promtoting the underground in a unified way.

Twistyle Muzik: Back Out Of The Shell

Recently, Vredenburg-based underground label, Twistyle Muzik released three solid kasi-flava heatseekers. With Lazy Catz, an enthusiastic duo consisting of Young Fl!p and General, their song Kasi Lam, became the second of Twistyle's three new singles. In addition to this, new voices such as Sai and Thando were featured in the listening experience, probing one to think how much more will Twistyle bring to the scene in 2014?

This lead to the follow up Ezphambeneyo, produced by label founder, Big Twist. One would think another Lazy Cat release is in store, but no, this track sees solely General taking the scene. With 124 downloads so far on DataFileHost, this song succeeds Kasi Lam which stands on 53 downloads.

But downloads are just numbers right? What really matters is the music and the reason for it.
According to Twistyle Muzik "Ezphambeneyo was just a track [for] fun, we got more of those coming up."

While the label's artists aim to reach their own level of recognition, the first track of the latest trilogy saw Big Twist make a return with Jacob Zuma. Released on May 7th, the 2014 IEC South African National Election Day, Twist expresses his views of what it must feel like being the president. Currently the song has been downloaded 163 times, a follow up from his previous release Somewhere In The World released in October last year.

He intends to release new music every Saturday, a first for Twistyle Muzik. This is said to take place in July and could be a worthy cause for increasing the label's support.


In addition to this, he mentions an upcoming mixtape in mind, to drop next year. Twist extends this thought with the mention of a new distribution deal with a Kimberly-based scheme entitled, Superstar Media Communications.

The label is cleverly planning ahead in excelling in more than just one music scene. The West Coast underground Hip-Hop community has seen various works from this label and one notable name is it's unique conscious and visionary artist, EM-K.

The label assures that what it has in store from EM-K will be promising. Recently, Twist rejoined Twitter under the handle "BigTwist_KBY". We trust that releases will be announced as this is another step to the label increasing its Social Networking usage.

• Follow Big Twist on Twitter (@BigTwist_KBY)

Top 5 Most Downloaded Twistyle Muzik Songs

Official list of the Top 5 most downloaded Twistyle Muzik songs:



BONUS 
6. Interloper
AB
24 downloads in total








5. Take Me Away
EM-K
29 downloads in total









4. Apology Thru A Love Letter
Big Twist ft. Mi3zy
37 downloads + 4 downloads (pre-release) (on Soundcloud)
41 downloads in total

3. Fast Lane
Big Twist
27 downloads (on Soundcloud)
7 + 13 downloads (on Kasimp3)
47 downloads in total








2. Out 4 Da Kill
Big Twist
72 downloads in total (on Soundcloud)







1. Somewhere In The World
Big Twist
112 downloads in total (on DatafileHost)

TOTAL DOWNLOADS FOR TWISTYLE: 

422 downloads 

on Soundcloud, Datafilehost & Kasimp3 combined

Note: Statistics as SwagCity Xclusives and elsewhere have not been included due to unavailability and restrictions.

Twistyle Muzik Announces "Singles Day"

Vredenburg's youngest underground Hip-Hop label, Twistyle Muzik, has recently had it's share of success as well in the rising stages of West Coast Hip Hop.

With more than 200 downloads online so far, the production scheme houses about 4 artists, namely Big Twist it's founder, AB, EM-K & the Lazy Catz duo Young F!ip & General, along with it's key producers.

It's artist debuts have seen some light, with AB & EM-K collectively earning 53 downloads. To further their walk in the music scene, the label has introduced it's own series entitled "Twistyle Singles Day" a 24 hour release period or brand new music from it's artists.

Last week, this proposition was confirmed as the underground label announced the return of both AB & EM-K with songs 'Dreamer' and 'Word Is Born'. In addition to this, the current top single 'Out 4 Da Kill' would be accompanied with a Kimberly Remix, the hometown of both it's founder, Big Twist & AB.

So far this release has been out for 4 months, and is Twist's second latest release, followed by 'Somewhere In The World'. With a 4 month lead the song has accumulated 72 downloads so far, the second highest after the later release, which currently peaks the labels list at 112 downloads at the moment on file sharing site 'Datafilehost'.

While the upcoming "Singles Day" becomes Twistyle's first effort in releasing a music series, it still has a few broken promises on it's social networks, namely various releases such as 'You & I'. This however is understandable as the label proves to be hard at work representing the West Coast on stages around the Cape. The date anticipated is therefore yet to be announced, but with eagerness the label guarantees it's supporters that it shall provide what is expected.

5 Killer Remakes In West Coast Hip-Hop

With various Hip-Hop & RnB favorites, comes the ability to rap to them. While artists are influenced to do such, some get it right and even better the release, while the rest might just be wishful thinking.

Here's our list of Killer Remakes in the West Coast, rated according to popularity, content and uniqueness of the artist or scheme.

5. So Sick
Envor of Legacii
Remake of Ne-Yo

The vocal tones of Envor grabbed the West Coast's attention when this R&B remake of Ne-Yo by Vredenburg's Legacii Music Group was released.

With record production by Bary D, Leagcii's leading producer, the cover version not only sounds vocally good, but also is almost a like with the original song. This unique debut and talent displayed earns 'So Sick' the #5 spot in our list of Killer Remakes, as the local rap group, proves itself to be more than just a few lines & rhymes.

4. Underground Kings
Tha Real U featuring Young Tyt

Remake of Drake

While #4 might seem as an understatement for this song given that it became the West Coast's very first song to top 100 downloads in 24 hours, this record breaking lead for Saint Helena Bay rapper Tha Real U, simply faces tough competition in this list of Killers.

While Consciously raising the bar in the Weskus, Real U aggressively tackles the third verse of this song, one that could even be considered controversial. With various issues in Hip-Hop brought to light, the Shaloma Muzik artist makes references to a Biblical perspective and evidently hits listeners hard with a message of Christian awareness through self expression.

As a Conscious Hip Hop release, one should focus on the content which itself ranges from various issues based on the identity of Hip-Hop listeners  supporters and artists. Real U challenges the listeners perspective and is joined by rapper Young Tyt (formerly known as TiTan Kai) from the Johannesburg Christian Hip-Hop group, UNiQUE.  


This long distance collaboration not only brings the West Coast together with Gauteng, but promotes our local releases in various regions of the land, even if it is one song.

The success here of follows Real U's first 100 download milestone for 'That I'm Dreaming' and has since raised the rappers influence in the Hip-Hop community.
  

3. Ransom
Jempas featuring Tha Real U
Remake of Drake

With a chart topping debut, a featured music video and 136 downloads so far since it's release in August, Shaloma Muzik artist grabs #3 with 'Ransom'. The lyrics in the song, pretty much prove it all, as Jemp reflects on his life, making use of a popular sound to speak reality in retrospective. He is joined by Real U, who adds a certain funk to the song before the ending in support of Jempas' debuting heist.

While the song has peaked the Top 10  & charted for 3 days in the Top 20 spots in the South African local music website KasiMp3, it's music video currently sits on 120 views on YouTube, and has a hoisted the flag high for the Weskus on an national level - proving that Jempas is surely an artists that's here to stay.  

2. Somewhere In The World
Big Twist
Remake of 'Somewhere In America' by Jay-Z


Although Ill Scripts & Twistyle Muzik artist Big Twist, both served the coast with a much loved remake of this song, the #2 spot has to go to Big Twist hands down. 

In 'Somewhere In The World' Twist not only stepped up lyrically invigorating a degree of Conscious Hip-Hop in his music, but also kept it well production wise, with a distinct feature of chanting the well known 'Msheli Wami.'

1. Motivation
Major & Bizzy
Remake of Kelly Rowland

While the Langas top Hip-Hop group, Wolwe also known as Wolf Pack, have had better songs, 'Motivation' defiantly comes as a stand out. 

Teen rapper Major, colabs with the West Coast's favorite Bizzy, on this local Afrikaans treffer, taking a RnB release from the Billboards straight to Kasi and turning it into something great and enjoyable for both International Music fanatics and Afrikaans speaking audiences. And after all Wolve have done, why not #1? 

The favorable flavor of the Wolf Pack remains. The song was followed up by 'Bed*nerd In My Kop'  and 'In My Zone' and has accumulated 47 downloads on mobile website, Die Kaapstad, so far through which it is also featured on SwagCity.

5 Things Happening In West Coast Hip-Hop

Over the last few months, the West Coast Hip-Hop scene has seen some changes occur. Some were noticed yet some might still be ignored as many happen to be uninformed. If you one of those who don't know or maybe you haven’t been paying close attention, take a look below:
 
 
1. Internet Exposure

 
With artists like Goku from War3 Karak3tez, Big Twist, Tha Real U and Legacii on Soundcloud and Reverbnation, Internet exposure has surely increased. Three months ago, Tha Real U released 'Underground Kings' which quickly became one of the top downloaded songs in West Coast Hip-Hop, by reaching 100 downloads in a day.
Apart from this, Goku has released a series of music videos online which accompany those of Bizzy and Zayo, as well as the Major Playaz.
 
Other than this Tha Real U happened to release a music video as well. For the coast, this kind of exposure not only helps artists but it sheds light on the West Coast Hip-Hop community as well. Online releases help artists get recognised locally and Internationally quicker and more conveniently.
 
Last year mobile-site Swag City, was released in favour of this, so that locally people can download songs without having to hassle with computers, looking for links on Google or better yet not knowing where to find music.
 
 
2. Collaborations
 
Recently Big Twist collaborated with Goku. This created a banger along with Ivaan and Lazy B who previous also appeared on one of Goku's songs. Not only did this song ('We Made It') show how West Coast Hip-Hop steps things up, but so did Tha Real U's 'That I'm Dreaming' and 'Long Nights' which got newcomers Jempas and Lee Rick further involved in music.
 
General and Young Fl!p gained access to the Hip-Hop scene as well when they debuted on Big Twist's first mixtape, along with Prospect and Double D which gained added recognition. These collaborations show how West Coast Hip-Hop is transforming.
The scene is no longer monopolised by a single group of artists or band, but diverse, with different perspectives, styles and influences.
 

3. Started From The Bottom
 
Like everyone in the industry, you have to start somewhere even if it is the bottom. The past year has seen this happen. Not only did Twist come out of his shadow, but so did Tha Real U who happened to be a mash-up DJ.
 
Legacii, Illscripts, WBMG, also formed. These three groups soon started making music with a passion and are yet fighting for some exposure. With so many artists popping up out of no where, the West Coast community might soon see a revolution take place. While other artists remain unknown, the little light that has become the platform for West Coast Hip-Hop has helped artists grow and release more and more songs. With this comes better sound quality, lyrics and production quality.
 
Although most artists pushing songs these days are underground and newcomers, their support structures are constantly expanding. It's might just be a matter of time until their music is everywhere.
 

4. The Platform
 
Before 2013, West Coast Hip-Hop lacked a serious platform. Artists seem to be hidden in all places, some are popular yet the notorious, remain notorious. This reality however is starting to change. With Facebook pages and groups, websites like Swag City and communication structures between artists through these tools, West Coast Hip Hop now has a growing platform open for new artists and ready to support existing artists.
 
One problem though. Somehow there's always a disadvantage and this is it: some artists are promoting self with old, outdated procedures, rather then modernising and keeping up with the new platform. Not only do they aim at creating fan-bases or added support for themselves, they do this with no intention of building up the West Coast Hip-Hop community.
 
Networking tools like Facebook groups/pages, Websites etc... depend on the whole communities involvement to become an true success. Not only do artists gain exposure, while they lend exposure, they also help the whole West Coast Hip-Hop scene gain exposure and this will either help them cutback at trying to win fans cause they'll naturally gain support, or cause them to fade out if the scene becomes quickly populated.
 

5. Performances

Recently Big Twist and brand, started hitting a few popular venues. With performances springing up in local places, West Coast Hip-Hop is becoming much more engaging.
Although some regular performances do happen in the West Coast community, they seem to be aimed at one area, particularly a certain fan-base to please the supporters of a certain group. This is remarkable as fans will keep coming back for more, but it doesn't get the Hip-Hop scene to expand into unheard regions of the coast.
 
The group, ILLSCRIPTS took on this attempt however, by performing in a local High School Talent show, which scored them 2nd place. Not only does this performance help debut the group, but it also informs the general community about the emerging Hip-Hop scene within its community.
 
While some Hip-Hop artists (unknown to us) do also perform in popular places, it is yet a mystery on how their music actually engages with the public.
 
It is said that more events are being planned for West Coast Hip-Hop artists, especially the thought of possibly seeing some of these current power-forces work together. Will that happen? and is this even possible? For now we have no idea, only the Lord knows.

 

Big Twist To Release 2nd Mixtape

Following the quiet delayed release of 'Twistyle Mixtape', Big Twist doesn't stop there. The Vredenburg rapper has found inspiration to create a follow up mixtape subject to be released next year. The title is yet unknown, the same applies to the amount of songs and artists it might feature but Twist suggest that it might be a second edition to the previous mixtape.
 

The content however is guaranteed to be mind blowing. Twists intendeds to deliver a message as to how life is being a teen rapper and ensures it will be 20 times better then the current tape.

 

He plans to give Twistyle artists a framework to build their artistic careers. Through the 2nd release a variety of instrumentals will be used instead of self-produced - enabling a quicker and more convenient production procedure for the team.

To download 'Twistyle Mixtape' visit: www.bigtwist.tk.

There's A Twister's On It's Way!

Meet Big Twist, a serious rapper, with a serious aim. Born in Kimberly, the 17 year old underground Hip-Hopper does more then just throw lines over a microphone as lyrics, he produces his own music and in visions the goal of revolutionising West Coast music.

As a resident Hip-Hopper on the coast, Twist has so far been known to feature with the skills of his mates General and Young F!ip. These artists are yet but a few of the names endorsed by Twist's freshly-made label 'Twistyle Music'. Apart from the coastal action, he is one of Kimberly's G.L.A.P (Ghetto Life Akadamie Productionz) artists, a production line founded by Gapz, a multimedia producer who started doing his thing in this biz as early as the year 2000.

So far Twist's biggest debut as a solo artist would be his latest, the underground hit, 'Fast Lane.' The song received airplay on 92.3fm Radio West Coast along with his earlier release 'Apology Thru A Love Letter' (featuring Mi3zy).

What does Twist have up his sleave? A heavy duty debut mixtape. The tape named after the new label, will feature unique sounds of not only it's main artists but also various Twistyle artists, as made evident with the single 'Amagents' by General. In Twist's case this characteristic promotes both the artist and the brand equally promoting strenghtened support to the label. 

Subject to the mixtape's release, will be a launch party, live and exclusive at Lapland, Vredenburg on September 29th. The event is hosted by GTK Entertainment along with Twistyle and features performances by Lazy Catz, Torando and DJ G Twizt. So far, enterance is free and all is welcomed. This is surely not to be missed as the celebration begins early at 4pm.



To RSVP for this event visit http://www.facebook.com/events/423380924387544/

Twistyle Label page:
http://www.reverbnation.com/label/twistylemuzik