Holding/Evolving, 2024
Genre: Neo-Soul/R&B
OVERALL RATING: 4.3 / 5
Holding/Evolving by Hunter Rose and Maloon theBoom is a sonic sanctuary, intricately woven with the textures of neo-soul, R&B, and jazz, echoing the vibrant depth of a Cape Town sunset. Far from just a set of songs, this EP unfolds as a personal journey—an exploration through the shifting terrains of heartache, healing, and self-discovery. Hunter’s voice, smoldering and warm, casts light over every track, unveiling emotions that linger just beneath the surface, revealing the unspoken with an elegant intensity.
Maloon theBoom’s production complements Rose’s intimate vocals beautifully, embracing a minimalist style that gives every beat and note room to breathe. The subtle grooves, soft keys, and gentle jazz riffs create a sensation of floating—weightless yet grounded in emotion. The opening track, “MORE,” gradually draws listeners into a mesmerizing blend of rich textures and delicate percussion, setting the EP’s emotional foundation.
In tracks like “LOVE,” Rose’s influences truly come to life; her vocal phrasing echoes D’Angelo’s soulful intensity, while her storytelling resonates with the depth of Anita Baker’s jazz-infused R&B. Yet, Rose is unmistakably her own artist, merging vulnerability and self-assuredness in a way that feels both classic and refreshingly original. Each note feels steeped in introspection, as if every song is a page from her personal journal, openly shared with the listener.
The closing track, “GLOW,” beautifully captures the EP’s essence—a bittersweet yet hopeful reflection on the intricacies of personal growth. Rose’s smooth, intimate vocals glide effortlessly over Maloon’s soulful, polished production, merging so flawlessly it’s nearly impossible to discern where one ends and the other begins. With Holding/Evolving, Hunter Rose and Maloon theBoom have crafted a soulful experience that defies genre and time, leaving a lasting impact on the listener. This is a collection to treasure.
IT'S ABOUT TIME, 2024
Genre: Alternative Hip-Hop
OVERALL RATING: 3.7 / 5
It’s About Time is less an album and more an unguarded dive into Hugh Amani’s psyche—a gritty, defiant portrait of his world. In this EP, Amani isn’t here to offer solace; he draws listeners deep into his maze of introspection and hardship, painting a poetic, streetwise picture of life’s tougher edges. With a gravelly voice and sharp lyricism, he delivers each verse with a power that’s both jarring and magnetic.
Amani’s flow is like a finely-honed blade, switching from lightning-fast bars to a slower, almost trance-like cadence that keeps listeners fully engaged. His versatility stands out in tracks like “YOU-WHO (Freestyle),” where he commands an unpredictable beat with rapid rhymes, each line landing with gut-punch impact. The unpredictability of his flow mirrors the tension in his lyrics, capturing a relentless push and pull between ambition and struggle.
The production on It’s About Time crafts a dark, moody atmosphere, mixing trap with boom-bap and haunting ambient layers. Deep basslines throb like a pulse, eerie melodies linger like shadows, and off-kilter rhythms lend an experimental flair that’s both innovative and grounded. Amani’s knack for blending classic hip-hop roots with edgy, avant-garde vibes makes this EP a unique gem in South Africa’s alternative music scene.
Hugh Amani doesn’t simply narrate his story—he crafts it with vivid, powerful strokes, layering it with themes of pain, resilience, and fierce ambition. It’s About Time offers an unfiltered glimpse into reality, urging listeners to face life’s hard truths head-on. This EP isn’t just hip-hop; it’s an immersive experience.
Laws Of The Jungle, 2023
Genre: Alternative Hip-Hop/R&B
OVERALL RATING: 3.9 / 5
In Laws Of Jungle, Sandrahhh weaves a captivating universe that thrums with introspective energy, masterfully balancing fragility and strength in a way that feels both effortless and evocative. Released in October 2023, this EP showcases Sandrahhh as a bold adventurer in both sound and emotion, with her voice serving as both a guiding light and a profound revelation. Hailing from Kenya and raised in Johannesburg, she intricately weaves her cultural heritage into every beat and lyric, crafting a soundscape that is intensely personal yet resonates on a universal level.
Her compositions exemplify a masterful balance of restraint and impact. The minimalistic beats provide a solid foundation, allowing her vocals—smooth, slightly ethereal, and utterly mesmerizing—to shine. In tracks like “BASQUIAT FLOWS,” there’s a cinematic intimacy as her layered harmonies ebb and flow, reflecting themes of self-discovery and resilience. She draws listeners in, with her words slicing through the air like a gentle blade, each line infused with vulnerability and raw honesty. Yet, this minimalism never feels lacking; Sandrahhh enhances each track with intricate instrumental details—ambient synths, throbbing basslines, and delicate guitar riffs—that imbue them with richness and depth.
When she adopts a rap cadence, her voice gains a sharper intensity, demanding attention with assertive, punchy bars. Sandrahhh's lyrical skill truly shines as she intricately weaves wordplay and double entendres into her verses, celebrating themes of resilience, confidence, and independence. Her hooks are irresistibly catchy and anthemic, carrying a quiet power that highlights her remarkable ability to navigate between boldness and subtlety. Laws Of Jungle serves as both a journey and an invitation—a vibrant sonic landscape that leaves a lasting impression and solidifies Sandrahhh’s status as a formidable force in alternative music.
failed experiment, 2024
Genre: Alternative Hip-Hop
OVERALL RATING: 3.8 / 5
With failed experiment, Kenn Kyoto unveils his evolution from a high school dreamer to an emerging talent in South Africa's alternative hip-hop landscape. Released in August 2024, this EP transcends the conventional album format, resembling a raw sonic diary that chronicles the unvarnished experiences of Kenn’s life in recent years. From innocent schoolyard crushes to candid skate park revelations, each track vibrates with a frenetic blend of introspection, rebellion, and a hint of youthful exuberance.
Kenn’s sound is firmly rooted in the underground, merging hip-hop, punk, and a DIY ethos that is both compelling and provocative. The production, largely the handiwork of his longtime friend Maverick and collaborator Soul Rich, resembles an exposed nerve—dark, raw, and intentionally askew. Each track is infused with haunting synths, deep basslines, and gritty lo-fi textures, giving the impression that these songs were birthed in a dimly lit basement at the stroke of midnight. Kenn’s aggressive, off-kilter flow serves as the foundation of the project, deftly oscillating between rapid-fire bars and slower, more reflective moments that pull listeners deep into his narrative.
Standout tracks like “Steven Seagal” and “Villain” showcase Kenn’s lyrical talent, with each line cutting sharply, infused with mind bending lyricism. These songs elevate the EP beyond a mere debut, revealing a young artist discovering his voice while challenging genre boundaries. Though failed experiment may be rough around the edges, that’s precisely what adds to its excitement—it's an unrefined glimpse of an artist who boldly forges his own path through South Africa’s alternative rap scene.
OCRA, 2023
Genre: Alt. R&B/Neo-Soul/ Experimental
OVERALL RATING: 4.1 / 5
With OCRA, Sei Siren invites listeners into a lush, mesmerizing realm where music flows with unrestrained emotion. Released in May 2023, this EP positions Sei Siren as a bold sonic visionary, leading her audience through a maze of desire, freedom, and self-reflection. Each track is an exploration into the unfamiliar, where conventional limits fade away, revealing the purest form of feeling. Sei Siren's sound is a stunning blend of alternative R&B, experimental electronica, and neo-soul, imbued with a global sophistication that fearlessly challenges the norm.
Sei Siren’s production is truly cinematic, crafting intricate soundscapes that shift and sparkle like sunlight filtering through stained glass. In standout tracks like “Knives and Blades” and “Joy Bypass,” she artfully contrasts smooth, ethereal vocals with distorted, fragmented effects, creating an enchanting, otherworldly atmosphere. Each beat and synth line is meticulously crafted, blending ambient silence with complex rhythms and electronic textures, resulting in a sound that feels both futuristic and organic. She expertly manipulates tension and release, making the listening experience as much about the pauses and spaces between sounds as it is about the sounds themselves.
Within her compositions, Sei Siren captures a profound sense of liberation, gracefully navigating the realms of nostalgia and avant-garde experimentation. Her music bridges two worlds: the exhilarating vibe of the dance floor and the quiet introspection of reflective listening. Lyrically, she explores themes of love, unity, and self-expression, embodying a celebratory essence that resonates both personally and universally. This remarkable ability to harmonize contrasting elements lends OCRA a timeless quality, a rare achievement in the contemporary music landscape.
OCRA transcends the typical EP format; it’s an immersive experience, a sonic call to embrace vulnerability and venture into the unknown. In this project, Sei Siren goes beyond performance—she invites listeners into her universe, where music and emotion intertwine effortlessly, creating a lasting impact that lingers long after the final note has dissipated.
M.O.B III, 2024
Genre: Aesthetic Rap/Trap
OVERALL RATING: 4.1 / 5
In M.O.B III, RoyaltySA captures the heartbeat of South African street life and sets it to a rhythm pulsing with raw energy and experimental grit. Released in March 2024, this six-track EP serves as a genre-defying declaration from the creative force behind Moneytree Gang Bangers, pushing the limits of hip-hop with a bold fusion of alternative, electronic, and trap elements. Marking his first solo project of the year, M.O.B III lays the foundation for what's to come—a striking introduction that leads into his mixtape Nikki, presenting a soundscape that is both darkly atmospheric and unflinchingly honest.
The EP stands as a minimalist masterpiece, with RoyaltySA’s production taking center stage. It intricately weaves glitchy percussion with deep, resonant basslines that reverberate through the speakers. Featuring layered synths and unpredictable tempo shifts, M.O.B III transcends traditional music; it embodies a series of emotional fluctuations, oscillating between contemplative introspection and exhilarating ambition. Each track serves as a raw snapshot of urban life, with RoyaltySA delivering lyrics that blend introspection and confidence, slicing through the production like a sculptor revealing hidden forms in marble, uncovering insights about personal growth and aspiration.
RoyaltySA has created a vibrant sonic landscape where members of the Moneytree Gang Bangers—Piet, Dicey Genesis, BLXK CHXLD, along with features from Rxyaltee, Micah, and Papi Yoda on tracks like “Tik Tak” and “She Bad”—can truly shine. These contributions do more than add depth; they enhance the EP’s core message, illuminating the diverse voices within the collective and bringing them into the limelight. What truly distinguishes M.O.B III is the commitment to pushing artistic limits and experimenting with sound aesthetics, solidifying RoyaltySA’s status as a visionary in South Africa's alternative hip-hop landscape.
RoyaltySA’s relaxed delivery, paired with the electrifying production, creates a listening experience that is both cutting-edge and firmly rooted in the essence of underground music. M.O.B III transcends the typical EP format—it stands as a daring declaration, emphasizing that the Moneytree Gang Bangers are not here to chase trends; they are here to define them.
GWIQIQI, 2024
Genre: Hip-Hop/Bantu Rap
OVERALL RATING: 4.4 / 5
In Gwiqiqi, Willing Listeners Forum—affectionately known as Mabonga—unleashes a powerful lyrical manifesto, delivering bars that sting with the sharpness of social truths. Released in March 2024 as his second solo project of the year, Gwiqiqi emerges as a clarion call for a generation determined to be heard. Embracing the spirit of "Bantu Rap," Mabonga proves himself a master wordsmith, crafting verses that resonate profoundly, settling deep within the listener like a long, impactful dialogue. He embodies the revolutionary essence of figures like Chris Hani and Steve Biko, rapping with a gravity and intensity that honors their legacy while addressing the realities of contemporary South Africa.
Mabonga’s soundscape is vibrant and intricate, blending the echoes of history with contemporary flair. Collaborating with artists such as Hurricane Dan Fischer, Lelo April, Jinji, Rvcky, and Kurtx, he creates soundscapes that are both intense and reflective, providing an ideal backdrop for his incisive commentary. One of the standout tracks, “93 Wrist Olympics,” features underground powerhouse Ta Longz and serves as a true battleground, with both emcees engaging in a captivating display of lyrical prowess. It’s akin to witnessing two master artisans honing their craft, pushing each other’s boundaries and exchanging lines with the fervor of classic hip-hop duels.
In every verse, Mabonga’s voice resonates with a sense of urgency that serves as both a rallying cry and a heartfelt lament. His flow is seamless, delivering lines that strike with the force of a hammer while maintaining a precision that suggests careful craftsmanship. Mabonga excels at intertwining sharp social critiques—addressing systemic oppression, inequality, and the eroding promises of democracy—with the spirit and resilience of a community that has endured much yet continues to rise. This isn’t just rap for the sake of rhythm; it’s rap for transformation, a genre that challenges complacency and underscores the significance of our collective history.
Gwiqiqi transcends the label of an EP; it stands as a powerful declaration of South Africa's struggle and resilience, articulated by an emcee whose magnetic presence transforms harsh realities into anthems for the streets. Mabonga isn’t merely performing; he’s taking the lead, urging every listener to join him in this vital movement.
Genre: Alternative Jazz
OVERALL RATING: 4.0 / 5
In Perceptions, Johnny Wxlf creates an auditory experience that honors ancestral roots while redefining the jazz landscape. Released in April 2024, this EP is Wxlf’s debut with Saccharine Radio, Ayanda Mzaca’s avant-garde collective known for its genre-fusing jazz foundation. Wxlf’s work here embodies the essence of this collaboration, merging tradition with creativity by delving into South African jazz’s rich history while journeying into the transcendent realms of spiritual jazz.
This EP is more than just a set of songs—it’s a vivid canvas of Wxlf’s inner world, layered with the essence of African philosophy and a steady heartbeat of Ubuntu. Each track invites listeners on an introspective journey, reaching toward the intangible. In pieces like “Under the Sun,” Wxlf fuses gospel-like harmonies with jazz that moves between structure and improvisation, balancing the familiar with the cosmic unknown. His shifting chord progressions—sometimes dissonant, sometimes beautifully resolved—immerse the listener in a deeply personal yet universally resonant experience.
Wxlf’s distinct approach to percussion brings an added layer of enchantment. His drumming doesn’t merely mark time; it conjures a rhythm that feels primal, resonating like the heartbeat of Africa itself. These grounding beats provide a steady counterbalance to the improvisational currents weaving through his melodies, rooting the listener even as they are invited to drift, reflect, and imagine. His instrumentals reach toward the sublime, with notes that ascend and descend in turns, casting a ritualistic energy over each track.
Perceptions transcends mere music; it’s a meditation, a memory, and a prayer woven between the visible and the invisible. Wxlf’s artistry reaches beyond the ordinary, and with each listen, the EP reveals deeper layers, lingering like incense—an aroma from another realm.
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