Prologue
In high school I was a closet Hip Hop lover. I say this knowing I ain’t the only one. I eventually owned up to who I was though in 2012. It was difficult before though. Soul Candi, Kalawa Jazzme, Kent, Tira (Afro) was running things. Hip Hop was the outsider camp. “Kanti uyi nigga?” That was the chat.
On the weekend after disciplining strangers on the field. (Rugby) I’d come across the braver cats. The oversize jackets, the crumpers (ay kodwa nani) the outside the library cypher attenders. Man, I envied that. Kings comfortable with their passion. That was probably Tony Dangler, Gatesand Stranger (Ntshosho). Maybe Zolani G and Fnote. Who knows? Ya’ll know what I’m talking about. This goes back to the title. 4EVAPM (Forever 4PM)
I knew about them through RVGGA, alternative Hip Hop group with the dirtiest beats and the cleanest artwork. Kings had a different approach. It never really made sense they’re from Pietermaritzburg. I genuinely felt I was the only one with my circle who listened to Earl, Tyler, Ab-Soul, Action Bronson etc. You could hear the influence in the soulful beats and the dirty raps. Yes, that was a Drty-Dnko reference. The sound on this project is the same. Groovy feel. Soulful bars with a modern twist. I love it. Blakboi Ya$i is an all-rounder. Not the Kanye West all-rounder where the bars a little shaky here and there (with all due respect). It’s neat. Production, Post Production, Bars, and Graphic Design. Its crisp. This gent is impressive.
The project felt like a demo going to a record label. Ya$i got into many sounds, flows and themes. I cannot ruin it for you. Just like the cover, there are too many colours to this. I cannot wait to hear more from Ya$i. I know he has a duo-citizenship with Cape Town. But you’re a native here. Pietermaritzburg has too much love for you. Never lose your authenticity King.
God Speed.