A-Reece vs Usimamane beef might be keeping SA hip-hop alive

by Nomonde Simelane

It is safe to say that the notion of South African hip-hop being dead is a thing of the past, as the youngsters in particular have been hard at work, ensuring that the game is at its best. The rumour concerning a potential beef between heavyweights A-Reece and Usimamane is getting louder and louder, following a drop by A-Reece that is believed to take jabs at a few raps, including Usimamane.

Controversy and tension are regarded as negative in most aspects of life except in hip-hop, conversely, bickering is often encouraged in the hip-hop space and this is often referred to as beef. For a significant amount of time, Mzansi’s hip-hop scene was considered lacklustre, something you would compare to an abandoned town. This is despite our artists working tirelessly and producing a significant of projects, however, the consumers were nowhere near pleased with the product.

The emergencies of a plethora of young rappers and artists have appeared to have given new life to the game, and the music charts can attest to that. In the last month, Mzansi saw at least 4 different projects breaking into the top five most streamed in the country. These include Emtee’s DIY 3, Tonay Dayimane’s Red October: Induction, Loatinover’s Pray for Pitori as well as Usimamane’s 20: Days before Maud, which now has a deluxe edition.

The emergence of these rappers has to only catapulted their own careers to the top, but it appears it has lit a fire under some of the OG’s, and it is apparent in the music we see dropping every day. Unsurprisingly, as is expected when big egos collide, A-Reece and Usimamane have sparked some beefing rumours following a few instances where fans believed they were throwing subliminal messages a each other, staying true to the rap game. A-Reece’s latest single has further pushed this agenda as according to some fans, it is apparent that the ‘Paradise’ hitmaker was addressing his latest and former nemesis Usimamane and Nasty C.

 

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It appears A-Reece’s line saying “and I ain’t getting promoting bottles just get on live with Rick (Ross)”  did not sit well with Usimamane as he and many followers of the game believe that this jab was directed at the ‘Cheque’ rapper. In retaliation, Usimamane posted a series of pictures of A-Reece holding a bottle of Belaire, alluding to the fact that he does in fact promote bottles.

Contrary to what some may believe, these squabbles have historically benefited hip-hop, and are often a reflection of the competitive nature of the game and the artists. It also reflects the amount of respect these rappers have for each other.

Also see: Tbo Touch in cloud-nine as son follows in his presenting footsteps