The South African Hip Hop Mainstream.

We have started from Kwaito to Motswako and now they came up with N.A.K. Most people believe that these categories are the fundamentals of SA Hip Hop. Ever since artists like AKA, Khuli Chana, Ifani, Okmalumkoolkat and Cassper Nyovest entered the South African mainstream,we all believed that our Hip Hop mainstream has grown but some of us don't agree with it.
Even though most Hip Hop artists in South Africa are trying to find a way to make our Hip Hop music unique, by introducing N.A.K (New Age Kwaito) to the industry, there is still a lack of originality except for Motswako. They all talk about style, money, parties and cars. Even new artists who are still hustling talk about the same things. It's like everyone in the South African Hip Hop mainstream is getting paid...a lot, but that's not what people see when they're at their shows, that's not what people see when one of this artists is in their Kasi (hood).
Unlike the Americans, we can't afford cars like Masaratis, lamboginis and Ferraris but more Hip Hop artist in SA want to hire those cars and use them for their music videos. That's a fake image you are portraying to a lot of fans out there. People believe what they see and if you are lying, they'll see through your lies when time passes by.
Another point that lacks in the Hip Hop mainstream is consistency. It's like every Hip Hop artist in South Africa is a one hit wonder. They all release singles to promote their album. No one is doing anything different like releasing mix-tapes, small tours in the townships or releasing Eps. Its all about them, all the time, and the fans are forgotten. They have turned this industry into a scheme and for someone who really has love for Hip Hop, he/she will consider SA Hip Hop as wack/lame. A lot of Hip Hop/N.A.K artists in South Africa forget about their fans. They forget where they came from... They forget that there is a lot of poverty in South Africa, so their albums are sold at an expensive price. The entrance fees at their shows are expensive too.

Things that can improve our South African Hip hop mainstream:

- Tours in the township will increase album sales.
- Interaction with your fans on twitter and facebook.
- More original videos that talk about the life in Africa, not an American imitation.
- Consistency in the industry.
- A little friendly competition never hurt anyone.

I know we are growing as a country, but let's stop rushing things because a fast life causes more diseases. Again let's be more original, make our own trends and stop imitating the Americans.
Hip hop is not about the glitz and glamourous lifestyle - no. It is about life from the bottom to the top. It is a sub-culture for story tellers and Philosophers. It is deep emotions that are explained through words. Don't just rap, but preach,elaborate and inspire!