“It’s Gonna Be Like Back in the Day,” Emtee on Making More Music This Year

Emtee has indicated that his music output this year will reflect the consistency and creative approach associated with the early phase of his career. The rapper, who emerged in the early 2010s, became known for a steady stream of releases and collaborations during his formative years, a period that laid the foundation for his later commercial success.

Addressing his plans for the year, Emtee said, “The way ima be dropping, doing features and making music this year mxm… it’s gon be like back in the day 2013-2014 type timing.” The statement points to an intention to return to a high-output phase similar to the one that preceded his mainstream breakthrough.

Between 2013 and 2014, Emtee was actively recording and releasing music independently while developing his sound alongside producer Ruff. During this period, he released the DIY EP in 2014, which introduced early versions of tracks that would later form part of his mainstream catalogue. The project circulated widely online and contributed to growing recognition within South Africa’s hip-hop community.

The momentum from this early work led to the recording of “Roll Up” in 2014, a song that would later be officially released and become his breakout single. The track’s success marked a turning point in his career, eventually leading to a major-label deal and broader industry visibility. A remix version, “Roll Up (Re-Up)”, later featured additional artists and expanded the song’s reach.

Emtee’s debut studio album, Avery, was released in 2015 and included material developed during the preceding years. The album featured multiple singles that received strong radio rotation and chart performance, solidifying his position in the mainstream hip-hop space. The project also reflected the work ethic and volume of material associated with his early recording years.

Following Avery, Emtee continued releasing albums, EPs, and collaborative projects, including Manando (2017) and later installments of the DIY series. His career has been marked by periods of high productivity, with frequent features and solo releases across different stages.

By referencing the 2013–2014 period, Emtee’s statement situates his current plans within a time defined by consistent recording, independent releases, and regular collaborations. The remarks suggest that this year’s output will reflect a similar pace and level of engagement with new music and features.