“Hip Hop Snatched Me,” Emtee on How Hip-Hop Chose Him

Emtee has once again offered a glimpse into his deep connection with hip-hop, the genre that not only shaped his artistry but also transformed the course of his life.

Recently, the award-winning artist shared a reflection on X, writing, “I could’ve been anything I wanted to be in life. Hip hop snatched me.” The short but striking statement captures the essence of how hip-hop became both a calling and a defining force in his journey.

Emtee’s early exposure to music came during his childhood. He began performing at school talent shows and community events, revealing a natural inclination toward rhythm and storytelling. What started as youthful experimentation would later evolve into a full-fledged career that placed him among South Africa’s most influential hip-hop figures.

Emtee first gained national attention in 2015 with his debut single Roll Up, a track that quickly went viral and cemented his place in the local music scene. The song’s success led to the release of his debut album Avery, which won multiple awards and went platinum. Through his rise, Emtee became a symbol of modern South African hip-hop blending authentic street narratives with melodic trap influences that resonated with a younger generation.

The phrase “Hip hop snatched me,” as he put it, reflects not just a career choice but a cultural immersion. For Emtee, hip-hop was not merely a sound or style; it was a space that gave him purpose, direction, and a means to express lived experiences that might otherwise have remained unheard. His music often touches on perseverance, ambition, and the challenges of growing up in underprivileged environments, themes that align with the global roots of hip-hop as a voice for the marginalized.

The genre continues to serve as his outlet for self-expression and growth. His words on X reaffirm that relationship, an acknowledgment that, while he could have pursued many paths, the culture of hip-hop ultimately chose him.

In that single sentence, Emtee summed up the transformative power of music: how it can capture a person’s spirit, redirect their destiny, and offer a lifelong platform for truth and creativity.