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In a recent episode of THA H3ADSPACE, “ANALYSIS: What Nasty C & A-Reece Are Still Doing Wrong” host VJ reflects on the evolution of South African Hp-Hop, contrasting the millennial generation of PRO, HHP and AKA with newer artists like Nasty C and A-Reece.
VJ argues that the earlier generation created music that resonated widely at home. He says these artists were “acts that have made the broadest set of South Africans identify with this beautiful thing of ours we love called rap music.”
Nasty C’s Global Approach
According to VJ, Nasty C embodies both promise and a key problem. He notes that the Durban-born rapper “is full of international stereotypes, but he is empty of his own local cultural identities.”
VJ claims that Nasty C’s pursuit of global recognition led him to sound “United States of America up until he realised that, in America, that basically makes him invisible because he’s another wannabe rapper.”
He also argues that attempts to assert Africanness in ‘Zulu Man With Some Power’ relied on clichés.
“You give Americans still an Africa they know, but you’re not really tapping into the Africa that’s the reality of where you come from,” he said.
A-Reece’s Independence
On A-Reece, VJ acknowledges his independence and strong cult following but suggests he faces similar issues. He says A-Reece’s work often leans on “the language of the online world,” and that both rappers have “betrayed the act to think local, but act global.”
Generational Contrast
VJ concludes that the older generation still holds the crown because they insisted on telling African stories to the world. He warns that the newer generation risks being “servants of the American empire,” adding that “to blow, you just need to be trendy. But to be resilient, you need to understand your story.”
Watch the full video below:
