Illythehost Drop ‘Promises [Coffea Arabica]’ Alongside Soduh Beats And J-STYLE

Hip-hop curator, music journalist, and compiler Illythehost continues to expand his cultural footprint across South African and African hip-hop with the surprise release of a new single, signaling the arrival of his debut album, Good Raps Over A Cup of Coffee, set for release in the first half of 2026.

The album marks a natural continuation of Illythehost’s journey long before his tenure at HYPE Magazine. Prior to joining the publication, he released nine mixtapes, laying the foundation for a career built on curation, storytelling, and community. Over the past three years, his work at HYPE Magazine—through compilations, editorial projects, and cultural documentation—has further sharpened his voice and vision. Good Raps Over A Cup of Coffee brings those worlds together into one cohesive body of work.

On the project, Illythehost partners with acclaimed producer Soduh Beats, who brings the album’s jazzy, boom-bap, and soulful soundscape to life with warmth and restraint, allowing intention and lyricism to take centre stage.

The lead single, “Promises [Coffea Arabica]”, is the very first song recorded for the album and sets the tone for the entire project. Produced by Soduh Beats and led by Illythehost, the record introduces the album’s core philosophy: great art, like great coffee, takes time. Featuring J-STYLE, a young and exciting rapper from Pretoria, the track blends reflective lyricism with grounded confidence, capturing the space where ambition meets discipline.

Inspired by Coffea Arabica—the original coffee species, born in Africa and refined through care and patience—the song speaks to promises made to self, to craft, and to the journey ahead. “Promises [Coffea Arabica]” is more than an opening record; it is a statement of origin, signaling an album rooted in authenticity, growth, and the quiet power of intention.