“I Don’t Think All Of Them Are Penning,” Loki on Authenticity and Songwriting in SA Hip Hop

In a recent episode of 5 Hip Hop Nights with DJ Speedsta, South African rapper Loki opened up about the current state of songwriting in hip hop, expressing concern that not all artists are writing lyrics. The conversation took a thoughtful turn as he reflected on his own writing process, the importance of lyrical authenticity, and the influence of gimmicks in the mainstream scene.

“I’ve always focused on the songwriting of whatever it is,” Loki said during the interview. “But if you listen to what I’m saying, then you can hear that, oh, actually there’s a pen there. And here and there, I do my own thing – like for a freestyle, I’ll just be writing, you know.”

Loki also spoke about his stylistic approach, which often blends English and vernacular (Vernac), and how that connects with other artists who do the same.

“So I think then, when it comes to Touch, ’cause I also hit with the English and the Vernac mix and with him, it’s the same thing,” he explained, referring to fellow lyricist Touchline.

However, the focal point of the conversation came when Loki was asked about other artists and whether they maintain the same commitment to penning their lyrics.

“I don’t think all of them are penning,” he stated. “I think some of them are here just for the gimmicks. ‘Cause if you can hear a lot of the hip hop that’s been portrayed into mainstream hip hop, it’s like they got these one-liners. There’s no meaning to it. It’s just like a bob, they’ll just go off in a club.”

Loki continued, critiquing the lack of substance in some modern rap: “The pen within that thing is not even really something. Whereas, as a person who listens, I don’t hear anything.”

The comments sparked discussion around authenticity in hip hop, particularly in the South African music scene, where lyrical depth and originality have long been pillars of the genre. While Loki praised artists like Touchline, who share a dedication to writing and lyrical content, his remarks also shed light on the growing presence of image-driven or club-focused acts that prioritize hype over craft.

As the conversation continues in the global hip hop community, Loki’s words contribute to an ongoing dialogue about the balance between artistry and entertainment.