Stino Le Thwenny Explain the Use of Lyrical Samples on Their Album, “More”

On a recent episode of 5 Hip Hop Nights with DJ Speedsta, hip-hop duo Stino Le Thwenny opened up about their creative approach to using lyrical samples on their latest album, More. During the conversation, the pair reflected on the nostalgic and deeply South African influences that shaped the project.

Speaking on the show, Stino shared insight into the inspiration behind the sound of the album, emphasizing that the use of samples was intentional and reflective of their identity. “The whole album is like that,” he said, referring to the heavy presence of familiar South African sounds and references that run throughout the record.

Stino went on to explain how More represents a celebration of their roots and musical upbringing. “I really feel like we’re so South African right now,” he said. “That’s the cool thing right now. We don’t know nothing apart from being South African, for me.” This statement highlighted the group’s commitment to authenticity and pride in their cultural background, which they continue to weave into their music.

Expanding on their creative process, Stino discussed how childhood memories and early musical influences played a role in shaping their sound. “Stino Le Thwenny, we always wanna make songs that we loved jamming to as kids,” he explained. “When I make a song right now, I wanna make a song that sounds like a song I used to like as a kid, a song that I used to listen to on radio, and I’d flip the song for myself, make it my own.”

This approach of blending nostalgia with originality has become a defining feature of the duo’s style. By reimagining the sounds they grew up with, Stino Le Thwenny aim to create a bridge between generations of South African music lovers while maintaining a fresh, contemporary sound.

Their appreciation for local legends also plays a key role in their sampling choices. “For me to sample TKZee like that, to sample HHP like that, it’s me reminding myself that Stino Le Thwenny is so South African it’s not even funny,” Stino said. This acknowledgment of influential figures such as TKZee and HHP reinforces the duo’s respect for the pioneers who helped shape the country’s hip-hop and kwaito scenes.

Through More, Stino Le Thwenny continue to pay homage to South Africa’s musical legacy while asserting their unique sound and identity. Their conversation on the show served as both a reflection on their artistic journey and a celebration of the cultural roots that define their work.