20 Things You Must Know About YoungstaCPT 33rd mixtape “31 Y?ears Ahead of Time”

YoungstaCPT has released his latest project, 31 Y?ears Ahead of Time, a momentous 33rd mixtape in a trilogy that further cements his legacy in South African hip-hop. This release is more than just another addition to his discography—it’s a reflection of his personal and artistic growth, capturing a period of deep introspection, life changes, and a visionary approach to music creation. The mixtape offers a dynamic blend of futuristic sounds, poignant storytelling, and timeless messages that speak to both the present and the future of South African hip-hop.

Here are 20 things you must know about this groundbreaking mixtape and the journey that led to its creation.

A Milestone in His Career:
YoungstaCPT has released his latest project, “31 Y?ears Ahead of Time,” marking his 33rd mixtape. This significant milestone cements his legacy in South African hip-hop, showcasing his relentless dedication and prolific output.
Part of a Trilogy:
This mixtape is part of a trilogy, with each release offering a different chapter in his artistic journey. The trilogy, originally planned as a single project with 31 tracks, evolved into three separate releases, each capturing different phases of his life and music.
Deep Introspection:
The mixtape reflects a period of deep introspection for YoungstaCPT, as he navigates personal growth, life changes, and a visionary approach to music creation. It’s not just a collection of songs but a narrative of his journey.
Futuristic Sounds:
The mixtape offers a dynamic blend of futuristic sounds, pushing the boundaries of South African hip-hop. YoungstaCPT experiments with new production styles while staying true to his roots.
Poignant Storytelling:
True to his reputation, YoungstaCPT delivers poignant storytelling throughout the mixtape. His lyrics are rich with personal experiences, cultural references, and social commentary.
Timeless Messages:
The messages in “31 Y?ears Ahead of Time” are timeless, addressing issues that resonate not only in the present but also in the future. YoungstaCPT aims to create music that will be understood and appreciated long after its release.
Reflecting on His 33rd Project:
YoungstaCPT shares his thoughts on reaching his 33rd project, reflecting on how every song represents a moment in time. He believes all his tracks deserve to be heard, even if they were recorded years ago.
Tracks from the Archives:
Some tracks on the mixtape were recorded before other significant projects like “Dreams Don’t Pay Bills” and “Suffer for Beauty.” These songs have finally found their place, proving that good music is never outdated.
A Glimpse into His Teenage Years:
The track “Slim Young” offers listeners a rare glimpse into YoungstaCPT’s life as a teenager. It delves into his early years as a student, providing context for the man and artist he has become.
Powerful Messages:
“COLONAAIERS,” produced by Ganja Beatz, is a track with a powerful message and tone. It embodies the resilience and determination that have become synonymous with YoungstaCPT’s music.
Nostalgic Yet Timeless:
“Pass The Time,” featuring Nashiefah, is one of the most emotional tracks on the mixtape. It has a nostalgic feel, reminiscent of the music YoungstaCPT grew up with, yet remains timeless in its appeal.
A Project of Vision:
The trilogy of mixtapes originally began as a single project, intended to mark YoungstaCPT’s 31st birthday with 31 songs. However, delays and changes led to a reimagining of the project, resulting in a more focused and distinct series of releases.
Fatherhood’s Influence:
During the creation of the mixtape, YoungstaCPT became a father, a life-changing event that influenced the music. The shift in his perspective is evident in the themes and emotions explored in the tracks.
A Stellar Intro:
The mixtape’s intro is voiced by actor and spoken word artist Omari Hardwick, whom YoungstaCPT met in 2019. The intro sets the tone for the project, adding depth and gravitas to the mixtape’s opening.
Artistic Collaboration:
The cover art for the trilogy was created by visual artist Mishaal G. The artwork is a visual representation of YoungstaCPT’s vision of time and how music, created in different eras, can remain eternal.
Evolution of Sound:
YoungstaCPT’s sound has naturally evolved over the years. While staying true to his Kaapstad roots, his music has matured, addressing topics that others shy away from with greater depth and purpose.
A Range of Producers:
The mixtape features a range of producers, blending old and new influences. Some tracks date back to 2016/17, providing a mix of past, present, and future sounds that showcase YoungstaCPT’s versatility.
A Time Capsule:
The mixtape acts as a time capsule, capturing the last few years of YoungstaCPT’s life. It’s a testament to his resilience and vision, documenting his journey through music.
Influence on South African Hip-Hop:
As he releases his 33rd mixtape, YoungstaCPT solidifies his place as one of the most influential voices in South African hip-hop. His music transcends the moment, offering insights that may only be fully understood in the future.
Legacy of Timeless Music:
YoungstaCPT’s focus remains on creating music that will last beyond the current moment. He believes that while some of his messages may not be immediately understood, they will eventually resonate, leaving a lasting impact on listeners.