A Glance At 20 Most Influential SA Hip Hop Tracks Of The Last Decade. South African hip-hop has grown exponentially over the past decade, evolving from an underground movement into a mainstream cultural phenomenon. Throughout this journey, certain tracks have not only defined moments but also shaped the trajectory of the genre.
These songs celebrated for their lyricism, storytelling, and cultural impact, have elevated SA hip-hop to global acclaim. Here are 20 of the most influential SA hip-hop tracks of the last decade that have left an indelible mark on the industry.
1. Cassper Nyovest – Doc Shebeleza (2014)
A track that became synonymous with SA hip-hop’s rise to mainstream dominance. Cassper’s ode to success and self-made status became an anthem for aspiration.
2. AKA – Congratulate (2014)
AKA delivered a timeless classic with Congratulate, celebrating success and perseverance. The track solidified his position as one of the genre’s icons.
3. Nasty C – Juice Back (2015)
At just 18, Nasty C burst onto the scene with Juice Back, showcasing his immense talent and proving he was a force to be reckoned with.
4. Emtee – Roll Up (2015)
This breakout hit brought trap music into the mainstream in South Africa and turned Emtee into an overnight sensation.
5. K.O – Caracara ft. Kid X (2014)
A revolutionary track that fused kwaito and hip-hop, Caracara set a new standard for creativity in SA hip-hop and became a street anthem.
6. Riky Rick – Boss Zonke (2015)
Riky Rick’s Boss Zonke was a perfect blend of style, charisma, and artistry, cementing his reputation as a trendsetter.
7. Kwesta – Ngud’ ft. Cassper Nyovest (2016)
With its infectious beat and township slang, Ngud’ resonated with audiences nationwide, becoming one of SA hip-hop’s most-streamed songs.
8. Priddy Ugly – Tshela (2015)
A lyrical masterpiece that showcased Priddy Ugly’s unique flow and cemented his place among the greats.
9. Blxckie – Ye x4 ft. Nasty C (2021)
Blxckie’s rise to prominence was marked by this banger, where he teamed up with Nasty C to deliver a genre-defining collaboration.
10. Focalistic – Ke Star ft. Vigro Deep (2020)
Bridging the gap between amapiano and hip-hop, Ke Star became a global sensation, proving the versatility of SA artists.
11. Big Zulu – Imali Eningi ft. Riky Rick & Intaba Yase Dubai (2021)
This heartfelt track resonated deeply with listeners and sparked a viral movement, cementing Big Zulu as a cultural icon.
12. A-Reece – Meanwhile in Honeydew (2017)
A-Reece’s introspective lyricism in this track showcased his growth as an artist and connected with a loyal fanbase.
13. Ameni – Miss Pru ft. Ambitiouz All-Stars (2016)
This collaboration was a defining moment for Ambitiouz Entertainment and showcased the power of unity in creating chart-topping music.
14. YoungstaCPT – Yasis (2016)
With his Cape Flats accent and unapologetic storytelling, YoungstaCPT gave Cape Town hip-hop a prominent voice on the national stage.
15. Stogie T – By Any Means ft. Emtee & Yanga Chief (2016)
Stogie T’s seamless blend of introspection and sharp bars with Emtee’s melodic touch made this track unforgettable.
16. Shane Eagle – Let It Flow (2017)
A spiritual and poetic track, Shane Eagle showed that hip-hop could be both deeply personal and universally appealing.
17. Nadia Nakai – Naaa Meaan ft. Cassper Nyovest (2019)
Nadia proved her prowess with this powerful collaboration, representing women in a male-dominated industry.
18. Anatii – Jump ft. Cassper Nyovest & Nasty C (2016)
Anatii’s ability to fuse Afrobeat elements with hip-hop created a track that transcended boundaries.
19. Touchline – 5 Grand (2018)
A raw and honest narrative about the struggles of chasing dreams, Touchline’s lyrical storytelling shone brilliantly in this track.
20. King – Nasty C ft. ASAP Ferg (2018)
A bold declaration of dominance, King showcased Nasty C’s lyrical dexterity and international reach, cementing his place as an African rap king.
