K.O Shares His Top 5 SA Hip Hop Albums From The 2000s. South African hip-hop veteran K.O has cemented his status as one of the genre’s greats, contributing not only through his discography but also through his influence on the culture.
In a recent interview with GQ Magazine, the “Skhanda god” shared his thoughts on the top five South African hip-hop classic albums from the 2000s—a list that reflects a transformative era in local rap history.
Reflecting on his career achievements, K.O expressed deep pride at being mentioned alongside South Africa’s most revered artists. “I have two classic albums under my name,” he said, emphasizing their impact. “Firstly, Skhanda Republic — the album that has ‘Caracara’ and ‘Skhanda Love’ — and Dark or Blue with Teargas.” Skhanda Republic, released in 2014, was instrumental in popularizing the Skhanda sound, which merged traditional kwaito elements with contemporary hip-hop beats, while Dark or Blue (2009) showcased the collective brilliance of Teargas, the group K.O co-founded.
While highlighting his contributions, K.O acknowledged the legacies of other seminal works. He praised AKA’s Levels, a project widely recognized for redefining South African hip-hop’s commercial landscape and spawning hits like “Congratulate” and “All Eyes on Me.” Cassper Nyovest’s Tsholofelo was another standout, solidifying Cassper’s status as a household name thanks to tracks such as “Doc Shebeleza” and “Gusheshe.”
Additionally, K.O mentioned Pro Kid’s Dankie San, an album revered for its authentic storytelling and role in connecting with township life and struggles, along with Emtee’s debut album, Avery, which introduced a new generation to the possibilities of trap-infused sounds in South Africa.
“Being able to be in that list is amazing because we’re talking AKA’s Levels, Cassper Nyovest’s Tsholofelo, and Pro Kid’s Dankie San,” K.O noted, underscoring his sense of honour. “I think it’s a toss-up between Cassper Nyovest’s ‘Doc Shebeleza’ and Emtee’s debut album, Avery. Either way, I’m there twice,” he added, a touch of pride evident in his words.
Despite his accomplishments, K.O remains grounded and self-reflective. “Unlike many artists who become consumed by their success, I’m my own toughest critic,” he said. “I’m able to put a mirror in front of myself, sit down, and listen to my music with brutal honesty.” This willingness to self-assess and continuously strive for growth is a hallmark of K.O’s enduring career and a reason why he remains a key figure in the South African music scene.
In naming these classic albums, K.O not only acknowledged his peers’ artistry but also celebrated a decade of groundbreaking releases that helped shape the genre’s identity in the country. Through his words, it becomes evident that South African hip-hop’s evolution continues to be driven by a combination of self-belief, collaboration, and an appreciation for the milestones that paved the way.
