‘It’s Disrespectful What These Kids Are Doing’: Nota Blasts New Wave SA Hip Hop Artists

‘It’s Disrespectful What These Kids Are Doing’: Nota Blasts New Wave SA Hip Hop Artists. Tensions within South African hip hop have reached a boiling point after veteran rapper Nota launched a blistering critique of the genre’s new generation, accusing them of disrespecting the very foundation that made their success possible.

Speaking with his usual intensity, Nota framed himself as a key architect of the movement’s rise, arguing that the genre’s dominance was no accident. “SA Hip Hop got to where it was because it was designed by me, chief,” he said.

Reflecting on his early ambition, he recalled a moment in 2008 when, at just 18, he approached 50 Cent for guidance on taking South African hip hop global. “That was half my age. I’ve doubled the age I was there,” he added, underlining the years he has invested in the culture.

He believes that vision paid off. By 2016, Nota said, hip hop had climbed to become the country’s leading genre, a feat he once considered “impossible.” The breakthrough, he explained, came from grounding the music in African identity rather than copying American trends. “We made sure that SA Hip Hop was as African as anything else,” he said. “If you play ‘Fela In Versace’ anywhere on the African continent, no one will think that that’s American, but that is hip-hop.”

Frustration quickly turned personal as he addressed what he sees as a lack of gratitude from younger artists. “I dropped out of school three times for this hip-hop shit,” Nota revealed, describing the sacrifices made by his generation to build an industry that now supports not only musicians, but also media personalities and commentators.

His sharpest criticism was reserved for what he called blatant disrespect toward established figures. Referencing a recent controversy involving DJ Speedsta and rising artists such as K.Keed, Blxckie and K1llbrady, Nota expressed disbelief. “It’s disrespectful what these kids are doing. It’s absolutely disgusting. It’s atrocious,” he said. “This is the station that’s supposed to be promoting you, this is the guy that’s supposed to be your ambassador as an entire culture, and you guys swearing him like he ain’t shit.”

While criticising the new wave, he praised established names for maintaining their stature. Pointing to Shane Eagle, Nota remarked, “The people who are legacy artists, they’re good, dawg. You see Shane Eagle jump up on stage, you haven’t seen him in a while, he doesn’t look like he needs to be gigging, he doesn’t look like he’s been starving.”

He did not hold back when addressing newer acts either, singling out K1llBrady and referencing his collaboration with Blxckie. According to Nota, the project “buzzed on the chart for all of 24 seconds.” He went further, suggesting a complete dismissal of such artists. “We’ve been avoiding talking about this K1llBrady nonsense… I think we should bury them. Like right now, they’ve been buried.”

Nota also touched on reactions within the scene, including a diss track from Usimamane, which he viewed as strategic rather than sincere. “Usimamane might not be the right guy to do it, but I think he’s using this opportunity to get some skin in the game,” he said.