Priddy Ugly Urges Podcasters To Prioritise Research And Credibility In SA Hip-Hop Conversations
Priddy Ugly Urges Podcasters To Prioritise Research And Credibility In SA Hip-Hop Conversations. South African rapper Priddy Ugly has weighed in on the evolving podcast landscape, calling for greater accountability among voices shaping hip-hop discourse.
“I like them. I subscribe to a lot of them,” Priddy Ugly said, making it clear that he supports the growth of podcast culture. However, he expressed concern about the level of expertise behind some of the commentary. “I do feel, however, that more podcasters need to be a little more certified.”
Reflecting on the past, he pointed to experienced broadcasters who built their reputations over time. “Back in the day, when you were getting interviewed by broadcasters like Scoop, Sizwe Dhlomo, and DJ Fresh… guys who’ve been doing it for 20 plus years, who love the culture,” he explained.
His criticism centres on what he sees as a disconnect between some podcasters and the music they discuss. “Nowadays, we often find people talking about hip-hop who don’t even listen to it,” he said. “Ask them, check their Apple Music and check when they last streamed a hip-hop song. Most of them… they don’t really know what’s happening.”
Priddy Ugly believes the issue goes beyond opinion and touches on responsibility. “My only advice to them is educate yourself a little bit more before you speak on any subject, not just hip-hop,” he said. He also argued that the current environment has made it acceptable to skip research entirely. “The podcasters also made it cool not to do research. You just speak what’s on your mind and what’s on your heart, which we love.”
The award-winning rapper stressed that uninformed commentary can be unfair, especially when directed at artists deeply invested in their craft. “When you’re speaking on people like me, who live and breathe this thing every single day… and you haven’t heard more than five Priddy Ugly songs… It’s a little bit unfair.”
Instead, he encouraged honesty from commentators. “It’s okay to say, ‘I don’t really listen to him, so I can’t really say anything… It’s not my cup of flavour.’ Then that’s fine,” he noted.
Despite his critique, Priddy Ugly remains optimistic about the platform’s potential. “That’s why I love the podcast… It’s good for young creatives, and in the celebration of freedom, like freedom of speech, which we are all entitled to,” he said, before offering a final reminder: “With great power comes great responsibility. So be more responsible, guys.”
