Paradoxically, keeping track of musical genres is both easier and harder than it’s ever been. The furthest, most extremes shores of recorded sound are available at the scroll of a mouse, but the proliferation of new music being released all the time can be disorientating. One way of keeping afloat is to identify key releases on a monthly basis, which Bubblegum Club is premiering with this new column
Duncan Skuvax feat. WTF and Ngani – Sengilhleli
This ultra-menacing collab from Durban has a gothic sound, complete with a loop of what sounds like a Satanic choir. The intricate production and diverse vocals make this an absolute banger, which suggests a South African version of early Three Six Mafia or Flatbush Zombies.
Riky Rick – Sidlukotini
A bass heavy tribute to his own success, Riky Rick sends this song over the top with a half-shouted chorus. There is also a particularly awesome part where he kindly offers to loan money to the listener.
iFani feat Chad – Stay
Port Elizabeth artist iFani first gained fame as a trickster sort, so this mournful, epic track is a interesting change of direction. It’s convincingly sombre all the way through, as it uses autotune to etch out the dark corners of a dying romance.
Rāms- EST (produced by Espacio)
Staring out as an ambient croak, the song explodes into a huge chorus. hazy and disorientating in the best ways.
YoungstaCPT feat. Stilo Magolide- Sleep is for the rich
Eerie and bass-heavy. As the title suggests, the song conveys a sense of social dysfunction and brutal choices, emphasised by the disturbing cover art work. Along with the Duncan Skuvax track, it suggests that SA hip hop in 2016 is going to be characterised by a grim, dystopian feel.
TSA – Me & My Crew
After all the heaviness above, TSA returns to the simpler things in life. Namely, rapping, smoking and drinking.