Top SA hip hop songs of 2022

Hip hop in South Africa emerged in Cape Town in the late ‘80s and ‘90s through crews like Prophets of Da City and Brasse Vannie Kaap, who used the Capetonian Afrikaans vernacular in a highly creative way to describe life in the Mother City and its surrounding townships. The genre then took over the rest of country with acts like Skwatta Kamp and HHP, among many others.

In the early and mid-2000s, SA hip hop entered its heyday with the motswako sub-genre and acts like Crowded Crew, Khuli Cana, Teargas and ProKid. Since then, the South African hip hop fraternity has produced arguably the biggest hip hop artists in Africa, including Cassper Nyovest, AKA, Sho Madjozi, Tumi, Nasty C, Gigi Lamayne, Riky Rick, Yugen Blakrok, YoungstaCPT, Emtee and A-Reece, to name a few.

Music In Africa brings you a playlist of the top South African hip hop tracks making their rounds in 2022. This playlist will be updated throughout the year, so make sure you bookmark it for your continuous listening pleasure.

Can’t Imagine by Nasty C

‘Can't Imagine’ is Nasty C’s second 2022 single following the success of ‘Stalling’ in February. CEDES produced the track under the Def Jam Recordings and Universal Music banners. This song demonstrates Nasty C’s lyrical prowess and his position as one of Africa’s best rappers.

TALK SiKK by Zoocci Coke Dope

‘TALK SiKK’ was produced and directed by CloutCassette and Pablo Morale, respectively. Zoocci Coke Dope is definitely one of the hottest hip hop artists South Africa has to offer at the moment, and the song is definitely a club and house party banger.

EMOYENI by K.O

The song was released ahead of K.O’s upcoming album Skhanda Republic 3. The mid-tempo track speaks about choosing to focus on the good vibes and ignoring the negativity. K.O says ‘Emoyeni’ aims to uplift people going through tough times.

Your All by Blxckie

The song was released in February and is off Blxckie’s six-track EP 4LUV. It was produced by London Rhodes.

Dreams Don’t Pay Bills by YoungstaCPT and Shaney Jay

‘Dreams Don’t Pay Bills’ is the first video and title track from YoungstaCPT and Shaney Jay’s collaboration project. The song was produced and written by Shaney Jay and YoungstaCPT, respectively. It was mastered by Kay Faith, with backing vocals and the music video courtesy of Jannah Beth and Illrow.

Trap Jumpin’ by 25K

‘Trap Jumpin’’ is the fourth track off 25K’s debut album Pheli Makaveli. The song chronicles the rapper’s upbringing, life story and musical journey.

Stalling by Nasty C

‘Stalling’ is a R&B-leaning record, which was released in February. From the track’s opening lines, it is evident that the rapper was taken aback by the romantic heartbreaks he has experienced in the past.

Mahala by AirDee 

With the help of Touchline, Loki and DJ Capital, AirDee brings the trap groove to 'Mahala'. The record is off the album of the same name. As part of his effort to show his upbringing, the rapper shot some parts of the video in a rough neighbourhood.

The Confrontation by A-Reece and Jay Jody

‘The Confrontation’ was released in late 2021 and is a joint collaboration by A-Reece and Jay Jody. The song is off the duo’s 11-track album heaveN caN waiT: thE narroW dooR (vol. 1). It was produced by Lehlogonolo Mataboge and Thuso Modiselle.

Soaring by J Molley

‘Soaring’ was produced by Artemium while its video was produced and directed by Naverone Albers and J Molley, respectively. The song was mixed and mastered by BakerGotTheKeys.