Feelings In 7 minutes - Trap Fiend review

 

Brand new to the scene is 16 year old Mcnistelroy Tafadzwa Dube from Bulawayo to be known as Trap Fiend. Like a plethora of artists, he began his trade in 2016 when he was only 11 producing beats.

Fast-forward to date, he gave us a single, ‘Let me down’ taken from his debut album, Thank God for the Day, pictured below.

The full metadata of the song is ‘Let me down’ – Trap-fiend produced by TheSky from Denmark. It seems the chemistry between these two is really rich because it resulted in a seven minute wonder. Don’t get me wrong, the song may seem lengthy as compared to the culture these days, it is actually worth every minute. Soon as you here the instrumental and how the transitions are laid out, one is made to remember artists like Travis Scott.

 The song is an expression of his emotions as young ‘un, his conflicts at home, interactions with friends and of course the love of his “life”. The second transition introduces us to the ‘savage side’ of him as an artist and human being. He made this song to be heard.

As part of a bigger project released earlier in 2021, the idea is to show how he started doing music, the challenges along the way and day to day life as a teenager. Trap fiend has promised us and the world should expect more hits, more international features and hopefully some awards too. Looks like the boy is aiming high.

Not sure about the lines of space cookies and delusion, however as an artistic expression this song is complete and wholesome. A bit of work could be done on the mastering and overall production. This track I really good though. Definitely you can play it twice.

 

Overall review: 3.5/5Mics

Get the song on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/track/2bZFvGSaLs2rWMPvPOvtDQ

Follow him:

Instagram - @therealtrapfiend

Twitter - @therealtrapfiend

Youtube - https://youtube.com/channel/UCb07jyhW1966GPfVezwzscQ

Beatstars - https://www.beatstars.com/beat/21-savage-metro-boomin-type-beat-ghostface-killers-8605028  

#20off20: Tips for artists and blogs

Good day y'all.

Its your boy M-One and I'm proud to say we have done out first 20 reviews and what an exciting achievement that has been. Here I am to just review the reviews and responses from artists.

The actual report is that of the 20 artists projects we have reviewed or previewed, only a few managed to get comments and even fewer artists ever cared to share the article which their careers really need. At WORD: The Magazine, we are currently doing blogs for free and would like to put as many artists on as we can before the tables turn. However, this is also our case study to see how serious artists actually are about their own projects and how much do they appreciate other efforts put into promoting them.

Nothing is free outchea. So if an organisation is willing to put you out, do the most and at least share your work because in reality, a blog is an extension to your work adding value to you and also informing your potential fans of what you have for them. Here are some pointers I would like to share with artists and those who would be as a way forward and steps to help grow their organic reach:

• If its a preview, share and repost article until day of release and maybe a week also afterwards so that fans may still get a feel of your project before they acquire it. A blog helps them listen with their eyes and mind first before getting to the ears.

• If its a review, share it until the end of your marketing cycle for that particular project. The reason most projects suffer minimal downloads and streams is because artists share their projects only on day of release. That is like disregarding your own project as worth but as a days listening yet it could be a classic. 

• They say the proof is in the pudding. The blogger will have heard your project so they are in a better position to assist your fans. Appreciate by communicating regularly with the writer and fill in missing gaps if any.

• Humble yourselves. People are attracted to brands that they fee they can relate to. How do we relate? By being on the same level. We ca elevate yourself through your work. Your attitude should stay put. That's what they fell on love with in the first place.

• Artists please be consistent. A blog is not the end of your projects journey. Its is part of it. Artists with their work written about prelude a certain seriousness. Appreciate this fact. Let it sink in. When feedback comes, it means you are doing something right. If non, go back to the drawing board and recheck your strategies.

• A blogger is not your marketer nor manager. We will write what we write. It is YOUR responsibility as the artist to make sure every good deed around you is made visible to everyone. We need readers. You need articles, interviews and other promos. Make sure your followers see your promos and that you give them access.

• Invest in your craft. Put money where your mouth is and see the mainstream flow in your direction with you.

• Avoid plagiarism by all means. I should have listed this first. Do not copy my article and then paste it elsewhere without tagging nor adding my link. This will get you blacklisted real quick and even charged as a criminal offence. The article is about you, but its mine. Let that sink in too.

I hope you find the above information helpful. We are Here to give as much assistance as we can. Contact us anytime and we discuss your project or other blog related issues. We would be happy to help. Until the next #twentyblogs, its Sayonara from me.

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Dreams can come true – Memories Preview

Artist: Freak and Kuccie

Project: Memories (Never fade) Album

Production: Team Blessed Hustle Entertainment

Links: Facebook -  https://www.facebook.com/mihla.mbambo.31

Instagram -  https://www.instagram.com/dxtniggx_freak

Twitter -  https://twitter.com/DxtNiggx_Freak/s=08

‘Memories’ is set to be an 11 track album with 7 official tracks and 4 bonus ones for the enjoyment of their fans. ‘Memories’ is heavily inspired by real life experiences that the duo has gone through and some shared by friends. Each track has its own story which will all to connect to the overall theme of the album. 

“Dreams come true if you believe them.” That’s the message delivered in the album’s lead single 3am. It dropped on the 22nd of May and is available on their social media. The song is about the time and energy spent doing what they love, music. Utilizing the optimized time expenditure theory, they talk about how they would wake up at 3amm to put in work and find their way to success. Other tracks to lookout for in the tape include ‘Summer sun,’ ‘So long,’ ‘don’t beshy,’ ‘Ilobolo which features Purple’ and ‘These walls featuring Curtis Dee Rover.’

The album was set to release early June as part of their 2020 plans. One of these is to grow as a producer, that’s Freak’s side and to grow as a name brand, that’s Kuccie’s side. They also hope to work with big artists both locally and in South Africa where Freak’s partner, Teekay Mxoexic, is based. This album is set to open doors and unlock opportunities for them. Look out for more news and the album on their social media.

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Rise of an Arian – Aries EP Preview

Artist: CJ Flex

Project: Aries EP

Tags:  Facebook – Nkosie CJ

Twitter: @CKflex

Instagram: CJ_flex1

CJ Flex is a versatile musician from Bulawayo who is known for his witty grit and upfront approach to rap music. CJ also has been known in his circles as a battle rapper. Currently he is working on his EP titled ‘Aries’.

‘Aries’, being the name of his star sign, is an EP about Motivation, Hope and Love in the journey to establish himself as CJ Flex.  The project will comprise of 7 tracks that will show his diversity and versatility. CJ has worked with a range of artists from the likes of Lynden, of The Land of the Vale fame, RapThan, Easy TRT, Lentano, dancehall come up Judgement, and even the eloquent Chester The Poet. The music will vary through genres. Experimenting with afro pop, dancehall, underground flavor rap and of course modern day trap, CJ looks to entertain a varied audience but promises all one dope project.

Asked on is view of battle rap, CJ says it’s quite a good element and its very alive in Zimbabwe. He just wishes there was more funding to it so more and more kats can participate. CJ Flex is here to spread his dominance over both the new and old skools of hip hop bridging the gap with his fresh sound. Aries EP drops on the 10th of July 2020. Be on the lookout for news on the drop right here and on his social media links above.

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The importance of adding visuals to your music

Artist: The Shoemaker

Links: https://youtu.be/VNyS8qgqm4w

https://instagram.com/rm_shoemaker

When one decides to be an artist and live off it, the one thing that they aim for is maximum exposure. One needs to be seen in order to increase their chances. Some release audios with vivid artwork. Some do lyric videos. Some do live shows and record clips for upload. The best way really, is to  invest in getting videos done for your songs so that there is a story attached to what the listeners have already heard. This usually results in maximum exposure and makes it easier for fans to see and understand ones brand creating a chain reaction leading to more airplay, with all other factors considered

One artist who utilized this avenue to get ahead is the Shoemaker. Hailing from the town that holds one of the Seven Wonders of the World, Victoria Falls, he has been putting in work to make sure that he is seen and his work gets appreciated as far as possible. The Shoemaker released his album titled Arteries, Veins and Capillaries in 2019. The album contains 9 tracks and a bonus track, Sondela. https://audiomack.com/album/the-shoemaker/arteries-veins-&-capillaries

The video debuted on ZTV and proved very popular that it was even tagged as song of the week during  Valentine’s week that February. ‘In My Hood’ was the next video from the album to be done. The song is a hardcore trap song where The Shoemaker expressed his love for Victoria Falls. The song has done very well for him and went as far as being play listed on Africa’s major channels, Channel O and One Magic resulting in international viewership and exposure. 

The Shoemaker featured Hwange’s very own Ricky in the song ‘Sangalale.’ The track is an upbeat dance song performed in Nyanja and Ndebele and spent 15 weeks on the Breeze FM chart show. His latest video, shot in February 2020, is called ‘No mercy’ and has been the peak of all his social media posts. Released on the Zwigaba media page, the video amassed 15.7k views and has also been submitted to major music channels for airplay.https://www.facebook.com/950981951606625/posts/3022761531095313/?sfnsn=mo&d=n&vh=e

It’s not an entirely rosy journey even if you are putting in the hours and dishing out your best work. The Shoemaker expresses this in his single release, ‘These N***as.’ The video was shot to express grievances he has come across in the music industry. Despite a few rays of hope, he has had to contend with issues to with nepotism, favoritism when it comes to getting airplay, unfairness at award shows and unfair selections when it comes to performance line ups among other issues.

Despite challenges and rising costs of production, investing in visuals for your work is never a bad idea. You can follow The Shoemaker on his social media on the following links:

https://facebook.com/theshoemaker6

https://twitter.com/RMshoemaker

https://soundcloud.com/theshoemaker6

https://reverbnation.com/theshoemaker7

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"Panotinhira" another Kay Gee hit

Artist: Kay Gee 40 and Tension

Track: Panotinhira

Production: Mr Noxa (TMG Records)

Kay Gee 40 has been enjoying quite some airplay with his current hit track, “Jack Sparrow.” This has not made him slack at all. In fact he is back in the studio and cooking up what seems to be a banger with dancehall sensation, Tension. The song is entitled “Panotinhira” and will be released on the 1st of June 2020. Working with TMG Records and produced by Mr Noxa, whom he did his runaway hit track, “Sterek,” with, “Panotinhira” is set to be on major radio stations for the enjoyment of the masses. Kay Gee’s dream is to on everyone’s playlist and he is surely putting in the work. Look out for the track on 1 June on his social media:

YouTube: Kay Gee 40

Twitter: @kaygee40

Facebook: Kay Gee 40

Instagram: @kaygee40zw

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Rulah ZW: Born in the Trap

Personality: Rulah ZW aka Shaun Edward

Role: Hip Hop influencer

The new millennium has seen new forms of the Hip Hop culture emerge. From skaters, to boppers and now we have personalities that represent the genre and are as much a part of it as any other aspect in the game. Rulah is one such personality. 

Born in the late 90s, Rulah was exposed to hip hop music early on with the main stream acts like 50 Cent, Eminem and Snoop Dogg. Now that he has found his footing with the current flow of rap music in trap and soul, Rulah has been following international acts from Bryson Tiller to Isiah Rashad and Dave East among the many he bumps to. This doesn’t mean he has no love for local flavor.

Rulah has a local top five of Zimbabwean rappers mostly from Bulawayo. Included in his list is the on fire Rockie DoUb, Excellence’s very own J. Garnet of the ‘Maleeh’ fame, Skiiny (DAV) also known for his graphic designing skills, Ashley Kempton and M-One who wrote the classic Holy_Mic track. Rulah says 2019 saw Excellence Music Records aiming for the skies as they produced an in-house mixtape, an EP for Martin Jona Tao, a series of singles by J. Garnet and KoKo and the rise of Club Excellence the blog site for promoting local artists and their works.

When asked what he sees as the future of Zim hip hop, he believes Bulawayo rap is the next big thing. He cited that there is a lot of talent in the city and various stables and movements have been putting the city on the map. Rulah says moves like having local radio stations playing Bulawayo artists has not only improved general quality of locally produced music but also increased the number of music available to the public so they also know what‘s going on with their local celebrities. He also mentioned that events like the Color Fest, Bigger than Hip Hop (BTHH) and the Annual August Rush (AAR) have helped put some artists on the map and have provided a platform for other artists to bloom and shine.

Rulah is a staunch believer in local talent and wishes to see all of them put in the work and hours so as to produce high quality music and videos and compete with international counterparts. Rulah encourages unity among artists and says the one way Bulawayo can rise is if artists work together to build the game and see them played internationally. Rulah is no hater and shares everybody’s links throughout his network freely. Get a hold of him on his social media

Instagram: RulahZW

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DJ BlakAwt: Road to the Beat Tape

BlakAwt: Beat maker growing hip hop 

Artist: BlakAwt 

Trade: Beat maker/ Producer 

 

Hip Hop is a growing and vibing culture in Zimbabwe. Many artists have gained national and even regional fame.  The modern version of culture comprises of rappers, which encompasses battlers, freestylers and song makers, dancers, graphic designers, graffiti artists, videographers, DJs and beat makers. This article is about the latter. And a name that surfaces is DJ BlakAwt hailing from Mpopoma in Bulawayo. 

 

BlakAwt is a passionate and talented hip hop producer. He is one of the pioneers of gangster Ndebele rap, Mgiqika Cyphers with the late Don. He has been instrumental in inspiring the careers of many rappers from Mpopoma all the way to Emganwini. BlakAwt also produced the memorable track, ‘Twelve disciples of the Cypher’ produced at the former DOPE Studios and featured established kats like Cal_Vin and Floppy X. Lyricists like M-One, Mistar T, Kingson Mac and Psycho Tek  made graceful appearances among the star studded cast representing NK 9 and the Bulawayo culture as a whole. By means of this beat tape, he will be the first to bring Bulawao and Soweto together on one project.

 

BlakAwt, now based in South Africa, has initiated a movement to promote what he calls the most essential component to hip hop, whether underground or mainstream, Beat making. Without beats, most tracks would simply be poetry or lamentations. In this regard, he is putting together a Beat Tape to promote the art and trade of producers. He has put together a group of +35 beat makers, with room for growth, and as a collective will be putting out beat tapes on a regular so that beat makers get recognition, showcase their skills and be able to sell their works so as to make a living. 

 

The idea is to provide a platform for access to not only locally produced beats but to also highlight this as a viable business. Many artists and producers are short changed and under paid. BlakAwt hopes this initiative will see a boost in received revenue towards beat makers and the industry in Zimbabwe as a whole. 

 

The first of this movement will be launched May 2020. Look out for what the beasts in beats have to offer. Keep your pockets full because these producers are promising nothing but fire. 

 

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Msiz'kay does it again (Ngawuzw' umoya wami track preview)

Artist(s) – Msiz’kay Ft. AWA Khiwe and Mzoe 7 

Track – Ngawuzw’ umoya wami 

YouTube – 

https://youtu.be/o-99ozxhlbl

  

At the back of a successful album, Msiz’kay once again has come to rock our ear buds with beautiful sounds of African melody. Adding sugar to our already sweetened pallets, Msiz’kay here features amazing talent in AWA Khiwe of the Ndebele Rap Queen fame and the enegetic Mr Gagagugu, Mzoe 7. 

 

The setting?  Two lovers going through an altercation then the one starts to give attention to another. A scenario common in our society. Yawuzwa umoya wakho uphuleka. A story of love, lust and jealousy. This track fuses hip hop with modern day afro pop and the production is good utilizing in full the technology now available linking artists based abroad on one project. 

 

The song was inspired by the trio wanting to give the people the familiar yet painful story in an entertaining presentation. The beat was sent out which AWA and Mzoe vibed to instantly. Creative backing vocals for the chorus were added by Mzoe for that extra flair and flex for the masses. AWA is amazing with her delivery, diction and emotional expression. The trio bring the song to life and hope the masses enjoy it as much as they enjoyed creating it.  

 

This is the first single off Msiz’kay’s upcoming album to be released later in the year. He promises great production and relatable stories that his fans and more can vibe to and share.  

‘ Ngawuzw’ umoya wami’ is available for streaming on YouTube 

 

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I'm back _ Lee_Zie Taylor anñounces her return

Artist: Lee_Zie Taylor

Track: I’m back

Production: K-Switch

Mixing and Mastering: K-Bling

Genre: Urban Hip Hop

Lee_Zie Taylor, the name that raises heads in the local music scene. She is an upcoming femcee who has taken steps to ensure her rise will be undeniable this time around. Her latest offering, I’m back,’ is a strong call reminding the big BYO that she is the missing leader of the game. Going in with an explicit type of flow, Lee_Zie minces no words in her claim to clean up the streets from the weak rappers flooding it.

In the past year she has been around many platforms and performing at various shows. At some of these she used to share the stage with the infamous Whinn Queenz. I’m back also serves to assert that she is not and has never been a part of the exotic dance group Whinn Queenz. The song has a catchy hook and uptempo trap beat. Production is a collaboration of K-Switch and K-Bling. 

Overall rating. I give the track a 3/5mics. Note could havrbeen done with production and lyrical delivery. Lee_Zie is potentially one of the hottest fencers to hit the sound waves. Hope to hear note from her.

F: Lee_Zie Taylor

T: @LeeziekTaylor

Ig: Lee_Zie Taylor

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I don't care by Saint Africano: The Review

Artist: Saint Africano

Track: I don’t care

Production: Iam_Dozzic

Label: Movement Records

Saint Africano, formerly known as King Man-Bee, released this track in late February and used it to announce his change of name. This is probably a good move as the previous name would have anyone fooled and take him as a Zim Dance hall artist. Not taking away anything from the two genres it’s only fair to have a clear identity as to where one stands and what they want to present.

The track fades in a real dope instrumental reminiscent of the Lexx Luther days. It has some hard kicking 808s and good melody. I totally appreciate the sample lead string underlying everything. The hook is all about attitude. Saint here is stating his case that he doesn’t care about people’s opinions, whether they ever heard of him nor how high in the industry. It’s a simple rap along to chorus that fits well with the beat.

Saint says he only respects Kats who make money move. He is all about action and disregards the other rappers who he claims are all talk. “Step in my way I’ma beat you with passion.” this passion is evidenced in his energy when laying them bars.

“I’m flames a thousand degrees.” The energy gets more intense in the second verse. The attitude presented here is that of a hungry emcee looking to tear is way to the top. Saint Africano’s delivery reminds me a lot of the south side rapper Ace Hood. He is currently working on an album that looks to have this much energy and hopefully seal his place up the bottle neck of Zimbabwe’s mainstream.

Overall rating of the track: I would give him a 3/5 mics. It’s a good song and I see a lot of potential in Saint. Hopefully good things are coming to the airwaves.

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Lights Out and Richie F Ginde Challenge Review

Artists - Lights Out and Richie F

Track – Ginde Challenge

Production – MZTV

https://youtu.be/f-Yx5lpKKJQ

By fire by force. The words chanted at the beginning of this latest musical challenge within the Zimbabwean border. The idea of a #challenge is to invariably promote the original track whilst getting as many alternative versions by various artists who take up the challenge. ‘Ginde’ is no different.

 

The rap duo of Lights Out and Richie F has done much to make a name for Mzilikazi in the Hip Hop circles of Bulawayo. The hood has produced many big name celebrities in fine arts, sports, performing arts and traditional music. The rap duo also brings in a modern art and have made quite an impact. 

Accepting the challenge, Lights and Richie go all out in their rendition. They talk about the hard labor involved in being relevant to the streets and taking chances in order to establish oneself in the game of Hip Hop. Richie says, ’Fortune favors the brave,’ and describes how he has been working hard to earn money from his trade. He cleverly switches languages from English, Ndebele to Shona to flex his prowess of the local lingo. Good verse and deliveries for the times present.

Lights Out is al about representing his hustle and carrying his hood on his back. “Indlela le ng’yazcentela.’ Lights says he was given a skill and is using it to cut his own path. He refuses to follow trends set by others. With this challenge he has made certain that his people know what he is about with his music and where he is going. “Ngingena njengo ED. Straight to the top no CV,” if you know you know, you know.

The video is a display of ‘Ukutesha.’ Grinding hard for these streets represented by the industrial scenery. You can tell the meaning of Ginde, by fire by force just by watching the video even on mute. The essence of the track is well presented. Nuff respect to the duo for going as far as doing a music video for what some may see as a mere challenge. 

Overall rating for this challenge is 3.5/5 mics. 

I respect the hustle and I respect the effort. Keep working hard and believe in your craft.

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Killemol: The New Day

Who is Killemol? 

Killemol is a Hip Hop duo made up of King Rodney and Obby. The group hails from Emganwini in the City f Kings, Bulawayo. The group executes their art using local languages Ndebele and ChiShona. The aim is to break the cultural divide and provide knowledge and much needed entertainment in Zimbabwe’s main cultures, the Ndebele and the Shona.

Killemol has gone through some changes and now that they have settled on a direction are proving unstoppable. In January 2019 they released their track, ‘Nomasonto.’ The song went on to top charts across Zimbabwe. The video, which was released sometime after, received ample amount of screen time came out in the top 3 of the Hip Hop Top 50 videos of 2019. 

 

Rap style:

Killemol is a diverse group. Between the two, they agree to use their vocals as much as possible to only deliver logical and relevant lyrics but also want to produce a sound that is mesmerizing and enjoyable. Killemol displays great precision and agility. Lacing tracks with a deep sense of understanding and appreciation for what they do. 

 

Mission Statement:

Killemol aim to unite all Zimbabwean tribes in peace through music. They wish to change the world through artistic expression bringing light to issues affecting our society directly with the aim of bringing hope, peace, love and Joy to all souls going through hard times. This will be realized through music utilizing indigenous languages. Killemol is also open for features aiming to work with as many artists as possible hailing from the vast diversity existent in Bulawayo, Zimbabwe’s arts hub. 

Killemol wishes to break down the bar riers that exist between tribes. Most of these ‘tribal wars’ were witnessed at the local league’s major football games and in the employment sector. Their music is designed to promote peace, unity and harmony amongst the people of the motherland. 

 

How will this be achieved? 

Killemol has recorded music that it spreads through popular social media which is accessible to everyone online. Their music gets airplay from most urban radio stations. Killemol has had the privilege to share their message on stage with leading rappers Cal_Vin and Asaph, Bulawayo giants in Sandra Ndebele, Novuyo Seagirl and Jeyz Marabini, urban grooves legends Trevor Dongo and Leonard Mapfumo and a few from the African stage in Simi )Nigeria), Nandy (Kenya) and Maskal (Malawi).  

 

The way forward: 

Killemol is currently working on a compilation. They are working on building a radio station based at Bulawayo’s Music Academy. The aim is to impart knowledge to the less privileged through educative programs and give airplay to as much local artist as accessible. The group is available on popular social media platforms on the internet on the following links:

T: @kkillemol 

@obby_killemol 

F: Rodney King Mpofu 

  Obey Obby 

Ig : kingrodneykillemol  

  Obby_killemol 

 

Email: kingrodney07@gmail.com / 

kingkillemol@gmail.com

           

obinahjones@gmail.com

 Phone : Obby - +263775540602 

              Rodney - +263786810904 

- +292488138 

With such talented and open minded artists in the industry, Ndebele rap is in safe hands, as the saying goes.

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