LaCabra has officially stepped into album mode with the release of his debut project, MR BULLY, via Corner Store Records — and it’s a bold introduction.

Across 14 tracks, the Durban rapper blends gritty trap production with Zulu-inflected flows and emotional storytelling, delivering what he calls “African trap.” The project reflects his journey from Braamfontein cyphers to national contender, carrying both hunger and confidence in equal measure.

With standout collaborations featuring Nasty C, A-Reece, and Mnqobi Yazo, MR BULLY feels intentional and tightly executed.

More than a debut, it’s a statement. LaCabra isn’t asking for space — he’s taking it.

South African music commentator and outspoken media personality Nota Baloyi has once again sparked debate within the local hip-hop community, this time turning his attention to the commercial legacy of A-Reece.

Speaking during an interview on Piano Pulse, Nota questioned whether A-Reece has ever delivered a true mainstream hit record, despite the rapper’s undeniable consistency, loyal fanbase, and strong streaming presence. According to Nota, popularity and artistic respect do not automatically translate into chart-topping dominance.

“A-Reece doesn’t have any hits. In his ever, ever, he doesn’t have a number one song. It’s the truth,” Nota said. “He has nice big songs, good songs like ‘Mgani’, but that’s not a ‘Roll Up’ by Emtee.”

 

View this post on Instagram

 

A post shared by SA HIP HOP 24/7 (@sahiphop247)

To drive his point home, Nota referenced Emtee’s 2015 breakout single Roll Up, widely considered a defining moment in South African trap music. Released under Ambitiouz Entertainment, the same label that once housed A-Reece, “Roll Up” enjoyed massive radio rotation, topped major local charts including YFM’s hip-hop rankings, performed strongly on iTunes rap charts, and later achieved triple platinum status through RiSA after surpassing 500,000 downloads. The song also won Song of the Year at the 2015 South African Hip Hop Awards and helped reshape the sound of local trap at the time.

Despite the criticism, Nota did acknowledge A-Reece’s strength in other areas. The Pretoria-born rapper has proven himself as a dominant force in the streaming era, with projects consistently debuting at number one on Apple Music and Spotify in South Africa.

His 2025 EP Business As Usual reached number one on SA Apple Music in under nine hours, placing him among the fastest-rising acts of that year. Earlier releases, including P2: The Big Hearted Bad Guy from 2023, also debuted at number one locally. Across platforms, A-Reece ranks among the most-streamed hip-hop artists in the country, with songs like “Paradise,” “Mgani,” and “The 5 Year Plan” amassing millions of plays. He also remains one of the most consistently booked performers in the genre.

Nota further touched on live performance dynamics and booking politics, suggesting that shifting momentum among artists plays a role in who occupies major stages.

“Why is A-Reece at Milk and Cookies and not Young Stunna? Because Young Stunna has fallen off right now,” he said, referring to Young Stunna.

Milk and Cookies, a popular live music platform hosted in cities such as Johannesburg and Cape Town, is known for showcasing high-profile local and international talent. Nota’s remarks suggest that A-Reece’s continued presence at such events reflects his sustained relevance, while also pointing to a temporary dip in momentum for artists like Young Stunna, who previously dominated amapiano and hip-hop crossover spaces.

As expected, Nota’s comments have divided opinion online, reigniting the long-standing debate around what truly defines a “hit” in the modern streaming era: chart positions, cultural impact, longevity, or fan loyalty. For many fans, A-Reece’s influence goes beyond numbers, while critics argue that undeniable mainstream moments still matter in shaping legacy.

One thing is certain: the conversation around A-Reece’s place in South African hip-hop is far from over.

Stogie T has officially revealed the tracklist for his highly anticipated album “ANOMY”, and it’s already shaping up to be one of the most talked-about releases in South African Hip Hop this year.

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by SA HIP HOP 24/7 (@sahiphop247)

The project is 12 tracks deep, boasting a stellar lineup of features including FLVME, Thandiswa Mazwai, Maglera Doe Boy, and Maggz. But what’s really got fans talking is track 11, titled “Four Horsemen” a powerful collaboration between Nasty C, A-Reece, and Maggz.

This marks one of the most unexpected yet exciting team-ups in recent memory. Given the history between A-Reece and Nasty C, both celebrated for their lyrical mastery and regarded as two of the most influential voices of their generation, this feature feels like a milestone moment for SA Hip Hop.

With Stogie T leading the charge, “Four Horsemen” promises to be a lyrical showcase that bridges eras and styles, merging veteran storytelling with youthful precision.

“ANOMY” drops soon, and if this lineup is anything to go by, listeners can expect a project rich in bars, reflection, and cultural weight.