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Nota Says A-Reece Doesn’t Have A Hit Song In His Music Career
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.”
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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.
Big Zulu has officially released his latest album uMkhulu, and this is easily one of his most personal and introspective projects to date. Known for his strong presence and storytelling, this time he steps back from the usual bravado and leans fully into honesty, vulnerability and lived experience.
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From the jump, uMkhulu makes it clear that this is not a celebratory album. It’s reflective, heavy and intentional.
The album opens with “Unyaka Wam”, where Big Zulu speaks on the frustration of constantly believing each year will be his breakthrough, while feeling stuck watching others progress. It’s a painful and honest introduction that sets the tone for what follows.
On “Ngangino Mngani,” he dives into friendship, loyalty and loss. Coming from the mud, he reflects on how truth has cost him relationships, with the standout line “Mlomo wami thula, mehlo ami buka” capturing a mindset of silence and awareness in difficult situations.
The emotional depth continues on “Angilaz’ Uthando” featuring Mawelele, where Big Zulu questions his ability to love. He links it back to childhood trauma, referencing how both his parents left him at a young age. Mawelele complements this with his own perspective, reinforcing the emotional weight of the track.
“Bengifisa” featuring Boohle brings a softer moment on the album. Big Zulu expresses his wishes for a better future while Boohle’s smooth vocals add warmth and emotion, touching on healing and moving forward.
On “Ang’lali Ebusuku,” Big Zulu opens up about sleepless nights and the mental pressure he carries. It’s a raw and relatable moment that adds to the album’s emotional tension.
The energy shifts slightly on “Nkofu” featuring NKabi Nation, where Xowla opens with a catchy XiTsonga hook. The track brings a sense of unity and cultural blend, showing another side of Big Zulu’s sound.
One of the standout moments comes with “Induku Enhle” featuring Cassper Nyovest. Inspired by the proverb “Induku enhle igawulwa ezizweni,” the song speaks about growth, resilience and finding value beyond familiar spaces. It’s a culturally rich and meaningful collaboration.
On “Langa Phuma” featuring Siphiwe Black, the album leans into hope. Siphiwe Black’s vocals bring a sense of light, while Big Zulu speaks on breakthrough and new beginnings, offering a shift in tone from the earlier heaviness.
Tracks “Intaba Zangakith’,” “Ngizohlala Nawe,” and “Ngitshele X Yam” continue to build on the album’s themes of identity, pressure and personal growth, keeping the storytelling consistent throughout.
The album closes on a high note with “Bars” featuring Zakwe, Maraza and Maseven. No hook, just bars. The track carries the same aggressive, lyrical energy as 200 Bars, delivering punchline after punchline and standing out as the purest Hip Hop moment on the project.
Overall, uMkhulu is a deeply personal body of work that prioritizes truth over image. Big Zulu doesn’t try to impress, he expresses.
Johannesburg-born artist Money Badoo is entering a defining phase of her career with the release of her latest single “RUDEBOI,” out 17 April via Paradise Sound System. The track marks a bold step forward, positioning her as part of a new generation of South African artists expanding beyond local boundaries into global spaces.
“RUDEBOI” was created in Berlin during her first visit to the city in 2025, a period that played a key role in shaping the sound and direction of the record. Working alongside Berlin-based producer Lisa Kida, Money Badoo crafted a track that captures the energy of exploration, new environments, and creative freedom.
Sonically, the single blends alternative R&B, trap, and hyperpop into a cohesive sound that feels both experimental and accessible. It reflects her ability to move between styles while maintaining a clear artistic identity. The track carries a confident, playful tone, rooted in themes of self-expression, connection, and the freedom to exist without limitation.
Money Badoo describes “RUDEBOI” as an ode to Rihanna, drawing inspiration from her influence, confidence, and unapologetic presence. At its core, the record celebrates good energy, personal growth, and the idea of finding your place anywhere in the world.
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The release also sets the tone for her upcoming EP 4PLAY, scheduled to arrive on 5 June. The project is positioned as an introduction to a broader creative vision, exploring themes of desire, identity, and evolution across both sound and visual expression.
Alongside the release, Money Badoo is preparing for a major career milestone with her UK debut at The Great Escape Festival on 15 May. The performance places her on an international stage at a time when her global presence continues to grow, following previous appearances in Europe.
As she continues to move between continents and creative spaces, Money Badoo is establishing herself as more than just a musician. Her work sits at the intersection of music, fashion, and culture, driven by a commitment to authenticity and creative freedom.
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With “RUDEBOI” as the starting point and 4PLAY on the horizon, this moment signals a new chapter. One that reflects growth, confidence, and a clear intention to create without boundaries.
Listen Below:
Blxckie Teases New Track “Uphi Usomnyama”
The South African hip hop scene is buzzing after Blxckie previewed a new unreleased track titled “Uphi Usomnyama” during a recent livestream session.
The snippet quickly gained traction online, with fans sharing clips and reacting to his smooth delivery over a hard-hitting beat. One standout line “Uphi usomnyama? Nangu usomnyama” has already started circulating across social media, adding to the growing anticipation.
Known for his melodic flow and ability to blend hip hop with amapiano influences, Blxckie continues to show confidence and control in his sound. The preview suggests themes of self-assurance and dominance, reflecting an artist fully aware of his place in the game.
While details around the track remain limited, including its official release date, the early reaction indicates strong demand from listeners. Many believe the snippet could be part of a larger upcoming project.
As the clip continues to spread, one thing is clear , Blxckie has once again captured the attention of the culture before even dropping the full record.
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