Top 10 Best South African Rappers
South African hip-hop has taken its rightful place on the global stage, with artists pushing the boundaries of creativity, flow, and lyricism. From Johannesburg to Durban, the genre has grown into a force that highlights local sounds, languages, and stories while competing with the best rap scenes worldwide.Here, you'll find some of the most influential, talented, and celebrated rappers in South Africa, each with their unique style and sound.
I've listened to the dude since I was 12. He's really gifted musically and lyrically. He has OG musical influences that transcend into his work.
He is lyrically good and entertaining. He isn't childish to respond to every diss track against him.
South African Kendrick Lamar, the next Tupac. He is probably the best.
He was the outlier, the best, the paver.
Nasty C is the best rapper in South Africa. Yes, we have other dope artists, but as dope as they are, they know they are nothing compared to Nasty C.
NASTY C, also known as Spank Daddy, has the best pen. He writes with passion and ensures that not only is the music good, but it is relatable. That's what makes him unique. He is versatile and knows what he is supposed to do on any beat he's on. NASTY C is HIM.
Seriously, should this even be a vote? Nasty C is the best rapper in Africa and one of the best rappers in the world. I can assure you he is better than all those 8-week mumble rappers. Nasty C has the world moving to his tune, and that is one of the best tunes to move to.
The Motswako originator. He made his own genre of rap. What more?
Can't believe he's gone. RIP, legend.
A-Reece is a young king in the game. His lyrics aren't simple to understand, and no one knows them too fast like other rappers' lyrics. People should notice that he's the best and should be put at the top of the list as the most lyrical of the year.
He is a true rapper. AKA and Cassper are trappers, not rappers. That's why A-Reece is the young king and the best rapper. Singers like Ricky Rick entertain people, but A-Reece raps. He should be in the top two.
This is one of the best. He really deserves to be in the number one spot and get the recognition.
This is unfair to put Cassper Nyovest in 5th place. He deserves more than that. He managed to drop "Gusheshe," where everyone started noticing the young shining artist. Cassper Nyovest then released "Doc Shebeleza," which took South Africa by storm and raised the standards of hip hop.
The rapper scooped awards at the Metro Awards, going home with five. He went gold in 2 months, which was historic in itself, and he went platinum and won two SAMA awards. This makes him the best in South Africa and proves he's running the game. #teamnyovest #leshxlakay #flexing #fllupthedome
The Newcomers
A guy from Umzimkhulu.
He has no match in this game. He's coming soon.
Fact: Proverb is the best lyricist in Africa.
Simply the best. Listen to Writers' Club. His lyricism is on another level. He's on the same caliber as Eminem.
One of the best lyricists in the country.
He won the gutsiest rapper in the world. Johannesburg has got a new wordsmith.
He's been in the game. Everyone relates to his raps. He's still going strong.
Greatest authentic rapper of all time.
Hands down my favorite, followed by Shane Eagle. I'm all for the truth he speaks in his music. He doesn't hide anything and tells it like it is.
I've been listening to him since the age of 14 (now 18), and he has influenced my life for real. Although his music is for a certain group of people, he's molded me into the person I am, alongside my family, of course. I'm glad I listen to him! He deserves to be praised more in this industry.
He does a lot for the Cape, and although I don't live there, I still relate to his music as a Joburger and a young girl trying to make a name for herself in the world. With his music, I motivate myself to do what I want and push myself harder, for myself and for my race, to show that anything you put your mind and effort into is possible, like YoungstaCPT showed me.
I'm no longer afraid to really show who I am and what I'm all about. He's made me into a tougher young lady who's not afraid to be and do me, and for that, I thank him. Although I have not met him yet, which would be a dream come true, I know I will one day, and that will inspire me even more! I cannot thank him enough.
For a girl like me, who's soft-spoken, his music allows me to think and be tougher and lets my voice be heard. Absolutely any occasion, any emotion, I listen to him. Rep the Wes Kaap and stay humble. Keep staying true to yourself and your die-hard fans.
As a lover of the arts, a dancer, and coming from a musical background, I know music and know what I'm talking about. When I say Youngsta deserves a higher rank, when I say he speaks truth, has amazing lyrics, and dope beats, I mean it. #1 for YoungstaCPT!
I'm all the way north from S.A. in Kenya. This guy, though, no idea what you say. Your language doesn't matter. I understand your hip hop. Big K.O.
He is the best in Africa, S.A., and should also be the best in the U.S.A.
Caracara is an awesome song for a comeback. We missed you, boy.
He is the best rapper. He deserves the throne.
Emtee is the best not only in SA but in the whole industry. My number 1.
He deserves to be number 1. He keeps it 100.
This guy's a blessing to rap. His songs are blessed with rich lyrics. His flow is out of this world. He deserves to be in the top 3.
He is one of the few rappers who don't rap about money only.
The guy is the best. He should be in the top five.
Guys, come on. I mean, this guy is really dope, and he was able to change the game. So why did they put him on the number 19 list?
I think the only reason Malum is ranked this low is that fans are afraid of hearing new sounds, sounds they've never heard before. He should be at the top of the list.
Come on, guys. With his lines, this guy is the best. No other rapper can do what he can do.
Dude is the best. Can't be compared with Proverb.
Delivery on point, flow godly, bars uncommon. Best up and coming.
Zakwe has raw talent. He should be in the top 5.
Zakwe should surely be in the top 5.
I think Maggz deserves to be in the top 5.
Maggz is the best. Must get a reward.
Lyrically, Reason is the best rapper in S.A. Then comes Tumi and Proverb.