Hip Hop Fridays by Zole Moloi is back with another detailed review of the latest local hip hop singles hitting the streets.
This week Zole looks at HHP's video for his single, Pop Mabodlela.
Here's what the hip hop text book had to say...
A lot of people have been wondering if Bosso Ke Mang hitmaker HHP had taken a sabbatical or totally hung up the microphone for good in the midst of the rappers flooding the local hip hop scene.
It’s been a while since we’ve been blessed with a song from the Motswako originator, so to an extent the speculation was warranted. But Jabba is proving that he is too legit to quit (Yes, I pulled a cliche MC Hammer pun). The powerhouse has returned with a new single Pop Mabhodlela, featuring Tamarsha - with a great video to match.
Now, HHP is no new jack in this city, and is arguably on legendary status with a slew of accolades and respect from peers and fans alike under his belt, but his re-entry has been met with some polarising reactions.
On the one hand, fans are hailing the rapper’s comeback as a dope banger well worth the wait, while, on the other hand, you have some critics citing a strong similarity between Pop Mabhodlela and Cassper Nyovest’s Doc Shebeleza.
I hear the latter’s point. As evident as the resemblances are, that’s about it; as HHP manages to totally own the beat with ferocious lyrics and a rapid fire flow that destroys any comparison between the two.
In fact, upon a closer listen, one can even pick up a possible jab or two, with HHP rapping: "It’s cheesy wearing your money on your sleeves // It’s cheesy how you wanna make everybody believe that you’re a rockstar // When under your shades you’re just a %$&*# Bra.”
Hmmm, I wonder which rapper that shot is aimed at? You decide.
One thing is for certain, though, Jabba is a ‘Domineer, Meneer’ - a returning veteran back on the scene to remind you that he is at the top of the food chain and the afro-centric visuals to the single prove his elder statesman stature in the game.
The video is set up as a mkhukhu (shack) function, with HHP and crew pulling up to the party in a horse cart with spinning wheel caps and a steel wearing Ferrari eye blinders. Classic.
Everyone in the video is adorned in South African traditional garb, adding a refreshing flair and style to an overly blinged-out genre. The song, of course, features the stunning Tamarsha, who most people haven’t heard of but need to pay close attention to. Her butter-smooth vocals and voluptuous sex appeal are captivating, to say the least.
Up-and-coming femcee, Zinzi Kahnish, makes a cameo in this video, making me wish the talented youngster could’ve also dropped a verse as a cherry on top of a solid effort in Jabba’s catalog.
