K.O is undoubtedly one of South Africa's biggest stars right now.

The rapper has seen great success come his way since going solo, with his album Skhanda Republic and singles Caracara and Skhanda Love a major part of his growth in the industry.

However, things have not always been smooth sailing for the former Teargas member.

After deciding to change his lifestyle to a healthier one in 2013, vicious rumours starting circulating that Ntokozo 'K.O' Mdluli had HIV, along with his then girlfriend Sarah Langa Heaton.

READ: K.O has no beef with Metro FM

Looking back at the ordeal, K.O admits that he may have lost too much weight at the gym - prompting the rumours. However, he has managed to take positives out of the situation, creating a stronger K.O.

"For me that was one of the pillars to my success... That whole situation started shortly after Caracara came out. There are a lot of people who will not applaud every great move you make. So it was their way of maybe trying to slow me down," K.O told Sowetan.

"My partner was being told that she is dying, just because 'I'm dying'. She was not a rapper, she is not in the music business. But now just because of her association with me and now she has to endure ignorance like that. My parents were also being hit hard."

As a result of the rumours and talk behind his back, K.O decided to take a public HIV test to put an end to the speculation once and for all. The rapper was both applauded and criticised for the decision, but the Cashtime Life member knew he had to do what he did.

"I decided let me kill this thing and boom I did the public test," K.O added. "As tough as that whole situation was, as hurtful as it was, it also helped my rise. Shortly after I did the public test situation, two weeks later Caracara went to top of the charts."

Image Credits: Instagram