No Yellow Fever

I won't even beat around the bush. This year's South African Music Awards have had a pap response because well they've been pap. From the venue change (from Sun City to Montecasino) to the nominees party to the nominees list, we think people are no longer hyped about these annual awards. We don't care who will be walking the yellow carpet this weekend. And like most music lovers, we raised our eyebrows at the Best Rap Album category - but it's no secret that year after year, heads are never, ever satisfied with the nominees in this category. We don't judge though, we just tell you who got the nods.

Amu - The Principal


Tuks - Tshwanelo


Slikour - Ventilation Volume 3


Kwesta - Special Rekwest


Tumi And The Volume - Pick A Dream

TTP Presents Hip Hop Sessions Vol 1 (UPDATED)

Pic by Flow Mokale

Wassup blaggers and blagettes. Because theblagg respects everyone's right to be themselves, we've decided to not only update this post but change it all together! TTP's our boy - not just because he gives away goodies in our comments section. So here it goes:

As TTP (pictured above) has proven, sometimes there is something special about certain rap songs. And other times... well, let's just leave that to your imagination. TTP - real name Thapelo Raphuti - has been doing his thing in SA hip hop and is known as one of the go-to-guys in certain circles.

Titled TTP Presents Hip Hop Sessions Vol 1 (name sound familiar?) and dropped on 22 October 2010, the compilation features some well known acts as well as some up and coming cats. The likes of Pro, HHP and Khuli Chana feature. So does Tuks - who is a questionable inclusion if you ask me, but since you didn't let's move along. Mothipa's Ode to Mary Jane opens the CD and after that you can hear Ifani, Spaceman and The Federation before Ill Skillz closes it off with their popular Baby Baby.

TTP tells theblagg that he has "been working on this compilation for 3 years, collecting songs from emcees that I love and respect. By the way Khuli Chana is my favourite emcee has always been. Most of the guys I have selected some way or another I have worked with. Like Pro (helping out on getting Soweto and other stuff on radio ), HHP (Marketing and Branding of Omang and later did Acceptance Speech launch ko Soweto) etc."

This is the same dude whio was behind some of your favourite radio shows. He tells us he's "worked on YFM - remember The Bridge (Lee, Ace of Spade and Dj Kenzhero)? And produced that show as well as The Essence with Kamza and Andile Ncube..."



This compilation - which, if the Vol 1 bit is anything to go by, will be turned into a series - because it's bigger than just music. He says the artists featured on the release will conduct workshops in their respective townships so as to "inspire and teach up and coming artists."

In these business, image, technical, and life skills workshops, 100 aspiring rappers will see their skills put to the test as they vie for a spot in the Top 12. TTP's community reach-out programme will also "run a competition where the top 12 artists will be chosen to be part of the Best of the Best Graduates compilation. From the 12 selected finalists, one will be selected to be the ultimate winner who will receive marketing and recording back up and also receive a clothing endorsement from Loxion Kulca for 6 months."

You keen blaggers and blaggettes? TTP Presents Hip Hop Sessions Vol 1 is now available at all major retailers, Ritual Store and scoobysnax.co.za