Favourite Producer-Rapper Partnerships
by Mayuyuka
In the spirit of focusing on the sterling contributions to the game by African producers, we decided to have a look at a few of our favourite producer-rapper combos. What we had in mind was a duo (or any other size and shape set-up) that's managed to come together three times or more to produce classics. We also try to give an update on what the producers may have branched out to from their roles behind the scenes.
A range of old and new alliances have formed over time so here's an overview of matches made in musical heaven: We sometimes take producers for granted and to borrow from a phrase swirling around; this is our little offering to the 'producers must rise' movement. Tweezy and AKA have a promisingly formidable partnership. From churning out hits like Run Jozi and All Eyes On Me to the brilliant Sim Dope, these two are hand and glove when it comes to dropping hits. Recent exchanges on social media might dampen this relationship, but despite a controversial start to a solo career Tweezy hasn't shied away from leaving life from behind the decks. An example of his solo offerings are the trap song Ambition and the controversy-surrounded Bonang performed below:
Priddy Ugly's project You Don't Know Me Yet is entirely produced by Wichi 1080. Apart from the impressive fact that a solitary producer on an album is exceedingly rare nowadays... the different kinds of beats included on this work keeps it a refreshing listen! From standout tracks like Cocaine Ghost and the Big Star Johnson assisted Nobody, to the certified banger Bula Boot: the production deserves a string of fire flame emojis. The dope beats work in tandem with Priddy's delivery and voice to provide a unique offering you can sample out here:
Sarkodie, the criminally underrated rapper hailing out of Ghana has an unfailing ear for melodic beats. Jayso is responsible for most of them, also managing to fuse Hip Hop and Dancehall to create irresistible Hiplife cuts like the catchy Special Someone that features Burna Boy and AKA. Jayso runs his own label, Skillions Records; where he's also released a solo album named Making Tasha Proud. This debut release, inspired by a true story, features a few other Ghanaian mainstays such as Efya and M.anifest. Peep the title track ft A.I to track his journey from behind the decks:
Wizkid's dominant run has seen him stride mammoth paces over the past couple of years. He has, however, been on this journey with the dependable Sarz who has helped mould Wiz into a globally recognised pop star. This partnership has led to regular stays on pop charts across the land. Here's an early Femi Kuti-featuring, Sarz-produced example of the fusion between Afrobeat and Pop we've become accustomed to over the years:
pH Raw X is responsible for working with pretty much everyone in the South African Hip Hop scene. His CV reads like a dream, either solo or part of music production team Octave Couplet. The famous Raw X Studios are responsible for work on albums such as Zubz' Coachella and AKA's Altar Ego. What stands out is his linking up with Khuli Chana on both his albums Motswakoriginator and Lost In Time. pH spreads is talents further than just Hip Hop releases. He shows his versatility on his album From Giyani With Love alongside Thandiswa Mazwai in Wa N'Tiva(Bo't) below:
Shom C and Zone Fam carve out a distinct Zambian sound by mixing elements of Hip Hop and a sprinkle of both Zed and Afrobeat. Rappers Jay Rox, Dope G and Yung Verbal prove that this is a successful formula by featuring Badman Shapi and Nigerians Ice Prince and Patoranking in Slow Mo. This track showcases the best in both the production and lyrical aspects this combination of a trio of rappers and one beat head offers. Have a listen after the jump:
A relationship that allegedly went through a period of acrimony was that between Thasman and HHP who brought us hits like Harambe and the Cassper Nyovest-featuring Wamo Tseba Mtho. It's Bosso that got a huge ad placement from a local mobile operator though, and probably ranks amongst the greatest success of a duo. Revisit it here, and see if it rings any bells:
From the producer-rapper who specialises in Batman and Robin styled duos, to those that have the skill to work with a range of artists: the value of solid production is something we'll always appreciate. For some of the producers we've covered, they continue to strengthen partnerships with specific acts whilst others focus on their solo endeavours now. Whichever way their next chapters play out... we hope it's not strictly by ear!