Words by Sabelo Mkhabela

Contra Gang is a newly-formed Cape Town hip-hop collective consisting of a diverse array of members including Uno July(rapper), Camo (rapper), Stan1 (vocalist and producer), J1TheGod (rapper and producer), M’tunez-I (rapper), Simmysimmynya (rapper), Psyc’ AK (producer) and Don Loyiso(producer).

After a few singles and some performances around Cape Town, the crew has released their first collective project The Code EP, and it doesn’t disappoint.

Contra Gang is an exciting crew – it represents what I personally feel is lacking in Cape Town hip-hop, and that is the integration of old and new school artists. It’s refreshing to hear OGs like Uno July and Camo rapping alongside new talent like Simmysimmynya, J1 The God and M’tunez-I.

Writer Akhona Shasha from the Cape Town hip-hop blog Mic In Check, even went as far as comparing Contra Gang to the legendary crew Prophets of the City, one of the first South African hip-hop outfits. He wrote, “I have not been this excited since Cape Town’s supergroup Prophets of the City, yeah I said it; you heard me; they have the potential to be on that legendary level.”

Time will tell.

The production on The Code is mostly bass-heavy, leaning towards trap except for the jazzy smoothie “Campaign.”

Overall The Code is coherent project that displays the crew’s diverse skills set, and nothing is forced. It’s evident that the dudes had a great time working on the music, and that always translates to a great listen.

On the interview below, Contra Gang discuss how the group was formed, and take us through the EP.

Stream the EP below and download it here.

Twitter: @ContraGangSA