The post DJ Speedsta Lists His All-Time Best SA Hip-Hop Albums appeared first on SA Hip Hop Mag.
DJ Speedsta Lists His All-Time Best SA Hip-Hop Albums. Widely regarded as one of South Africa’s sharpest DJs and hip-hop tastemakers, DJ Speedsta recently peeled back the curtain on his personal all-time favourite SA hip-hop albums during an open and relaxed conversation on Maftown Heights.
Asked to name his definitive picks, Speedsta didn’t hesitate. He ran through a list that stretches across eras and styles, touching on projects that helped shape the sound and direction of local hip-hop. “What’s up, Maftown Heights, my top five SA hip-hop albums of all time,” he said, before listing his choices: “Touch My Blood by AKA, The Mostwako Originator by Khuli Chana, Strings and Bling by Nasty C, BottlebrushStr by DJ Speedsta, and Mass Country by AKA.”
The moment sparked laughter when Speedsta confidently included his own debut album, BottlebrushStr. Released in 2019, the project featured an impressive lineup of collaborators, including Stogie T, Jay Claude and Espiquet, and marked his transition from DJ to full-on recording artist. The self-inclusion was taken in good spirit and showed his belief in the work he has added to the culture.
Still feeling the heat of the question, Speedsta quickly realised he had left out a major classic. Laughing at himself, he admitted, “You’re putting me under pressure right now. These are the ones I can think of. Oh wait, Emtee’s Avery. How could I forget Avery? Let me make it six.”
That last-minute addition completed a powerful list with Avery, Emtee’s 2015 debut album that introduced the “Manando” era and went on to dominate radio, streets and charts across the country.
Here is a closer look at DJ Speedsta’s all-time SA hip-hop picks:
Touch My Blood – AKA (2018)
A landmark release that highlighted AKA’s razor-sharp pen, global ambition and hit-making ability, further cementing his place among South Africa’s hip-hop elite.
Motswakoriginator – Khuli Chana (2011)
Often associated with his title as The Mostwako Originator, this body of work stands as a foundation for Motswako, blending Setswana lyricism with soulful beats and cultural pride.
Strings and Bling – Nasty C (2018)
A polished and reflective album that showcased Nasty C’s growth, merging trap elements with personal storytelling and earning both critical and commercial success.
BottlebrushStr – DJ Speedsta (2019)
A high-energy, feature-heavy project that captured Speedsta’s versatility and influence, bridging the gap between DJ culture and rap-centric albums.
Mass Country – AKA (2023)
Released after AKA’s passing, this deeply emotional project offered vulnerability, big collaborations and a poignant farewell from one of the country’s most influential artists.
Avery – Emtee (2015)
The album that launched Emtee into superstardom, powered by hits like “Roll Up” and “Could Drown,” and ushered in a melodic, accessible new wave of South African hip-hop.
Speedsta’s selections lean strongly toward modern-era giants while still acknowledging the genre’s foundational sounds. The list reflects how SA hip-hop has evolved from Motswako roots to a globally influenced, trap-driven movement.
The post DJ Speedsta Lists His All-Time Best SA Hip-Hop Albums appeared first on SA Hip Hop Mag.
The post DJ Speedsta Lists His All-Time Best SA Hip-Hop Albums appeared first on SA Hip Hop Mag.
DJ Speedsta Lists His All-Time Best SA Hip-Hop Albums. Widely regarded as one of South Africa’s sharpest DJs and hip-hop tastemakers, DJ Speedsta recently peeled back the curtain on his personal all-time favourite SA hip-hop albums during an open and relaxed conversation on Maftown Heights. DJ Speedsta Lists His All-Time Best SA Hip-Hop Albums Asked …
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