The post “When We Were Doing Hip hop, It Was The Number 1 Genre,” L-Tido Highlights Generational Disconnect In SA Hip Hop appeared first on SA Hip Hop Mag.
“When We Were Doing Hip Hop, It Was The Number 1 Genre,” L-Tido Highlights Generational Disconnect In SA Hip Hop. Veteran South African rapper L-Tido has stirred discussion within the local hip-hop community after sharing honest reflections about the genre’s golden era, generational differences, and the evolving relationship between OGs and the new wave of artists.
The Alexandra-born MC, widely recognised for his early 2010s hits and his role in helping push South African hip-hop into the mainstream, recently looked back on the period when he rose to prominence alongside heavyweights AKA, Riky Rick, and Cassper Nyovest. Reflecting on that time, L-Tido noted how dominant the genre once was. “When we were doing hip hop, it was the number one genre,” he said, pointing to an era when the culture commanded radio airplay and shaped national conversations.
L-Tido explained that his generation entered the game inspired by pioneers such as HHP and Pro Kid, artists they deeply respected. According to him, that admiration defined how younger rappers related to established figures in the scene. “We looked up to HHP, Pro Kid. We never beefed with them. There was never a time when we were beefing with them,” he recalled.
Within his own generation, disagreements did happen from time to time. L-Tido acknowledged his past rivalry with AKA, noting that they debuted around the same period. However, he emphasised that these conflicts did not represent the broader culture. “SA hip-hop wasn’t beefing,” he said. “My generation, we all became family too.”
A major point in his remarks focused on what he sees as a growing disconnect between established artists and younger acts. L-Tido highlighted what he believes is a double standard when it comes to knowledge of the culture and respect across generations. “The youngins will ask if you know a certain person, and if you don’t know them, they say the OG isn’t tapped in,” he explained. “But if an OG asks the same question and you don’t know the person, it’s suddenly acceptable.”
He connected that sentiment to hip-hop’s earlier dominance in South Africa, suggesting that the achievements of past generations deserve recognition. “Hip hop was the number one genre in South Africa. You can’t diss the older guys because when they were on, hip hop was number one,” he said.
L-Tido’s reflections arrive during ongoing debates about the current state of South African hip-hop. While the genre continues to produce global stars and adapt alongside the rise of amapiano, some veterans have raised concerns about the lack of major crossover hits, weakened unity within the scene, and fewer collaborative efforts that elevate the culture as a whole.
Through his comments, L-Tido offers both a nostalgic look at a more unified era and a reminder of the importance of mutual respect between generations.
The post “When We Were Doing Hip hop, It Was The Number 1 Genre,” L-Tido Highlights Generational Disconnect In SA Hip Hop appeared first on SA Hip Hop Mag.
The post “When We Were Doing Hip hop, It Was The Number 1 Genre,” L-Tido Highlights Generational Disconnect In SA Hip Hop appeared first on SA Hip Hop Mag.
“When We Were Doing Hip Hop, It Was The Number 1 Genre,” L-Tido Highlights Generational Disconnect In SA Hip Hop. Veteran South African rapper L-Tido has stirred discussion within the local hip-hop community after sharing honest reflections about the genre’s golden era, generational differences, and the evolving relationship between OGs and the new wave of …
The post “When We Were Doing Hip hop, It Was The Number 1 Genre,” L-Tido Highlights Generational Disconnect In SA Hip Hop appeared first on SA Hip Hop Mag. Read More
