The post Da L.E.S Praises New-Gen SA Hip-Hop After Witnessing Its Impact Firsthand appeared first on SA Hip Hop Mag.
Da L.E.S Praises New-Gen SA Hip-Hop After Witnessing Its Impact Firsthand. South African hip-hop veteran Da L.E.S has opened up about his changing perspective on the genre’s current state, admitting that while he initially struggled to connect with the new wave of artists, he has come to appreciate hip-hop’s evolution and the unique identity today’s artists have created for themselves.
Speaking during an interview with Thando Thabethe on 947FM, Da L.E.S reflected on how his views have shifted over time as younger artists continue to redefine the sound and culture of South African hip-hop.
“I think it’s cool. Really, I think it is. It’s just the kids, they’ve got their own way of doing it. You can’t expect them to do it like we did it. They have to do it their own style, and their style, yeah, it’s fine,” he said, speaking on the current state of SA Hip hop.
The rapper acknowledged that his first reaction to the changing landscape was one of uncertainty, particularly as newer sounds began to blur traditional genre boundaries. “At first I was like, ‘No, man. What is hip-hop now?’”
However, Da L.E.S explained that attending a party centred around the new generation of artists helped him better understand the movement and the audience driving it. “I went to a New Gen party, and they had hip-hop. They were playing hip-hop. And I was like, ‘Oh, okay.’”
The experience gave him a deeper appreciation for artists such as Blxckie and their peers, who are creating music that reflects their own realities rather than attempting to imitate previous generations.
“Listening to Blxckie, listening to all of these young guys, they listen to themselves. You see what I’m saying? So it actually made me think.”
Da L.E.S also revealed that the respect and support he received from younger artists and fans influenced his outlook, helping him recognise that the culture is continuing to grow rather than abandoning its roots. “They were showing me love. And it made me think, ‘Oh, okay, this is their hip-hop.’”
During the conversation, Thabethe noted that there is often an expectation for younger artists to follow the blueprint established by pioneers of the genre. Da L.E.S agreed that while many veterans naturally hope to pass the baton to a generation that mirrors their approach, artists ultimately need the freedom to carve out their own path.
Today, the rapper says he is at peace with that reality. “Guys, it’s okay. You know what I mean? It’s okay. I honestly think that it’s good.”
The post Da L.E.S Praises New-Gen SA Hip-Hop After Witnessing Its Impact Firsthand appeared first on SA Hip Hop Mag.
The post Da L.E.S Praises New-Gen SA Hip-Hop After Witnessing Its Impact Firsthand appeared first on SA Hip Hop Mag.
Da L.E.S Praises New-Gen SA Hip-Hop After Witnessing Its Impact Firsthand. South African hip-hop veteran Da L.E.S has opened up about his changing perspective on the genre’s current state, admitting that while he initially struggled to connect with the new wave of artists, he has come to appreciate hip-hop’s evolution and the unique identity today’s …
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