African hip hop

Algerian hip hop music, as a genre, includes the hip hop music of both native Algerians and Algerians abroad. Algerians living abroad have contributed much to this genre, especially in France, where they are also considered part of the French hip hop scene. Some of these Algerians have become prominent. Algeria also has a hip hop scene, which, while less well known internationally, is among the most developed in Africa and the Arab world.

Raï is a genre of music which developed in Algeria during the 1920s as rural[1] migrants incorporated their native musical styles into the culture of the growing urban centers of western Algeria.

Angola has a lively hip hop music scene, including popular and influential crews like Conciencia da Africa, Atitude violenta, Pobres Sem Culpa, Filhos Da Ala Este. and solo Mc Mutu Moxy (Intelektu) Based in Cape Town, South Africa, and have begun to work with some South African hip hop musicians.[2] Angolan hip hop is characterized by the influence of American hip hop beats with a special flavor of Portuguese flow, mixed with African rhythm and some Caribbean influence. SSP, Mutu Moxy (Intelektu) Political Rap, Kool Kleva, Nelboy Dastha Burda are credited for being the pioneers of the hip hop in Angola from the late 1980s to the early 1990s.

Botswana has never had a large popular music industry, with most of its recorded music coming from South Africa or further abroad. However, since about 1999, Botswana hip hop performers have begun to gain mainstream acceptance; the record labels such as Dagee Records,[3]

Phat Boy e.t.c has done a lot to promote Botswana hip hop. The hip hop movement in Botswana has grown over the years as evidenced by the release over the years of albums and songs from artists such as Mr Doe, Zeus, Touch Motswak Tswak, Ignition, S.C.A.R, Awesomore.aka Gaddamit, Cashless Society, Nitro, Konkrete, HT, Flex, Dice, Dj Dagizus, 3rd Mind, Kast, Nomadic, and Draztik to name a few. The release of hip hop albums is slow because of the small market and competition from other genres of mostly dance-oriented music. Since 2000 hip hop has achieved more prominence in Botswana, with rappers like Scar Kast and Third Mind releasing relatively successful albums. In 2006, Scar released his sophomore offering, "Happy Hour". The same year Kast released "Dazzit". S.C.A.R has since won a Channel O Spirit of Africa Award 2007 for best hip hop.[4]

Some Botswana hip hop artists include Zeus,[5] Sasa Klaas, DA HoodstarZ, Ryan Blaze, Dj Fiction, A.T.I, Chub Heights, Dramaboi, EMIPHLOCX, Ozi F Teddy, and Dj Dagizus.[3] And upcoming hip hop group Native Rhymes. Among the best in Gaborone are HallowTips, Maverick, Faded Gang, SliqStar, Bicko Gee, Dizmatic Bryan, Kürt, Drigger, Hustle Kings and Stargate[6]

The hip hop scene of Cameroon includes pioneers like Manhitoo and Negrissim' who broke new ground in the early 1990s and stars like Koppo. Other hip hop artists from Cameroon are Les Nubians and Bams—female vocalists with a very personal approach to the genre who now reside in France. Many others hip hop artist appears with time such as Stanley Enow and Jovi to continue building the industry[7]

Ivorian hip hop became a mainstream part of the popular music of Côte d'Ivoire beginning in 2009 after the victory of Ivorian hip hop group Kiff No Beat at the hip-hop contest Faya Flow, and has been fused with many of the country's native styles, such as zouglou. There is a kind of gangsta rap-influenced Ivorian hip hop called rap dogba, inspired by Angelo & les Dogbas. Ivory Coast's number 1 hip hop artist is Kiff No Beat. Ivorian Hip Hop is mostly in the French language, but includes nouchi (Ivorian Slang).[8][9]

The capital of the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Kinshasa, has long been a major home for pan-African styles of popular music like rumba, soukous and kwassa kwassa. Long-time performers on the Kinshasa scene include Profetzion (formerly of Holokaust), and the Congo Brazzaville rapper Passi. Promising new Congolese hip hop groups include Lopango yaba Nka, Apkass, Kaysha, Yolé!Africa All Stars and Ya Kid K.

Gambia's much larger neighbor, Senegal, is home to a thriving hip hop scene, which has exerted a strong influence on Gambian hip hop but Gambian hip hop is now evolving its own unique style. In 1999, the Gambia Radio & Television Services gave out the first Gambian Rap Award. The first crew to win the award for best new act was Da Fugitvz, who rapped in Wolof, the national language of Senegal, and thus became popular in both countries. They also later played at Popkomm in Germany.

Hip hop in Ghana is commonly referred to as Gh hiphop. The phrase GH Rap was created by Jayso and Ball J when they released their first Skillions mixtape. According to the two rappers, GH Rap means Hiphop made in Ghana. Hiplife is also a Ghanaian genre similar to hip hop music; it is a combination of hip hop music and highlife. This started in the late 1980s and early 90s with the hiplife father Reggie Rockstone, VIP, Talking Drums and Nananom. But others did a mix of English with Twi or Ga like Heaven n' Hell, this was copied by secondary school and small area rap groups who will rap in pidgin English (a mix of English and other dialects). The Ghanaian music scene has also produced a number of rappers and DJs who are both locally and internationally renowned. Ghanaian rapping is mostly in the English language, but is also sometimes in Twi, Ewe, Ga or Hausa. Artistes include Reggie Rockstone, Kae Sun, Sway DeSafo, Samini, Okyeame Kwame, Bradez, Buk Bak, D-Black, Sarkodie, Tic Tac, Obrafour, 4x4, Kwaw Kese, Daniel Tudzi, VIP, Ayigbe Edem, Tinny, Castro Destroyer, Mzbel and upcoming artists including Lil Shaker, Asumadu N-Dex, Yaa Pono, Ntelabi, Kursa, Moxkito, Loone, Alex Wondergem, Big Ghun and EL. In recent years there has been an upsurge of true hip hop music on the Ghanaian music scene.

Although Guinea is not much known internationally for any variety of popular music, there is a local hip hop music scene, which has produced one crew with an international reputation, Kill Point, which has toured across West Africa. Many groups use Guinean folk rhythms and styles in their music. The Guinean Africa Rap Festival is held in Conakry.[10]

Hip hop has rapidly grown in popularity in Madagascar in the past decade. The local name of hip hop is "Haintso Haintso", meaning "H. H." (for hip hop). Malagasy hip hop, although largely reflective of Western genre standards, has been moving toward incorporation of more Malagasy musical tradition in its style and instrumentation.

Hip hop spread to Madagascar in about 1985 together with breakdancing. The local rap scene (Rap Gasy) remained underground until the late nineties, although artists as early as 1994 were attracting attention with their politically provocative lyrics. The earliest performers included the MCM Boys (now known as Da Hopp) and 18,3. Mainstream success came in about 1998; popular modern performers include The Specialists, Paradisa, and Oratan.

On June 21, 2007, UNICEF chose a 15-year-old Malagasy rap star, Name Six as its first-ever Junior Goodwill Ambassador for Eastern and Southern Africa. The young rapper's work continues the genre's tradition of social critique and political commentary, focusing largely on the challenges faced by children in underprivileged communities in Madagascar and voicing the views and concerns of the young, who are routinely omitted from political decision-making processes.[11]

The urban music scene in Malawi is growing at a fast rate with hip hop being one of the most popular genres of music. Hip hop culture in Malawi is relatively young with early, notable rappers being Criminal A, the trio known as Bantu Clan (Maps Munlo (aka Trip), Chisomo Munlo ( aka C) and Jansen Mvalo (aka Sly Slinger Joe)), Boyz Lazy, Black Boy, Nyasa Vibes Crew, Black Life, SOLO, LC Definition, Real Elements{Marvel, Q, Stix and Plan B}. In recent times artists such as Tay Grin, Barry One, Phyzix, Classick, Junior C, 3rd Eye, Young Kay, GodsKho and KBG have gained a considerable level of notoriety. Other artists such as Dominant 1, L Planet, Tru Docssy, Black Mind, Blaq Script, K-Bonnie of Maximum Sentence and Genii Blakk have kept things moving on the underground rap front.

Early in the 90s, Malawian hip hop artists weren't making full-length albums, but this has changed in recent years.

Hip hop music and culture has a big influence on the Namibian youth, with American rappers, Tupac Shakur and The Notorious B.I.G. being popular. Most of the urban Namibian youth has adopted a hip hop lifestyle, including their dress code. Early Namibian hip hop acts include a group called Dungeon Family, which was composed of the newly recreated group The Kalaharians and Redeemed Record's Lyrical Mc's such as Penda, Tender Heart and Harry MC. and the popular girl duo Gal Level. Shikololo, Fidel O'del, Pablo, Dore, Kanibal, Catty Catt, Lalu, OmPuff, Zero Degrees, Walvis Bay based Desert Eagles, Swakop City MC's the Naughty Crew and Krazie-D of Otjiwarongo were among the first hip hop performers. Popular and most successful hip hop artists include Katutura native Jericho, Snazzy, a female MC who was nominated for Kora Awards in 2005, Rizzy, A-51, a group native to Angola, and Dee Jay, who has lived most of his life between Walvis Bay and Chicago, United States. Windhoek City based Tesh, Saint, Young Gregg, Flavio, King GD, Smartboy, G-Ride, Krespo, Black Vulcanite and Contract Killers are some of the newer rappers. Some artists rap in their indigenous languages including, Oshiwambo, Damara-Nama. Namibia now has the talent to compete with the rest of Africa thanks to a flood of new and exciting artists, such as Lil D, Kid Nana, KingRich, Yungin, KK, and NKN.

"Rap Nigerien", a style of Nigerien hip hop, began to develop in the late 1990s, mostly in Niamey, and has become one of the dominant popular music forms in Niger. It is a mélange of different languages spoken in Niger. Sampled music is often mellow, and is mixed with the traditional music, although more aggressive dance styles have been mixed in, reflecting influences of French, American, and other West African hip hop styles (especially Ivorian hip hop). Young, dissatisfied Nigeriens have used the form to talk about common social problems.[12] Local recordings are mostly sold on cassette tapes and compact discs, as with most forms of contemporary West African popular music.

Hip hop groups began to appear and perform in Niamey in 1998. In August 2004, UNICEF opened its "Scene Ouverte Rap", where 45 new groups entered selections among an informal count of 300 existing groups. Shows took place at Niamey's Jean Rouch Centre Culturel Franco – Nigerien (CCFN) in August 2004. Major groups include, including Tchakey, Kaidan Gaskya, Almamy Koye & WassWong, and Goro G. Diara Z, an Ivorian hip hop artist, was also living in Niamey at the time and was influential in the Niamey rap scene. Other successful groups include Black Daps, Berey Koy, Federal Terminus Clan, Haskey Klan, Kamikaz, Rass Idris, 3STM (Sols, Tataf et Mamoud), PCV (puissance, connaissance et verité) and Metafor.[13]

Nigeria is sometimes called Naija.[14] Afro Hip hop in Nigeria dates back to the late eighties and early nineties.[15] The first place hip hop gained popularity in Nigeria was in Lagos, Nigeria. During this time (1980s), Nigeria was under a military governorship.[15] This period of military governorship brought about crisis in Nigeria which involved the devaluation of currency, loss of jobs and persistent unemployment especially for new graduates from the University.[15] Hip hop during this time was used as a means of escape by youths from the country's crisis. It was made popular by using Nigerian languages in the lyrics along with traditional hip hop beats, such as those made by the founding fathers of hip hop, DJ Kool Herc, Afrika Bambata and Grandmaster Flash.[15][16] Since there were very few record labels to sign a new musician at this time, the youths decided to start making music on their own with a very little budget. The music videos were very simple and not grand and expensive.[17] The availability of computers and cheap music editing software in the late 1990s and the first decade of the 21st century enabled Nigerian musicians to achieve higher quality recordings which quickly won over the Nigerian audience.[15] This was a very cheap way to make music and a new Nigerian hip hop musician would make music and sell it on a CD.[15] This was one way for the youths to be independent from the government by being lucrative and creating jobs for themselves, since the government was not helping them.[15] Hip hop was used during this time for entertainment, but also to criticize the government and demand change.[15] Groups and solo artists during that period include the likes of Junior & Pretty, Daniel 'Danny' Wilson, Plantashun Boiz, Remedies with members Eedris Abdulkareem, Eddy Remedy & Tony Tetuila. The late 90s and the early years of the new millennium saw an outburst of artists and groups, many returning home from the Western Diaspora, like Eldee da Don of Trybesmen, Madarocka and the S.O.U.R.C.E. Clik, Naeto C of W.F.A, and from Europe, JJC and the 419 squad became a part of mainstream Nigerian music after the collapse of pop trends like Yo-pop.[8] These up-rising artists in Nigeria began to localize hip hop and make songs in English and any other Nigerian language as a means of self-expression, thus making Nigerian hip hop multilingual.[15] Just as Nigeria's Nollywood movies have done with Western movies, Nigerian hip hop has begun to displace Western popular music. Musicians such as Eedris Abdulkareem started making multilingual hip hop music and the lyrics were usually in English, Pidgin English and another Nigerian language such as Yoruba, Igbo, and Hausa.[18]

Hip-Hop World Magazine, based in Nigeria, is a prominent publication that has helped fashion the orientation of hip hop culture in Nigeria and across the continent. African Beatz, Blast and Bubbles magazines are other similar major Nigerian hip hop publications.

Other notable Nigerian Hip hop artists include Modenine, U.G.O., TySu, Chris Akinyemi, B-One, Terry tha Rapman, Olamide, O.D, Junkies, Six-Foot Plus, M.I Abaga, Naeto C, Ruggedman, Styl-Plus, eLDee, Duncan Mighty, African Kings, Blak Jesus, Whiteboy Pee, Sauce Kid, Nefe Stone, Ikechukwu of W.F.A, Mastaplan (MP), IXXIGABARI, Kraft, Pherousheouz, Freestyle, Ill Bliss, Elajoe, Sasha, B.o.u.q.u.i, J-bif, Tony Merlot, Jesse Jags, A2 BrothazZ (Afro-Asian BrothazZ).

More recently the Nigerian hip hop industry has witnessed a wave of new artists which include Weird M.C, Jazzman Olofin, Baba Dee, The Mo' Hits crew, Tannaz Records Family, C TySu, B-one, Faze, 9ice, Young Paperboyz, Blaise, MCskill ThaPreacha, Phyno, Zoro, BosaLin, Jay Ikwan a.k.a The Mega-Jay, Nikki Laoye[19] (one of the first Nigerian aristes featured on BET[20]) Chemistry, Lord of Ajasa, Skuki, Mr Belushi, Darey, Mojizzle, Pius (of MC²) & Chocolate City's loopy crew which includes 2009 Hennessy Artistry winner Ice Prince & Jesse Jagz and Soundcity's Best hip hop video winner Str8Buttah.[21]

Nigerian hip hop music is majorly influenced by its American counterpart. This is mainly because the nation can be said to be the highest American hip hop-consuming nation after the Americans themselves.

Some American hip hop artists have included and have been influenced by Nigerian music. For example, on an episode of the radio show The Let Out, there was a "Nigerian Gangsta Remix" of the Jay-Z song "Roc Boyz" which features Fela Kuti, one of the most influential Nigerian musicians of all time.[22]

Contributors to Nigerian hip hop include the producer Cobhams Asuquo.

Hip hop spread to Rwanda in the early to mid-1980s. The most prominent figure in the early Rwandan scene was DJ Berry (Nsabimana Abdul Aziz), who was a DJ for Kigali Night and Cosmos and a presenter for Radio Rwanda, in addition to being an early rapper and breakdancer. The Rwandan government of the period did not approve of hip hop, however, and DJ Berry was forced into exile in Goma, Zaire, where he continued performing. He later moved on to Germany and recorded "Hey You", which became a hit on both Rwandan and Ugandan radio. After returning to Africa in 1990, Berry continued to promote hip hop in Rwanda until his death from AIDS in 1996. By the mid-1990s, hip hop was growing increasingly popular in Rwanda, due to the introduction of 101 FM Kigali and TVR in 1995, and American and French rappers like Tupac Shakur and MC Solaar became popular.

The first locally recorded Rwandan hip hop hit was "Peaced Up" by KP Robinson ft Mc Monday Assoumani. This was promoted by DJ Alex of Radio Rwanda from 1997. The song inspired many youths around Kigali to begin recording. The famous rapper MC Monday Assoumani, after his tune with Robisons, started his radio presenting career at local FM known as Radio10, where he promoted Rwandan local artists from 2004 to 2011. From 2012 he is no longer using the name MC Monday; he is now rebranded as SAGA Assou Gashumba. Wanting to help the Rwandan music industry, he started a record label named IYI Production, which also rebranded as C4D Production.

Hip hop is growing up in this country and recently SAGA Assou released a song titled "I want you back", a hit song which is a mixture of English and Kinyarwanda.

Daara J live in Berlin

Senegal has one of the most active hip hop scenes on the continent, and has produced international stars like MC Solaar. US hip hop became popular in Senegal in the early 1980s, and a few MCs began rapping. During this period, many Senegalese rappers were copying American performers quite closely. One often-cited reason for the prominence of Senegalese hip hop is the ancient musical and oral traditions of that country, which include some practices, like griots and tassou, which are similar to rapping.

It was not until later in the decade that a more distinctive Senegalese sound began evolving, along with the use of Wolof lyrics. The 1990s saw a division in the Senegalese scene, with some artists remaining underground, associated with the American alternative hip hop scene, while others, like Black Mboolo ("Alal"), fused hip hop with Senegalese mbalax style, (this is called "mbalax rap" or "rap ragga soul"), which uses the sabar drums. The most prominent performers from the modern period include Positive Black Soul, Daara J, and Akon. Others include M.C. Solaar, Black Face, and Didier Awadi.

Sierra Leone Rap music was originated by a Sierra Leone–based rapper; YOK Seven in the late 1990s. Prior to this time pop rapper Jimmy B had already blown up in South Africa. His pop rap was a rave in Sierra Leone during the mid 1990s. By then this kind of music was not even 30% appreciated in the country until a rapper by the name of Kao Denero came and spread it nationwide. Hip hop music in Sierra Leone is now the most played music in Sierra Leone with its growth rate in the number of rappers. The hottest emcees from Sierra Leone are: Kao Denero, Supa Laj, Shadow Boxxer, Jimmy B, Yokseven, Souferior and Grammy-nominated artist and author Freddy Will. Other notable Sierra Leonean hiphop rappers include The late Shine D Godson, Mr-1ne, Daddy Saj, Pizzy (P.M.), Menace Da General, and Star Zee, Solokai, Jooel, Speedo, Rap G Enema. Most recently Sierra Leone hiphop has witnessed the rise of so many new skull rappers like Drizilik, Prodigy, Sheik Kargbo and many others..

One of the most internationally renowned Somali rappers is Canada-based K'naan (real name Kanaan Warsame). The award-winning artist is a rapper and a poet with three albums, The Dusty Foot Philosopher (on BMG Music), The Dusty Foot on the Road (on Wrasse Records) and Troubadour (on A&M/OctoScope Music)

Although the history of South African hip hop in Cape Town can be tracked back to the early 1980s, cultural exchange between the United States, the West Indies, and South Africa was widespread since the 19th century. South African artists were influenced by minstrelsy and swing to bebop and beyond, which was partly in response to British imperialism.[23][24] The political history of Africa plays a predominant role in South African music. In the late 19th century gold was discovered in Johannesburg, and people from different tribes began to migrate to the Johannesburg area. As a result of the rich diversity of various South African tribes, traditional music of South Africa mixed with European music led to the development of a different sound. The musical and social movement of hip hop in South Africa has grown exponentially in the last two decades, most notoriously in the form of home-grown Kwaito, which is actually a distinct musical genre in itself.

Much of hip hop and Kwaito in South Africa is derived from western beats and tunes mixed with localized rhythms and accents.

Lyrically, South African hip hop is largely reliant on the political landscape from which the country has only recently emerged. If the explicit mention of Apartheid is not offered, lyrics will often revolve around the residue of the political system; such as the prevalence of HIV and AIDS, violence in the major cities, and what it means to be South African.

On the other hand, Kwaito has been seen as more devoted to "positive imagery", taking listeners away from the harsher realities of township life, where it originated. Currently, South African hip hop is beginning to diverge and acquire its own musical style, as individual provinces are developing their own styles of hip hop.

As much as hip hop has grown in South Africa it is still in its infancy in terms of recognition and artists rarely sell well. Differences in styles and approaches to the art have led to the South African market being split into sectors, for example: Cape Town has long been termed South African hip hop's birth ground with its more politically charged and socially conscious artists.

Tracing its origins in South Africa, the youth embraced hip hop and its culture from the United States including its break dancing and graffiti aspects.[25] These styles of expression were the predecessors to involvement in the music, due to the high cost and difficulty in finding music. Economic and political sanctions made finding American music extremely difficult. U.S. hip hop albums were seldom imported, but rather sent by relatives outside the country.[26] The audience was not totally approving however. Many were not happy with the links US hip hop had to the "structures that were largely responsible for the devastating conditions in the Third World countries."[23] The young people took hip hop and its anger, passion, and style in order to express themselves. They localized the music to express culture, frustration, and hope in order to tell their own stories.[25] The older population used that anger and passion to pass messages against the occurring apartheid, and also to connect with the youth. The music was perfect for the time because it was able to take the language of the underprivileged, parade it, and make it attractive to the point where people took pride in their style of music.[23]

Some South African hip hop artists include Tuks Senganga, Die Antwoord, Zola, Proverb, Kwesta, AKA, Cassper Nyovest, L-Tido, Riky Rick, Nasty C, Emtee, Shane Eagle, and Tumi Molekane.

Uganda's hip hop scene began in the early to mid-1990s, especially among university students at Makerere University and elsewhere. The Bataka Squad, formed in the early 1990s are the originators of the Lugaflow style, using the native Luganda language. Other formative groups on the Ugandan hip hop scene in the early 90s include Young Vibrations, MC Afrik, DJ Berry, Sylvester and Abramz and Kaddo. Club Pulsations in Kampala was a hotspot for Ugandan hip hop in the 90s. In recent years groups such as Klear Kut, Milestone, Chain Thought Reaction and many more have emerged. In 2002, Klear Kut were nominated for the Kora All Africa Music Awards in the "Most Promising African Group" and "Revelation of the Year" categories.

In 2003 Geoffrey Ekongot, Saba Saba aka Krazy Native, of the Bataka Squad, Francis Agaba, the late Paul Mwandha of Musicuganda.com, and Xenson formed the Uganda Hip Hop Foundation. In 2003, the Foundation hosted the first Ugandan Hip Hop Summit and concert at Club Sabrina's in Kampala. It was so successful that they have hosted it every year for the past four years. In 2005 the Bavubuka All Starz[27] was formed under the leadership of Silas aka Babaluku of the Bataka Squad, with the mission of bringing hip hop music and community together to address social causes. Keko is currently one of the most promising and talented rappers in Uganda. Of late Uganda has produced globally recognized MCs like Bana Mutibwa[28] whose commonly known as Burney MC. In 2013 he represented Uganda at the biggest hip hop festival in Europe (Hip Hop Kemp).

Different kinds of hip hop have grown in Uganda. Luga-flow from the central parts of Uganda was introduced by Babaluku of the [Bataka squad]. It has grown since the 90s, causing a revolution in hip hop in Uganda. More great rappers have emerged, such as Gnl Zamba with the baboon forest, Mun G, Bigtrill, nelly sade, Cyno mc and fasie mc.[29]

Luo-rap is the second most dominant kind of hip hop that has also grown in Uganda, especially in northern Uganda. This was recognised after the late legend Lumix Da Don, a.k.a Lumumba Patrick. Lumix was an underground Ugandan rapper, record producer and CEO of Valley Curve Records. He is also the producer with the most singles produced and recorded. Most of Lumix's singles were either freestyles or were written 5–10 minutes before being recorded. Due to his catchy and crystal clear rhyme delivery techniques, Lumix Da Don earned his place as the most quoted artist in Uganda. Lumix is credited for taking a path unknown by many and having one of the biggest fan bases in the history of Northern Uganda. He made hip hop the biggest genre in Northern Uganda. This was manifested by the thousands of fans who turned up for his burial.[30]

Kiga flow is the third kind of hip hop born in Uganda, which is done in Rukiga and Runyankole. This style of hip hop has been recognized after the rise of the Rapper T-bro, B-Trabol, Himbi king and the rest from the Kigezi region of Uganda. [31]

Luso Flow, which is hip hop from Busoga eastern Uganda is done by Jungle the Man eater and Corp Zark. Hip hop in eastern Uganda has legit emcees like Ram mc, pyramid mc and vanjoe mc under a group called black race. They rap in their indigenous languages luganda and lusoga.

Luma flow, which is hip hop from the Elgon Region of Uganda, is done by Super man and BYG BEN.

Holy Hip hop 256 is the gospel hip hop done by Ruyonga, S4J,[32] Brian Wade,[33] Gagamagoo,[34] Muro,[35] RACE T,[36] MC YALLA,[37] MC LOY[38] and others.

Hip hop in Zambia has its roots in the late '80s and early '90s; many young people were influenced by American hip hop mostly shown on imported programs by the local broadcaster Zambia National Broadcasting Corporation. Early rappers and crews include Blaaze, Cypha crew, Blaze Makumba Mulenga, Riz, Ryan Tembo, Perry Cheelo a.k.a Ice Ache-Lips, Crisis, Ice Da Underground, Chilu Lemba and Allan Mvula, also known as MC Suicide.

Daddy Zemus[39] was one of the first artists who fused ragga and hip hop and is widely revered as the first artist to proudly use local languages to present his craft in this art form.

The first hip hop album to be released in Zambia was actually a gospel hip hop album called Talk About God by a duo called MT God Bless which was released on cassette tape in 2003.[40] (Mandiva Syananzu & Tommy Banda were the two rappers). It got massive airplay both locally and internationally. MT God Bless were also the first Christian hip hop dual to have their music video played on South Africa's Channel O. Pictures of the cassette tape can be seen on Mandiva's Facebook page with the year 2003 inscribed on it. In 2005 C.R.I$..I$. Mr Swagger[41] released what is considered the biggest debut release by a hip hop artist in Zambia titled "Officer in Charge". Other notable artists to come up over the years are Black Muntu, The Holstar, Conscious, Takondwa, Pitch Black, Diamond Chain, 5ive 4our, Zone Fam, C.Q[42] Krytic, Slap Dee, Macky 2, Mic Diggy and Urban Chaos[43]

In 2007 The Hip Hop Foundation of Zambia was formed, as a registered arts and culture organization. The organization was formed and registered under the Zambia Association of Musicians as a group member. ZAM is registered under the Zambian National Arts Council. The organization was established to provide a platform for hip hop music and culture for its various stakeholders in Zambia, as well as spearhead the development of the industry and address issues of social development and specifically those affecting young people through the use of hip hop. The Hip Hop Foundation has six main areas that it intends to implement in which are Events, Corporate Sponsorship, Artist and Content Development and Distribution, Outreach and Awareness, Strategic Partnership and Organizational Development. This organization is currently not active.

DJs like Erycom have been instrumental in helping Zambian Hip Hop reach the status of most popular genre in the Country. One such DJ is Drex who hosted "Hip Hop To Rock Your Block" on Hone Fm for five years straight (2004 - 2009). At one point Drex was the only DJ hosting a 100% Local Hip Hop show. Other notable DJs are DJ Scratch who hosted "Urban Central" on Radio Phoenix and Daniel Mumba who still hosts Hip Hop Express on Joy Fm Zambia. Also DJ Erycom has played a great role in promoting Zambian hip hop music online

Zambian rappers Slap Dee and Macky 2 are widely considered the most popular vernacular Hip Hop artists in Zambia, with younger artists such as Chef 187 Stevo and Mic Diggy also gaining popularity. Zone Fam formed in 2007 has received accolades abroad and are Zambian Hip Hop's Best Export. Zone Fam gained popularity in 2011 when they released their debut album single Shaka Zulu On Em which went on to receive rave reviews worldwide. In November 2013 Contolola which is Zone Fam's first single from their yet to be named second album gained the number one position on the Afribizcharts.[44] Afribizcharts are considered the African version of the billboard charts.

In 2012, Red Rose, the Gospel hip hop artist became the 1st Zambian female rapper to release a full-length hip hop album under the Yeken Music Record Label[40]

• Bongo Flava. Swahili Rap from Tanzania (2004) compilation by Out Here Records
• Lagos Stori plenti - urban sounds from Nigeria (2006) compilation by Out Here Records
• African Rebel Music - Roots Reggae & Dancehall (2006) compilation by Out Here Records
• Urban Africa Club - hip hop, Kwaito and Dancehall (2007) compilation by Out Here Records

• Africanhiphop Dot Com - The Foundation of African Hip Hop Culture Online (11 years online)