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The rhymz that Spex wrote From out of the post-apartheid streets of Johannesburg hails an MC with an EP to give the people what they have been waiting for... 'The Real Msawawa Hip Hop For Sho'. Spex started out like any kid in the early 80’s wanting to be a rapper, but this tale included talent, wisdom and determination. Until recently Spex was better known and respected by the hip hop community for his track ‘Virgin’ released by the duo, the Metamo’forces in 1997 featuring on the Muthaload compilation. But all was soon to change. Approximately a year ago on 20 Jan 1999, his first single HIZO was aired on the Sprite Yfm Rap Activity Jam. Public reaction was explosive. The next morning ‘Matters of the heart’, his second single became a 5 out of 5 hit on the Phat Joe morning show. The 8 track EP, RhymzIwrote was released on 1 September 1999. Spex has been the first local hip hop solo release to hit stores in South Africa. RhymzIwrote His talents are far reaching: he writes his own lyrics, produces his own beats, has his own Spex website and co-owns an entertainment company, U Thoht? Entertainment (clothing production, event promotion and artist recordings) Living in the urban jungle of inner-city JHB, Spex has to deal with real life situations on a daily basis and that’s what makes his music so real. His lyrics reflect real people with real situations. His music crosses all cultural, gender and age barriers and it won’t be surprising if Spex will be here to stay. Spex has performed with top names in the South African music industry including Bongo Maffin, Mdu, BoomShaka, E'Smile & Kyllex. One of his tracks was used in the short M-Net film 'Shooting pinks' in which Spex plays the role of Chippa. Much has been said about Spex and the originality of his music in the underground hip hop community, but one thing is for sure. Because Spex is the first hip hop solo artist to release in South Africa, he definitely has set the flame alight for local hip hop artists to follow. The full length album 'It's a hijak' is due to hit stores at the end of September. For more information regarding Spex see his website. Also peep his regular column about hip hop in South Africa for the Hip Hop Headrush website. Contact: mail Spex at spextate@freenet.co.za or while in Johannesburg phone Bradley of Eargasm records: 082.462.3063

Yebo! Our staff member Mustafa Maluka went out with his camera to Cape Town hip hop clubs, events and other places and met with some of South African hip hop's best dj's, mc's and graf artists. Peep the results here. :: MORE SPEX ::  Lyrics: Who feels it  knows  Music: Metamoforces -  The virgin (see  Radio Show #5) :: OTHER ARTISTS ::  Brasse Vannie Kaap  Mr Devious