HYPE visited Durban to find out what’s happening in the hip hop music scene. We linked up with hot newcomer by the name of Malusi Ndlovu, better known by his rap alias Beast. Born in KwaMashu township, he relocated to Pinetown. In conversation with him you can sense the intense passion he has for his music. It wasn’t always hip hop though, growing up in a township where Kwaito and House music were the order of the day it wasn’t an easy transition into Hip Hop without being ridiculed and called a ‘punk’.
Beast started rapping despite all this and would often be at every party doing his thing with a small group of friends in some dingy corner. Life took an unexpected turn when everyone acknowledged his undeniable talent and started getting asked to perform at the parties he would frequent.
This lead him to working with DM MEDIA the company that discovered the likes of Zakwe, Duncan and Young Cannibal to name the few. Becoming one of the most highly anticipated artists from Durban, with collaborations from every key rapper in the game, his offering Global Warming tape was destined for dizzying heights. “I released my single ‘Leopard Skin’ that stamped my presence in the scene by getting an excess of 4000 plays/downloads in just a few hours of its release and became a local anthem in the streets not only because it was a good song but also because of the creative story line of the song that encapsulates everyone in the game. The song was voted 2012 hip hop song of the year on Gagasi99.5 FM and became the first song to get played twice on its debut on 5FM due to public demand.
I know we are not in a job interview, but how do you define your self?
[Laughs] I am a charismatic and energetic performer, one of the main reasons I get a lot of appreciation. Outside of my performances I am a lot quieter and humble which means I refuse to follow the ordinary trend and become just another assembly line rapper with an ego of mammoth proportions.
When did you realise that the rap is working for you?
When my first mixtape debuted in June 2012 and became the highest selling mixtape in KZN. That same year I was one of the most booked rapper in my Province.
Tell us about your new single featuring a gospel heavy weight artist S’fiso Ncwane. How did that came about?
Well, I like to classify my craft as music, period. If we’re looking for a certain feel, we choose the person we think is perfect for that specific song, regardless of which genre they dominate. I think with Sfiso Ncwane we made a great choice and we achieved exacty what we were gunning for. I love it.
And how can one get that tune?
You can SMS 4119616(full track) or 4119676(tru tone) to 083 123 686 to purchase “Beast – Ithemba ft Sfiso Ncwane”.
The music industry is tough nowadays. Where do you see your self in the next 5 years man?
I see myself as a better artist in terms of knowledge within the industry and artistic capabilities. I definitely see myself as a bigger brand with a larger audience and fan base.
What other artists would you like to work with in future?
Yoh! The list is endless but just to name a few it would have to be Tumi, Jabba, Reason, Lira and Bra Hugh Masikela. Abroad it would be Vic Mensa, Ab Soul, Lili K & Rapsody.
Look out for Beast’s album dropping 15 September.
@031beast
Written by @Zondoor