SA Hip Hop has undoubtedly reached a new era. Every joint dropped is ripe, and like Harvest time – everyone wants to eat! However regardless of the beef/set-backs that tend to emerge at unexpected times, the music continues to speak for itself and with young artists making a name for themselves. You can’t help but give credit to the people behind the beats, the young producers that have a huge helping hand in the creation of some of the biggest joints hitting our charts. This time HYPE got in touch with 20 year old Cap City based producer Zoocci Coke Dope (real name Andile Sibabalwe), who started producing at the age of 10 and recently just produced Blaklez’s “FreedomOrFame” joint. We chatted to the young producer about issues that extend to producers being the new artists and his opinions on the growth of our industry.
Rumor has it Zoocci Coke Dope is taking over Cap City one beat at a time…could you take us through your journey, how did this all start out for you?
Making beats was a hobby until I realised that I was pretty good and people actually liked them, from there I just started working with as many up & coming artists as I could. Now I’m focused on being a brand and making a name out in the industry. I’m a young dude compared to old guys who are supposed to sound decent so yeah, the city is mine via the production.
You’re a 20 year old audio engineer and it seems like young producers have a habit of making hits within our generation. As young as you are what difficulties would you say unknown producers go through when trying to make a name for themselves?
Young producers are not taken seriously at all; you go through a stage where you’re forced to work for free because people don’t know what you can do. That really stands out for me, the challenge of trying to prove yourself. I never did it much though because I been Dope and I’ve never had to prove it a lot.
What’s your opinion on the quality & growth of our industry? Who’s leading the game in your opinion?
I’ve always hoped SA Hip Hop would move towards the direction its moving to now. Obviously there are still those guys who drag us back but the likes of AKA, Da Les & Cashtime Life are the epitome of SA Hip Hop for me.
One recent joint you had a hand in creating is the “FreedomOrFame” joint by Blaklez. Could you shed some light on how that collaboration came about…
I met big homie at an event, asked for his e-mail, sent him like 2 snippets and he replied saying he wanted to work on one and that’s how “FreedomOrFame” was done.
How would you describe your production style?
There’s no way to actually describe it, because I make music according to how I feel but if I really had to, I’d say “clean and hard“. My beats are hard but sound clean.
What software are you currently working with?
For beats I use FL Studio, recording & mixing I use Cubase and Pro Tools.
Which local or international artists would you love to work with along your career?
Locally I’d say Da Les and K.O while internationally it’s Travi$ Scott and Kanye West.
There is a saying that producers are the new artists, what is your opinion on this and do think that theory is being recognised in SA?
I think it’s true, we are really the brains behind music, and the beat the artists hear gives an idea for the songs they make. SA is only starting to acknowledge this; it’s still going to take a while to have it in full swing and to have our very own Mike Will and DJ Mustard.
What are you currently listening to on your playlist?
Travi$ Scott – Days Before Rodeo and HS87 – We The Plug. I also listen to a lot of Meek Mill and Nipsey Hussle.
One word that best describes Zoocci Coke Dope?
DreamChaser
@Zoocci_CokeDope
Written By: Rudzani “@Roo_AT” Netshiheni