After releasing his debut project Small Town Rabbit in 2020, which brought together the whole hip hop industry as features, and later releasing singles like ‘Stadiana’ representing the Vaal and “Asikhuzeki “ which featured Sizwe Alakine and Amapiano sensation Bontle Smith, DJ Kaymoworld comes back to give us an EP project, Tried & Tested, to claim his spot in the game.
“This project is very close to me, especially because I felt I was really tested in all aspects this year”
DJ Kaymoworld continues by adding “The plan of this EP is to inspire those around me and give them hope that even through your toughest times, there’s always light at the end of the tunnel.”
Tried & Tested features both upcoming and established names in the music industry like Costa Titch, AKA, Toss, Scumie and Thato Saul as well as hit maker producers Gobi Beast and Profound. The sound of the project is proudly South African Rap and see’s artists showcase their versatility with vocab, rhymes and wordplay. The body of work is full of energy, perfect for all scenarios this summer: the club, house parties, even grooving in your car.
Tired & Tested Track List Breakdown
Track 1 – Don’t Relate
The song speaks about not relating to different backgrounds in the hood and features Hip Hop acts, Thato Saul and Espiquet both coming in with strong lyrical content. Thato Saul on the chorus of the song speaks about his own personal experiences of growing up in Pheli (Pretoria), and what it means to make it out of the hood and make a name for yourself. The track is produced by Profound. “The day he sent me this beat I just knew I needed two rappers that can showcase their flows and play of words” says Kaymoworld. “The first two names that came to mind were Espiquet and Thato Saul”.
Track 2 – Wrong Turn
A collaboration that no one would ever expect, the perfect combo, new school artist Toss joins forces with hip hop pioneer AKA on a record. The song speaks about township slang and flexing. The Track is produced by Gobi Beast. “My goal is to always curate features that nobody would ever think could happen” comments DJ Kaymoworld.
Track 3 – Ngithi Lo
Ngithi Lo – derived from the Zulu word “ this one ” is a feel good song with bounce you can’t ignore. With a combination of various South African slang language and Hip hop elements, the track delivers an authentic local sound and South African hip hop flavour. The song is written by DJ Kaymoworld & Hype1108 and also features DJ Kaymoworld vocals on the chorus.
Track 4 – Top 7even
A record written by DJ Kaymoworld and Buzzi Lee in studio, the idea came from the beat name Top Seven, produced by Profound. “Inspired by a childhood we grew up to, this song will make you reminisce”, says Kaymoworld. The track features artists like Amapiano acts Toss, Majorsteez, Alfa Kat & Hip Hop’s Scumie and each and every act comes with their unique style of rap to tell their story.
Track 5 – Kopa Lerato
Produced by Asid, this track has a touch of Afrobeats, some Kwaito and Rap featuring the top duo hailing from the Free State, Bloemfontein, Stino Le Thewnny. Kaymoworld wanted to add a female voice over the beat, so he reached out to Buzzi Lee . To balance the vernac he then also reached out to Loki, from Skhanda World, for some Zulu vernac all the way from Durban.