I’ve been immersed in the latest season of Red Bull 64 Bars, where the standards were pushed even higher, leaving us with some amazing videos to review. We’re all about the culture and anything exceptional truly deserves the hype. Over the past few weeks, I’ve been working on this article, taking breaks and returning to it to ensure I didn’t miss any important details.
I’ve had to conduct background checks and revisit the freestyles, and one of the most challenging aspects was deciphering the references. These rappers aren’t just regular rappers who rap for fun; they know their stuff. That’s why I chose to focus on this particular episode/s. Take your time reading this because I also took the time to break it down for you.
Stogie T
Known for his sharp lyricism and deep, socially conscious content, often delivers freestyles that are rich in wordplay, intricate metaphors, and cultural commentary. His freestyles typically blend personal reflections with broader societal observations, touching on topics like identity, African history, and the state of hip-hop.
Stogie T is famous for clever punchlines and multi-layered bars that reward attentive listeners. Like when he said “Politics chart topping hit to justify the gift. That’s not a thing when you fatherless and found heart in this” referring to the way the music industry often measures success through hits and charts, suggesting that artists are pressured to achieve mainstream success to validate their talent. Nah Stogie T okotse ka di line ene if gao bale di book They’ll fly over your head watseba. So, let me breakdown that line.
“That’s not a thing” dismisses this notion, implying that chart success isn’t what truly defines an artist’s worth or talent, especially when they come from a background of struggle.
“When you fatherless” speaks to growing up without a father figure, a deeply personal experience that shapes one’s sense of identity and drive.
“Found heart in this” suggests that the artist found purpose, strength, and emotional healing through their craft, in this case, rap. Overall, Stogie T contrasts industry expectations with his own personal journey, emphasizing the authenticity he has gained from his experiences, rather than seeking validation through external measures.
Like, do we appreciate Stogie T is South Africa or we just scheme through his music? How often do we come across such elite MC in the continent? There’s a line which he said “Don’t look a gift horse in the vocals, fam. It was Greek to you. I was live in the Apollo, man” ! like what? Do you see the importance of reading books Bafwethu? Kera le na ntwana tsaka. Did you catch that clever play on the phrase?
“Don’t look a gift horse in the vocals, fam” okay, He simply meant not to question the value of a gift. His substitutes “mouth” with “vocals,” making it about his rap skills, suggesting you shouldn’t doubt or question the value of his gift in delivering powerful vocals. He continues to refer to the common phrase that means something is difficult to understand. In this context, Stogie T is saying his intricate lyricism may go over people’s heads or be hard for some to grasp when he said,
“It was Greek to you“. “I was live in the Apollo, man” refers to the famous Apollo Theatre in Harlem, known for hosting legendary performances. Stogie T is positioning himself as an elite performer, comparing his live presence and skill to those who have graced that iconic stage.
Notable points regarding Stogie T’s Red Bull 64 Bars Freestyle
Lyrical Depth: His freestyles are often laced with references to African history, politics, and culture, reflecting his thought-provoking style.
Flow and Cadence: His delivery is usually smooth and confident, with a commanding presence that draws in the listener.
Themes: Stogie T frequently addresses themes of self-worth, legacy, and African pride, often weaving in personal anecdotes that resonate with a wider audience.
Go watch the freestyle on the link below.
Thato Saul
Thato Saul’s Red Bull 64 Bars freestyle showcases his lyrical prowess and authentic street narratives, reflecting his journey and experiences in South Africa. Known for his raw, no-frills delivery, Thato blends sharp storytelling with hard-hitting punchlines. The freestyle highlights his ability to merge local slang with relatable themes, touching on struggles, resilience, and ambition. His confident flow complements the minimalistic yet powerful beat, allowing his words to take center stage.
So many Spitori punchlines especially from Thato Saul might fly over my head but best believe I caught few lol. Talking about punchlines, he said “Good kid turned into PG Lang like a G” which is a layered reference, likely drawing inspiration from Kendrick Lamar and his evolution as an artist.
“Good kid” is a nod to Kendrick Lamar’s acclaimed album Good Kid, M.A.A.D City, symbolizing someone who started out with innocence or a sense of purity, navigating a harsh environment.
“Turned into PG” could be a double entendre. It might refer to PG (Parental Guidance), suggesting the person grew up, became more mature, or took on a leadership role. It could also refer to Paul George, an NBA player, indicating a rise to prominence or becoming elite in their field, just like the basketball star.
“Lang like a G” refers to PG Lang, the multimedia company co-founded by Kendrick Lamar. “Like a G” means moving or acting like a “gangster,” but in this context, it’s about maintaining a strong, authentic, and powerful stance in whatever one does, reflecting how Kendrick operates through PG Lang. Overall, the line reflects growth, maturity, and maintaining authenticity while achieving greatness.
The one line which carries significant depth is “He was a snake for all that he achieved to become the leader, the chief,”
“He was a snake” implies betrayal or deceit. In many cultures, being called a “snake” suggests someone who manipulates or deceives others to get ahead.
“For all that he achieved“ indicates that despite the successes or accomplishments this person has earned, they used questionable, underhanded means to get there.
“To become the leader, the chief“ reflects the ultimate goal of gaining power or authority, even if it meant compromising morals or values.
The punchline critiques someone who, in their pursuit of leadership or success, sacrificed integrity, resorting to deception to rise to the top. It’s a commentary on how ambition can lead people to betray others in their quest for power. Overall, the freestyle is a testament to Thato Saul’s skill in conveying emotion through his verses, making it a standout in the Red Bull 64 Bars series. His authenticity and lyricism continue to set him apart in the South African hip-hop scene.
notable points about Thato Saul’s Red Bull 64 Bars Freestyle:
Lyrical Depth and Authenticity: Thato Saul delivers raw, honest bars, focusing on real-life experiences and street narratives. His lyrics reflect his background and the challenges he’s faced, maintaining a strong sense of authenticity.
Sharp Wordplay and Punchlines: Saul’s freestyle is packed with clever punchlines and metaphors, such as his commentary on betrayal and leadership, which adds layers of meaning to his storytelling.
Cultural Relevance: He integrates South African slang and local references, making his freestyle relatable to his audience and deeply rooted in the culture of his environment.
Flow and Delivery: Thato Saul’s flow is smooth yet impactful, riding the beat effortlessly while maintaining a gritty, commanding presence. His delivery brings the emotion and energy necessary to emphasize his message.
Street Narratives and Themes: The freestyle delves into themes like betrayal, ambition, and the complexities of leadership, showcasing Saul’s introspective nature and reflective writing.
Beat and Production: The minimalist yet intense production complements Thato Saul’s hard-hitting lyrics, allowing his voice to take center stage and amplifying the emotional impact of the freestyle.
Watch the freestyle on the link below.
K.Keed
Unlike the previous review, I won’t get more into details about K.Keed because she is one of the hottest in the streets too. Kids loves his music. But this freestyle? It’s definitely one of my favorite.
She is just amazing with the lines to be honest, and this line: The line “Apparently I stepped on toes, I just do it brand new Air Max” is filled with clever wordplay and confidence.
“Apparently I stepped on toes”: This phrase is often used to suggest unintentionally offending or upsetting others. K.Keed is acknowledging that her actions or success might have ruffled feathers or caused discomfort in the industry.
“I just do it”: This is a direct reference to Nike’s famous slogan “Just Do It,” symbolizing that K.Keed isn’t concerned about the consequences or people’s opinions. She’s focused on doing her thing regardless of criticism.
“Brand new Air Max”: Air Max is a popular Nike shoe line, representing style, success, and moving forward. By saying “brand new Air Max,” K.Keed is metaphorically saying she’s walking confidently and stylishly into new territory, ignoring the negativity.
This line reflects her unapologetic attitude, showing that while people might be upset by her moves, she’s confidently pushing forward, focused on her own success. And Yeeeeeeeeeees girl, with that attitude, you are going far because in this hip-hop of ours one needs to be tough sometimes.
By now as a hip-hop fan you should know rappers often hints or raps about their heart’s desires, there’s nothing wrong with that but make that line dope like K.Keed.
“Tryna make so much bands that I can’t even fit in my own tax bracket” is a punchy metaphor that highlights her ambitions and desire for financial success
“Bands”: This slang term refers to large amounts of money, often stacks of cash, where rubber bands are used to hold bundles of bills together. K.Keed is expressing a goal of accumulating massive wealth.
“Can’t even fit in my own tax bracket”: Tax brackets are used to categorize individuals based on income for taxation purposes. K. Keed is essentially saying she wants to earn so much money that her current tax category can no longer contain her wealth, suggesting a future where her income has skyrocketed far beyond its current range.
This line reflects her ambition to transcend financial limits and move into a higher echelon of success, underscoring her drive for prosperity and status. It’s a bold statement of self-confidence and motivation to break through boundaries.
K.Keed’s Red Bull 64 Bars Freestyle is a powerful showcase of her lyrical talent and versatility, setting her apart as a rising star in South African hip-hop. Here’s a review of some key aspects:
Lyrical Aggression: Her bars are sharp and confident, filled with punchlines that reflect her hunger and determination. Her words carry weight as she asserts her place in the industry, showing no hesitation in going head-to-head with the best.
Flow and Delivery: K.Keed’s delivery is smooth yet fierce, adapting her flow to the beat effortlessly. Her cadence is commanding, drawing the listener in with an undeniable presence.
Authenticity and Relatability: Throughout her freestyle, she remains true to herself, representing her experiences and the streets. She connects with her audience by narrating struggles and ambitions in a relatable way, highlighting her authenticity as an artist.
Cultural Relevance: Her infuses South African slang and references, making her freestyle deeply grounded in the local culture. This not only shows pride in her roots but also strengthens her connection to her listeners.
Empowerment and Confidence: A recurring theme in K.Keed’s freestyle is empowerment—both personal and communal. She’s not just rapping for herself but representing her generation, showing that women in hip-hop can hold their own in a male-dominated space.
Production: The beat is hard-hitting and minimalistic, allowing K.Keed’s vocals to shine. The production is the perfect backdrop for her gritty yet polished style.
Nnete ke gore this K.Keed’s Red Bull 64 Bars Freestyle is a strong statement of intent, solidifying her presence in the South African hip-hop scene while showcasing her skill as both a lyricist and performer.
A-Reece
The freestyle is a testament to A-Reece’s ability to blend substance with style, captivating his audience while dropping thought-provoking bars. So, lets see how far we can go with this one. His confidence and finesse shine through as he effortlessly rides the beat, while maintaining a conversational tone.
Straight to the line which is rich with layered meaning and clever wordplay. “I’m in CPT, with a PTA mindstate. I don’t buy face, I’m with the gang they down to violate. They be smoking opps, getting higher than the crime rate. They don’t know you but they’ll take you out, just like a blind date”
I’m in CPT, with a PTA mindstate”: A-Reece references being in Cape Town (CPT) while maintaining a Pretoria (PTA) mindset. This suggests that even though he’s in a different city, his mentality and values are still influenced by his hometown, Pretoria—often associated with a more aggressive or street-oriented outlook.
“I don’t buy face”: This refers to not being deceived by appearances or people’s superficial behavior. A-Reece is saying he doesn’t fall for fake personas or those trying to impress without substance.
“I’m with the gang they down to violate”: He mentions being surrounded by his crew, who are ready to defend him or take action if necessary. “Violate” here implies being prepared for conflict or to handle situations aggressively.
“They be smoking opps, getting higher than the crime rate”: “Smoking opps” is slang for defeating or overpowering rivals (opposition). He compares his crew’s dominance to the high crime rates, suggesting they are even more intense than the violence or danger around them.
“They don’t know you but they’ll take you out, just like a blind date“: This is a clever metaphor. Just like on a blind date, you meet someone you don’t know. Similarly, his crew doesn’t need to know someone personally to deal with them or remove them from a situation, which hints at the unpredictable and dangerous nature of his squad.
This line highlights A-Reece’s Street credibility, loyalty to his Revenge Club, and his no-nonsense approach to life. The vivid comparison of crime rates, blind dates, and loyalty gives the listener a strong sense of his environment and mindset. Okwe batho bare “A-Reece this” “A-Reece that” maaan shut the F# up, this Freestyle is dope. I could quote all the lines if I had to do it just show you how good this freestyle is.
“I was tryna pop foreal like a stepdad” is one of those lines with a clever metaphor with layers of meaning, but someone else might break it down differently.
“Tryna pop”: In hip-hop slang, “pop” can mean trying to become famous or successful (to “pop off”). So, A-Reece is referring to his ambition to make it big in the music industry.
“Like a stepdad”: This adds a humorous twist. Stepdads often try to “pop” or gain the respect and approval of their stepchildren. By comparing his efforts to those of a stepdad trying to win over a family, A-Reece emphasizes how hard he’s been working to gain recognition and success.
A-Reece’s Red Bull 64 Bars Freestyle is a powerful demonstration of his lyrical dexterity and introspective storytelling. Throughout the freestyle, A-Reece blends sharp punchlines with personal reflections, touching on themes of loyalty, ambition, and the struggles that come with success. His flow is effortless, maintaining a commanding presence over the beat while showcasing his signature laid-back yet impactful delivery.
The freestyle serves as a reminder of A-Reece’s status in the South African hip-hop scene, proving that he continues to evolve while staying true to his roots. His wordplay, cultural references, and authenticity shine throughout, leaving listeners anticipating more from Him.
Khuli Chana
Khuli Chana, one of the most celebrated rappers in South African hip-hop, continues to showcase his influence and longevity in the industry. With over two decades of consistency, he wrapped up Red Bull 64 Bars with his signature Motswako style, blending Setswana with English in his classic, effortless flow. Known for pushing boundaries, Khuli brings a fusion of catchy punchlines and deep-rooted cultural references, making his performance stand out.
In his freestyle, Khuli not only paid homage to his Motswako roots but also reminded fans why he’s a legend in South African hip-hop. His smooth delivery, clever wordplay, and mastery of storytelling keep him at the forefront of the rap scene, solidifying his status as an icon. This freestyle? It’s a proof why he is still one of the best to ever spit on the mic.
So, Let’s jump to some of the cheesy raps yet a powerful meaning and statement behind it. He said “Been hot since ’94, still living la vida da loca” which reflects both his longevity in the music industry and his continued success right? Well, I don’t even know why this is question because that’s how it is.
“Been hot since ’94”: This refers to Khuli Chana’s long-standing presence in the rap game. He’s stating that he’s been influential and popular from the get-go, underscoring his experience and staying power in the music industry over multiple decades. I didn’t have a TV or internet in my village back then but then line proves that he is been that rapper.
“Still living la vida da loca“: A reference to Ricky Martin’s 1999 hit song “Livin’ la Vida Loca”, which means living a crazy or wildlife. He uses this phrase to emphasize that despite his long career, he’s still enjoying life, thriving in his success, and remaining relevant in the scene.
In essence, the line highlights his consistency, ability to adapt, and the fact that he’s still at the top of his game, living a successful and fulfilling life. Let’s not even mention the rappers he co-signed, and they are now successful too.
Truth is that this freestyle has so many catchy lines and if you not paying attention, you would assume he is just saying words for the sake of rhyming. Like this one: “Now they calculating if I still got my millions, I paid dues so do better, who’s populating the truth in this fake news era”
Like he addresses both his personal success and the broader societal challenges, same flow in a same line, for me that’s cool, considering his breathe control over this beat.
“Now they calculating if I still got my millions”: This reflects public curiosity or skepticism about his financial status. After years in the music industry, people may question if he’s maintained his wealth, a common issue for long-standing artists.
“I paid dues so do better”: Khuli is reminding everyone that he’s worked hard, paid his dues, and earned his place. He’s challenging critics or those doubting his relevance to improve their own game.
“Who’s populating the truth in this fake news era”: In an age where misinformation is rampant, Khuli questions who is responsible for delivering truth. This highlights his frustration with the prevalence of false narratives and his desire for more authenticity in media and life. (but he doesn’t mean illythehost or Hype because we’re about facts).
This line blends personal reflection with a critique of modern societal issues, showcasing Khuli Chana’s ability to merge introspective and socially aware lyricism.
Notable aspects from Khuli Chana’s Red Bull 64 Bars Freestyle:
Motswako Legacy: Khuli Chana continues to represent his signature Motswako rap style, blending Setswana and English seamlessly. His effortless flow, coupled with his wordplay, reminds the audience of his roots and his contribution to shaping the South African hip-hop scene.
Longevity and Relevance: In his freestyle, Khuli addresses the longevity of his career, referencing his success over the decades. He highlights his financial stability and enduring influence, asserting that despite the changing times, he remains relevant and dominant.
Social Commentary: Khuli Chana touches on the theme of truth versus misinformation, pointing to the current era of “fake news.” This adds a layer of social awareness to his bars, as he questions the reliability of modern media and challenges listeners to seek authenticity.
These aspects showcase Khuli Chana’s ability to stay true to his roots while evolving with the times and addressing relevant societal issues. Oh, Maftown Heights is around the corner so, skabaiza, let’s go watch some motswako cats doing the most.
I hope you guys enjoyed to long article of mine, just breaking down sone of the Red Bull 64 Bars. Now Imagine if I did it all, but kindly go check out @Yfm YouTube channel for all the episodes. From me @illythehost, I’ll see you on the next season of Red Bull 64 Bars