10. Cassper Nyovest (South Africa)
This has been an insane year for Cassper Nyovest, who is unarguably the most talked about African hip hop artist. He gave birth to his son in September of 2020, and that commenced a series of winning streaks for him.
In 2021, Refiloe secured endorsements, achieved his first ever number one record, and won a boxing fight. More will be said about him in subsequent articles because there’s a lot to be said. Cas is also nominated for hustler of the year at the 2021 Creative Africa Hip Hop Awards.
9. A-Q (Nigeria)
8. A-Reece (South Africa)
A-Reece was everywhere in 2021. His project, Today’s Tragedy, Tomorrow’s Memory is also regarded as one of the best tapes of the year
7. 25K (South Africa)
25K delivered one of the most well received efforts of 2021 in Pheli Makaveli, filled to the brim with tales of hood life and how it shaped him. From the Emtee-assisted “Self Made” to the anthemic “Hustler’s Prayer” with A-Reece. 25K stayed in rotation and made sure his presence was felt in 2021.
6. Ladipoe (Nigeria)
In 2021 Ladipoe built on the success of 2020 and reaffirmed his status as the leader of the revival with the release of “Feeling” featuring buzzing Nigerian singer Buju. The song was a massive hit across Nigeria and parts of Africa due to its celebratory nature and feel-good element. He also dropped his new EP, Providence, in November with features from Rema, Fireboy DML and Amaarae.
5. Priddy Ugly (South Africa)
Priddy Ugly chose violence this year. His “April 2nd freestyle” and “Handful Of Dust” are good examples of what he was about in 2021. As a purveyor of violence, I’m not mad at it. He helped keep bars in rotation and wasn’t afraid to press the necks of his peers. He also delivered one of the coldest albums in “Soil.”
4. Sarkodie (Ghana)
Sarkodie remains calm under pressure. With nothing left to prove, the veteran rapper embraces the lavish lifestyle in his ninth studio album. He also dropped quality guest verses and inked major deals. What else needs to be said about Sarkodie?
3. Blxckie (South Africa)
Blxckie was touted as the next up in South African hip hop and he took it in stride.
The Durban rapper technically started his breakout campaign in 2020 with the release of “Big Time Sh’lappa” featuring Lucasraps. Blxckie built on the song’s success and is now regarded as one of the most in-demand rappers in Africa.
In 2021 Blxckie released his debut album with features from Nasty C, Licasraps and Flvme. “David” from the album is nominated in the rap song of the year category at this year’s Creative Africa Hip Hop Awards
2. Blaqbonez (Nigeria)
You can argue Blaqbonez should be number one and I won’t be mad at it. After carving out one of rap’s most loyal fan bases, Blaqbonez unleashed his debut album “Sex Over Love” to a public that was more than ready to receive it.
His unorthodox approach and humorous rapping style resonated with the younger generation. In a short time Emeka received co-signs from the likes of Wizkid and Burna Boy, which added to his allure.
Following the nation-wide success of “Sex Over Love,” Blaqbonez followed it up with a deluxe edition with new features from Bella Shmurda, Tellaman and Kwesi Arthur. Blaqbonez has forced himself into the conversation and can no longer be ignored. His competition should be very much afraid of his next moves.
1. YoungstaCPT (South Africa)
At this moment in his career, YonsgtaCPT is operating with a chip on his shoulder. The Cape Townian, for the last three-years has been on an insane run that doesn’t get talked about. In 2021 Youngsta continued this insane run on records with the likes of Shane Eagle and Priddy Ugly. Though he hasn’t released an album since 2018’s award-winning 3T, Youngsta is still one of the most outspoken South African rappers of his generation.
Did we miss anybody? Let us know who your favorite African rapper of 20201 is.