Cape Town-based independent muso Emrhys Stead tries his hand at hip-hop on his new single, and it’s a success.
“PRIVA$¥!” blends old-school boom-bap influence with some experimental twists, opening on a vocaliser effect that seamlessly transitions into a gritty, looping bass line. The track’s raw energy hooks you immediately, while the beat is both simple and infectious, driving the track forward with irresistible rhythm.
The lyrics flow in a stream-of-consciousness style, with an emphasis on end-of-line rhyming that keeps the momentum tight, fluid and cascading. Though tricky to decipher at first, the track seems to touch on many different themes, including living in the moment, consumerism, romance—all within its concise two-minute run.
The layered production is another stand out. It’s sharp, balanced and crisp, with vocal loops that add depth. Stead’s voice almost recalls the unfazed and cool-headed vibe of Locnville, with nostalgic tinges of a bygone era in South African music.
“PRIVA$¥!” showcases Emrhys Steads’ promising talent as a young hip-hop artist, and we can’t wait to see where he goes from here.
