DJ Speedsta Talks Commercial Appeal in Hip-Hop, Echoed By Emtee’s Views On Kane Keid’s Approach. In a recent candid remark, DJ Speedsta addressed the crucial balancing act for aspiring South African rappers looking to carve their niche in the industry.
“The most important thing is, as much as guys wanna be rappers and focus on hip-hop, it’s always important to have a commercial side to you as an artist,” Speedsta shared.
He acknowledged the skills required to rap intricate bars but emphasized the importance of versatility for those aiming to succeed in the mainstream music industry. “It’s all good and well to rap 65 bars, but at the end of the day, if you want to make hits that South Africans can resonate with, that the radio can play, and TV can play, you’ve got to have that commercial edge.”
Speedsta urged fellow artists to think beyond their skills in lyricism and start crafting tracks that appeal to a broader audience. “So what I can say, guys, when you get to the studio, don’t rap too much. Try make some hits, try make some ladies’ tracks, try make some club hits, try make some radio hits,” he said. His advice underscores the need for artists to think about the broader cultural moment—making music that connects with listeners on a personal and emotional level, not just showcasing lyrical prowess.
DJ Speedsta’s advice comes in line with similar remarks made by Emtee about up-and-coming artist Kane Keid. In a recent interview, Emtee shared his thoughts on Kane Keid’s approach to rap: “I like Kane Keid, but he’s rapping too much. He must go commercial. All those metaphors won’t pay the bills. There’s no money in the backpack rap industry, there’s no money there. All you get is the ‘oooh,’ and then you go back to your house and eat your Lucky Star and pap.”
Emtee, a seasoned artist himself, pointed out the stark reality for many artists who focus too heavily on complex lyricism without considering the commercial market. According to Emtee, while metaphor-heavy rapping may be admired by the hip-hop community, it doesn’t guarantee financial success. For Emtee, it’s about creating tracks that resonate with the masses and reach a wider audience.
