UnderGround Review: Driemanskap - Igqabhukil' Inyongo!!

I’ve wanted to do this review ever since I copped the album at Back to the City. However, we decided that it would be best to wait until after their official release date, 11 May, so the underground could get their hands on it and experience the sound that defines Cape Town Spaza rap for yourself.

If you’re unfamiliar with Driemanskap, here’s some background info. Their latest album, Igqabhukil' Inyongo was released under Pioneer Unit, and is their third offering. Their first two albums, The Battle of Gugulethu vol. 1 & 2, stirred up tidal waves on the underground with tracks like Mhee’, S'fikile Qha and Kwek’ Madoda to mention a few. So three albums in and with no sign of slowing down, El Nino, Ma-B, Dla and Redondo, who joins the crew after being released from Pollsmore prison last year, have once again made a classic contribution to South African hip hop.

Igqabhukil’ Inyongo directly translated means the gall bladder has split, but loosely translated means things are about to get crazy. Some would consider such a title a very bold statement to make on your album cover, but if you take a listen to the material, Driemanskap have more than just backed up the claim. The album is filled with bangers and exhibitions of platinum Xhosa lyrical skill. Tracks like 2000 We Shine, Snakes and Fakes Tsotsi, I Will Make It and Bambelela are all excellent representations of the everyday struggles faced in the Cape Town townships and that fine tuned Driemanskap sound.

A masterful solo effort by Redondo called Sphithiphithi serves as a hood anthem and a shout out to everyone out there on the hustle. This on its own should tell you a lot about Driemanskap and the connection they share with the underground community and all their fans.

In terms of production and cameos, the album features guest appearances by an all Cape Town cast that includes Sugar, Bizzah, Kanyi, Siya, Black Dillinger and Macho. On production, DPlanet put in most the work with 6 contributions. Other producers on the album include Hipe, Beatology, El Nino and Planet Earth. Overall, Igqabhukil’ Inyongo is another must have for fans of that real hip hop.

Igqabhukil’ Inyongo is available nation wide at most leading music retailers.

UnderGround Rating: * * * * and a half.

Ratings: * - Wack Shit, * * - Don’t Bother, * * * - Nice One, * * * * - Brilliant, * * * * * - UnderGround Classic.