Between a Rock and a Satellite: SA Hip-Hop with Yugen Blakrok and Kanif the Jhatmaster
Yugen Blackrok and her long-time producer, Kanif the Jhatmaster, are two South African hip-hop ecclesiastics who’ve successfully exported their talents to Europe and beyond. We caught up with the duo, hailing from Yeoville and based in Marseilles, to discuss their journey, future plans, and perspectives on the direction of the South African music industry
From collaborating with Kendrick Lamar and Vince Staples for the Black Panther soundtrack to performing on COLORS, and signing with a French record label, Yugen Blakrok has come a long way from her Queenstown beginnings.
The hip-hop sorceress has always loved putting pen to paper but got into rapping almost accidentally after being introduced to the golden age wordsmiths by her creative peers back home. “I never really meant to be a rapper, I kind of just flowed into it,” Blackrok says. “Also, my moves are pretty abstract so breakdancing was out.”
She began emceeing in Johannesburg over a decade ago in the Recess Poetry crew, before adopting the Blakrok moniker and linking up with producer, rapper and label head Kanif The Jhatmaster. “I ran with Blakrok for a few years before adding Yugen, inspired by Alan Watts,” she explains. “Together, it's a merging of polarities.”
The duo went on to release the critically acclaimed ‘Return of the Astro-Goth’ album, the first of a trilogy, on Kanif’s seminal Iapetus Records imprint—one of the only labels releasing alternative hip-hop locally.
Their debut caught the attention of rap luminaries Chuck D and DJ Kool Herc, prompting their inaugural European tour in 2016. “We wanted to explore and discover what was out there,” says Blarkrok. “The idea was to observe and learn as much as we could so we could grow.”
After watching them perform in Marseille, French indie label I.O.T. Records signed the duo and released their sophomore effort. They were drawn to the label’s ties to the free party scene and punk approach to the music industry. The partnership proved successful, leading to them playing over 50 shows across Europe.
Around this time, Blakrok was invited to contribute to the Black Panther soundtrack, a turning point that nearly didn’t materialise. “The funny thing is I almost refused that feature because of stress; I was overwhelmed by indie artist shit,” she says. The rapper now counts the track as one of the moments she’s most grateful for in her career, a milestone that opened many doors.
They’ve since cultivated a devoted following abroad while performing and collaborating with genre custodians like Kool Keith, GZA and Pete Rock, something they consider career cornerstones.
Collaborating with their favourite artists and sharing stages with the living legends who inspired their rapping careers have been more than just highlights for them; it's the fulfilment of dreams. “Often, I feel like my dreaming and waking life are intertwined,” Blakrok says.
Now based in southern France, the duo have a new album finished, the majority of which was created in a tent on the Catalonian mountainside. “The hunger I felt recording this album was like it was my first, it's my favourite yet,” Blakrok says. Its lead single 'Pedestal' received heavy rotation on BBC6.
“Sonically it’s more aggressive than her last. I guess in line with the general frequency of the world,” The Jhatmaster adds.“I also have a solo project almost finished with some instrumental stuff and some tracks with other artists.”
The two have not forgotten about South Africa, pointing to emerging local talents like Chro the Gnostic, Zapsign Deebo and The Cooligans. When comparing the South African music industry to Europe’s, the staunchly authentic duo is pragmatic but appreciative. Both want to see it thrive through further innovation and believe expanding the live scene is the way forward.
“The infrastructure for the arts is older and more evolved in Europe, as the technical and creative aspects of it are supported by a system that you can see working,” Blakrok says. “We need more of that.”
However, she is quick to point out that although their early shows were lacking in resources, the vibe often transcended the circumstances. “The tenacity of hip-hop heads is unmatched,” she reflects. “The audience engages on a different level when you connect like that.”
A South African tour isn’t off the cards either. “It's on my mind often,” Blakrok says. “Once the new album is out, we’ll definitely be there.”
Word by Neil Büchner Jr for Letterhead