Also including new music from The Yomen and Juny Max.
Each week PAM scours the digital vaults for the latest and greatest rap from across the African continent and its diaspora. Drill, trap, grime, Afropop, amapiano, coupé-décalé, electro mahragan… all these sub-genres and interpretations make an appearance, attesting to hip-hop’s power to unite the world with indomitable flows and creative melodies. Rap is now the world’s music, and our pan-African selection is only scratching the surface. If it’s here, it means we think it bumps, and would be confident sharing it with hip hop heads everywhere. We encourage you to do the same.
This week’s Pan African Rap roundup features British Ghanian sensation Kojey Radical, Ivory Coast up-and-comers The Yomen and Juny Max, dancehall/rap prodigy Skillibeng, and funk ostentação pioneer MC Bin Laden.
Follow and share our Pan African Rap playlist on Spotify and Deezer for the entire selection.
Kojey Radical
“Payback” (feat. Knucks)
United Kingdom, January 13th, 2022
British Ghanaian Kwadwo Adu Genfi Amponsah aka Kojey Radical invites South Kilburn rapper Knucks on a funky New Orleans bounce beat. Led by a heavy trombone the duo count their blessings and state their claim, “Black skin couldn’t hold me down. A black queen gave birth to a golden child.”
The Yomen
“Dedans” (feat. Fior 2 Bior)
Ivory Coast, January 13th, 2022
Originally released in September 2020, Ivorian rappers The Yomen and Juny Max add “Dedans” (Inside) to their debut album Level released last week including features from Baby Black, Fior 2 Bior, Hass 2 pyque, Nilmar, and Petit Denis, giving a quick tour of the rap scenes underground up-and-comers.
Skillibeng, Antsman
“Pick N Choose”
Jamaica, January 14th, 2022
Dancehall rap mainstay Skillibeng, known for his cult hit “Crocodile Teeth”, and former collaborator with the likes of Popcaan and Vybz Cartel comes with a new drill inspired single that brings in newcomer Antsman for a quick, bassy groove.
MC Bin Laden, Mu540
“Maczada”
Brazil, January 14th, 2022
Funk ostentação pioneer MC Bin Laden, known for his aggressive baile funk productions that include the rev of motorcycles and grit of the favelas teams up with DJ and producer Mu540 for a minimalist and melancholic twist on baile / ostentação rap.
Follow and share our Pan African Rap playlist on Spotify and Deezer for the entire selection.
