One of South Africa’s Oldest Hip-Hop Crews Black Noise Releases a New Project ‘Black Noise Matters’

Black Noise's new EP is titled Black Noise Matters, and consists of 10 songs. The project is the first of an ongoing series of three EPs the Cape Town-based crew is releasing to commemorate three decades of its existence.

Black Noise Matters includes the 2013 single "Black is Back" which was originally supposed to appear on a project the crew promised for the same year to commemorate 25 years since their formation in 1988.

Read: Emile YX? Shares Some Gems About South African Hip-Hop History, Its Relationship to Capitalism & More

All but one song, the title track, on Black Noise Matters feature different guests which you may or may not be familiar with—Burni Aman, Nikki Autumn, Monox and Terror MC are some of the names who contribute verses and hooks to the highly socially conscious release.

Messages of self-love, standing up for self, caring for one another, preserving our cultures, racism and colonialism are prevalent on Black Noise Matters. For instance, the song "We Belong to the Land" featuring Burni Aman from the group Godessa, touches on the burning issue of land reform. Burni Aman and Black Noise members Emile YX? and Jay P each share history lessons on how colonialists stole land from the original inhabitants of the south of Africa.

Sonically, Black Noise Matters is primarily boom bap and funk, with songs that will be accessible even to non-hip-hop fans, but still the project doesn't compromise on an artistic integrity and expression.

Stream Black Noise Matters below: