Asaph - Big Mhofu EP Review

Talking about true ambassadors of local Rap Asaph is among the best ones, if not the biggest one. He is one artist whom you will gladly recommend to a non Zimbo who wants a taste of the local Hip hop scene. 

Over the years Asaph has proved he knows how to make good music with his many chart toppers, he has proven over and over that he is  solid with the pen, his wordplay and bars are among the best in the country. For those who have been following the genre for some time it came as no surprise when Asaph was signed by Def Jam Africa, he absolutely deserved it. 

Now that the hype around Def Jam has died down, the concentration switched to the music, which direction was Asaph going to take on his new label??. Can this move help him unlock new levels?? This move also gave Asaph a great platform to penetrate the SA and regional market, something that many pray for, how then is he going to do that?? The questions keep coming and gladly his first project under Def Jam Africa has finally dropped, we will start to get the answers to the many questions. Jumped on Spotify once the Big Mhofu EP dropped and now after a couple of listens will be sharing my thoughts on the project. 

As usual will be doing a track by track review then conclude with my overall thoughts. 

1. Mtukudzi Flow

The totem intro ushers you into this EP. Asaph straight up enters beast mode from the onset, addressing a couple of issues; from being proud of who he is (Mhofu), his alleged fued with the late Cal, how Cal's death impacted him, how fans fuel unnecessary beefs between artists. The production is solid, the arrangement is on point. Asaph delivered a strong performance. 

2. Nothing To Lose (ft Ganyaz Jnr)

Asaph is saying I got nothing to lose and nothing to prove anymore. He is in a space whereby he has proven over and over what he can do and now is no longer doing this to prove how good he is, he has done that already. He continues in beast mode on this one, killing the verses, Ganyaz Jr was also flames, was impressed by his short verse. The track is again well made and arranged, the energy is on point. 

3. Keeping It G

The Big Mhofu is keeping it real on this jam, he is saying sometimes you need to be bold in this life, life rewards those who dare to act. There are gonna be those who want to stop you, stop for nothing, always keep it real and focused on your goal. Production is solid, Asaph delivered a good performance. 

4. Learning To Live (ft Bhekiwe)

Track starts with a snippet of Asaph's interview with MsRed, where he was talking about leaning to live with the scrutiny that comes from being a public figure on you personal life. Different artists handle this differently, Asaph is expressive so he let's things happen naturally. Asaph is opening up himself on this track, talking about his fears, how they came about and his struggles to get over them. Production is solid. Bhekiwe's vocals are heavenly. Asaph was solid on the verses, he managed to deliver his signature performance whilsy at the same time delivering the emotions this track required. 

5. The Business (ft Holy Alpha) 

The Ginimbi commentary sets the tone for the track. This jam is all about concentrating on the important stuff in life and ignoring the irrelevant petty issues, get on with the business. The track is well produced, Asaph was solid on the verses, Holy Alpha came through strongly also, didn't know about her but she introduced herself in a big way. 

6. First Day (ft Bhekiwe)

This is a track about renewal, having that new perception about life. Hard times will come, some will break your soul completely but you need to find that renewed interest in life and that day will feel like a first day in your new life. Asaph carries on in beast mode in this track, delivering an emotionally packed performance. The energy he was putting off made me excited frr what's to come. Production is superb, those Bhekiwe vocals feel like heaven. 

7. Thebelele (ft Loki)

This is the single that was released prior to the EP. The track is a departure from the hard core hip hop vibe of all the other tracks, they went for a kasi kwaito vibe, a sound that is popular in the ghettos SA. This is also the party jam on the project. The production is done well. Asaph and Loki both delivered solid performances. 

Stream the EP: Big Mhofu

So ya that's its for the much awaited Big Mhofu EP and the man delivered. Loved his last EP, People's Rapper a lot and wanted to see if he can beat that and yeah he did, not by much but he has improved which is impressive given how good People's Rapper EP is.

The production is solid throughout. When Thebele dropped I was afraid Asaph was gonna leave his sound for a more South African vibe but nope, he has stuck to his sound and vibe. You can easily feel the progression from People's Rapper, the core Asaph sound still remains at the center of his music. The instrumental arrangements are on point, my favourite being on Nothing To Lose, the energy is perfect with that one.

This is quite an emotional project from Asaph, the Big Mhofu is sharing his hopes for the young and addressing the demons he has and is still fighting in his personal life. As you listen you can feel he was greatly affected by the death of Cal, it took him some time to really find his motivation, this album in a way serves as dedication to the late Cal. The tracks move in progression of his battles and on First Day you can feel he has now found a new perception, he has found motivation again and is now geared to go, leaving us yearning for what's to come, then in a poetic way ends the EP with the party jam Thebele, signalling that fighting is now over, the vibe is now correct.

Asaph delivered a solid vocal performance throughout, he was in beast mode from the first track, he toned it down on Thebele as he cooled off and got into a party mood. The artists chosen for collaborations all delivered. Ganyaz was on point, Holy Alpha introduced herself in a big way, Loki was good, Bhekiwe was heavenly.

To end this review this is a solid offering from Asaph, expectations were high and expectations were met. Asaph has proven with this project that he is not taking things for granted because of the move, he is still hungry and with that hunger he can reach new heights. Will definitely be looking forward to the upcoming projects from him, hope Kingsvilla 3 is also in the works fingers crossed. I have enjoyed this project a lot, those who had never listened to Asaph this project can serve as a good entry point, it's easy to follow, comprehend and the vibe is correct. Definitely recommend it, it has just became the best Hip Hop project of the year. 

My overall rating: 8/10

Feel free to share your thoughts on the EP in the comments section below.

Proud_Zimbo