Tony Dayimane: “This Era of Hip-Hop Is Just BETTER.” Rising hip-hop sensation Tony Dayimane lit a spark on social media this week after sharing a candid opinion about the current state of rap music, one that swiftly ignited a wave of passionate reactions from fans of both the new and old schools of hip-hop.
“I always felt like the new generation of rappers makes better music overall, I just never knew how to explain it,” Dayimane tweeted.
A bold statement in itself, the remark drew swift rebuttals — none more pointed than one fan’s fiery response: “Don’t feel again until you guys genuinely have the streets like AKA when he dropped Alter Ego, or PRO overall career.”
The reference to South African rap icons AKA and PRO wasn’t lost on anyone. The fan’s reply suggested that impact, not just technical or sonic innovation, is what separates legends from newcomers. And for many, the golden era of South African hip-hop still looms large over today’s scene.
But Dayimane wasn’t backing down. “Not discrediting anyone, and this is not just in Mzansi, hey, I’m talking in the world,” he clarified. “Modern-day artists — your Nasty C, Emtee, Drake, Young Thug — and old school like DMX, Jay Z and the kwaito brus. It’s dope, but not like this era. The music is just BETTER.”
While some praised Dayimane for confidently voicing a perspective often whispered among Gen Z rap lovers, others accused him of overlooking the cultural footprint and raw authenticity that older artists brought to the game.
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