Rich Mahogany Weighs In On SA Hip-Hop’s ‘New Age Star’ Propaganda. The ever-vibrant South African hip-hop scene found itself in the middle of a spirited online debate this week, sparked by an engaging social media post from SlikourOnLife.
The publication’s official X account posed a simple but loaded question: “What propaganda are you not falling for? SA Hip-Hop edition.” 🤔
The question lit a fire across social media timelines, with fans, artists, and cultural commentators chiming in on what they believe is misleading or overhyped in the current state of the genre. Among the most striking responses was a candid take from hip-hop veteran producer Rich Mahogany, who didn’t hold back in questioning the so-called “new age stars.”
“That there are any new age stars,” Mahogany wrote. “You need a catalogue to perform longer than 15 mins, unfortunately no one has that currently. So before niba cool, work on the craft and keep the main thing the main thing.”
His statement quickly gained traction, resonating with many long-time fans who feel the current generation of artists may be lacking the depth and longevity that defined earlier eras of SA Hip-Hop.
Rich Mahogany’s post speaks to a larger tension in the genre: the difference between buzz and staying power. With the rise of viral moments and playlist-driven fame, the definition of stardom seems more fluid than ever. Yet Mahogany insists that true greatness requires more than social media hype — it demands a solid discography, stage endurance, and consistency over time.
His critique isn’t just a shot at young artists, but a call for them to “keep the main thing the main thing,” urging a return to the fundamentals: the craft of writing, recording, and performing music that can stand the test of time.
This kind of dialogue isn’t new to hip-hop — it’s part of what keeps the culture alive. From boom-bap traditionalists to trap innovators, from township storytellers to genre-bending hybrids, every era brings its friction. What makes this debate unique is how openly it’s playing out in real-time, with platforms like SlikourOnLife giving fans and insiders a shared space to hash it out.
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