South African hip-hop has always been a vibrant and competitive space, filled with a mix of incredible talent, unique personalities, and dramatic stories.

Among the multitude of rappers who have graced the scene, some have been adored for their artistry and resilience, while others have faced severe backlash due to personal controversies, egotism, or public missteps.

This essay will explore the contrasting journeys of four prominent South African rappers—two who are widely celebrated for their contributions to the genre and two who have faced significant criticism and public disdain.

One of the most polarizing figures in recent South African hip-hop is Lucasraps. Born Lucas Raps Moalusi, he rose to prominence in 2019 after being featured on the hit single What It Is by Dr. Peppa.

His exceptional lyrical skills and captivating flows quickly earned him a dedicated fanbase.

By the time he released his debut album, 031 to the World, in 2021, Lucasraps was hailed as a leading voice among the new generation of South African rappers. His talent even caught the attention of the late AKA, who acknowledged Lucasraps as cocky but skilled.

However, Lucasraps’ rise to fame also marked the beginning of his downfall. His overconfidence alienated fans and collaborators alike. In 2021, Lucasraps claimed to have purchased a 14-million-rand mansion, a declaration that raised eyebrows.

Social media users soon uncovered that the property was still on the market, exposing Lucasraps as dishonest. To mitigate the backlash, Lucasraps fabricated a story about having to vacate the property because the estate banned pit bulls, but this explanation only further eroded his credibility.

In 2022, Lucasraps attempted to assert his dominance in the industry by responding to a fan’s tweet about the best rapper in Africa. He released a song titled Best Rapper in Africa and even used the tweet as the cover art. Unfortunately, the track was met with scathing criticism, with fans mocking everything from the song’s lyrics to Lucasraps’ audacity.

The backlash reached a peak when some listeners described the track as unlistenable. Lucasraps’ antics and social media presence continued to attract ridicule, such as when he referred to amapiano—a genre that has seen immense global success—as “boring.”

His inability to navigate the pressures of fame has made him one of the most criticized figures in South African hip-hop.

In stark contrast, Pretty Ugly has experienced a journey from being underestimated to earning immense respect as a lyricist.

Despite entering the music industry over a decade ago, Pretty Ugly initially struggled to find his footing. Critics dismissed him as an artist without mainstream appeal, and even established musicians, like Anatii, publicly ridiculed his music during his early career.

Pretty Ugly’s fortunes began to change after he signed with Ambitiouz Entertainment, where he released tracks like In the Mood and Zero to Hero.

Although these songs brought moderate success, they did little to alter public perception of him. The turning point came in 2022 when Pretty Ugly won the Lyricist of the Year award at the South African Hip Hop Awards.

The accolade silenced many of his critics and established him as one of the most respected voices in the genre. Pretty Ugly’s talent for intricate wordplay and thoughtful storytelling finally gained the recognition it deserved, proving that perseverance and authenticity could triumph over initial rejection.

However, in 2024, Pretty Ugly announced his retirement from making music, citing the desire for personal growth and a shift toward mentoring the next generation of artists.

His announcement was met with widespread support, highlighting how far he had come in the public’s eyes. Unlike Lucasraps, Pretty Ugly’s journey serves as a testament to humility and resilience in an industry often dominated by egos and fleeting trends.

Another figure who has experienced both adoration and mockery in South African hip-hop is Emtee. After bursting onto the scene with his breakout single Roll Up in 2015, Emtee quickly became a household name.

His debut album, DIY, was a commercial success, and he followed it up with hits like We Up, Manando, and Pearl Thusi. These tracks solidified his reputation as one of the most talented and versatile artists in the country.

Despite his early success, Emtee’s career has been marred by controversy, primarily stemming from substance abuse and personal challenges.

One of his first public missteps occurred during his brief stint as an actor on the South African TV show Muvhango. Emtee reportedly showed up on set intoxicated and struggled to remember his lines. Although this incident was relatively minor, it foreshadowed a pattern of behavior that would later define his public image.

In 2017, Emtee accidentally live-streamed an explicit video on Instagram, which drew widespread ridicule and raised questions about his judgment.

This lapse was followed by a string of erratic public appearances, including an infamous interview on a national talk show where he appeared visibly under the influence.

During the interview, Emtee struggled to articulate his thoughts and appeared disconnected, which only added to the public perception of him as unreliable.

Emtee’s personal life has also been a source of public drama. In 2023, his estranged wife, Nicole, accused him of being abusive and a habitual drug user.

She even shared a video of Emtee stumbling home intoxicated, further damaging his reputation. In response, Emtee claimed that Nicole had only been with him for his money and fame.

Their tumultuous relationship and ongoing divorce proceedings have been widely covered in the media, overshadowing Emtee’s musical achievements.

While Emtee remains a beloved figure among his core fans, his inability to manage his personal demons has tarnished his legacy.

Unlike Pretty Ugly, whose hard work and dedication allowed him to overcome initial skepticism, Emtee’s struggles with addiction and public controversies have prevented him from reaching his full potential.

In conclusion, the stories of Lucasraps, Pretty Ugly, and Emtee highlight the challenges and complexities of navigating fame in the South African hip-hop industry.

Lucasraps serves as a cautionary tale about the dangers of ego and dishonesty, while Pretty Ugly exemplifies the power of perseverance and authenticity. Emtee, on the other hand, is a reminder of how personal struggles can derail even the most promising careers.

Together, their experiences paint a vivid picture of the highs and lows of South African hip-hop, offering valuable lessons for both aspiring and established artists.