The name Spaza$hop Boyz has been swinging around the JHB hip-hop scene for a while now, making it hard to ignore them. My first experience was when I caught them live at a street event earlier this year. They had a bigger than life presence that automatically made you wonder, “who are these kids?”
That was shortly answered when they took to the stage with their distinctive ‘swagger’ raps and catchy snap-back, clap production. The crowd sang along to songs, danced in agreement and before my eyes I saw that they were indeed on to something.
Jonny JoBurg and Charlie Maccare stretch beyond just music; they seem to be developing a following that inclines towards culture, fashion and a genuine feel good vibe. Suggestive of that slick, yet in your face New Age Hip Hop streaming in from LA’s independent scene that the likes of the Cool Kids and Odd Future have made popular, it is something that seems to be growing every time I hear of one of their performances. Their charismatic, bright-clothed personas are more than enough to grab your attention; whether the music can stand up to that is something they are pushing to prove… and with an ever increasing fan base, they seem to be on their way to solidifying themselves on the local scene.
I caught up with Spaza$hop front man, the Prince of Joburg… Jonny JoBurg, to discuss their flight up till now…
Define the Spaza$hop Boyz, musically, persona and objective wise? You list yourselves at Alternative/Progressive Rap, how are you living up to those classifications?
SPAZA$HOP BOYZ are quite simply Hip-hop. Hip-hop’s nature is to mutate. We are just the next level. And the last thing we’ll ever do is live up to a classification. It is our intention to keep switching it up.
The new album is gaining some traction with the Joburg crowd, how do you feel a distinct Joburg mind frame will transcend through the rest of the country or abroad?
Johannesburg is the cultural hub of our country. Johannesburg sells cool to the rest of the country. Our debut video for Rehab Tony will solidify us as the new cool countrywide. Regarding international… There are no more boarders. SPAZA$HOP on every corner.
With continuing criticism that South African mainstream Rap’s sound and style is a derivative of popular American culture and Music, what separates Spaza$hop Boyz from those comments?
SPAZA$HOP BOYZ feel no obligation to regionalize our music. It is our intention to show the people kokasi; the world outside the township. Too many of our people are trapped. We want to take people away from the hood and allow them to travel when they listen to SPAZA$HOP.
The future, what you got for the devotees?
For the near future we have our debut music video, Rehab Tony. For the not too distant future we have ROCK-STARDOM. The best thing an artist can do for a fan is be successful. We don’t disappoint fans. Ever!
For a taste of the Spaza$hop Boyz
peep the FREE Download link to their song BlaK on Blaque
Search SpazaShopBoyz on Reverbnation or Facebook to stay in touch with their movements…
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