| |
“When it comes to the punchlines and similes,
you ain’t got nothin’ on me”
ProVerb
Most rappers ain’t got nothing on the legendary ProVerb. One of the front-runners of the African hip hop revolution, ProVerb has 3 critically acclaimed albums under his belt... When Tebogo Thekiso, aka ProVerb started rapping in 1999 all he wanted to do was sound cool and be better than the next rapper on the scene, little did he know that he had sparked the flame to a fire that would engulf the whole of SA and other parts of the mother continent. 9 years and 3 albums later, ProVerb has built himself a career in the world of entertainment with his ability to craft pictures, dreams and emotions with words as the driving force. His tenacious attitude and not believing in being second best has helped place his name in the hearts and minds of South Africans of all ages and walks of life.
Born in Kimberly in the Northern Cape, or ‘Dime City Rhyme City’ as it’s now commonly known, Verb’s humility, socially-conscious and clean content have earned himself tens of thousands of fans in SA and abroad. One of the very few rappers who don’t use vulgar language in their rhymes, Verb has that widespread appeal to audiences old and young. In 2004 he released his official debut album, "The Book of ProVerb", through independent record label Outrageous Records. This album marked the birth of a flourishing career for the Kimberley MC – a true diamond in the rough that would shine like no other. This album featured the massive singles ‘I have a dream’, ‘Microphone Sweet Home’ and ‘Heart Beat’.
Hungry for a major recording deal, Verb left Outrageous Records to sign up with Gallo Record Company. In 2006, he dropped the anticipated Manuscript that included the smash hits ‘Tell Me Tell Me’, ‘Nothin’ On Me’ and ‘Raise ‘em up’. At a legendary performance, he took to the stage with Pro and Selwyn for the ‘Three Kings’ launch after they each dropped their solos.
After being quiet for some time to focus on different entertainment avenues in entertainment, Verb has finally dropped his much anticipated third album “Write of Passage”, his second major release through Gallo. This album boasts Verb’s largest amounts of collaborations to date including HHP, Maggz, Mode9, Morale, Ferdy (Urban Reign), Tamarsha, TeePee, Clu and others. Notable producers include Ameen, IV League, Leo Large, Top Shayela, Don Juan (Octave Couplet) and hot new beat-maker Raven MC – who will blow you away with his DJ Premier style of beats on the songs ‘Tryna Get It’, ‘Hip Hop’ and ‘ProMode’
“Here’s an MC who knows what being a professional verbalist is all about. The name ProVerb says it all. In his third album he celebrates the life journey he has travelled so far. With the title track, Write of Passage, ProVerb preaches about his new life as a father, husband and committed artist.”
Mohau Mokoena, City Press
The album’s first single is entitled ‘I know’ featuring a superb vocalist from Cape Town called Ferdy. This track will definitely get the ladies’ pulses racing and we see the more personal side of ProVerb emerge. This is his rite of passage and he showcases his journey over the last few years. The growth of this dynamic MC is as clear as day. On one of his tracks called ‘K’Ster Original’ he flips the script and does the entire track in Afrikaans after being highly praised for his Afrikaans verse on HHP’s track ‘Leloko La Lekoko’. HHP makes an appearance on the emotionally-charged track ‘Bread Winners’ that has been receiving critical acclaim. Taking production to new heights, the track ‘Truth Or Dare’ is a 180 degree production flip for Verb. With a techno influence and a higher tempo, Verb comes lyrically hard Along side Maggz and Morale on this Leo Large beat. Renowned Cape Town producer Ameen adds a whole newage production element to the album with his tracks ‘Been A Minute’, ‘I Know’ and ‘Let’s Take It Back’. He’s on a futuristic tip that has that melodic and soulful quality to it. Don Juan also adds a new sound with his mellow, chiming beat on the track ‘Break’. Lastly, the ever popular production collective, IV League, are on point, providing high energy and rich beats on the tracks ‘Kimberley Diamond’ and ‘Supa Official’ that features Clu and AKA respectively taking the mic and ripping it up alongside ProVerb.
Write of Passage is an undeniable classic work of art from one of SA’s most prolific and respected MCs. In his song writing, ProVerb has managed to strike a balance between maintaining respect amongst his hip-hop peers and critical hip-hop purists, but also managing to draw fans that aren’t necessarily hip-hop fans. His body of work includes songs that are written to be delicate to the ear and those that hit hard with delivery and content to suit.
ProVerb is a true African star that has shown his potential as an artist and a brand that manages to appeal to a wide audience. His work ethic and creativity will see him grow to new heights where he can set the standard on how local and even international artists handle their careers as entertainers and as socially responsible citizens. With right resources made available to him he will become the poster boy for South African musicians and youth to look up to. As one of the faces on the Converse Legends billboards, Corporates are taking notice. It’s time the rest of the globe does too. The possibilities are endless. The legend lives on.
|
|