Young duo hustles from the village to the city
Tzaneen rap group, HH Gang settles in Primrose.
Hailing all the way from Tzaneen, Limpopo, Eliya Leshabane and Masilo Maake are here to explore the city and leave a creative mark while at it.
The two childhood friends fell in love with music as young boys and though their small village in Tzaneen had little to no resources for them to pursue their first love, they hustled their way to the city.
Twenty-six-year-old Eliya, who goes by the stage name Blacka II, moved to Primrose in 2013, making a living as a clothing merchant.
“My parents died when I was very young and my sister took on the parental role,” said Blacka II.
“I did not understand why my peers seemed to get all they ever desired, all the trendy clothes and sneakers.
“Instead of dwelling on my misfortune I soon started pulling myself out of misery, preaching the importance of hard work to myself, in order to build a better future.”
One afternoon, Blacka II was introduced to Rick Ross, a hip-hop artist from the USA and the boy was hooked.
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His partner, Masilo, also known as Shiz, had a different introduction to music.
Growing up in a music-loving family allowed Shiz to identify with many genres from a young age.
“My father loved disco music, it constantly thumped through our speakers, but he was a man of many interests,” said Shiz.
“Singing became my hobby, it was largely supported in my household.
“After losing both my parents, music became my refuge, and I discovered hip-hop which led me to transition from being a singer to a rapper.”
When moving around in the city alone became uninspiring for Blacka II, Shiz made his way to Gauteng in 2014 to join his pal, and they soon formed a rap duo, called Helping Hands Gang (HH Gang).
The hip-hop lovers turned artists drew inspiration from classic rap beats fused with 808’s and lyricism inspired by Plies and Rick Ross with a look reminiscent of the Migos, HH Gang put in the groundwork and released their first single in October 2018.
“Our single, called Hustle, depicts our lives,” said Blacka II.
“Two young boys from the village, all odds against us but we still hustle.
“We hustle not only because we have bills to pay but because in this economy one needs multiple streams of income and I think that’s why many people relate to the song.”
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HH Gang worked with producer Bra Zakes and Mo Fire Records on their track and anticipate a long relationship with the stable.
Next month the duo plans to drop an EP (extended play), which is currently untitled.
The lead single on the EP is Live or Die, also scheduled to drop in April.
“Trap is a big sub-culture in hip-hop and though it looks fresh, we are still rooted in the original rap sound.
“Our lyrics will always be about way more than just girls and money, we need children back at home and around the country to work hard on their dreams despite what their circumstances are, that will always be our message.”
The rappers seem to be about more than just rap music, they’ll soon be launching a recycling company, ensuring those multiple streams of income mentioned in their songs are secured.
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