Red Bull 64 Bars is a global project which has travelled the world and now reaches South Africa to ask its new, notable and seasoned hip-hop artists to step up and speak their mind. The series brings in 10 rappers and producer combo’s from around the country to centre stage.
The format is straightforward, although it does involve a bit of understanding of rhythm and beats. In music (and specifically hip-hop) a single bar is a measure of four counts over a beat. For 64 bars, that means there’s enough room for approximately two minutes of words. Usually, a bar is one aspect of rap vocals, which often forms the verse of a song and then there’s the chorus or the hook. The Red Bull 64 Bars series challenges rappers to rhyme on a beat of their choice for 64 consecutive bars.
The 10-episode series will showcase South Africa’s award-winning artists including Blxckie, Shane Eagle, Maglera Doe Boy, Rouge, Dany Devs, Priddy Ugly, Indigo Stella, 25K, Touchline Truth, and the Skhanda King himself K.O.
With growing global interest in South African culture, the series seeks to showcase the talent to a global audience and highlight the astounding diverse rap culture and impact the country has in this space.
The rappers have come together with the producers of their choice featuring; KindlyNxsh, KKtha1st, Lunatik, Zolile 3K, T.emba, Castro Beats, Castro Beats, Kitie 150, MustBeDubs and Herc Cut The Lights to masterfully create an array of beats which spotlight their respective unique sub-genres of rap.
This season kicks off on 15 September 2022 with the multi-award-winning rapper Blxckie as he shows off his undeniably pristine rhythm and flow on a beat produced by KindlyNxsh.
The episodes will be dropping exclusively on the Channel O and Red Bull YouTube channel bi-weekly.
“I didn’t listen to a lot of rap music, it was mostly vocalists like Monique Bingham, Lira, and Thandiswa and when I started listening to rap it was new age guys like X or Ski Mask the Slump God and that is why my sound has broadened in boom bap and my goal for the future is always elevate, and so I am excited to be a part of Red Bull 64 Bars,” says featured artist, Blackie on his music style.
For more information on Red Bull 64 Bars and behind the scenes content visit www.redbull.com or join the conversation on social media using the hashtag #RedBull64Bars
