Rekindling Nam hip-hop

MICHAEL KAYUNDE WINDHOEK KP Illest has without a doubt been causing quite a stir in the game and when he released his latest mixtape, ‘Kill Your Television Volume 4’ (KYTV4), you really got a taste of how seriously he takes his art.His constant desire to evolve his art and purpose was flawlessly showcased on ‘KYTV4’. KP, real name Nikanora Kamaaizemi Hoveka, has never been really the type to randomly drop projects just for the sake of it. Quantity over quality is what we got here, so tjil was compelled to have a sit-down with him to discuss the making of this project and who its intended for.In the interview, KP mentioned that he is shocked at the overwhelmingly positive reviews ‘KYTV4’ is receiving.“The response is positive especially as far as the streams are concerned. In just three to four days, some of the songs on this new project already have more plays than songs I released two years ago,” he shared.He attributes this positive response to his growth as an artist.“It’s either that or the project is just that good,” he said, adding that he hasn’t received a bad review yet - but is open to criticism. Impressive line-upPacked with 13 tracks, KP roped in an impressive line-up of features including King Tee Dee, Maria Nepembe, Ice Prince, Han-C and more.The rapper shared that he did not overthink who to have on this project, adding that the features happened organically.We have known about Nepembe’s love for making music for a while now and what we’ve liked the most about her, outside her insane talent, is her mysteriousness. Once in a while she decides to bless us with a verse or random background vocals on other people’s songs and we just sense that she could be a real powerhouse when she eventually decides to go all out - and we can’t wait.Asked how the feature came about, KP shared that it was not planned but that he’s glad it worked out.“I wanted her to just record back-ups but she said she wanted to do a verse. A lot of people think I wrote the verse for her but that’s all her, I just aided with rhyming words.” Be gratefulThe award-winning musician said he hopes the music on this project will serve as a reminder to his fans and music fans in general to be grateful for the blessings they have - from family to friends. He said he is working on himself and that’s the lesson he would like his fans to take away and apply in their lives.“With KYTV4, I want people to realise and acknowledge that they can definitely work on bettering current versions of themselves, but at the same time not dismiss their current blessings.“In one of the songs, I mention that I am content but I am not complacent. So, I do want better for myself but I am happy where I am and I feel like a lot of people out there feel the same way,” he said.He explained that he chose to drop a mixtape instead of an album because he wanted to avoid the pressure that comes with an album. “As much as criticism is good for an artist’s growth, it also takes a toll on you and I didn’t have the mental and emotional energy to do an album,” he said, revealing that a deluxe version of KYTV4 is in the works.In terms of distribution, KP has partnered with Tunecore Music Distribution to help him dispense and place songs on various playlists. The mixtape is available on all major streaming platforms.Summing up the conversation with tjil, KP reiterated that he is thankful for the love his latest offering is receiving, adding that he personally doesn’t believe its better than his previous album ‘Faith and Favour’, but a lot of people beg to differ.

Rekindling Nam hip-hop

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Namibian Sun 2025-04-04

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Rekindling Nam hip-hop

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Namibian Sun 2025-04-04

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