MashBeatz and DJ Sliqe Collaborate as Rush-Awa for Their First Album. The duo, now known as Rush-Awa, has released their debut album, which is self-titled. This 15-track compilation features a mix of well-known rappers and up-and-coming artists, emphasizing collaboration to highlight the diversity of South African hip-hop.
The pair has positioned Rush-Awa to advocate for more unity within the local hip-hop landscape. They stated that the album aims to close the gaps between artists and promote collaboration across the industry.
“This one is for South Ahh. Rush-Awa is here to fill the gap in collaboration in our beloved Hip Hop family. Let’s make Hip-Hop great again. Ke Rush-Awa Jo,” they declared.
This album comes after a series of tracks that highlighted the duo’s collaborative spirit. In June, they introduced listeners to “Lapisa,” featuring Lowfeye, LaCabra, and Dolphin_DX. The energetic song achieved gold certification, marking an early success for the team. Following that, “Ntshepe,” which included Loatinover Pounds, Sjava, and Cassper Nyovest, provided a more laid-back vibe. Additionally, a remix of “Ballon d’Or,” featuring Focalistic and MfanaTouchLine, further heightened expectations for the album.
With 15 tracks, Rush-Awa showcases a broad array of talent from the South African hip-hop scene. “Chocolate 2by2” features 25K, Blxckie, and Maglera Doe Boy, while “Streetz” brings together Blxckie, Nasty C, and Usimamane. Other notable tracks include “Mama,” with Emtee and issi, and “Umkhonto,” featuring Blxckie, Flow Jones Jr., KindlyNxsh, and K.Keed.
The complete tracklist also comprises “Avuxeni” featuring Danya Devs and Dolphin_DX; “Bhenga” with issi, LaCabra, and Lowfeye; “Luh Post” featuring BABYLOWSK1 and FLVME; and “Mbali” with LaCabra, Lowfeye, and Wordz.
Additional collaborations include “Tuff” with Blxckie and KindlyNxsh, “Kaofela” featuring Maglera Doe Boy, THE NORTHMOB., and Wordz, as well as “She Say” featuring 25K and BABYLOWSK1. The closing number, “Pray 4 It,” features contributions from 25K, Mochen, Saint Cielo, and Thato Saul.
The album also allows for fresh voices, fostering a blend of diverse artists, styles, and audiences within one project. This extensive collaborative roster supports Rush-Awa’s objective of promoting community through the local hip-hop scene, rejecting a narrow artistic focus.
MashBeatz and DJ Sliqe are at the helm of the production, with additional contributions from collaborators such as CraigCreates. The project is marked by powerful percussion, energetic club sounds, and street-based influences, with mixing and mastering performed by Glo Thebeatz at Playground Productions.
Featuring numerous collaborators and a diverse tracklist that spans various aspects of South African hip-hop, Rush-Awa constitutes a noteworthy collaboration for the producers. The album translates their vision of unity into reality, joining seasoned artists and newer voices within a single project.
Rush-Awa is currently available on all major streaming services.
