The New Mzansi

The inclusion of Johannesburg's Yugen Blakrok on the Black Panther soundtrack's smash “Opps” was nothing short of a breakthrough moment for the international profile of South African hip-hop. Yet the track is merely a hint of the rich and varied hip-hop springing from the country's capital—as well as Durban, Cape Town and all points between—that reflects and subverts a history once better known for boundaries than inclusiveness. Jozi-based stars Cassper Nyovest and Yung Swiss put their own spin on American trap, while artists like Kid X and the gravelly baritone Kwesta incorporate genres closer to home, like Kwaito and Afrobeats. Our editors regularly update this playlist—if you hear something you like, add it to your library.