Ep 101: Respect the Technique: A Mixtape Episode

In this episode, we’re bringing you a special mixtape featuring 24 tracks released in 2024 and 2025 by MCs from across the continent, including Ghana, Nigeria, Rwanda, South Africa, Tanzania, and Zimbabwe.

The mix highlights:

• Languages: English, Swahili, Ga, Yoruba, and more.
• Artists: Established names like Modenine, M.anifest, Nadia Nakai, alongside rising voices you may be hearing for the first time.
• Sounds: From classic boom bap and Afrobeats-inspired beats, to high-energy club tracks, to conscious and introspective flows.

Inspired by U.S. hip hop podcasts that spotlight new music, this episode aims to showcase the incredible range of hip hop being produced internationally.

The mix begins with South Africa’s Zulu Mecca—who will also be speaking at this year’s conference—and closes with Yugen Blakrok, from her powerful new album The Illusion of Being. Check out the full playlist and links to the featured artists:

• ZuluMecca "Iller Than"
• Modenine "Adidas"
• Wakazi "Crooked Crown"
• Eno Barony "No Manual"
• K. Keed "Dilemma"
• Fid Q & Mex Cortez "Simba"
• Sarkodie "Hustlers Dream"
• Gemini Orleans "Gasoline"
• Stamina "Bado Nipo"
• AYORKOR RONZY "Darkovibes"
• Falz the Bahd Guy & Shaybo "Popping Tonught"
• Angel Mutoni "Ousaah"
• Cassper Nyovest "Kusho Bani"
• Gigi Lamayne "COME OUTSIDE"
• Nadia Nakai & Moozlie "Sipthipithi"
• Eva Alordiah "I Look Good"
• Awa Khiwe "Rap Gandaganda"
• Ugly Dray "Not Love"
• Kweku Smoke "Agyekum"
• Yanga Chief "What If"
• Erigga "Just Breathe"
• MOJO AF "Samson"
• M.anifest  "Gye Nyame"
• Yugen Blakrok "The Grand Geode"

We’re also excited to announce that Howard University will host the 3rd Annual Hip Hop Studies Conference from November 14–16, 2025. This year’s theme is Respect the Technique: Hip Hop & Technology. The call for submissions is open until September 20, 2025. For details, visit hiphop.howard.edu.