On Monday, talented local rapper Gigi Lamayne shook the internet when she sent out a series of tweets slamming the South African Hip Hop industry.

You industry is the pits SA. I hope you’ll support me when it’s all said and done .

— #AlbumMode (@Gigi_Lamayne) March 8, 2021

I’ve had to fight since I joined This industry. Your artists Are worse though. They are traitors to the culture . I was apparently too dark and ugly to make it now people wannna smile ? Why?

— #AlbumMode (@Gigi_Lamayne) March 8, 2021

Chatting to us recently, the hitmaker delved deeper into what her tweets entailed. “It comes with feeling that the industry is quite connection based. We’re superficial in the sense that we’re trying so hard to mimic American culture that we have forgotten how beautiful we are.” She explains. “I find it a Sho Madjozi and a Focalistic are the epitome of what South African Hip Hop should look like in terms of their sound. They both rap in their language but most of all, they incorporate the production and the sound into what I feel the standard should be.The rapper also exposes the corruption that is in the industry. “I’m very angry at the South African industry because we find that talent is not the first thing being pushed now. Like I said, its connection based – who knows who and who is closing doors on who. It’s a very superficial space to be in until you become Indie and have your own team and then collaborate with a major label.”

Lamayne, who’s had her fair share of disappointments shares advice on how musicians can maintain their peace and happiness in this cut-throat industry.“If you want to be happy in this industry just follow your rules. Listen to your fans and incorporate what you want to incorporate. Sadly, we live in a time when you don’t even hear the good music anymore because it’s been overshadowed by this influx of wannabe American rappers.” She said. “If you want to be respected in Hip Hop now, you have to be the one who mimics better.”