There’s something brewing within the Johannesburg Hip Hop community, seeing the likes of Pumas+Roses and others all blossom with new music that consistently impresses me.

I recall listening to SHIMII’s 2024 album, titled “The Panic Room”, and the gifted musician wasted no time dropping his latest stunner of a project, titling it “Renaissance Baby!”.

I adored everything about this eight-track project. I knew I was in for a good show the second I pressed play on the first track, titled “Leather!”, that had me invested with SHIMII’s smooth vocal performance alongside the gifted LLELLO.

Side note, this intro had me tripping, with the instrumental subtly using the PC notification sound that had me checking what was happening with my laptop until I stupidly clocked it was part of the track.

But that was one element of this project that had me so bewildered by it. SHIMII did an incredible job at blending his distinct sounds with the different enchanting instrumentals. Tracks like “Missing!”, “Rainy Night!”, and “Pompeii!” were a bliss to listen to, utilizing soft Jazzy elements that warmed up my listening experience.

The performances from everyone were top-notch. SHIMII continued to stun me with his ability to merge his singing abilities with his lyrical gifts. And we cannot forget the cameo appearances from everyone else. I loved Pumas+Roses, Shoka Sunflower, and Vicequiat verses on “Looks Like You’ve Been Crying!”.

However, the features from LLELLO were marvellous to experience. Discovering new artists is why I do this shit and LLELLO’s angelic performances on the tracks “Leather!”, “Don’t Trust Boys!”, and “Looks Like You’ve Been Crying” was divine to listen to. Another bright star in the making.

This project was one of the best ways to start 2025, and there’s hopefully more to come from the rising music scene from Jozi. Stream “Renaissance Baby!”, now available on streaming platforms.