Jay Wrighteous, who has had local performances in Randburg, Sandton, and Fourways, discovered his passion for hip-hop in the heart of Rustenburg’s Chaneng village, amid a backdrop of small-town life and familial influences.

Growing up surrounded by friends who shared his musical inclinations, he credits his father for igniting his love for the genre. Classics from Wu-Tang Clan, KRS-One, G-Unit, and other hip-hop pioneers filled his home, shaping a foundation in conscious rap that emphasises depth and knowledge.

This early exposure evolved into a lyrical style inspired by modern artists like Ab-Soul from Top Dawg Entertainment (TDE). Jay admires Ab-Soul’s focus on wisdom and introspection, which mirrors his own approach to songwriting. “Ab-Soul is my favourite artist,” he says, highlighting how the rapper’s themes of knowledge influence his music for his community and fans. Beyond music, philosophers like Tony Dangler and Isaac Aschendorf have broadened his worldview, fostering curiosity and open-mindedness that seep into his lyrics and life choices.

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Jay’s entry into the South African music scene came around 2019-2020, marked by an invitation to Freestyle Fridays Season Two from Stogie T’s PR team. This opportunity introduced him to industry heavyweights, from producers to executives. As an independent artist from a town not deeply rooted in hip-hop, he faced challenges in promoting his work. Studio sessions, both before and after Freestyle Fridays, became pivotal in building momentum and reigniting his drive.

Collaborations form the cornerstone of Jay’s career. He overstates the beat’s role in guiding themes for both features and solo projects, crediting producers for their foundational work. Features allow him to adapt to diverse energies, while solo efforts reflect his core intelligent rap style. Partnerships have elevated him, evolving his sound through shared lyricism and selective choices. “Collaboration is key,” he notes, explaining how they’ve made him a better musician.

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A turning point arrived with the New World Order (NWO) Cyphers. Invited by Ta Longz after a text about one of his tracks, Jay contributed to an EP and helped brand the collective as family. Preparation for cyphers involves writing and rehearsing lyrics over beats until he can perform off the dome, differing from studio recordings by demanding raw energy for every punchline and metaphor. The series has expanded his network, connecting him with major acts and boosting his music’s reach. He praises the underground scene, including Inner City Cyphers and Dark City Sessions, for keeping SA hip-hop vibrant.

Jay’s involvement extended to Sotra Cyphers, where an invite from Speeka led to a top 20 spot in 2025. He brings a unique “colored essence” to Sotra, tapping into his South Side heritage for experimental flows that open doors to new collaborations and business opportunities. Excited for Sotra’s 10th anniversary, he anticipates performing alongside SA’s top talents, vowing to deliver without disappointment.

Proud moments include Stogie T attending NWO’s first listening session and the recognition at the Tswyza show picnic festival, affirming his path. With NWO members like Ta Longz (founder), Marley Bloo (producer and videographer), Black Ace, and Sizi Boy fueling his growth, Jay feels unstoppable. Plans include a collaborative tape produced by Beat Mochini, a project with Lelo April dropping mid-February, and NWO Season Two events. He’s also releasing a catalogue of songs and bodies of work, exploring new production styles.

Recently, Jay dropped “City of Gold” featuring Fixinator, on January 8, born from a spontaneous session after a documentary shoot. Amid balancing music with training studies, he advises emerging rappers: never give up, network wisely, stay humble, and make positive impacts.
Jay sees SA hip-hop evolving globally, blending commercial and underground elements into something world-class. As he continues to rise, Rustenburg’s own is poised to make waves far beyond his hometown.

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