Hip hop artist puts Pinetown on the map

PINETOWN artist Malusi Ndlovu known as “Beast” to his fans has released his album titled Take a Minute.

Beast is signed under DM Media, a Clermont based music recording company and works with Gallo Record Company which is home to big name artists such as Arno, the late Lucky Dube and the Grammy award winners Ladysmith Black Mambazo.

The hip hop fanatic was born in KwaMashu and later relocated to Ashley, Pinetown.

Growing up in a township, Beast said it was not easy to get into hip hop as Kwaito and house music were the popular genres.

He started rapping with a small group of friends, when people started acknowledging his talent and then he was invited to perform at parties.

Beast is a charismatic and energetic performer, but outside his performances he is quiet and humble.

One of his tracks was voted 2012 hip-hop song of the year on Gagasi 99,5fm and his single ‘Leopard Skin’ was the first song to get played twice on its debut on 5fm due to public demand.

In September 2012, Durban hosted the fourth annual Original Material awards (KwaZulu-Natal hip hop awards) at the Durban Playhouse where Beast was nominated in four categories.

Beast took home all the awards including the highly contested Single of the Year 2012.

Take A Minute took a year and six months to record. Beast does hip hop with a difference as he combines rap with gospel, jazz and engages true South African sounds with authentic South African stories, from townships to suburbs.

The album has 16 tracks that will keep the young and old entertained and will have seven confirmed videos.

Beast’s album features Sfiso Ncwane, Zakwe, HHP and Tellaman. His album was picked at number four on local Hip Hop and he is on high rotation on Ukhozi fm, Metro fm and other stations. His music is also featured on ETV’ s soapie Rhythm City.

The album is available on all major music stores and iTunes and is released by DM Media and Gallo Record Company Pty (Ltd).