AB Crazy Interview

Check out our interview with SA’s hottest rapper/producer, AB Crazy about his musicial career and debut album, Home Coming..

What inspired the name AB Crazy ?
The name AB Crazy was given to me by a friend from high school after I did a song

Growing up what were you like?
I used to like making music and spending a lot of time alone in the studio more than hanging out with other kids
How did you venture into Hip Hop, whereas you studied tourism?
I was actually influenced by my old brother to do music. I actually learned the basics from him and polished the skill on my own. I participated in local competitions and won some while in high school. So even while I was studying tourism, my first priority was music.

What were some of the challenges you faced before getting signed?
The challenges I faced, which is common in the music industry, includes exploitation, not being credited for my own work when due.

You are also a dope producer..Take us through your journey when did you start and how long did it take you to perfect your art?
Thanks! I have been producing for a long time. From an early age, I mastered the skill of singing, producing, rapping, mixing, recording, etc. As I practiced over the years, I guess the skill got better and better.
What instruments do you use and what music production software do you use to produce beats?
To produce music, I make the beats myself and make use of cession artists to play any instruments of my choice if necessary.
Growing up who did you look up to?
Growing up I was inspired by a number of artists like Jay-Z, Kanye West, Tupac, etc
What drives you as AB Crazy ?
What drives me is making good music that people enjoy

You left Cash time and joined Kalawa Jazmee Hip Hop why was it important to you to make the transition?
Cashtime was actually a 6 months project with the understanding that I would focus on my solo career afterwards. When being a solo artist became an issue after the Cashtime album was done and released, then I took a decision to leave the group completely.

You are surrounded with a relatively Kwaito and House musicians at Kalawa does this present any challenge at all?
Yes Kalawa is dominated by kwaito and house artists and the hip hop is at an infant stage but it’s not really a challenge for me. I have worked with some of the artists so I see it as an opportunity instead.
You have a new album ‘Home coming” what can people expect?
With the Home Coming album, people can expect good music that defines who I am and my sound.
Who did you work with on the album?
I produced most of the tracks. I also featured Pro, Mr Selwyn, Speedy, Spikiri and Oscar
You also produced Khuli Chana’s hit single what was the experience like working with Khuli?
Working with Khuli was great. We have actually known each other for some time and I produced for him before a track called Sthandwa Sami on his first album.

What do you think of the state of hip hop in SA?
I think the hip hop music is growing and it was good seeing a hip hop artist winning an album of the year in the SAMA’s which is testimony to the growth in hip hop.

If you were president for a day in SA what would be the first thing you would do or change?
I will tighten law enforcement against music piracy and introduce harsh sentences as this is taking the bread away from the artists.
Who are your top 5 fav rappers in SA?
There is a lot of good rappers out there that I respect but as an artist myself I would rather leave that to the fans to decide
Woman or cars?
Cars…at least they can help me do business better
What message would you give to aspiring hip hop artists?
My message to upcoming artists is to encourage them to keep pushing and not to opt for short cuts to avoid exploitation. Make sure to get professional advice before signing any legally binding document.
How can your fans connect with you?

My fans can connect with me on facebook via my fan page called AB Crazy. I am also on twitter and my handle is @tumeloabcrazy. For those wishing for live experience, they can book me for performance at [email protected] or call 0710560705