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YoungstaCPT: The Most Underrated Artist in South African Hip-Hop

Keabosmart

31 March 2025

YoungstaCPT, born Riyadh Roberts, has built a career on authenticity. His music serves as a voice for Cape Town and its unique history, blending English, Afrikaans, and Cape slang to tell powerful stories about identity, struggle, and resilience.

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South African hip-hop has seen many great talents rise to the top, yet few have consistently delivered high-quality music while remaining underappreciated. One artist who fits this description perfectly is YoungstaCPT. Despite his undeniable lyrical prowess, deep storytelling, and cultural significance, he remains one of the most underrated artists in the country. His latest releases further prove why he deserves more recognition.

A Lyrical Genius With Authenticity

YoungstaCPT, born Riyadh Roberts, has built a career on authenticity. His music serves as a voice for Cape Town and its unique history, blending English, Afrikaans, and Cape slang to tell powerful stories about identity, struggle, and resilience. While other artists chase trends, YoungstaCPT remains true to his roots, which is evident in his latest tracks.

Latest Releases Showcasing His Talent

YoungstaCPT recently dropped several tracks that highlight his versatility and lyrical depth. His song "We Go Bos" is an energetic anthem that captures the raw spirit of Cape Town’s streets, combining aggressive delivery with hard-hitting beats.

Another standout release, "Brick and Mortar", is a reflection on his journey, independence, and the challenges of being a self-made artist. The track’s introspective lyrics, combined with a soulful beat, make it one of his most personal songs to date.

His collaboration with international artists, "Benni McCarthy", not only showcases his confidence but also pays homage to one of South Africa’s greatest footballers. The song blends sports metaphors with hard-hitting rap lines, proving YoungstaCPT’s ability to craft clever, culturally relevant music.

Why He’s Still Underrated

Despite consistently dropping quality music, YoungstaCPT is often overlooked in the mainstream South African music scene. Here’s why:

  1. Independence Over Industry Co-Signing – Unlike many commercial artists, YoungstaCPT has remained independent, which limits his access to mainstream radio play and major label promotion.

  2. Cape Town vs. Johannesburg – The South African hip-hop scene is largely dominated by Johannesburg-based artists, making it harder for Cape Town rappers to get the same recognition.

  3. Substance Over Hype – His music focuses on deep storytelling and real-life issues rather than club bangers, which sometimes doesn’t fit the commercial mold.

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The Legacy He’s Building

YoungstaCPT continues to prove that he is one of the most gifted lyricists in South Africa. His ability to merge history, culture, and storytelling into his music is unparalleled. It’s only a matter of time before the world fully recognizes his greatness. Until then, real hip-hop fans will continue to appreciate the gems he drops with every release.

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