Packed to the brim and overflowing, the droves of people at the Nu Metro Cinema in Monte Casino witnessed a moment in history, when rapper, dad and businessman Refilwe "Cassper Nyovest" Phoolo released his album titled Solomon. But it's purely coincidence that he released his much-anticipated album on the birthday of his late icon, Jabulani "HHP" Tsambo.
HIS MOST EXPENSIVE ALBUM
Guests listened attentively as he walked them through every track in the project. Firstly, the title Solomon came after he identified with the qualities of the Biblical King Solomon, who was a remarkable leader, committed to fairness and justice and was known for his wisdom and discernment. Ironically, Solomon is the name of his best friend, Carpo. "I'd never name my project after Carpo. Never!" he pokes fun at his friend. The title also speaks to him, as he grew up in St John Church. "Hence the artwork, wearing the St. Johns wear," he says.
DOING IT FOR THE LOVE
He describes this project as his most expensive to date. "I still haven't finished paying the gents. It's because I didn't want to compromise on the quality. I got all the samples and cleared internationally first. I used the same guy who mastered Kendrick Lamar's project and I got the best producers and even a ghostwriter, who is one of my friends for one verse on the song... something I am happy to speak about," Cassper says. The album features a remake of the Ever Changing Times ballad by Aretha Franklin and has a strong 1990s hip-hop influence. "This is a hip-hop album, unapologetically so. If anyone is expecting anything else, they must forget about it," he cements. "This project sort of revives hip-hop in a way and is all about me and what I wanted to do." Cassper reiterates that he no longer makes music for relevance, money or fame but he now does it for love and to express himself. "I am comfortable. I have everything I need. Although I want to be a billionaire, I have everything I need. So, music for me is about doing what I love and being able to pour my heart. I am no longer doing this for anyone else, and it's either you like it or you don't."
PAYING HOMAGE
And he certainly poured his heart out on single Candlelight, dedicated to people who have lost loved ones. He mentions Costa Titch, who was a rising star and had a bright future ahead and died prematurely after collapsing on stage this year. He also sings at length about his regrets for not making peace with his arch nemesis," Kiernan "AKA" Forbes, who was the only competition that kept him up at night," he says. "Every time he dropped something, I was the first one to listen to him. He was the one person that kept me up at night. I just wish we had the one moment where we got to connect and ironed things out," he says. "I realise that life is too short. When he died, I was deeply saddened. I called most of my friends. I felt incredibly sad and as much as we hated each other so much, he motivated me. Now, there's nobody else. I believe I owe a lot of credit to him and our beef."
