The latest instalment in Emtee's DIY series— kicking off with 2015's DIY EP and followed by a second instalment in 2018-DIY 3 sees the rapper born Mthembeni Ndevu pair rhythmic flows with multilingual lyricism, inspired by both the streets and his personal experiences.
Relaying his observations over trap-oriented instrumentation, the Soweto native dishes out keys on the hustle, companionship and family values (as illustrated by the Jr Ecko-helmed album artwork).
The familial is a motif running across Emtee's discography and gains expression through multiple references here-specifically on the appreciative "BLESSED". More broadly, such a preoccupation symbolises entry into the status of OG: aligning Emtee's paternal role with his position in the South African hip-hop scene. "I started a wave now they wanna surf," he raps over the authoritative bassline of "LARRY BIRD".
"Yeah you did it/But I did it first." This habituated disposition runs through a project boasting knowledge of the game and the self, with sage reflections on the come-up, authenticity and faith shared on "GOOD TIME", "KEEP IT REAL" and
"BELIEVER", respectively.
In true African trap style, the sonic choices are as diverse as the subject matter, with Saudi, Just G and Nanette adding colour as Emtee pulls Afropop, R&B and reggae into his melodic-trap wheelhouse. This as the 808s that have accompanied his storied career punctuate excursions into realms Eastern ("AMANGA [READ THE ROOM]") and tropical ("LIL NIGGA"), after Big Hustle expresses affection over the airy sensuality of "WAKE UP". Whether wearing his heart on his sleeve or holding his hand over it, on DIY 3 Emtee's confessional storytelling bears an air of wisdom.
