Introducing: $tussy

Few artists manage to blend raw authenticity with a diverse array of musical influences as seamlessly as $tussy. Hailing from Pretoria West, this rapper draws inspiration from an eclectic mix of genres—Reggae, old-school R&B, Alternative Music, and even Rock—infusing his tracks with a unique and compelling sound. Fresh off the release of his latest project, 'Dialed In', $tussy reflects on his journey, the impact of his community, and the personal experiences that shape his artistry. 

During our conversation, $tussy opened up about the profound responsibility he feels to represent his community and South African culture through his music. Despite the pervasive Western influence in the industry, he is committed to experimenting with local sounds and staying true to his roots. His lyrics offer a nuanced portrayal of Pretoria West, a place often misrepresented in mainstream narratives, highlighting both its challenges and the resilience of its people. As he navigates his path in the Hip-Hop world, $tussy’s dedication to authenticity and emotional depth remains unwavering, making his music a powerful voice in today’s musical landscape.

The conversation unfolded as documented below:

Photo: vriety_

Are there any genres outside of Hip-Hop that you draw inspiration from, and how do you incorporate these influences into your own unique sound?

There're definitely other sounds I draw inspiration from. Namely being Reggae, old-school Rnb, Alternative Music and a bit of Rock as well believe it or not. Really, I listen to anything and everything that sounds good and evokes an emotion out of me. I believe music that is able to make me feel is real, which is most music if we are being honest, and I ultimately try to add my flavour to the mix masala of it all through my music.

Coming from Pretoria West, do you feel a responsibility to represent your community or South African culture through your music? How does this influence your lyrical content and storytelling?

Yes, for sure. Although, I do think I could be doing better in that regard. The music industry is very Western influenced, and I am a victim to it as well. To be honest with you, it is really in this realisation that I noticed a change needs to happen. I'm learning to experiment with more local sounds now and sound more authentic to where I'm from. Not just on a local scale but a national one as well. Going back to your question lol, lyrically I think I'm a voice of what goes on in my spectrum of the West. I think really the commercial POV is it is a place filled with gangsterism and all, which is to some extent true, but I think what I try to show is that we are a city that tries to get it how we can yet still look fly doing it

Your latest project, ‘Dialed In’, has received positive attention. Can you share the inspiration behind this release and how it compares to your previous work like ‘We Here’?

Man with Dialed In, it was really just 2 guys having fun. Fresh Out was the first record done which ultimately set the tone, it was a couple months since one of my friend's passed away in a car crash and I was just shook about it. In the hook I go "Fresh Out the trenches w bags, I did it w all if my niggas intact. A prayer my hands to the sky, I hope that we see brighter days before we die" is literally me in a song praying for not anymore of us leaving whilst we have so much life ahead of us. So yea if anything, Fresh Out could kinda be an ode to Sam as well because in that time I was just really scared man and ultimately coming to terms that any day, anyhow, anytime, you could leave in a hearse and a van man. Which ultimately led to the overall motivation to the project, which was locking in and ensuring that next day is more productive that the last coz shit man, we Dialed In. With 'We Here' it was really just me letting everyone and anyone know that I actually rap and I'm fucking good at it too. Kinda coming in with a chip on my shoulder coz prior to We Here to most people around I was just a "Soundcloud rapper" and if you know, that's not a really good title to have lol. So yea man, I was really just proving the naysayers wrong and letting them know what I'm really about.

After the release, how much do you consider the potential reactions of your audience? How important is it for you to challenge their expectations while staying true to your artistic vision?

I don't think I care about their reactions during the actual production of the song. In that moment it is merely just me trying to make sure that I can convey my message as clear as possible. Once that is covered that is when I start to pay attention to how it overall sounds and what experience does it give the listener. So really, it's constantly a Me vs Me interaction when I'm creating. 

When you’re creating music, how do you approach writing lyrics and selecting beats?

Beat selection is all on the feeling it evokes man, and that feeling leads the writing to be frank with you. I never really know what song I'll be making till I'm actually making it. I've surprised myself a number of times on this by hopping on sounds I never really thought I would.

What experiments have you undertaken in your music that you feel most proud of or that have had a significant impact on your style?

Writing songs for other artists. Just realising that I don't have to always be the vessel that tells these stories, but I can entrust it on to others as well. 

How important is vulnerability to you in your songwriting process? How do you navigate between personal vulnerability and crafting a compelling narrative?

On a scale of 1-10, vulnerability is at an undeniable 12. I always try to leave raw emotion on my songs because I believe the audience can feel the exact emotion I felt when creating it because more times than not you'll find it relatable; shit at least I hope so. In regard to the compelling narrative, I think that it will always find its way into the music. I'm a rapper bro, it's kinda my job to make ordinary shit sound cool.

Reflecting on your journey so far, what have been some of the highlights and challenges of your career?

Highlights really have to be performing at SOUL PLUS FLOWS x Kulcha Sundaze, where I got a Ch'cco co-sign and being HomeComing's 2023 AOTR finalist. Think those 2 moments were the at least most "publicly acclaimed" reassurances I needed that I actually got something going here. Challenges however have to have been building a team and forming solid networks. Coming from a radio background, when interacting with other artists, I'm hardly ever viewed as an artist as well but rather an industry connect they could have to further their careers. And touching on the team factor, finding people that believe in the dream just as much if not more is a hard feat to achieve because not everyone wants to buy low lol. and really everyone facing their own journeys as well that yours is just not a priority right now, which is valid. With God's grace tho, it'll always align.

How do you see your music fitting into the larger Hip-Hop landscape today?

This is actually a difficult question. I try not to worry myself too much on that because I tend to find myself constantly now trying to make a mark on an industry scale forgetting that the only 2 people that matter in this whole thing is me and the listener. i guess that is something the public will decide for me when it's all said and done

Is there a specific message or feeling you hope listeners take away from your music?

It's okay to feel, it's okay to be you. You are someone that no one else can, could, or will be. Own that and don't let anybody tell you otherwise.

Are there any lessons you’ve learned along the way that you think would be valuable to share?

Shoot that shot. You miss 100% of the shots you don't take. 

Finally, what motivates you to keep creating music, and what do you hope to achieve with your artistry?

Expression is what motivates me and is as well what I hope to achieve. To further explain this, I try my outmost best to be vulnerable and show glimpses into who I am and what I am about. However, it's really hard to do so, of which in my time creating music I've realised is a never ending battle of "do people really need to hear this?" vs "does it really get realer than this?". Another motivator however is just being able to provide for those I care about doing something I love man. Being a person of colour we aren't really afforded the luxury of making such a choice because of the troubled history we have you know? So going against the grain of what a conventional breadwinner does kinda push me to go harder 

For a deep dive into the emotive and authentic artistry of $tussy, be sure to check out his latest project, "Dialed In," and make sure to catch his performance at HomeComing's Artist On the Rise competition this Friday and Saturday.

Written by Kamohelo More