5 Things You Should Know About 031 Choppa.A name quickly making itself known within the South African hip-hop scene, 031Choppa is climbing the local production ladder at an incredible pace. Entrenched in his own anonymity, 031Choppa (his only identifiable name), has committed his life and career to craft a lane of his own.
Here are 5 facts you should know about 031 Choppa:
1 The 23-year-old producer, having run away from his hometown KwaMashu in Kwa-Zulu Natal to Johannesburg; has added the likes of SA hip-hop stars Costa Titch, Riky Rick, LucasRaps, Dee Koala, Blxckie, Marcus Harvey, and Benzo to his production credits. He recalls wanting to be a producer as early as eighth grade and found himself committed to making his dream of doing music a reality. After Matric, the then-18-year-old fled his family and hometown to stay with a friend from Durban who had himself moved to Joburg. Noting that this experience“wasn’t easy at all”, it was ultimately in Johannesburg that 031Choppa was exposed to “beat-making”.
2 After observing his friend making beats on a laptop, 031Choppa began exploring his own skills on his friend’s equipment when he went off to school. Harnessing these skills whilst working for years in retail to make money to support himself, Choppa was eventually able to rely on his finesse as a producer to launch his dream. The talented producer mentions the intensity of his upbringing and the difficulty of having to rely on his friends to assist him, he notes that “even now, I don’t own my own laptop…I come from a hectic background.”
3 Looking ahead, 031Choppa sees himself stepping up further in the local music scene. The producer describes really looking up to artist Anatii, and would like to produce a whole album for him. “I’m the type that wants to produce a whole album when I work with the artist”.Amongst wanting to collaborate with alcohol and clothing brands in creating his own bottle and shoes respectively; the artist sees himself owning a record label. 031Choppa notices where the current labels are falling short and wants to mend that gap for himself and others; hopefully a goal we will see to become a reality
4 031Choppa’s work with notable South African artists has definitely put him on the local hip-hop map. Noting a particularly strong relationship with Blxckie, Marcus Harvey and Costa Titch – his hit with the latter – Areyeng, has gained him noticeable and significant acclaim. One of Costa Titch’s hit singles on his debut album, Areyeng exposes Choppa’s skill and range as a producer.
5 Although his use of hi-hats and log drums aid in creating a full and effective instrumental, it is 031Choppa’s use of vocal sampling and editing that really makes an impression on the single. The intro of the song features an isiZulu call-and-response chant coupled with a distorted and flanging version of the piano sample.
