South African emcee Melly-Mel links up with L.A.-based producer/arranger Tone Spliff on a hypnotic head-nod single called “South Under Repo”. Lifted from the pair’s collaborative album New People, this easy-flowing hip-hop number gives listeners a look into the way that Mel approaches the ever-growing collection of problems that fill the world today: take it easy and protect your inner peace.
New People by Melly-Mel & Tone Spliff
The free-flowing verses and melodic choruses go a long way to help sell the always-welcomed sentiment. And the lo-fi drums and relaxed keyboards of Tone’s production perfectly capture the “in the cipher with my boys” spirit of the late-90’s indie hip-hop music.
“So I’m based in South Africa (Zimbabwean born). I felt this track would be a cool wave of a sound that no one else is currently pursuing out here” Melly-Mel begins to explain when asked what inspired the song and its title. “I wanted the song to take up it's own space with this feeling it possesses… to ‘take over the South with it’, so to speak…”
The song also gets a suitably relaxed and nostalgic video from director Michael Blacks – a clip that finds the pair soaking up sun rays and good vibes alongside family and friends. This definitely takes me back to the feel-good energy that I felt while watching videos like “L.I. Groove” and “C’mon Wit Da Git Down” on Rap City back in the day.
You can check out the single "South Under Repo" and the New People album now on all streaming services.
Connect with Melly-Mel: Facebook | Instagram | Spotify | Twitter | YouTube
Connect with Tone Spliff: Facebook | Instagram | Spotify | Twitter | YouTube
