HHGBLOGS

Battle rap in Kenya didn’t just appear - it evolved from raw street energy into a movement waiting to explode. In the late 1990s and early 2000s, pioneers like Kama (Kalamashaka) and Abass (Ksouth), were already sharpening lyrical swords in competitive rap battles. This was before leagues - just bars, pride, and reputation. By the mid-2000s, the culture found a louder microphone. Mwafrika turned up the heat on Y-FM’s The Joint, hosting rap battles during “Hip Hop Nights” at the then Chillers Club on Koinange Street. Hungry MCs like Johny and Dream (of Span One) stepped in to arwna to prove who really had the sharpest pen. Then came WAPI - powered by Budda Blaze - a breeding ground where future heavyweights like Octopizzo, Khaligraph Jones, King Kaka, and the late Briphil sharpened their craft in lyrical combat. The torch kept moving. 254 Rap League (founded by Ondu the Street Lawyer), Hiphop Garage (by Muli, Kalimani & Xcalibur), and Wise Guy Entertainment pushed structured battle ...

Zablon Kariri, professionally known as ZebbyBlacks , is a dynamic rapper, DJ, and performer born and raised in Kibera. He is amongst the founders and frontman of Unit 1678 , also known as Jeshi ya Koto, a movement that was established in 2016 with a vision to uplift raw street talent and represent authentic Kenyan hip-hop. ZebbyBlacks discovered his passion for rap at a young age, sharpening his lyrical ability through street cyphers and competitive platforms. His breakthrough came after winning the Crime Na Mtaa Rap Battle , a milestone that shaped him into a confident and battle-tested artist. Over the years, he has participated in major rap battle platforms including 254 Battle League , Who Owns The Crown Rap Battle , Bar For Bar (hosted by Barrak Jacuzzi), Hiphop Garage , Wiseguy Entertainment , among others - competing against some of the best lyricists and consistently proving his sharp pen game, delivery, and commanding stage presence. Since its formation in 2016, Unit 1678 (J...

📍 Venue: Homeboyz Institute of Technology (Hitlabzz) – Muchai Drive, off Ngong Road The lights dimmed. The speakers breathed. The culture leaned in. If you love J. Cole , this wasn’t just a listening party… This was a MOMENT . Hosted by the beautiful and charismatic RUBI (Manager, Hitlabzz), the elegant stage stood ready - clean, cinematic, powerful. Then the music dropped… and the room transformed And then… Song by song, The Fall Off album rolled out. No skips. No distractions. Just pure appreciation of artistry - an inventive, beautifully curated experience put together by Hitlabzz. But wait - it got better. Fans stepped up for Co-Reoke: grabbing the mic, owning the stage, living the bars.  For a few electric minutes, everyone was J. Cole. Every lyric hit. Every punchline landed. Every soul connected. Fans were treated to a variety of food cuisines. Yes… FREE food. And if you love good vibes and good plates? You missed out on a classic rFans were treated to a variety of food...

The tension between Buruklyn Boyz, Toxic Lyrikali, and 34 Brick hasn’t just lived in studio booths and diss tracks - it has spilled into the streets, turning music rivalry into real-life chaos.  When Bars Turn Into Battles It all started with the release of "Dumpsite" by Toxic Lyrikali accusing the Buruklyn Boyz of biting his style. The Buruklyn Boyz replied with the diss track "Stima” - a diss track fired by Buruklyn Boyz, aimed directly at Toxic Lyrikali and 34 Brick. The beat dropped, the shots were lyrical… but the aftermath wasn’t just streams and reactions. By Sunday evening, the air was already thick with tension. Crews aligned. Pride bruised. The 1960 Crew alongside 34 Brick reportedly pulled up on Buruklyn Boyz - and what followed wasn’t a cypher. It was kicks, blows, and raw confrontation. The element of surprise tilted the night into violence. But the story didn’t end there. Monday came with retaliation. This time, it was Buruklyn Boyz stepping into Donholm -...

Where resilience finds its voice . -DagzGizi is a Nairobi-based HipHop and spoken-word artist whose art lives at the powerful intersection of music, poetry, and mental health advocacy. Through narrative-driven performances, he transforms lived experience into healing soundscapes - amplifying stories of recovery, African identity, and collective resilience. Sound & Style: Culture Meets Consciousness -Blending contemporary HipHop, spoken word, soulful acoustics, and African rhythmic textures, DagzGizi creates music that is both culturally grounded and emotionally immersive. His sound isn’t just heard - it’s felt . -Every performance is message-first, using poetic storytelling to spark reflection, courage, and honest conversations around mental wellness and personal growth. Art With a Purpose: Healing Through Expression -For DagzGizi, art is more than entertainment: it is a tool for societal healing. -His work opens safe spaces for dialogue around mental health awareness, especiall...

- Kenyan hip-hop has always been rich with talent, raw stories, and lyrical brilliance. From the estates to the studios, countless rappers have been sharpening their craft with little access to structured platforms that truly showcase skill. This is where Kenya Rap League steps in. What Is Kenya Rap League? - Kenya Rap League (KRL) is a competitive hip-hop platform designed to encapsulate battle rap culture while also serving as a launchpad for emerging rappers. More than just battles, the league is built to spotlight lyrical ability, performance, creativity, and stage presence - the core pillars of authentic rap. -KRL aims to professionalize battle rap in Kenya, giving it structure, consistency, and visibility, just like major battle leagues around the world. Battle Rap at the Core -At the heart of Kenya Rap League is battle rap - raw, unfiltered, and skill-based. The league provides: Organized rap battles Clear judging criteria (lyrics, delivery, crowd control, creativity) Compet...