Producer Spotlight: 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. 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”.
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.”
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.
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. This introductory sequence is incredibly effective in grounding the song in a South African space which is later supported by the use of vernacular lyrics and phrases by Costa, Riky and Maphorisa, as well as building a climax to the chorus. Choppa’s use of grouped feminine voices on the post-chorus is also a notable feature in that it grounds the single as a community-based collaboration. The song creates a lively and fun space for connection between local groups, inciting movement and celebration.
031Choppa’s recently released single USER featuring Blxckie and Dee Koala stands in impressive contrast to his work with Costa Titch. Although the use of hi-hats, later dissonant chords, and 808s are very similar to that of Areyeng, the arpeggiated and melodic electric-guitar sounding sample sets the song apart into one of a softer and more ballad-like genre. The song makes use of an isolated pre-chorus, allowing the echoed and distorted vocals to carry over the melodic sample effectively. Choppa’s use of giving and taking with elements of the production in the instrumental showcases his skill as a producer most successfully, in that it is evident he is sensitive towards how the production should complement the contrasting vocal work of Blxckie and Dee Koala, as well as create an effective sonic arc.
031Choppa in USER not only excels as a producer, but also features himself in vocal work. The producer makes a standout vocal debut in the pre-chorus, chorus and first verse of his produced single; providing both a cooing introduction and driving and hard-hitting verse and chorus.
Noting what sets him apart from producers in the scene, Choppa makes mention of his use of amapiano elements in his production. The producer notes that “the yanos is popping” and makes an effort in his hip-hop beats to add a log drum, a noticeable instrument used in amapiano instrumentals, alongside what he calls a “soulful feel” in his other production elements as well. “We’re in SA so we should try something that’s going to accommodate every person that’s listening” he explains.
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 soon.
Maglera Doe Boy takes us to his hometown of Makazana to reflect on his past life, multicultural upbringing, and why community is such an important part of his enviable rise in the South African music industry.