We share with you what we consider to be the best tracks and features from the game-changing Kenyan Rapper Kaligraph Jones |The OG | PAPA JONES| RESPECT THE OG|
Kwanza starting out in this journey we didn't think it would be this hard to narrow down the best of Kaligraph Jones tunes across the last decade. Nevertheless, we have pushed ourselves hard enough to let go of some songs.
It is without a shred of doubt that in the last decade Kaligraph Jones Has quickly become one of Africa's most important rappers. Rising through the challenge of acceptance, the 1960 Kayole rapper grew a thick skin despite certain sections of the industry pinning him down for his style of rap- considering he comes from Eastlands. Nevertheless, as he says OG ni OG although he was extremely perturbed at the onset of his career he turned a deaf ear to them haters and has since appeared to be unbothered by the noise around him.
In fact, OG sees haters as simply fans in denial-it is what it is. And this has clearly allowed him to focus on his sound. Taking into the scene at a time when the rap scene and the music industry, in general, were facing a lot of criticism Kaligraph Jones was determined to take Kenyan jip-hop international. In 2015, Kaligraph Jones unleashed a riveting and controversial "Mazishi" quickly followed by the refix of Wizkid's Ojuelegba and soon after "Julius Yego".
And since he pulled up on the scene, he knew he was gonna be a rebel
Although these songs do not necessarily represent his big break into Kenya's neo-rap scene, we believe they signify Kaligraph Jones's landmark moment. It is at this point that his impact was felt all the more significant. It is these momentous songs that have made him not only a symbol of the transitioning hip-hop sound but rather a defining star of this new age Kenyan rap scene.
Ever Since Kaligraph Jones has lived up to the promise, he has been packing heat after hit and in just a short period managed to release and feature in more songs than any other Kenyan artist of our time. Last year he finally, delivered his debut album "Testimony 1990."
He has risen to gain international recognition, with the 2017 debut on Coke Studio Africa and later winning the fifth edition of AFRIMMA awards in 2018 and closing in to become the best hip-hop act of 2019 in Sound City MVP Awards at the close of the decade.
This list does not include songs from his 2009 Take over mixtape which was reissued in 2020 and is up for grabs right here Mookh: The Takeover Mixtape | Jibambe!!!
"We Be Happening"
Kaligraph Jones is almost officially introducing the world to his style owning it as he teams up with Kristoff. Together the two churn up quite a sensational energetic standout from his earlier performances. Although in this sound he comes out with stronger lyrics his performance isn't as commanding as what we have come to love and respect about the OG. In the remix of this fine masterpiece, Kaligraph still managed to cut through the crowded track featuring top artists like Frasha to effortlessly deliver each flow with charisma. By this point, we all have a hazy idea of who Kaligraph Jones is.
Listen: YouTube
"Biashara"
Stella Mwangi featured Kaligraph Jones and Kristoff one of the fastest rising stars at the time and at this point, Kaligraph Jones had fully eased into the scene pushing his style unapologetically. His flows were effortless and his bravado was refined riding high fresh from We be happening remix featuring All-stars.
In other words niko tei na jaba juu niliskia pia kukula mei ni swaga...
| Youtube |
"Open Doors"
In 2015, he jumped on Wizkid's Legendary beat for a refix that slit through the airwaves to inspire a generation. "Open Doors" triggered a fire in many a heart and for those who were yet to get caught by his fire beginning to take note. His performance on this sound was a bit relaxed but it was clear by now that he was full of optimism doors had begun to open for him and clearly God was in the works.
Youtube | Listen
"Julius Yego"
Pegged on his successes it is more evident than OG ni OG. He had harnessed his style and he didn't really need to sit on a song for so long before he could put it out there. His talent was ripe and with a strong cutting edge, Kaligraph was able to jump into the scene and address issues on the go as they happened. Coming at a time when Julius Yego's sensational throw was the talk of the town, papa jones delivered a championship song relating to his own wins in the industry and revealing that he was clearly aiming for the highest.
East or west wherever I go they call me Julius Yego
Youtube| Listen
"Sogea"
Kaligraph jones had been flexing on the lengths he ould push his rap prowess and in this release he decided to rock with Swahili bongo flavor RNB. This taarab like allowed Kaligraph to take center stage and display his musical timbre as an icon in the making.
cause moyo wangu inadunda mschana unanipa fever...|Shidaa 254 mwahisi vipi
Youtube| Listen
"Imaginary Love"
Earlier on In 2015, Kaligraph Jones had teamed up with Otile Brown who was also a fast-rising crooner with soothing Swahili vibes. In this love song, we were able to recognize Kaligraph's flexibility as an artist. At this point, we are able to see his ability to effortlessly switch between dialects more profusely. The duo are a formidable pair and at the time when they were both on a rising trajectory on their careers, Kaligraph would intertwine his sing-song flow with Otile brown's expressive voice.
And if you didn't know ndo sasa me nakushow ...
Youtube | Listen
"Mazishi"
At the turn of 2016, Kaligraph Jones has become a definitive force in the industry and as he opens in the "We be happening" Remix he was set to take Kenyan Music International. "Mazishi" came off as a bit controversial and for a while, everyone thought Kaligraph had sold his soul. But that's just it a revelation that this rising star had finally owned his style well enough to translate it to his audiences in a more compelling and cogent manner. At this time Papa Jones has built an irresistible brand and whether or not you like his music you are probably just in denial.
All this talk about this and That hazinibabaishi... coz all this time wanajua bado ni mazishi
Youtube | Listen
"Wanjiru/Akinyi"
When the OG delivered this track it revealed that he has been horning his rap skills for quite a long time. The song presents Kaligraph Jones as the ladies' man.
Youtube| Listen
"Chizi"
In this tune, Kaligraph takes us on a romantic ride. This fantasy filling piece allows us to chill and ease into the slow rhythm and blue romanticizing our lives.
Youtube|
"Ting Badi Malo"
At the turn of 2016, Kaligraph Jones enlisted rap legend Chris Kantai of Blessed memory. The "Hu Ni Nani G" hitmaker was by far one of the first established artists to eloquently rap in both in English and Swahili. In many ways, he is accredited to have set the stage for rappers like Kaligraph Jones. The duo delivers remarkably.
YouTube Listen
" Kama Weh"
Afro Soul queen Atemi woos Kaligraph further down the tempestuous nature of the relationship. A rollercoaster road of Love.
Youtube | Listen
"Naked"
At the onset of 2017, Kaligraph Jones teased us with Naked. A sexual fantasy song with an all too familiar message nevertheless, Kaligraph owns it more elaborately. This is the kind of music that is used to make babies.
Coke studio bonus
"Complete Me"
At his debut on Coke Studio 2017 season, Kaligraph did a solid on Bruce Meodie's "complete me"
Youtube| Listen
"Reality"
He works his magic on Rude Boy's "reality"on coke studio Africa 2018 season with his vibrant melodies.
Youtube| Listen
"Tonight"
He teams up with Rude Boy to put us on a party mode for the coke studio project, he uses his calling card strategy to rip though the beats and fuse his flows with Rude Boy's melodious voice. And now we blame it on the "Shayo." for this is clearly a murder heist.
Rudeboy + OG= A MURDER HEIST
Youtube| Listen
"Rewind"
He later gets enlisted by the revered Sauti Sol for the Afrikan Sauce project "Rewind." In this one, he lays a bit extra on his transition drawn from a challenging background.
What is there to prove ukijua mfuko iko hali gani
Youtube | Listen
Gwala"
At the beginning of the year, papa jones crosses over the sub-Sahara to enlist Ycee for a refined beat. He hops on this smoothly switching between rap styles smoothly before handing the reins to Ycee.
Doesn't get any better than this so y'all take notes and learn
Youtube| Listen
"Testimony"
Testimony is a success story and forms the first song from his album "Testimony 1990." He opens up with a brief introduction of his journey repping Eastlands Kayole 1960. In this sound, he teams up with Sagini of blessed memory. He never disappoints and in this album, he meets otherworldly expectations coming through more forcefully.
"Micasa Sucasa"
He teams up with Cashy to deliver what is perhaps Kenya's most definitive rap . with this release it was settled Kaligraph Jones was no longer part of the changing face of hip-hop but rather a symbol of this transition. This song is arguably the foundation of #PlayKe revolution where the media was accused of not supporting music while Kenyan musicians were pointing out at them for ignoring there work.
Youtube| Listen
"Rider"
Kaligraph Jones teams up with one of Kenya's most revered femcee Petra to turn up the heat on Rider. the duo are a formidable team and would honestly love to get a mixtape from the two.
Me narap utadhani nafwata dini- murder ao marapper rapper ntawadispose kama matakataka
Beat It
Coming from a scandalous break-up, Kaligraph unleashes his frustrations in one of his most heated performances.
Youtube| Listen
"Juu ya ngori"
He works out a more exhilarating performance coming hard on the haters.
Youtube| Listen
" Leave me Alone"
Youtube| Listen
"Superwoman"
Youtube|Listen
"Mat Za Rongai"
Tunji teams up with Kaligraph Jones to deliver a lifetime rap flow that describes Kenya's Matwana Culture and the experience of public transport in the Country.
Tuko Ruaka na Ruai, Madaraka wallahi...
"Kiboko"
He teamed up with
Youtube| Listen
"Kababaye"
He teamed up with Chin bees
"Me Siogopi"
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