South African rapper K.O, real name Ntokozo Mdluli. Picture: X
South African rapper K.O, real name Ntokozo Mdluli, has officially announced his upcoming album, “I Think You Spoke Too Soon”, and one detail has already created a huge buzz - an unreleased feature from the late AKA.
K.O has been actively promoting his upcoming album on social media and fans had a bittersweet reaction when he announced that AKA, one of South African hip-hop's most iconic figures, would be featured on the project.
Expressing his emotions, K.O shared on X: "Still fks me up listening to this @akaworldwide verse on my album smh, so fresh and so meticulously delivered like the man sent it to me a few days ago. Such a divine talent.”
Still fks me up listening to this @akaworldwide verse on my album smh, so fresh and so meticulously delivered like the man sent it to me a few days ago. Such a devine talent 🙏🏾#IThinkYouSpokeTooSoon pic.twitter.com/5alG2HXuCE
— K.O (@MrCashtime) September 23, 2024
AKA's passing in early 2023 left a void in the hip-hop community but his presence continues to live on through collaborations like this.
K.O's tribute to AKA's craft struck a chord with many who still feel the impact of the late rapper's influence.
K.O has teased another major guest on “I Think You Spoke Too Soon”. Without giving away too much, K.O hinted that the surprise guest delivered one of the cleanest rap verses he’s heard in recent years.
“Got another surprise guest feature on there that when you members hear it you’ll be like... Cos mans laced one of his cleanest rap verses in recent years on my album,” he shared, building even more anticipation.
Got another surprise guest feature on there that when you memberrs hear it you’ll be like 🙆🏾♂️…. Cos mans laced one of his cleanest rap verses in recent years on my album 🫡 pic.twitter.com/JxnlLJ1N27
— K.O (@MrCashtime) September 23, 2024
K.O isn’t the only artist honouring AKA’s legacy through music. Since AKA’s passing, several South African artists have featured his verses on their tracks, making sure his distinct voice remains part of the local music scene.
Costa Titch, who also passed away, frequently collaborated with AKA, posthumously featured him on the track “Super Soft (Remix),” released in 2023. Their partnership created a signature sound fans still love.
Another artist with a close connection to AKA, Nadia Nakai, honoured him with “The Final Hour”, which released in 2023 and captures their shared musical journey.