The birthday issue has been trending on Twitter since its release and overheated (or can one say overHYPED) on Facebook, blogs, websites and local media. The issue contains various lists, for example the 50 best mixtapes, 50 best SA emcees, 50 epic moments in hip hop, 50 most important songs and 50 greatest albums of all time. The top 50 SA rappers list is a huge talking point. One, because it’s never been done before and two, because every rapper believes they are the best, so our criteria and rating system were questioned.

HYPE has been documenting the culture for eight years and is seen as an authoritative voice for hip hop, so the task of compiling the top 50 lists were not taken lightly. The lists celebrate various artists who have impacted the culture. And we believe we have done what we set out to do.

Continuing the celebration, there is a first ever ‘Women in Hip Hop’ supplement, which is a huge milestone, including the first ever all-female HYPE CD to celebrate women’s month. “The female voice in the culture is largely overshadowed by significant male impact and as a result women are the minority in hip hop from an artist’s point of view. So this supplement was a way to give the power to women to celebrate their achievements and successes,” says HYPE editor Simone Harris.

HYPE was launched in 2004. Panorama Publications CEO, Urs Honegger, says: “Since its inception we have strived to take this young culture to new heights, documenting and capturing all its magical moments. With a vibrant website as an extension of HYPE, 15 000 Facebook followers and 8 000 on Twitter, our sole purpose is to remain the first choice for hip hop fans near and far. And with every issue of HYPE, there is a free CD. The CD is on its 46^th volume and still going strong.”