A Port Elizabeth hip-hop artist who says he raps better than he sings, has had quite an unusual rise to the top in his career.
Bloemendal’s Earl Swartz, 29, – stage name EarlyB – transtioned from being exposed to music in church, to singing in a school choir before finding his niche with a hip-hop group.
The multi-talented artist released his first solo album under South African record company, Universal Music, on Friday, August 10.
The 18-track album Aangename Kennis (Pleased To Meet You) was an official introduction of himself as a solo artist, Swartz said.
“Music is therapeutic for not just myself but also for the people who listen to it, so that’s what it is for me because it’s how I express myself and answer some questions,” he said.
With three years performing as a solo artist behind him, Swartz parted ways with former group Earl & Agemi after seven years together.
“It just got to a point where everyone was realising this was not for them and music has always been it for me, hence I have reintroduced myself as a solo artist,” Swartz said.
The rapper began his solo Afrikaans hip-hop solo career in 2015 and dropped his first EP, which contained the hit songs Leka Djy and Bene Lam.
Leka Djy has had more than 800 views on of YouTube. The rapper says it was this track on the EP that track had “made the most noise”.
Bene Lam scooped a Ghoema Afrikaans Music award for Hip-Hop Song of the Year at a ceremony in Johannesburg last year.
It was the EP that caught Universal Music’s attention and earned the rapper a deal with the company in September last year.
“The deal was exactly what I was looking for because a lot of artists usually complain about being robbed [by record companies].
“But because I have had time to develop myself, I’m able to ask what the company has to offer me, since I’ve done so much for myself. So in that way we came to a very nice agreement,” Swartz said.
While the artist says being signed by the music giant was his greatest achievement, performing at big festivals like OppieKoppie and winning the Ghoema award last year also topped the list of his proudest moments.
In Aangename Kennis, EarlyB tackles social topics like women abuse in the song Ken Jou Waarde (featuring Adam), his life experiences and lighthearted content, as can be heard on single Ben Ten.
While most musicians move to Johannesburg to develop their careers, Swartz is still based in his home town.
“I’ve been doing this for 10 years now and I’ve developed a demand for my music while in PE, so people in other parts of the country who like my music do book me to come to their cities and perform. As a result, I’m home for about two weeks, and all the other times I’m travelling because of bookings.
“It’s also important for me to share the dream with people from my area,” he said.
The last track on the album is titled PE and the singer reminisces on experiences that he has either encountered – or observed in the city.
Although he does not want to choose a favourite, he believes Ben Ten definitely has the potential to become a hit.
He said he also enjoyed collaborating with the likes of Jack Parow, Afrikaans band Adam, and Emo Adams on the album.
“The features are one other thing I was most excited about on the album,” he said.
On its release date, Aangename Kennis shot to number one on iTunes and was sold out at the PE’s Musica store within days of its release.
The multi-talented artist also boasts acting prowess, having starred in the locally-produced series, Hotel Songololo. He recently also had a role in the new SABC 2 production Kniediep in Kookwater.
The album is available on all digital music platforms and at Musica stores nationwide.