Billed as SA’s next top hip-hop sensation, Imaad Baderoen, aka Gr8ful, drops his latest single, Slippery on all streaming platforms today.
The charismatic 21-year-old has already formed quite a fan base since releasing his first EP in 2021 with catchy beats and lyrics that speak directly to the GenZ audience. His previous success has made for much anticipation towards his latest single release, which forms part of his EP, Nobody, releasing this in the near future.
Despite being influenced by various artists and music, the Cape Town-born-and-raised musician sticks to his own authentic voice, calling his sixth single to date, Slippery, “one chapter of the complete story” which is his anticipated EP.
“I’d say the best way to describe the sound I’m going for with Nobody is a fluid and versatile sound from switching between melodies, bar-for-bar lyrics and different style beats. The EP as a whole is a more refined sound and a good indication of the stage I’m currently at musically and personally,” he said.
The rapper’s music can be characterised as catchy and relatable as he works towards a brand that reflects humility and gratitude paired with an impressive work ethic and raw talent.
The independent artist started developing himself as a rapper in his teens, freestyling around Cape Town and drawing inspiration from the city. Following his studies at Hout Bay International School and the beginning of the Covid pandemic, he committed to pursuing music full-time, adopting his moniker, Gr8ful, as a reminder to practice gratitude.
His greatest influencers are international hip-hop and rap artists such as Tupac, Notorious B.I.G, Lauryn Hill and Jay-Z but he believes in homegrown talent just as much. For the upcoming EP, Gr8ful has collaborated with some of the country’s top producers including Soulful Clay and Ameen Harron.
“The entire EP was produced by Soulful Clay. I feel like we had created a good working relationship and understanding within our creative processes allowing us to explore various genres and sounds that can be heard on the EP. Ameen handled mixing and mastering and this process is very much a technical side which helps to enhance all aspects of the song and allow for everything to be a lot clearer and just shine as a whole. Juzzy and deBoov Studios helped with the visuals of Slippery and brought the song to life through visual presentation. From beats to the music video and behind the scenes the vision I had was completed with the help of these creatives,” he said.