Stogie T, formerly known as Tumi, has recently found himself at the center of a heated debate sparked by Rashid Kay’s claims that Stogie T’s roots lie in poetry rather than rap.
During an episode of the Choppin’ It Budha T Podcast, Rashid Kay boldly asserted that Stogie T began his artistic journey as a poet before transitioning into a rapper. He even revealed that Stogie T’s original stage name was Fat Boy before evolving into Tumi and eventually adopting the moniker Stogie T.
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Unsurprisingly, Rashid Kay’s comments seem to have struck a nerve with Stogie T. Taking to Instagram, Stogie T set the record straight and expressed his frustration with the misconceptions surrounding his artistic evolution in the South African hip-hop scene.
“Gentlemen, there’s a whole era of SA Hip Hop that predates the club, and Rashid Kay wasn’t a part of it,” Stogie asserted. He felt Rashid Kay’s claims were not only inaccurate but also failed to acknowledge the rich history of South African hip-hop that Stogie himself had been a part of.
Stogie went on to shed light on his encounter with Rashid Kay, revealing that the two had crossed paths when Rashid approached him to be part of a documentary on SA Hip Hop. However, Stogie T’s response to Rashid’s request was unequivocal.
“I told him categorically no,” Stogie T recalled. “He said, ‘Don’t worry, dawg. I’m not gonna misrepresent you.’ And I said to him in his face, ‘I’m not worried about you misrepresenting me. I’m saying you cannot represent me.’ And clearly, I was right.”
Stogie T’s response showcases his frustration with Rashid Kay’s attempt to rewrite his artistic history. Stogie T believes Rashid lacks the necessary understanding and knowledge of the early days of South African hip-hop, a time when Stogie T was already making waves in the industry.
While it’s true that Stogie T’s journey may have involved elements of poetry, it is essential to recognize that he has always been a multifaceted artist. Stogie’s ability to seamlessly blend poetic elements with rap has been one of the defining features of his music, setting him apart from his peers.
Stogie T’s rebuttal serves as a reminder that artists are complex individuals with diverse influences and experiences. Trying to confine them to a single label or genre undermines their growth and artistic evolution.
As fans of Stogie T, we must appreciate the depth and breadth of his talent. His journey from poet to rapper showcases his versatility and willingness to push boundaries. Stogie T’s ability to captivate audiences with his lyrical prowess and thought-provoking content is a testament to his skills as an artist.
While referring to Zingah who was involved in the conversation with Rashid Kay Stogie said: “Zingah good luck on the YFM job bro we are all gonna need you to know the difference between an OG and a n***g that is just old, respectfully.”
So, let’s celebrate Stogie T for who he truly is—an artist who defies categorization and continues to leave an indelible mark on the South African hip-hop scene.
