Rapper K.O shares secrets to industry longevity!

"IF I could go back, I'd tell my younger self to trust less and move smarter."

Those were the heartfelt words said by K.O in an exclusive interview with Daily Sun.

He reflected on the journey that has shaped him.

After nearly two decades in the game, the 44-year-old rapper, whose real name is Ntokozo Mdluli, has seen it all.

From his early days as part of the legendary rap group Teargas to becoming a solo heavyweight.

"When you're an entrepreneur, you understand the ever-changing climate of the space you're in. Evolution has to be holistic. It's not just about music. It's about mindset, branding, and how you present yourself," he said.

Looking back, K.O has no regrets about how he moved through the industry, but there's one lesson he'd drill into his younger self.

"I never loved school, but I had no choice. I had to see that through. That's something I'll strongly encourage someone who wants to get into this space. These become the pillars of how far you can go."

He admits that his decision gave him structure, something he believes many young artists lack.

He said that's something he'll reiterate to a younger K.O.

He speaks openly about the current state of hip-hop in Mzansi.

K.O believes the genre has lost its competitive edge and needs to return to its dominance.

"Hip-hop needs authenticity, fun, and big records.

"Those game-changing anthems that can compete for the number one spot," he said.

The rapper references Caracara, Gusheshe, All Eyes on Me, and Boss Zonke as hits that put Mzansi hip-hop at the forefront.

"Big songs that will rival amapiano. You can't just make a song and hope for the best. It takes real A&R work, production, and consulting to craft something massive.

"I think that's where many artists fall short, creating songs that can compete with other genres and truly resonate with people. I've tried to do that in recent years with Sete. We need more songs like that to keep a fair shot in the industry," he said.

Friendships in the music industry? K.O keeps it real.

He doesn't throw the word "friend" around lightly.

Most people in the game, he said, are just colleagues and affiliates. But one person was different.

"If anything, the closest thing to a real friend to me was AKA.

"For us, it was more than just making music. Some of the things we did for one another can equate to what a real friend is," he said.

While he respects artists such as Cassper Nyovest, Nasty C, and Kabza De Small, he acknowledges that deep personal relationships within the industry are rare.

"There are a lot of good people in the game, but that doesn't mean we can call each other besties."

With his new song Push It, K.O is stepping into 2025 with a mindset of resilience.

"It's not necessarily a serious message, but it's subliminal.

"It's about pushing the envelope, no matter where you are in all spheres of life. May this song be the soundtrack to real strides in 2025 and beyond," he said.

As the industry continues to shift, it's clear that K.O is here to lead, not survive.