Blxckie Addresses Claims of Disrespecting Pro Kid Amid Freestyle Debate

South African rapper Blxckie has publicly responded to criticism following his remarks about the freestyle controversy involving K.Keed and DJ Speedsta. His statement about not wanting to rap over a Pro Kid beat in 2025 sparked a wave of backlash, with some fans interpreting it as a slight against the late hip-hop icon Pro Kid.

Clarifying the Controversial Statement

During an interview discussing the freestyle segment on DJ Speedsta’s platform featuring K.Keed, Blxckie commented, “Personally, I’m not rapping on a Pro Kid beat in 2025.” This remark was quickly taken out of context by some, who viewed it as disrespectful to Pro Kid’s enduring legacy in South African hip-hop.

In response, Blxckie took to his official X (formerly Twitter) account to explain his true intentions. He shared a video of fellow artist Focalistic freestyling over a beat that, in Blxckie’s opinion, did not complement Focalistic’s style, which typically incorporates piano and Afrobeat elements.

“If they had given him a beat that matched his vibe-piano and Afro rhythms-he would’ve delivered a much stronger performance. That’s all I meant. But some chose to interpret it as me disrespecting a legend. That’s fine, I stand by what I said.”

Focus on Beat Selection, Not Legacy

Blxckie emphasized that his critique was directed at the mismatch between the blxckie-freestyle-remarks/” title=”Rashid Kay Fires Back at … After Comments on Freestyling Over …s …”>classic beat and contemporary rap styles, rather than at Pro Kid himself. He highlighted how the choice of instrumental can significantly impact the effectiveness of a freestyle, suggesting that modern artists might struggle to connect with older production styles.

The beat at the center of the discussion was produced by Dome, known for the track “Uthini ngoPro.” Blxckie acknowledged Dome’s role and clarified that any offense should be directed toward the beat’s production rather than Pro Kid’s legacy.

“Big up to my guy Dome, who produced the ‘Uthini ngoPro’ beat. Honestly, he’s the only one who might have a reason to be upset since I was talking about his beat. But he understands my point. Everyone else, just chill.”

Dome’s Perspective and Community Reactions

An article by The Citizen featured Dome’s response, indicating that he comprehended Blxckie’s comments and did not publicly express any displeasure. This incident has reignited discussions within the South African hip-hop community about balancing respect for foundational artists with the evolution of musical styles.

While some purists advocate for preserving the classic sounds that shaped the genre, others argue that innovation and adaptation are essential for the growth of hip-hop. Blxckie’s stance underscores the importance of aligning beats with an artist’s unique style to maximize creative expression.

Ongoing Dialogue on Heritage and Innovation

The debate highlights a broader conversation about how emerging artists can honor the past while pushing boundaries. As South African hip-hop continues to gain global recognition, this dialogue reflects the dynamic tension between tradition and modernity in the genre’s development.

Blxckie remains firm that his remarks were intended to advocate for thoughtful beat selection rather than to diminish Pro Kid’s monumental influence on the culture.

Originally published by SA Hip Hop Mag.