RAPPER reveals he never made a cent from his music.
Priddy Ugly has been grinding in the music game for almost two decades. But despite the fame and accolades, he said he's always made music for the love of it, not for recognition.
The 31-year-old rapper, whose real name is Ricardo Moloi, said he went 16 years without making a cent from his craft.
Speaking to Daily Sun, the Soil hitmaker, who is married to actress and dancer Bontle Modiselle, said he's grateful that people are finally giving his music the appreciation it deserves.
"I'm humbled if I'm being really honest. Thank you for the awards, but I don't do this for trophies. I've been doing this for 16 years without awards or money. I did it out of pure passion.
"We're now 18 years in and people are finally recognising the work. I do it for those who support and love me. The awards? They're just a bonus. Like the cherry on top. We're hoping to get more, maybe a Grammy next!" he said.
ALSO READ | Cobrizi's memorial service details revealedOpens in new window
Priddy and Bontle share a daughter, Afrika Bonita Lerato, and are expecting baby number two.
The rapper also reflected on the state of South African hip-hop, praising those who've kept the genre alive. He called for more local authenticity.
"Hip-hop is alive and well and I'm grateful because it changed my life. But my first love was kwaito," he said.
He also weighed in on the ongoing hip-hop vs amapiano debate.
"I don't think amapiano is dying at all. I've been in spaces where hip-hop was playing and people weren't moving, but the room came alive as soon as amapiano dropped. I love piano because it's ours and South Africans love it," he said.
Priddy called on rising artists to remember their roots.
"We need to bring back South African identity to hip-hop. Guys like K.O and the late AKA did that so well. Let's keep our sound authentic. Even though hip-hop is inspired by American culture, we can still make it our own," he said.
