The perfect assist exists, not just in soccer but in music too. In soccer, fans rave about Kevin De Bruyne threading the needle, Mohammed Salah’s game-changing passes, or how one precise assist can shift the course of a match and raise the stakes. In South African hip-hop, the perfect assist belongs to none other than Pitori’s very own Loatinover Pounds. This year, he has proven to be the ultimate feature artist—the one guest who can take a track from great to legendary.
Not only did Loatinover Pounds steal the shine on his guest verses this year, but the hip hop artist also delivered an incredibly crafted album titled “Pray 4 Pitori”, an album that showcased his lyrical abilities, storytelling as well as production skills. From deft wordplay to cultural references that resonate deeply, Pounds has repeatedly proven why he deserves the MVP title. Here are five moments where Loatinover Pounds stole the spotlight and reminded us why he is 2024’s undisputed MVP.
5. “Uthini Lo” – DJ Sliqe, K.Keed, Votron, Orish
Sometimes less is more, and that’s exactly what Loatinover Pounds delivered on Uthini Lo. The “Sosh Plata” hitmaker kicks things off with a verse that is equal parts punchy and unforgettable. He opens with a vivid WWE-inspired reference:
“Undertaker all bleke kere beat re theosa,”
declaring himself as lethal as the iconic Undertaker—dressed in black and ready to “bury” the beat. But he doesn’t stop there. He sharpens the imagery with:
“Okare lekase ko Avbob (Ke Leso),”
a clever nod to Avbob, South Africa’s leading funeral service provider, implying his verse is so deadly that someone should start planning a funeral.
Loatinover Pounds even gives DJ Sliqe a shout-out:
“Pounds le Sliqe re namela beat kannete rebethile 1-0 (Champion Score),”
hinting at their domination of the track and slyly referencing Sliqe’s Champion Sound series. Through layered punchlines, clever wordplay, and Pretorian street culture, Loatinover Pounds proves that he can turn a few bars into a memorable performance.
4. “Mosamelo” – DJ Clen
On Mosamelo, Loatinover Pounds seamlessly blends confidence with storytelling. Michael Tuoy’s smooth production gives him the perfect platform to shine, and Pounds doesn’t miss the moment.
The song’s title, Mosamelo (Pillow), frames a tale of a woman seeking his attention. But here’s the twist: this woman once ignored him but is now reaching out after spotting him on Channel O. Pounds cheekily dismisses her newfound interest and instead reflects on how far he’s come:
“I perform on stages bigger than my kitchen now,”
he raps, with swagger only a hometown hero can deliver.
In classic underdog-to-victor fashion, Pounds reminds us of those who laughed at his dreams and are now asking for tickets to his shows. Through a mix of introspection and braggadocio, Mosamelo captures his journey while setting the tone for even greater achievements to come.
3. “Ke Tech” – G Tech 2Bit, Loatinover Pounds, Mochen
The Pitori Avengers, hailing from the streets of Mabopane : G Tech 2Bit, Mochen, and Loatinover Pounds join forces on “Ke Tech” to deliver an anthem brimming with Pitori pride. Each artist holds their ground, but it’s Loatinover Pounds’ verse that stands out, thanks to his razor-sharp punchlines and endless creativity.
What’s a Pounds verse without a soccer metaphor? He kicks it off with a nod to Luis Suárez’s infamous 2014 FIFA World Cup biting incident:
“Rappers biting my flows like Chiellini,”
likening himself to Giorgio Chiellini, the Italian defender who was bitten by Suárez.
He follows it up with more soccer brilliance, calling himself a “number 9,” the striker who leads the team to victory. Then comes the pièce de résistance:
“Skin, link, ink, sync, pink,”
a cascade of rhymes that showcases his literary finesse.
As if that weren’t enough, Pounds caps it off with a playful Disney reference:
“Sliding on the beat like Zeke and Luther,”
a nod to the skateboarding duo from the Disney series. From sports to pop culture, Pounds weaves together his influences, proving that inspiration truly knows no bounds.
2. “Big Dogg” – Thato Saul & Flow Jones Jnr
When Thato Saul declared his comeback on Big Dogg, Loatinover Pounds was right there to back him up, delivering a verse packed with clever wordplay, humor, and swagger. Take this standout line:
“Legends Barber ka Pene joh, kira di line di fete mo hodima di thlolo,”
where Pounds compares his precision with a pen to that of a barber’s clippers, highlighting his mastery over his craft. He turns up the humor with:
“Patje e phela e loud kare Ghost Hlubi a pranka-a ha tau,”
comparing the potency of his weed to the loud pranks of Ghost Hlubi, the popular South African content creator.
True to form, Pounds peppers his verse with local South African soapie references, including a shout-out to KK from Muvhango and a shout out to Suffocate from Rhythm City:
“Pounds ke Star, wa shine, o phala di suit tsa KK (Mulaudzi),”
boasting that he shines brighter than KK’s flashy suits.
“I brought the Rhythm to the City but when I get on the mic I don’t suffocate”
highlighting his ability to flow with ease and composure.
It’s this mix of relatability, humor, and razor-sharp wit that makes Big Dogg one of Pounds’ most memorable assists.
1. “The Untouchables” – 25K & Flow Jones Jnr
This is it—the crown jewel of Loatinover Pounds’ 2024 guest verses. On The Untouchables, from 25K’s album Loyal To The Plug: The Life of Don Kilograms, Pounds delivers a verse so sharp, so fresh, that it leaves no doubt about his MVP status.
He kicks off with effortless swag:
“Air force e white Ntash, Straight from the box starch,”
bragging about his pristine fashion sense before hilariously comparing his oversized baggy jeans to South African politician Gwede Mantashe’s signature look.
“Bethile jean ka oversize okare ke Gwede Mantashe (Eish)”
And, of course, no Pounds verse would be complete without sports metaphors. He references Olympic athlete Shyna Mabelo and the unforgettable 2018 UEFA Champions League final:
“Geo Salah ro nametsa stretcher, Ramos ka Final ya UEFA,”
signaling his ability to leave rappers in disarray, just like Ramos did to Salah.
This verse has everything: local slang, pop culture, football references, and impeccable flow. It’s the kind of performance that reminds us why Loatinover Pounds is untouchable.
Loatinover Pounds has had an electrifying year, proving time and again why he’s 2024’s MVP. He made appearances on Injayam Vol 3, Loyal To The Plug, All Doggs Go To Heaven, Too Viral, Survivor’s Guilt and most recently Maglera Tapes just to name a few. From cultural punchlines to football metaphors, he’s a master of blending wit, creativity, and authenticity. The MVP crown fits perfectly on Pitori’s finest. Long live the MVP. Re Faka Punyete.
