“You can take me out of the ghetto, but you can’t take the ghetto out of me.” That’s exactly what comes to mind when reflecting on Thato Saul’s rollout for his third studio album, ALL DOGGS GO TO HEAVEN. The Pretoria-born rapper, known for his gritty authenticity, announced his album with a video that feels rooted in his home turf. In the clip, we find four young men in the hood, lounging in a car, with Thato Saul’s“ ”Klipa” blaring through the radio. They lament the scarcity of new music from the rapper, who had, up until that point, only released a single. But, just as their frustration peaks, the radio host drops the bombshell: Thato Saul is finally releasing an album. The scene erupts into excitement as the young men holler, “Hay Wena, Thato Saul Wa Dropa!” Their joy is infectious as they call out to others in the neighborhood, making sure everyone knows that Thato Saul is back.
A week after this big reveal, Thato Saul kept the energy alive with the announcement of his single “Monday 2 Sunday”, using a similarly grounded and relatable approach. This time, the video transports us to a local barbershop: a corrugated iron shack, the radio still the main source of information. Again, we hear the news: “Monday 2 Sunday” is dropping at midnight on October 18, 2024. Produced by Feziekk, who’s built a reputation producing for fellow South African rapper Tyson Sybateli, the track is eagerly anticipated. One of the men walks out, brimming with excitement, exclaiming, “Hebana, AYEYE, Thato Saul Wa Dropa!” However, unlike the first video, the five men he shares the news with aren’t quite as thrilled, with one even muttering in Ispitori, “Thato Saul fell off.” This moment speaks volumes, as it reflects some of the criticism that has been circulating within the South African Hip Hop scene. To me, this feels like a bold and calculated move by Thato Saul, acknowledging the whispers and showing he’s not only aware but ready to silence them. There’s nothing more dangerous than a man with something to prove and that’s exactly where Thato Saul stands now.
These two promotional videos, announcing new music, carry a weight that goes beyond mere marketing. They highlight Thato Saul’s deep connection to his roots, his unwavering loyalty to the hood, and his desire to uplift his hometown of Blackrock, in Saulsville , Pretoria West. His approach proves that he not only understands his audience but knows how to communicate with them in a way that feels authentic and meaningful. In an industry that thrives on image and optics, Thato Saul’s ability to remain true to the people who shaped him is both refreshing and inspiring.
“Monday 2 Sunday” follows the release of “Klipa”, his first track of 2024, which dropped back on April 19. With both releases, Thato Saul continues to champion the slang and lifestyle of Pretoria, especially Ispitori, reminding everyone that his hometown beats in his chest. Even though I don’t fully understand Ispitori, his music transcends language, delivering a vibe so undeniable that I find myself nodding along, fully immersed in the rhythm, the cadence, and the production.
While the start of 2024 may have been quiet for Thato Saul, his verse on Priddy Ugly’s “Family Man”, from the album Dust (a contender for album of the year), is a standout that shouldn’t be overlooked. In that verse, Thato Saul lays bare his aspirations: owning an E30 before turning 30, while reflecting on the harsh realities of life in Pretoria, his friends’ brushes with danger, and his family’s struggles with high blood pressure. It’s a moment of raw storytelling, vulnerability and social commentary, with Thato Saul painting a vivid picture of his past. This knack for reflection and storytelling was also on full display in “Church on Sundayz” , a track from fellow Pretoria artist Loatinover Pounds’ debut album Pray 4 Pitori. Here, Thato Saul revisits his hood days, recounting street violence and how it’s shaped his outlook on life.
Thato Saul isn’t just telling stories: he’s living them, embodying his surroundings, and using his music to translate the experiences of the hood into powerful art. This isn’t just an album rollout. It’s a statement. One that says: you can question him, you can doubt him, but Thato Saul is still standing, and he’s got a lot more to say .This release couldn’t have come at a more perfect time, as his fellow Pheli native, 25K, is also gearing up to drop his sophomore project, Loyal to the Plug. The question on everyone’s mind remains: who truly holds the crown in Pheli? Only time and the music will reveal the answer.
