Soundcloud has long been a treasure trove for unearthing raw, unfiltered talent: a digital oasis for discovering artists whose voices echo across the globe. Among its underappreciated riches lies a rising star from Eswatini: rapper and hip-hop artist Ima Crystals, born Lulama Nkosi. Rightfully dubbed a “268 gem,” Ima Crystals is carving her name into the ever-evolving tapestry of alternative African rap.
A self-proclaimed movie and gaming enthusiast, Ima Crystals is crafting immersive experiences. Her debut extended play (EP), Playing Games With Crystals, dropped on November 11th and is a love letter to her cinematic and gaming passions. This five-track project follows a slew of unofficial Soundcloud releases such as I C, Star Signs, and Venus, each offering glimpses into her eclectic artistic mind.
A Cinematic Soundscape
At its core, Playing Games With Crystals feels like a high-octane video game with a Hollywood-worthy plot. The EP draws heavily from iconic inspirations like the 1983 cult classic Scarface and the nostalgic chaos of Grand Theft Auto: Vice City. Crystals explained, “It was easy to incorporate the video game theme since Scarface influenced so much of GTA: Vice City, which I spent countless hours playing on the family PC. Fun fact: there’s even a Scarface video game!”
The EP blends alternative, trap, and hip-hop elements into a hypnotic, animatic experience. “I wanted listeners to feel like they’re in a video game or even a character in one,” she shared. Her admiration for Scarface’s Tony Montana shines through: “Everyone who loves Scarface sees a part of themselves in Tony. That’s what I wanted—to channel his ambition and tell my own story.”
Clocking in at just 13 minutes, this cinematic adventure features dynamic production from collaborators such as Trent Nicks, Trevor Triz, and BVDAP3ST, each track exploring a distinct emotional and musical terrain.
Track by Track: A Deep Dive into Ima Crystals’ Cinematic Universe
Starface with Trent Nicks
Opening the EP with a bang, Starface is a gritty nod to Scarface. Inspired by Brian De Palma’s Scarface, the song is a high-octane blend of trap beats, punchy 808s, and Ima’s razor-sharp lyricism. With rapid-fire delivery, she likens her business acumen and unrelenting ambition to that of Tony Montana, the ruthless yet charismatic anti-hero played by Al Pacino. Over punchy 808s and trap-infused beats, Ima delivers machine-gun flows that showcase her hustle and ambition. She channels Tony Montana’s iconic line, “The eyes, chico. They never lie,” reflecting her belief in authenticity and sharp instincts, this makes Starface as cerebral as it is cinematic.
Mapped
Mapped slows things down for a moment of raw introspection. Originally crafted for fellow Eswatini artist Ayandah, the track offers a glimpse into Ima’s personal journey. The minimalist beat, punctuated by subtle trap flourishes, serves as a reflective canvas for her narrative. Crystals declares her relentless pursuit of global success with lines that drip with both vulnerability and determination: “I’m after the whole world and everything in it.” The track’s restrained production highlights her lyrics, allowing her storytelling to shine as she maps out her trials, triumphs, and unyielding ambition. It’s the kind of song that resonates deeply, pulling listeners into her world one contemplative bar at a time.
Girl Character
Enter the Leo energy! On Girl Character, Ima Crystals unapologetically flexes her magnetic charisma and creative brilliance. She crafts a fiery anthem celebrating self-worth, confidence, and the art of manifestation, laid over a beat that commands attention with its understated confidence. Ima Crystals boldly flexes her creative prowess and magnetic aura. With a swagger that leaps off the track, she details the unstoppable force of a woman in her element. Lines like “I’m one of one. No one is like me” radiate unapologetic self-assurance, making this track a rallying cry for anyone who needs a boost of confidence. Crystals balances playful braggadocio with heartfelt affirmations, creating a song that uplifts while exuding undeniable star power.
Bodies
On Bodies, Ima Crystals steps into a reflective yet confident mode, delivering a track that is as self-assured as it is deeply personal. The song rides a seamless blend of trap and melodic rap, featuring lush production that accentuates her versatile flow. Ima explores themes of self-worth and resilience, recounting industry struggles with lines about unpaid gigs and missed opportunities. Yet, rather than lament, she transforms these experiences into fuel for her ambition. She weaves in aspirational dreams of working with Kid Cudi, while drawing bold comparisons between herself and iconic figures like Tony Montana and Superman. “I’m a boss,” she declares, reclaiming her narrative while confronting the challenges of being a woman in the game.Her lyricism exudes power, revealing layers of vulnerability and grit that make Bodies a multi-dimensional confidence booster.
Halloween Homocide with Trent Nicks
Closing the EP on a hauntingly cinematic note, Halloween Homocide feels like the climactic act of an epic movie. The track’s dark, delicate melody sets an eerie tone, with Ima delivering fiery bars that drip with venom and precision. Inspired by a real-life “sneak diss,” Ima turns anger into art, channeling her frustrations into this sinister and spine tingling masterpiece. The opening lyrics “Hol Up, Let Me talk my sh*t, f*ck that b*tch”, prove this anger even more. With her sharp delivery, she transforms into an anti-hero audiences love to root for—a woman unafraid to confront her demons head-on. As the drums slow toward the end, the production mimics a slow-motion sequence, amplifying the track’s cinematic quality. Trent’s cameo adds an extra layer of intrigue, solidifying Halloween Homocide as an unforgettable finale that feels like the climactic scene of a blockbuster and leaves listeners on the edge of their seats. The song is the perfect cliffhanger that leaves listeners wanting more of Ima Crystals.
A Quest for Identity
Playing Games With Crystals is a creative exploration of Ima Crystals’ identity and sound. By intertwining her personal passions with her artistry, she’s created a body of work that’s as fun as it is introspective. “This project was my way of figuring out my sound—and that’s the most beautiful part of it,” she said.
Each song on Playing Games With Crystals is a chapter in a story that’s as complex and captivating as Ima Crystals herself. From the audacious energy of Starface to the reflective depth of Mapped, the fiery confidence of Girl Character, the raw introspection of Bodies, and the cinematic drama of Halloween Homocide , this EP takes listeners on a journey that feels personal, profound, and yet unapologetically fun.
Whether you’re a hip-hop enthusiast, a movie buff, or a gaming junkie, Playing Games With Crystals invites you into Ima Crystals’ vibrant universe. One thing’s for sure: this 268 gem is one to watch, and she’s only getting started.
Ready to press play? Dive into Playing Games With Crystals and step into the world of Ima Crystals: a world where music, gaming, and cinema collide in dazzling fashion:
https://ditto.fm/playing-games-with-crystals
