Upclose with: Blacklight

 

BlackLight _Redtape

“Ke BlackLight gape” In this week’s Revolution Close Up we have Mamelodi’s very own Hiphop maestro Thabiso “BlackLight” Lukhele, Redtape entertainment/Films owner, producer, and music video extraordinaire. We talk Capcity hiphop, sneakers, beef and the future.

First things first, tell us what Redtape Entertainment/Films is all about?

Well, Red Tape Records (formally known as Redtape Entertainment) is a recording Label and Red Tape Films is a Film Production Company specializing in Music Video Production at the moment.

Who are the members of Redtape and what part do they play in the company, e.g. rapper, producer, manager, Deejay etc?
Blacklight - Director (Redtape Records)/Producer/Music Video Director/Sound Engineer
Lyrical I - Rapper/Producer/Director (Redtape Films)
Katz - Rapper/Producer/Assistant Music Video Director (Redtape Films)
BoyPeza - Rapper
Gomza - Rapper
Ken-i - Vocalist (hip hop soul)
Phindile - Vocalist (soul singer)/Producer
Matshidiso - Vocalist (soul singer)
Yung Cyber - Dj

How did you guys get together?
Lyrical i and I are brothers, We hooked up with all the other guys at a pub called Class Xtreme (currently named Stilleto Lounge) were the Hip Hop sessions in Mamelodi were being held.

You dudes have worked with big guns in the game such as Blaklez and N’veigh on the Feel Daai Groovas remix, are there any other well known rappers you’ve collaborated with?
ThicknThin has done a song with Mo Molemi. We've also worked with Ras on The People's Court Mixtape and the Just A Test Mixtape.

Who would you like to work with in future?
The list is endless but just to name a few: Ziyon (Liquid Deep), Khuli Chana, Lungelo, HHP

Speaking of the future, are there any big name artist music videos we should expect from Redtape films?
Yes, I can't say who exactly until the papers are signed, I dont want to jinx it.

How much would it set me back to shoot a vid with Redtape Films?
R6000 minimum.

What’s your studio setup like, what programs and equipment do you use?
It's a pro-studio setup. I use Reason, Fruityloops, Acid and Cubase.

Is Redtape dropping any albums this year?
No. We are releasing a mixtape from Dj Cyber titled "Cyber Space" and another mixtape from Boy Peza titled "Mfana Pitori, 2nd Down"

Why the name BlackLight, how did that come about?
Blacklight = A Black man showing the light. I just wanted a name that will reflect my hustle and the type of personality I have. I've always been the type to break boundaries and do what other people think is impossible or impractical.

Whose music are you feeling right now in Capcity, apart from Redtape artists?
Ras, Skillo, Blaklez, Nveigh, FlexBoogie, Trompie. There are others but these are the ones that stand out the most, apart from my artists obviously.

What do you think of Capcity hiphop as a whole in comparison to other cities like Jozi, Capetown, Maftown?
It has grown, a lot. Still has a long way to go though.

What advice do you have for young’uns starting up in the game?
Do you. If you know you cant rap or make beats, ska fosta!! We need more managers than rappers.

Don’t even front dawg, this is hiphop and with hiphop comes beef, so are there any cats out there that have tried sparking beef with Redtape, and how do you guys handle such situations?
There has been a few who tried but no one worth mentioning. Well, we didn't get into music so that we can respond to beef.

AKA or L-Tido?
ThicknThin.

Haahaha okay...Most underrated rapper in Mamelodi?
 Lyrical I

Favourite sneaker of all time?

 Anything that looks nice on me. 

Thanks a lot man, you got any shoutouts? hahaha

 Hahaha!!!! A big shout out to the RedTape La Familia!!!!

Latest Music Video from RedTape *Thick n Thin - Wa Ditsi Tseo

Facebook name: Thabiso 'Blacklight Lukhele
Twitter handle: @blacklightsa
Youtube channel link: www.youtube.com/redtapefilms