Groovy 808s and silky sonics may have shaped the current wave of Hip-Hop, but the foundation of any classic rap record remains its lyricism. There’s nothing quite like the rush of hearing a poetic verse delivered with a relentless flow—something rising rap star Tyson Sybateli understands all too well. One of the rare “new wave” emcees who has mastered and weaponised the art of lyricism, Tyson continues to cement his reputation with the release of If Found, Bring Back Home, a gripping collaboration featuring Jay Jody.
Hailing from Pretoria, Tyson’s street cred as a wordsmith has been undeniable since his debut. Known for his arsenal of poetic singles, he takes the craft to new heights with If Found, Bring Back Home. Over a stark and haunting piano riff, the track pays homage to the raw energy of classic Hip-Hop cyphers, with Tyson and Jay Jody trading sharp, reflective bars. Jay Jody sets the tone early with a co-sign that speaks volumes, rapping, “Sometimes this sht is not exciting, then I hear nggas spitting like Reece, Touchline, and Tyson,” placing Tyson among the elite lyricists of his generation.
The track is more than just a showcase of technical prowess—it’s a deeply personal exploration of life, loyalty, and the music industry’s cutthroat dynamics. Tyson opens with a jab at fake friendships, spitting, “When your friends become haters with a front row seat,” before delivering an onslaught of provocative lines that challenge industry pretenders. With surgical precision, he raps, “Def Jam said something, Universal did too—but if I’m lying, that’s okay, these artists buying their views,” an unflinching critique of fabricated success in today’s streaming-dominated landscape.
Jay Jody’s verse is equally potent, proving he’s more than ready to meet Tyson bar for bar. Demonstrating his razor-sharp wordplay, he quips, “My dirty mouth done got me cleaned up, so I bumped the fee up,” while weaving in a heartfelt tribute to the late DJ Citi Lites. His delivery feels both reflective and defiant, a balancing act that perfectly complements Tyson’s unrelenting fire.
If Found, Bring Back Home is a triumph of lyricism in an era often dominated by melodic hooks and overproduced beats. With no chorus and no sonic frills, the track strips Hip-Hop down to its purest essence: bars that demand your attention. Tyson Sybateli and Jay Jody remind us that, even in today’s landscape, there’s still room for unapologetic, unfiltered rap artistry. For anyone lamenting the loss of raw lyricism in the genre, this track is proof that the pen game is alive and well.
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