Scoop Makhathini Slams South African Hip-Hop Over Transactional Ties

South African media personality Scoop Makhathini has criticised what he describes as transactional relationships within the country’s hip-hop community, saying some contacts only become active when there is something to gain.

In a reflection he called a “hot take,” Makhathini said he spent two years away from social media and without work. That period, he said, showed him who genuinely cared about his wellbeing and who only appeared when opportunities arose.

“I looked at my phone, and it never rang,” Makhathini said.

He added that the silence came not only from strangers but also from people he expected to hear from.

Criticism of the “cool kid” circle

Makhathini directed his criticism at what he called the “cool kid SA hip-hop community,” particularly people who become more attentive when someone starts enjoying renewed visibility.

He said the dynamic changes once a person has “a little bit of shine,” with calls and WhatsApp messages suddenly arriving. He objected to the overly familiar language that sometimes accompanies those approaches.

“Yo, yo, big bro, big bro. Stop it. I don’t want to hear that nonsense,” he said.

For Makhathini, the issue is not simply that people failed to make contact. He sees a deeper problem involving relationships built around usefulness, access and personal gain rather than genuine care.

He questioned why some people did not check on him during his quieter years, offer him work or ask how he was doing, only to return with enthusiasm once his profile began rising again.

A wider industry pattern

His frustration extended beyond his own experience. Makhathini suggested that many people in the industry may have faced similar treatment but remain reluctant to speak openly about it.

“And this might not even go for me alone,” he said.

He framed his remarks as a reflection on lessons from periods of silence, visibility and disappointment, rather than solely a complaint. He said he had recorded the mistakes he does not want to repeat.

“I made a note of the mistakes we can’t afford to make again,” he said.

Makhathini said the real measure of loyalty is not who arrives when the spotlight is bright, but who remains present when there is nothing to gain.