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About - Emile YX? | South African Hip-Hop Pioneer

About

42 YEARS • CAPE TOWN • GLOBAL LEGACY

THE JOURNEY
OF A PIONEER

From the streets of Cape Town to international stages. 42 years of dedication to Hip-Hop culture, education, and community transformation. This is the story of a true pioneer.

Est. 1982 • Black Noise Co-Founder • International Educator • Author of 28 Books
42
Years in Hip-Hop
41
Albums Released
50
Books Written
250+
Artists Supported
15000+
Youth Reached

WHO IS EMILE YX?

Emile YX?
Emile YX?
Hip-Hop Pioneer

Emile YX? is a multiple award-winning South African Hip-Hop elder, founder of the pioneering breakdancing crew Pop Glide Crew from 1982, Hip-Hop group Black Noise formed in 1988, and the Heal The Hood Project started in 1998.

In 1993, he created South Africa's first Hip-Hop magazine Da Juice. In 1997, he was part of the South African breakdance team that won 3rd place at the World Breakdance Championships, Battle Of The Year in Germany.

He has since raised funds to send more than 250 young artists to international Hip-Hop events. In 2010, Heal the Hood Project won the award for the Best Hip-Hop Organization in the World.

Emile has shared the stage with famous artists and personalities like President Nelson Mandela, Dr Alan Boesak, Brenda Fassie, The Queen of Sweden, Baba Maal, Salif Keita, Manu Dibangu, Snoop Dogg, Kyle Shepherd, Arrested Development, and numerous others.

Currently teaching 15000+ youth across 15 schools in the Western Cape through his Hip-Hop Cultural Education syllabus, Emile continues to heal communities through the transformative power of Hip-Hop culture.

THE TIMELINE

1982

THE BEGINNING

Started b-boying (breaking) with Pop Glide Crew. The foundation of what would become a 42-year journey in Hip-Hop culture begins in the streets of Cape Town.

Pop Glide Crew 1982
Pop Glide Crew 1982
Young Emile breaking with original crew
1988

BLACK NOISE BORN

Co-founded Black Noise, one of South Africa's most influential Hip-Hop groups. The group would go on to release 41 albums and become legends in the SA Hip-Hop scene.

Black Noise Formation
Black Noise Formation
Early group photo
from 1988
Band photo
1993

MEDIA PIONEER

Created South Africa's first Hip-Hop magazine "Da Juice" (originally called "The Message"). Pioneering Hip-Hop journalism and culture documentation in South Africa.

Da Juice Magazine
Da Juice Magazine
First edition cover
and layout spreads
Magazine covers
1997

WORLD STAGE

Won 3rd place at the World Breakdance Championships, Battle Of The Year in Germany. Representing South Africa on the global Hip-Hop stage and inspiring a generation.

Battle Of The Year
Battle Of The Year
Team SA at Germany
competition 1997
Competition photo
1998

HEAL THE HOOD

Founded the Heal The Hood Project, using Hip-Hop as a tool for community transformation and youth development. This project would later win Best Hip-Hop Organization in the World (2010).

Heal The Hood Launch
Heal The Hood Launch
First community workshop
with local youth
Community outreach
2010

GLOBAL RECOGNITION

Heal the Hood Project wins the award for Best Hip-Hop Organization in the World. International recognition for community impact and cultural preservation work.

Award Ceremony
Award Ceremony
Receiving global
recognition award
Awards ceremony
2020

CERTIFIED EDUCATOR

Completed International B-boy/Breaking Dance Teaching Certificate. Formalizing decades of experiential teaching and continuing to develop the next generation of Hip-Hop artists.

Teaching Certificate
Teaching Certificate
International B-boy
educator credentials
Certification photo
2024

NATIONAL ORDER OF IKHAMANGA

Big ups to hip-hop legend Emile YX? getting that presidential recognition from Cyril Ramaphosa! 42 years of building the culture and uplifting communities - that's how you make a Black Noise!.

Award Ceremony
National Order of Ikhamanga
Receiving National Order of Ikhamanga Silver award
Awards ceremony

ACHIEVEMENTS & IMPACT

🎤

MUSICAL LEGACY

Released 50 albums with Black Noise and as a solo artist. Featured on numerous compilation albums worldwide. Pioneer of conscious Hip-Hop in South Africa.

📚

LITERARY WORKS

Written and contributed to 50 books including "Reconnect the String," "My Hip-Hop is African & Proud," and "Conscious Rhymes For Unconscious Times." Winner of Western Cape Arts & Culture Literary Award.

🎭

THEATRICAL IMPACT

Created and performed in 5 plays including the award-winning "Afrikaaps." Bringing Hip-Hop culture to theater and reaching new audiences through performance art.

🎓

EDUCATION PIONEER

First to create a Hip-Hop Cultural Education Arts Syllabus in South Africa. Currently teaching 15000+ youth across 15 schools through experiential learning.

🌍

GLOBAL CONNECTOR

Raised funds to send 250+ young artists to international Hip-Hop events. Created events like African Hip-Hop Indaba, Cape Flats Film Festival, and African Battle Cry.

🏆

RECOGNITION & AWARDS

LeadSA Award (2016), ETV South Heroes Award (2016), SA Hip-Hop Museum Hall of Fame (2019), Honorary Award from S.A. Hip-Hop Awards, and Lifetime Achievement Award.

CONTINUE THE JOURNEY

Explore Emile YX?'s music, books, and educational programs. Join the movement to heal communities through Hip-Hop culture.