COUNTDOWN TO AFROTRAX: ARTIST SPOTLIGHT – Lucasraps

Lucasraps enters the AFROTRAX lineup this December with Y.O.G, a ten-track album released in March 2026 and executive produced alongside Ca$h Khali. The EP pivots toward live instrumentation and open, spacious arrangements, prioritizing lyric-driven hip-hop over the dense layering of trap. Tracks like ‘FYF’ featuring Geek Fam and the single ‘eGoli’ highlight a sharpened focus: verses delivered with clarity, production that gives space for phrasing, and a sense of control that marks a shift from previous releases.

Born Luke Duncan Malong in Cape Town and raised in Durban’s Greenwood Park, Lucasraps first encountered hip-hop at age eight, captivated by Nelly’s Nellyville. Spurred on by a friend’s encouragement, he recorded his earliest tracks and soon found himself performing with the Black Bears (BLVCKBEAR) collective at local gigs during high school. His star began to rise after sharing the stage with Nasty C in 2016, then clinching a Best Collaboration award with Mystik Liyon. In 2018, he left school to chase music full-time, signing with BlaqBoy Music through DJ Maphorisa. National buzz followed, fueled by features on Dr Peppa’s ‘What It Is’ and standout collaborations with Blxckie, including the radio and TV favorite ‘Big Time Sh’lappa’. By 2021, he had become Def Jam Recordings Africa’s youngest signee, dropping his debut album 031 To The World with production from Gemini Major, Christer, Vaughn Fourie, and Nash.

On Y.O.G the production is much more about clarity and live instruments with Lucasraps and Ca$h Khali on the production end. The subject matter is very much about the drive of the Durban scene, about growth and about him being the Y.O.G in all its forms (youth and experience). He’s been very upfront about the importance of connecting with the listener on tracks like ‘Without Me’ and has spoken of criticism as a tool rather than a judgement. The collab list is Blxckie, KindlyNxsh, Nasty C and various producers from the BlaqBoy camp. He’s also on the Algorithm compilation.

While 031 To The World sparked debate over its cohesion, his sharp lyricism remained in the spotlight, and a steady stream of freestyles has kept him at the forefront of South African hip-hop. His creative reach stretches into music videos and a short film chronicling the Y.O.G era. The upcoming AFROTRAX show at The Canvas in Johannesburg on 5 December 2026, presented with PLAYY. Music, will see him share the stage with French Montana, Cassper Nyovest, Kabza De Small, and Blxckie, giving fans an up-close experience of his ever-evolving catalog.

Looking ahead, the Y.O.G era and Lucasraps’s steady flow of freestyles highlight his commitment to relatable lyricism in South African hip-hop. He frames the project as an honest snapshot of where he stands now, with tracks like ‘Rags To Riches’ capturing flashes of personal revelation. His journey stays grounded in the art form, building a body of work that pays homage to his Durban roots while reaching for new horizons.

Listen to Y.O.G:

EVENT DETAILS

AFROTRAX CAPE TOWN

Date: Friday, 4th December 2026
Venue: The Ostrich, Cape Town
Time: 2:00 PM – 12:00 AM
Headliner: French Montana

AFROTRAX JOHANNESBURG

Date: Saturday, 5th December 2026
Venue: The Canvas, Johannesburg
Time: 2:00 PM – 11:00 PM
Headliner: French Montana

TICKETS

Tickets and VIP packages will be available exclusively through PLAYY.

Tickets available ONLY at https://playy.co.uk/

Fans are encouraged to register early for priority access and event updates.

MEDIA ENQUIRIES

AFROTRAX & PLAYY.

Press Office: press@playy.co.uk