DA L.E.S has never been one to shy away from honesty, and his recent appearance on the L-Tido Podcast reminded audiences why his voice still carries weight in South African hip hop. After surviving a life-altering stroke, the multi-award-winning rapper has been easing back into public conversations, sharing fragments of his recovery journey while reflecting on the culture he helped shape. His presence on the show carried a warmth that comes from someone who has seen the highs, the lows and the quiet in-between moments of a long-standing career.
In his own words, he didn’t hold back about what he feels is missing in today’s sound especially in the space of hip-hop in South Africa. “I think it’s in a bad place truth be told, they are recording songs that are 2 minutes… in old school at least give me 3:15 or what?” he said, his tone revealing both nostalgia and concern. He added with a laugh, “They just think… they’re not back in the days. The records had soul, you know what I mean… I guess I’m just being old. We need more quality. I’m sorry, like the stuff that I’ve been hearing… I’ll give it about a six out of ten.”
DA L.E.S, born Leslie Jonathan Mampe Jr., has spent nearly two decades in the industry, carrying hits, shaping the youth culture of his era and building a reputation for merging style with substance. On the podcast, he explained that what he misses most is the intention behind the music. He believes artists should put real effort into their craft, emphasising that recording requires discipline and passion. “I don’t know, maybe it’s just me… when I’m in the studio, I’m in the studio every day, all day. We do not play. We make music for the girls.”
For him, hip hop has always lived partly on the dance floor. He shared that the genre once thrived on songs that made women feel seen, confident and ready to move. “I mean, come on guys… you need to make music for the honeys. Get them going. Get them dancing on the dance floor, man.”
As he continues to recover, the hitmaker revealed he’s preparing to return to the booth sooner than many may expect. “I’m getting there and I’ll be in studio real soon… I just wanna hear songs for the honeys, lots of songs for the honeys. If there’s no track like that, don’t even talk to me, I’m sorry.” With a playful tone, he added, “Make them 3 minutes to 10… what’s up with this 2 minute? Y’all don’t even think of putting a bridge. Do you know how beautiful a bridge is?”
His words were not a dismissal, but a challenge with a nudge to the new wave to dig deeper, stretch the music longer, and pour more heart into every beat.
