Pyramid Magazine had a sit down with Real Deal Genaro, a prominent rapper born and raised in Sebokeng, Vaal Triangle, whose style of rap bends English and Sotho to create this unique and incredible “lingo” that’s becoming a trademark in his hometown.

Pyramid Mag: How did you manage to keep yourself relevant in the game without dropping a full length project?

Real Deal Genaro: I think it has a lot to do with impact & influence. I feel like I’ve always had a consistent run on how I influence people. It can be on how I dress , how I talk , my tattoo’s etc. I feel like my relationship with my fans has always been different.

Pyramid Mag: Are there any plans for a full length project in the near future, or new Music?

Real Deal Genaro: There’s definitely new music coming up. A new single in a couple of weeks before we get ready for the summer and just features on the side.

Pyramid Mag: What’s your view on the current status of #VaalHipHop?

Real Deal Genaro: It’s really quiet. There’s nothing exciting since the Sebokeng Downs freestyle, hahaha nah for real though. Vaal Hip Hop is in a stagnant state, there’s nothing to talk about man and I wouldn’t say there’s lack of support, I mean if there was we wouldn’t be sitting on 20K views, 15K views going up. I just think there hasn’t been anything great in a minute. Oh but there is something you should look out for, ‘X’ by Lobo myself and Earle Fari and ‘Vivienne Westwood’ by Earle Fari and Lobo, now that’s heat we didn’t know we needed.

Pyramid Mag: Last year you lost a very close friend, Thabang Nas Koena, a great creative and a photographer of note whose legacy cannot be forgotten and left a huge gap in the industry. How have you been dealing with the loss and how did it impact your work?

Real Deal Genaro: I honestly didn’t know how to deal with that, I mean Nas was like a brother to me, he’s one person I could say completely understood what I’m trying to do. So losing him was like losing an organ 😪 it really pierced my heart.

Pyramid Mag: Every Music Video you’ve been dropping seems to escalate into a new level of creativity. What’s the inspiration and the driving force behind your work?

Well, I’ve always believed that “You’re only as good as your last work” and I’m lucky I got to be around people that actually understand that about me. I’m always finding ways to improve myself and the quality and authenticity of my visuals.

Pyramid Mag: Would you consider doing a collaboration project with Masedi? In fact, how come it hasn’t happened yet?

Real Deal Genaro: Masedi is one of my favourite artists. We’ve had that chat before, a Real Deal Genaro x Masedi project would slap. I would love to do an album with him. He’s definitely one of the greatest.

Pyramid Mag: What impact do you want your work and music to have on your audience/followers, as well as the industry at large?

Real Deal Genaro: I want to save lives with my music and what I do. I want to give people hope, I want people to know that life gives you a 2nd chance, 3rd chance, 4th, 5th etc. as long as you don’t give up on yourself. I had someone come up to me and said “Maana I appreciate you so much, if it wasn’t for you I wouldn’t have held on this long, ‘Mamelo etswala Katleho’ has restored my will to live.” as soon as I heard that, I understood my purpose. The same kinda impact just on a larger scale.