Gaining recognition through various features and live shows, Yugen has been on the SA scene for over a decade. After joining indie label Iapetus Records in 2009, home to artists such as the late great Robo, Hymphatic Thabs and Fifi the RaiBlaster, she teamed up with Sampletologist Kanif the Jhatmaster, releasing several videos and singles, leading up to her debut album.
‘Return of the Astro-Goth’ (2013) was well received by the Hip-Hop community worldwide, receiving several five star ratings, and caught the attention of renowned Hip-Hop veterans such as Chuck D and Sage Francis. It also saw her nominated three times at the 2014 SA Hip-Hop awards, in the best Lyricist, best Newcomer and best Female categories.
Having toured Europe several times, Yugen has opened for Hip-Hop legends such as MC Lyte (Germany/Switzerland), Pete Rock & CL Smooth (Denmark) and Edo G (Austria), and was the opening act at world renowned Hip-Hop Kemp in Czech Republic in 2016.
Back home in SA she has performed alongside names such as Public Enemy (2012), Sage Francis (2015) and Jeru the Damaja (2016).
She has also featured on several international collaborations, releasing music with artists such as Jak Progresso, Naomi Pilgrim, Copywrite, Von Poe VII and Bradata of Dusted Wax Kingdom.
Her sound is a mix of sci-fi soundscapes, hard drums and meditative melodies, over which Blakrok’s words command vivid attention. Live the room often moves as one, as in a trance, led through the acoustic void.
Currently perfecting her spells and putting final touches to her follow up album deep in the basements of Iapetus, she sometimes emerges to collect writing paper or moonbeams.
Hibiscus
yugen blakrok Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
The spiderweb weaver
I spin luminous orbs appearing at nighttime with consorts as shadowy figures
Hooded sipping elixirs, hot crimson hibiscus
As Dogon dots link under the hand that built the Sphinx up
Born inside a monsters lair
A story of creation like the exiting of caves in pairs, sight impaired
Expelling dragon breath from the depths of hell
As levitating bodies soar, forage green like herbivores
Glowing out the crown to photo synthesize in metaphor
Trigger rainstorms with dry ice and silver iodide
A fusion of mystical sciences, seeding clouds while flying
The swordstyle's binary, sharpened through the ages
My grimoire's disintegrated alchemists and mages
I'm the living crystal verbals coded in nervous systems
Inner cycles linked with lunar satellite emissions
I split seas the soundscape's vicious
Suspended in a floating mist twitching with the glitches
From temporal fracture migraines right brain on left blade Set
Craniums radiate radiowaves through cosmic membranes
Voices ripping the fabric it's that space time classic
Electric snake rattle thoughts with full metal jackets
And split a cypher 360 degrees in light packets
Permeating vacuum space with spoken word magic
In "Hibiscus," Yugen Blakrok uses rich and intricate imagery to explore themes of creation, ancient knowledge, and the power of words. The song begins with the image of a spiderweb weaver, symbolizing the intricate nature of the universe and the interconnections between different elements. The luminous orbs that appear at nighttime represent hidden knowledge or wisdom that can only be revealed in darkness. The shadowy figures could represent mysterious beings or spirits who guard this knowledge.
The mention of the hot crimson hibiscus invokes a sense of passion and vitality. It symbolizes the potent elixir of life and the energy needed for creation. The reference to the Dogon dots, which are ancient African symbols associated with astronomy and cosmology, suggests a connection to ancient wisdom and secrets. This is further emphasized by the mention of the Sphinx, a symbol of ancient knowledge and mysticism.
The song also delves into the power of words and the ability for language to shape reality. The lyrics describe the singer as having the ability to expel dragon breath and trigger rainstorms through their words. This highlights the transformative and creative power that language possesses. Additionally, the references to photo synthesis, seeding clouds, and flying suggest a connection to forces of nature and the ability for words to influence the world around us.
Overall, "Hibiscus" paints a vivid picture of a world where ancient knowledge and modern science merge, and where words have the power to shape reality and create new possibilities.
Line by Line Meaning
The spiderweb weaver
I am a skilled creator, crafting delicate and intricate webs
I spin luminous orbs appearing at nighttime with consorts as shadowy figures
I create glowing spheres that emerge in the darkness, accompanied by mysterious companions
Hooded sipping elixirs, hot crimson hibiscus
Drinking potions wearing a cloak, experiencing the vibrant essence of red hibiscus flowers
As Dogon dots link under the hand that built the Sphinx up
Connecting ancient African symbols that hold the secrets of the Sphinx's construction
Born inside a monsters lair
Emerging from a place of darkness and fear
A story of creation like the exiting of caves in pairs, sight impaired
A narrative of beginnings, reminiscent of blind exploration out of caves
Indigo genetic tests tempered for hermetic quests with shining eyes
Examining hidden genetic traits to embark on mystical and secluded journeys, with eyes filled with brilliance
Expelling dragon breath from the depths of hell
Releasing intense energy and power, reminiscent of mythical dragon breath, from the darkest realms
As levitating bodies soar, forage green like herbivores
Bodies floating and flying high, while seeking sustenance like plant-eating animals
Glowing out the crown to photo synthesize in metaphor
Radiating light from the head, symbolically converting energy like plants through photosynthesis
Trigger rainstorms with dry ice and silver iodide
Initiating atmospheric changes, causing rainfall using substances like dry ice and silver iodide
A fusion of mystical sciences, seeding clouds while flying
Blending magical knowledge and scientific principles, sowing clouds while in motion
The swordstyle's binary, sharpened through the ages
The art of sword fighting refined over time, honed to perfection
My grimoire's disintegrated alchemists and mages
My ancient book of spells contains fragmented knowledge from alchemists and magicians
I'm the living crystal verbals coded in nervous systems
I am a manifestation of poetic words infused within human beings' intricate neural pathways
Inner cycles linked with lunar satellite emissions
Internal rhythms connected to the lunar signals transmitted by satellites
I split seas the soundscape's vicious
I divide and conquer the challenging musical landscape
Suspended in a floating mist twitching with the glitches
Suspended within a misty haze, filled with subtle distortions and irregular movements
From temporal fracture migraines right brain on left blade Set
Emerging from a state of pain and confusion, with the creative right brain activated
Craniums radiate radiowaves through cosmic membranes
Skulls emit radio signals through cosmic barriers
Voices ripping the fabric it's that space time classic
Vocals tearing through the fabric of reality, a timeless masterpiece
Electric snake rattle thoughts with full metal jackets
Unsettling thoughts delivered with force, like the sound of an electric snake's rattle, protected by an armored shell
And split a cypher 360 degrees in light packets
Breaking down a coded message completely, dissecting it from all angles
Permeating vacuum space with spoken word magic
Filling empty voids with the enchantment of spoken words
Lyrics © O/B/O APRA AMCOS
Written by: Nokuthula Qaqamba Ndodana
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
ReaperX3ro
This is such an awesome track. The vibe between Yugen and Historian is just killer. I'd pay to hear them both on a whole album.
Dina Matshaba
Unmatched lyricism ....godly skills
Baboucan
This song has been featured in the PETITES OREILLES mix of the month, hope you'll enjoy and keep spreading the good vibes <3
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WIKRNQkd7Co
HART BURN
Nice, And the album is great thanks Yugen!!!, Much love from the UK
Denzel Lamar
One of the dude name's is Fifi I was skeptical when I seen this then I listened and it was fucking golden this shit goes hard keep doing what ya doing yugen love your music.
Zohar EM
This is pure gold
Mpho Chiloane
I like this, gotta replay to fully follow, but il be back here a lot more. mmmm, thanks.
Don’t believe everything
Best in S.A
Mazwi Mnguni
no ways
Enthusiastic Nihilst
I asked for this on a previous comment I'm a idiot...