South African artists Ruff, Sjava, Emtee and Saudi released their collaborative album The Trap Temptations on 16 June, and it surpassed 1.3 million streams across major digital platforms within two days.
The release coincided with Youth Day in South Africa. The album is available on the following streaming services:
- Spotify
- Apple Music
- Boomplay
- YouTube
- Audiomack
The four artists, who helped shape South African hip-hop and trap over the past decade, reunited for the project after years of solo work. The album was recorded during 2025 through a series of music camps in the Drakensberg region, Malelane in Mpumalanga and Johannesburg, with sessions focused on revisiting their creative partnership and exploring a new musical direction.
Ruff said the project reflects both their personal and artistic development.
“This album represents our brotherhood and we are also trying to give our people a picture of how much we have grown musically as a collective.”
Emtee emphasized continuity and growth within the group.
“People watched us change the sound and the culture, but what matters most is that we’re still here, still growing and still making real music that connects with people.”
Sjava noted that individual experiences enriched the project.
“This project reflects everything we’ve experienced as artists and as people. Every experience we went through individually added something meaningful to the music and to the connection between us.”
Saudi described the album as a significant milestone in his career.
“I’ve been working with Ruff, Emtee and Sjava for more than 15 years. My biggest fear has always been coming to the end of my career someday without this project having been a part of it. This is not just a full circle moment for me, it’s a dream come true.”
