The South African rave rap group Die Antwoord released their fourth studio album, "Mount Ninji and Da Nice Time Kid" on September 16.
Die Antwoord started out as another rave rap group called MaxNormal.TV. The group consists of Watkin Tudor Jones (AKA Ninja), and Anri du Toit (AKA Yo-Landi Vi$$er). Their style of music has always been… different to say the least. The group lives a lifestyle known as ‘zef’, which pertains to one’s socioeconomic standing. The group says that it means that you’re poor, but you have expensive taste and style; it also means that you don't care what people think about you.
They released their debut album ‘$O$’ in 2009, then another album again in 2010. Since then, they have been working on more albums and mix tapes while touring and even starring in the film Chappie, directed by "District 9" director Niell Blomkamp.
They have toured all around the world at major festivals such as Ultra Miami and Coachella, and are scheduled to perform at Austin City Limits this year.
Their lyrics are extremely profane, their look is outrageous and odd; but their personalities are very down to earth and humbled. Like most, they do not appreciate having their style copied or stolen from them. Within the past few months the group has been involved in some conflict revolving around some of the artwork and character inspiration in the movie "Suicide Squad".
The group claimed that the background artwork in this scene of the film 'jocked' their style (they legitimately made a video on Instagram comparing themselves to characters and scenes of the movie, claiming that director David Ayer stole their style). Die Antwoord is known for having black and white doodles all along their walls, created by artist Roger Ballen.
Overall, Die Antwoord is a highly misunderstood and overlooked music group. Though it is difficult to not look at them, considering that their performances are very high energy, and their appearances are flashy.
Interested in listening to Die Antwoord and seeing what they're about?
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