A wave of guitar tones sets the stage before the percussion kicks in with a classic-meets-new-age hip-hop sound. With an assertive presence, rising rapper Taz opens The Future on a commanding note. The first track, Me vs Me, dives into the raw realities of a street kid’s life: Growing up not knowing who dad is, mom struggling in the zone, Zone full of boys going for the doze (substances), Doze made the boys play illegally, now cops are huntin 'em.” ALSO READ: The beats, lyrics fueling GMF’s breakthrough He paints a stark picture of survival in the hood—where sleep is scarce, fights over cigarettes are common, and sisters turn to the streets to make ends meet. His hustle, he says, is in God’s hands because only He gives. Some work tirelessly and still die broke, but counting money from his music is the dream he’s chasing. Hip-hop keeps pulling him in, closer to poems of darkness and pain. He’s no newcomer—he started at 20, and the years ahead will see him continuing to speak for the trenches. “THE FUTURE” Ep is now playing on all digital platforms plus audiomack, it’s your time to rock Song name “Me vs Me” pic.twitter.com/nGHt7wFG5G — Taz (@TazthePimp) March 26, 2025 The hook is a confident declaration, reminding listeners that no one does it like him: Prophet Taz P-I-M-P, who kills on all verses, Hands in the air if you love rap and beats made by A-M(slur)-Y.” Here, he shouts out Producer AY, a fellow GMF member and the executive producer behind Taz’s sophomore EP following Young King (2024). Born Dieubon Cyubahiro, Taz has been relentless, playing a major role in some of Rwanda’s biggest rap projects—AY’s Ideas, Exit, Gen-Z, and RMH’s Ndigukaba II & III—along with a string of singles that cemented his name in the scene. His latest EP, dropping Wednesday, March 26, comes with a solid foundation of supporters eager to tap in. I gave it a first spin early in the morning before heading to work, and it’s clear—this is an elevated Taz. His growth is undeniable. The sound is more refined, the writing remains sharp, and The Future stays true to his signature themes: street life, the struggles of motherhood, navigating relationships, and the relentless grind to turn dreams into reality. ALSO READ: Rwanda's hottest rising rappers to watch in 2025 Next on the tracklist is Shawty, set over a smooth, melodic rap beat by Mantis 1st. Taz steps in with confidence: Call me trench nigga, big Taz nigga, Real hustler who don’t mess with gold diggers.” Laced with rhymes, he paints a picture of his ideal woman—Pretty shawty who never used bleaching lotion from Uganda. The line hits even harder in Kinyarwanda, where his wordplay shines. As the track unfolds, he warns her to steer clear of lame colleagues and stick with the Woo, the boy from the hood. He’s mesmerized by how she moves, sliding, sipping, letting loose in the moment. As the Henny kicks in, he calls her chérie—she loves to speak French, and he loves the way she carries herself. The hook seals the vibe, an anthem for women who love rap: hands in the air, because she’s one of us. Catchy and effortlessly cool, Shawty is Taz’s take on a street love song—one that still keeps its edge. This queen from Kigali makes him want to stay humble and faithful, offering her the best experience behind closed doors. She held him down when he was broke, so no one comes before her. They smoke together, hit munchies for junk food, and when they make love, she feels like wine—smooth, intoxicating, and unforgettable. If a street boy made a love anthem, this is exactly how it would sound. Then comes Mama, my personal favorite. From the first note, the track grips you with a haunting vocal sample before AY’s signature 808s set the tone. Taz raps with raw emotion, his voice carrying the weight of past mistakes: I’m back, Mom. The life of crime? I just dumped. The tears I caused you—please forgive me; I know better now. Sleeping outside, drowning in alcohol—I don’t live like that anymore. Random women, wasted time, cigarettes, smuggled ganja— I regret it all. I wasn’t man enough before, but now I am. Forgive me, even though I don’t deserve it. I’m a new man, a man of gospel. I miss church, I miss pleading with God. My heart is broken, so Mom, understand me. Your love, I’ll pass on to my jits. Smiling is all you deserve. Poetry at its finest; Mama is a tearjerker. The hook carries a promise—Taz won’t let his mother cry, won’t let her struggle, won’t let her stay in poverty. He’s working toward a future where money flows, where he buys her a Benz because she shouldn’t have to walk. The second verse dives into the lessons she taught him—wisdom that resonates with anyone who has ever learned the hard way. Taz reflects on the realities of young adulthood, the mistakes made, and the grind ahead to see his mother happy. The execution is flawless, the sentiment is deeply personal. One thing is certain—Mama Taz will love this one. The four-track EP wraps up with Son, a guitar-laced ballad that leans toward Afrobeats rather than the usual hard-hitting rap. Co-produced by AY and the rapper himself, the track carries a danceable rhythm, yet its message remains grounded. Taz speaks on chasing dreams with a work ethic that sets him apart—he’s not here to impress, live recklessly, or lose himself to addiction. He acknowledges that he’s not the first to take this path, but for those who come from the trenches, winning is the only goal. The hook envisions a life beyond the struggle—no more living in the ghetto, because without money, love is hard to come by. It paints vivid images of growing up with uncertainty, counting the last coins in your pocket, walking barefoot. A standout moment is the background vocal that subtly elevates the track—whether it’s Taz himself or a featured singer, it adds a layer of soul that ties everything together. In the second verse, Taz locks in on his purpose. His focus is on money and music, cutting ties with snitches who once called him bro. The doubters who once ignored him are now paying attention, but he’s not expecting handouts—he’s doing this solo. In his world, everyone is meant for something greater. His flow isn’t fueled by substances; it’s in his blood. From his days in the choir to now, people still wonder how he stays this consistent while being broke. I am not going to lie—this is a solid EP. Super short at just 11 minutes, but every second counts. No skips, just straight quality. With this level of consistency, Taz might be The Future. And I say that as an industry insider who’s been underwhelmed by mainstream releases lately. Taz is not just emerging—he’s emerging stronger. For the full experience, The Future is out now on all streaming platforms.
