Mlue Jay: Less Talk, More Legacy – Catching Up with Zim Hip Hop’s Most Consistent Hustler

If there’s one artist we can call family here at Riddims and Raps, it’s Mlue Jay. Our conversations have always been real—no fluff, no filters. This time was no different. I caught up with the Johannesburg-based rapper to talk music, fatherhood, staying visible in two countries, and what it means to play the long game in Zim hip hop. As always, Mlue Jay pulled up with maturity, focus, and that trademark calm grind.

Here’s how it went down.

Manando: Bro, it’s been a while. Let’s start right there—what’s been happening in your world lately, both musically and personally?

Mlue Jay: It's great to reconnect, Taku. I've been working diligently on my music while balancing family life as a present father. I'm proud to share that I've welcomed a new addition to my family, my daughter Milena. I'm committed to serving both my family and music.

Manando: I’ve known you as one of the most consistent cats in the game for years. What’s kept you going all this time, especially being based outside Zimbabwe?

Mlue Jay: My passion for music has been the driving force behind my consistency. After 10 years in the industry, I still feel like I'm just getting started, and that hunger keeps me grinding. I'm determined to stay consistent until my efforts pay off.

Manando: Do you ever feel like being in South Africa has helped or hurt your visibility in Zim hip hop? What’s the reality of navigating both spaces?

Mlue Jay: Being in South Africa has presented opportunities that might not have been available in Zimbabwe. I've learned a lot and attended valuable workshops that have shaped me as an artist. While there are benefits to being here, I also appreciate the importance of staying connected to my Zimbabwean roots.

Manando: When we first connected, I saw the passion clearly. Would you say the hunger has changed with time, or have you just learned to channel it differently?

Mlue Jay: The hunger remains the same, but I've learned to channel it more professionally over the past decade. I've studied the game and now approach things with a more strategic mindset.

Manando: Your discography is deep, but if someone new asked you, “Which Mlue Jay song tells my story best?”—what track would you send them and why?

I'd recommend my latest release, "Kuvuthiwe." The song reflects my journey of perseverance and hard work paying off. I believe it resonates with anyone who's faced challenges and stayed committed to their goals.

Manando: We’ve seen a lot of younger artists catching buzz quickly. As someone who's put in years, how do you view the current Zim hip hop wave?

The current wave of Zim hip hop is exciting, with talented artists like Briza and producers like Klyve Beats making a mark. I'm also impressed by Sane's talent. I hope they continue to push boundaries and stay true to their art.

Manando: Finally, let’s talk legacy. When it’s all said and done, what do you want people to say about Mlue Jay and his impact on the game?

Mlue Jay: I want to be remembered as an artist who loved the game and worked tirelessly to keep it alive. My legacy would be one of action, not just talk – embodied in my album "Less Talk, More Action."

After more than a decade in the trenches, Mlue Jay still moves like he just dropped his first tape yesterday—but with the wisdom of a man who's raised both bars and babies. Whether you’ve just discovered his music or have been riding with him since day one, one thing is clear: this isn’t a farewell tour. Mlue Jay’s pen is still sharp, the hunger still real, and the legacy still in the making.

Here's a link to his latest drop, check it out and engage with us in the comment section your views!