The Morning Cruise: A spotlight on OptikNerve, a new visionary in hip-hop

This Friday we welcomed in the studio; Luzuko Makhuluma, or better known as OptikNerve. According to him he is not only a rapper but rather a storyteller.

More than just a rapper, OptikNerve is a visionary storyteller whose journey from the underground hip-hop scene to mainstream success showcases his raw talent, dedication, and relentless drive to push artistic boundaries as he says so himself. Born and raised in the heart of urban culture, OptikNerve’s lyrics and ideology have earned him a loyal fanbase. With influences like Royce da 5'9", Kendrick Lamar, J. Cole, and Joyner Lucas, OptikNerve’s work tackles life's complexities and societal issues, making him one of the rappers that uses his voice to bringover knowlegde and not only party music.

OptikNerve’s latest singles, Zibaiswe (featuring Big Xhosa), Uzoithola, and Not the Same reflect his versatility as an artist. His discography spans from his 2015 release Beyond All Recognition to his 2021 projects, Till Death Do Us Part and Twenty Twelve Explosions. In a world where storytelling is essential to hip-hop’s legacy, OptikNerve is an artist who stays true to the core values of the genre while constantly evolving his sound and vision. From being featured in The Hype Magazine to appearing on shows like Hectic 99, he is quickly becoming a force to be reckoned with in the South African music scene.

With upcoming projects and collaborations, he continues to evolve as an artist, staying true to his roots while pushing creative boundaries. There is a lot coming up for him, so we'll hear from him most certainly.

Interested in the whole interview? Click on the video below