South African hip-hop heavyweight Cassper Nyovest has once again found himself at the center of a heated debate after making a bold claim regarding the late AKA's iconic song "Sim Dope." The statement was made during a candid interview on L-Tido's Podcast, where the award-winning rapper shared insights into his career, music, and past industry connections.

During the conversation, Cassper Nyovest, affectionately known as Mufasa, stated that he believed "Sim Dope" -- one of AKA's most beloved tracks -- was inspired by his own 2017 hit "Tito Mboweni." Though Cassper made the comment casually, it didn't take long for the clip to go viral, drawing strong reactions from fans and industry insiders alike.

"I think Sim Dope was inspired by Tito Mboweni. The beat, the vibe -- it's quite similar," said Cassper. "It's something I would've loved to ask him about if he was still here."

This revelation has reopened long-standing conversations about the rivalry and mutual influence between Cassper Nyovest and AKA -- two of South Africa's most influential hip-hop artists whose careers often mirrored, clashed, and, at times, defined an entire era of local rap.

Cassper Nyovest Reflects on Nearly Signing With AKA's Team

In the same interview, Cassper Nyovest shared another surprising piece of history: he was once close to signing with Vth Season, the label co-owned by Raphael Benza, who also managed AKA during the early and peak years of his career.

"There was a time I almost signed with Benza before I chose my own path," Cassper said, reflecting on the direction his career might have taken under different circumstances.

The decision not to sign with Vth Season led Cassper to forge his own lane in the music industry, eventually founding Family Tree Records and becoming one of South Africa's most successful independent artists.

However, his recollection of events and his theory about "Sim Dope" did not go unchallenged.

Shortly after the interview clip circulated on social media, Raphael Benza, CEO of Vth Season and former manager of AKA, responded publicly. Sharing the video snippet, Benza respectfully disputed Cassper Nyovest's claims, offering a more nuanced take on the legacy of both artists.

"Okay, I will correct you. You are wrong. The only thing I can confirm is that you were almost signed by Benza," he wrote in a now-viral post.

"You guys are two different types of artists. South Africa did best by having you two around at the same damn time. We all benefited."

Benza went on to emphasize the significance of the era when both Cassper Nyovest and AKA were at the top of their game, suggesting that their simultaneous rise helped shape South African hip-hop in ways that may never be replicated.

"I don't think that era will ever happen again in the South African music industry, but God knows we need it again. #RIPAKA. Keep your movement moving."

The debate surrounding Cassper Nyovest's statement has divided fans. Some believe the sonic similarities between "Tito Mboweni" and "Sim Dope" are noticeable, while others argue that the two songs are stylistically and thematically distinct.

Many also took to social media to express that while Cassper and AKA had different styles and personalities, their rivalry elevated the genre and inspired a generation of aspiring artists.

"Cassper Nyovest and AKA gave us competition, drama, and world-class music. We didn't appreciate it enough while it lasted," one user tweeted.

Though their personal relationship was often rocky, the musical legacy of Cassper Nyovest and AKA is undeniable. From selling out arenas to winning international awards, both rappers have made lasting impacts on South African culture.

The rivalry -- marked by diss tracks, lyrical jabs, and public confrontations -- also forced both artists to elevate their craft, ultimately benefiting the fans. Even after AKA's untimely passing, the comparisons and discussions about their influence continue to dominate hip-hop discourse.

Cassper Nyovest, for his part, remains one of the most successful and talked-about artists in the country, constantly reinventing himself and continuing to build on his legacy.

Whether or not AKA's "Sim Dope" was influenced by "Tito Mboweni," the fact that such conversations are still happening years later is a testament to the power and influence both artists hold.

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