The always compelling South African collective, Die Antwoord returns with another single ahead of Mount Ninji and da Nice Time Kid, due September 16. Do titles get much more honest than “Fat Faded F*ck Face?” No, they don’t. “Fat Faded F*ck Face” contrasts earlier single “Banana Brain,” embracing American southern rap cues. The results are satisfyingly explicit.

https://youtu.be/uDI5nXKi7e8

“Fat Faded F*ck Face” features hardcore rap production which favors the production that would grace an American southern rap song. Ultimately, the song is one big insult, filled with the archetypical shots that rappers and cocky artists make consistently.

The hook – performed by Ninja – initiates “Fat Faded F*ck Face” unapologetically:

“F*ck, I’m so faded / motherf*ck, I’m faded/ in the morning, I be fresh as f*ck / but your bitch still be faded /… your legacy’s overrated, your new shit sounds dated / you no longer famous, kids don’t know what your name is / something crawled up your anus and died / that’s why your face is so f*cked up / salt tasted in your mouth / your b*tch call me the greatest”

The hook, like the production, is executed like a southern rap song. The words are hard to decipher and mush-mouthed. Call it what it is – swag.

The first verse is performed by Yolandi, featuring a signature catch-line:

“I told your boy, ‘your b*tch needs to chill’ (b*tch needs to chill)”

Things get weirder from there. The second verse, also performed by Yolandi is in a different language.  That fits Die Antwoord’s script, as well as the motto of TV show Big Brother: expect the unexpected.  Ninja performs the final verse, in the same style as the hook.

Final Thoughts

Die Antwoord are by no means conformists.  On “Fat Faded F*ck Face” they conform to American southern rap clichés, yet the results are exceptional.  One big insult after another and a consistent brag-fest, “Fat Faded F*ck Face” is another enjoyable, quasi-eccentric single from the South African collective. 

Die Antwoord • Mount Ninji and da Nice Time Kid • Zef • Release: 9.16.16 

Photo Credit: Zef