Rap heavyweight Khaligraph Jones has sparked conversation in the hip-hop scene following the release of Khali Cartel 5, the latest instalment of his celebrated cypher series.
The 12-minute track, unveiled on Thursday, March 6, 2025, features a lineup of East African rap talents, including Jakk Quill, Ruyonga, Fresh like Uhh, Dyana Cods, Mex Cortez, and Abbas Kubaff.
“Khali Cartel 5 Out now, and it’s 12 minutes long, the whole of East Africa has been represented,” Khaligraph announced on social media, inviting fans to experience the latest evolution of his cypher tradition.
Mixed reactions from fans
While the cypher was met with applause from many hip-hop enthusiasts, some critics took to social media to express disappointment, arguing that the instalment did not offer anything groundbreaking compared to its predecessors.
“Same old beat, same old style, same old words being reused in every whack you release. Not hating, my boy, but this is nonsense. We can’t keep on listening to the same old stuff, bro,” a user going by @Bwire1995 on X wrote.
Never one to shy away from addressing his critics, Khaligraph Jones responded with a surprising twist – declaring that the next Khali Cartel cypher would be performed in Gusii language.
In a humorous jab, he tagged celebrity chef Dennis Ombachi, playfully suggesting he start penning lyrics in Gusii.
“Okay, the next one tutaimba na Kikisii, @ombachi13 anza kuandika verse #khalicartel5,” Khaligraph posted, setting off a wave of reactions from fans and industry insiders.
Legacy of Khali Cartel
The Khali Cartel series has established itself as a cornerstone of East African hip-hop, giving both seasoned and up-and-coming rappers a platform to showcase their lyrical prowess and storytelling abilities.
Khali Cartel 1 (2018)
Khaligraph introduced the cypher concept with a hard-hitting debut featuring; Khaligraph Jones, Petra, Don Jowlz, Timmy Blanco and Raj.
This edition was raw, gritty, and unapologetic, with each rapper delivering personal narratives of struggle and ambition.
Khali Cartel 2 (2019)
This edition featured a blend of underground and mainstream talent, including; Khaligraph Jones, Xtatic, TNT (TwennyEights and Timmy Blanco), Steph Kapela, Katapilla and Boutross.
With a more refined production style, this instalment saw Xtatic make a powerful return, while Steph Kapela and Boutross delivered standout performances.
Khali Cartel 3 (2020)
This edition saw a balance between hip-hop veterans and emerging voices; Khaligraph Jones, Breeder LW, Elisha Elai, Silverstone Barz, Chiwawa and Dyana Cods.
A major highlight was Silverstone Barz, one of Kenya’s most promising female rappers, who delivered a commanding verse that solidified her status in the industry.
Khali Cartel 4 (2022)
With the rise of drill music, Khaligraph took a new direction, featuring: Buruklyn Boyz, Shekina Karen, Achicho, Kole and Kuna.
This edition incorporated themes of crime, struggle, and street life, with Buruklyn Boyz adding a unique drill sound to the project.
Khali Cartel’s influence
The Khali Cartel series has played a significant role in elevating underground talent to mainstream audiences, reviving cypher culture in East Africa, bringing female rappers into the spotlight and balancing old-school and new-school rap styles.
While Khali Cartel 5 has sparked debate, Khaligraph’s response suggests he remains committed to evolving the cypher format.
Whether his Gusii rap challenge materializes remains to be seen, but if history is any indicator, Khaligraph Jones will surely continue shaping the landscape of the country’s hip-hop.
Martin Oduor
The alchemist of literary works – a master wordsmith with a proven record of transforming the raw materials of language into a rich tapestry of emotion, thought, and imagination.
