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With MORE OF ME, VOL. 1, Skatle steps beyond his familiar production style, demonstrating a willingness to experiment while remaining rooted in trap and hip-hop. The production introduces a broader sonic palette, balancing familiar hard-hitting elements with more subtle textures and arrangements. It’s an organic but confident evolution that expands his creative range without losing the identity that listeners have come to expect.
Originally from the Free State, Skatle has built his reputation as the in-house producer for Braamfontein hip-hop collective, The Qwellers. He released a three-track project titled [B4THETAPE] as part of the rollout for MORE OF ME, VOL. 1. The project served as a puzzle piece in setting the foundation for his trap sound and teasing what MORE OF ME, VOL. 1 would offer sonically. [B4THETAPE] carries the signature trap elements Skatle is known for, with “SHMONEY” being the only song from the tape that also appears on MORE OF ME, VOL. 1. The track is built around a bouncy rhythm and infectious 808s, featuring familiar collaborators Sastii, LaCabra, and Lowfeye. The chemistry between them is undeniable, with each artist bringing a distinct flow that complements the beat. “SHMONEY” ultimately serves as a bridge between [B4THETAPE] and MORE OF ME, VOL. 1, carrying the trap foundation of the former into a project that pushes beyond it.
“LANDER,” one of the lead singles from the project, featuring first-time collaborators Giftinperson and Frankness Everyday, was released as part of the rollout for MORE OF ME, VOL.1. The track carries an aggressive, bass-heavy energy, driven by heavy 808s and punchy drums that give the production its intensity. Giftinperson and Frankness bring punchy trap-influenced flows delivered in Pretoria vernacular, adding an energetic, club-banger feel to the song.
GraphixFlawless depicts Skatle draped in a Basotho blanket and wearing a beret against a striking red-and-black colour palette on the artwork of MORE OF ME, VOL 1. The artwork serves as a visual nod to his roots and mirrors the project’s balance between vulnerability and musical exploration. The artwork reflects the same balance found throughout the project, an exploration of new sounds while remaining connected to the trap foundation that shaped Skatle’s identity as a producer. The grain effect adds a raw, worn texture to the cover, giving the impression that Skatle is presenting a more unfiltered and personal side of himself.
The project opens with a mellow “INTRO” that blends Afro-pop influences with tribal-inspired percussion and chant elements, immediately setting a reflective yet immersive tone. The song serves as a leap for Skatle, allowing him to step outside of his comfort zone and explore a raw sound with warm basslines. “PRADA U” and “F4F” transition seamlessly into one another, driven by bouncy drum patterns and groovy basslines that inject a vibrant burst of energy.
On “FIXTURE,” Skatle leans into a smooth, soulful instrumental, blending warm chords, melodic textures, and a rhythmic bassline to create a laid-back, R&B-influenced sound. Featuring Jepedoh, Yungboyvegeta, and R&B singer-songwriter Enocs Mae, the track balances soulful vocals with trap energy. Enocs Mae adds emotional depth with his rich vocal tone, while at the 56-second mark, Yungboyvegeta comes in with an Afro-pop-inspired melodic verse before switching into a trap-influenced flow. Jepedoh closes the track with a trap verse before Enocs Mae returns with the final hook. The contrast between the different vocal approaches highlights Skatle’s ability to blend different influences while maintaining a cohesive sound.
Skatle shows his ability to create softer and more rounded tones, rather than relying only on harsh and overly bright sounds throughout the project. He features the likes of Blue Pappi, LuMai, and Dahoodhope, who each bring their own take on soulful vocal delivery through their distinct vocal ranges. On “FRESHER,” Blue Pappi’s soft harmonies float over an upbeat Afrobeats-inspired instrumental with a groovy rhythm, creating a light and easy-going feel. “L.M.K” seamlessly glides in with a low-end bass and soft kick-driven instrumental, while LuMai’s soft and airy vocals complement the sensual production. With an instrumental that opens with a catchy, consistent, and punchy arrangement, Dahoodhope’s trappy yet melodic, silky vocals give “EX YAM” a groove-driven yet emotional feel
Overall, the project is well-curated, with thought-out transitions between tracks that allow it to flow naturally. MORE OF ME, VOL. 1 seems like Skatle’s statement to listeners that he is not limited to songs that have heavy 808s and punchy kick patterns, but he can also produce warm and mellow instrumentals. It also serves as a permanent stamp in the music space, establishing Skatle’s identity as a solo act.
