B4Now explained

B4Now
Type:	studio
Artist:	Blxckie
Cover:	B4Now Blxckie.jpg
Border:	yes
Genre:	Hip Hop R&B
Length:	35:36 (Standard) 58:00 (Deluxe)
Label:	M4 Entertainment
Producer:	Christer (also exec) Loud Haileer Blxckie Herc Wxvambient Geek Fam 808 Sallie Jeremiah Beyer
Prev Title:	Blxck Panda EP
Prev Year:	2020
Next Title:	4LUV EP
Next Year:	2022

B4Now (pronounced Before Now) is the debut studio album by South African rapper Blxckie, released on 21 May 2021 through M4 Entertainment. It debuted at number one in South Africa. The album was certified Gold in South Africa. The album features guest appearances from South African rapper, Nasty C, FLVME and Lucasraps. Production is handled by Christer, Loud Haileer, Herc, Geek Fam, 808 Sallie and others.

The Deluxe version was released a few months later in August of 2021 and was loaded with features, including Nigerian Afrobeat artists Oxlade, Alone, Rowlene, Christer and more.

Background

In early May 2021, he announced released date his debut album B4Now.^[1]

“B4now is a mixture of stuff I was doing before I got into the ‘Big Time Sh’lappa’ era, and then some new songs also,” Blxckie said. “I’m also telling people a story about how things happened—me being in Durban for a while, and then coming to Jozi to work out a plan to do everything. It’s basically an introduction.”^[2]

Commercial performance

The album debuted number one in South Africa.^[3] B4Now deluxe edition was certified gold with sales of over 10,000 units.^{[4] [5]}

Release and promotion

B4Now was released on 21 May 2021.^[6] To further promote his album he embarked on B4Now Tour which included 10 dates.^{[7] [8]}

Critical reception

Upon its release, it received positive reviews from music critics, Ubetoo wrote; "It's a highly relatable compilation that should have an eager audience out there".^[9]

Awards

At the 2021 South African Hip Hop Awards, B4Now was nominated for Album of the Year and won Freshman of the Year. In addition, B4Now won Best Hip Hop Album at the 28th South African Music Awards.!|-|rowspan="2"|2021|rowspan="3" style="text-align: center;" | B4Now|Fresheman of the Year||rowspan="2"|^[10] |-|Album of the Year ||-|2022|Best Hip Hop Album ||^[11]

Release history

Country	Date	Edition(s)	Label
South Africa	May 21, 2021	Standard^[12]
	August 13, 2021	Deluxe^[13]

Notes and References

1. Web site: 2021-05-03. Blxckie Drops New Single And Announces Debut Album B4now – Le'Afrinique. Le'Afrinique. 2022-05-27.
2. Web site: B4NOW by Blxckie . Apple Music . 21 May 2021.
3. Web site: Sizwe. Sibiya. What’s left to say? Blxckie is a Goat ScrollaAfrica. 2021-11-19. ScrollaAfrica. 2022-05-28.
4. Web site: Blxckie celebrates a total of 10 plaques which he achieved within a year, premiers new music and announces a collab with Sportscene/Redbat SlikourOnLife. 2022-05-27. Tangible . 2022-05-21.
5. Web site: Blxckie Receives Plaque For B4Now Album. Ubetoo. 2022-05-28. John . Jabulani. 2022-02-22.
6. Web site: "Blxckie Drops #B4NOW Debut Album [Listen] Hype Magazine]. 2022-05-28. Hype Magazine. 2022-05-21.
7. Web site: Blxckie To Kickstart His Countrywide B4Now Tour This Friday - The Plug. 2021-12-25. Sekese . Rasephei . The Plug. 2022-05-28.
8. Web site: Blxckie to celebrate debut album with countrywide tour Rising Sun Overport. 2021-12-06. Rising Sun Overport. 2022-05-28.
9. Web site: 2022-05-27. Blxckie “B4Now” Album Review. John . Israel A. 2021-05-21.
10. Web site: SA Hip Hop Awards 2021: All The Winners . nydjlive.com . May 27, 2022.
11. Web site: Ful list of 2022 SAMA nominees Hype Magazine. 2022-06-07. Hype Magazine.
12. Web site: 2022-05-27. 2021-05-21. Apple Music . B4Now by Blxckie - Apple Music .
13. Web site: B4Now (Deluxe) - by Blxckie - Apple Music. Apple Music. 2022-08-13. 2022-05-27.