South African Hip-Hop artist Tyler Linkman makes his long-anticipated return with the release of his debut mixtape, 'Now Or Never: Side A'.
The mixtape sets out to solidify his place in hip-hop with razor-sharp lyricism, raw emotion, and a hypnotic flow that commands attention.
Crafted independently in his home studio, the project is a reflection of Tyler Linkman’s growth and creative mastery. A fusion of hard-hitting hip-hop, introspective storytelling, and genre-blending soundscapes, the mixtape takes listeners on a journey through both vulnerability and self-assurance.
“Every lyric, every beat — it’s all me,” says Tyler Linkman. “It’s a snapshot of where I am in life, and I put my soul into every second of it.
Built from the ground up in collaboration with long-time friend and Romanian producer BeatzShack (Rares), the body of work stands out for its unfiltered creative process. Blending live instrumentation, intricate sampling, and sharp DJ scratches, every moment on the tape is layered with both precision and emotion.
Influenced by hip-hop heavyweights like Czarface, Delinquent Habits, Ab-Soul, and more, the mixtape is rooted deeply in the culture while fearlessly pushing creative boundaries. Ives Irie, of Delinquent Habits, also lends his hand to the production, adding his signature touch to the flow and texture of the project. The focus tracks, ‘New Whip’ and ‘Now or Never’, are vibrant productions that complement the introspective lyrics in the album, creating a soundscape that feels both urgent and uplifting, bridging classic musicality with a modern edge.
Reflecting on the journey of making the mixtape, Tyler shares: “It wasn’t always easy. There were moments of frustration, times when I questioned everything. But I learned patience, discipline, and most importantly, trust in myself as an artist. This mixtape is proof of that growth.”
The release of Side A marks the first installment of a two-part series. The first six tracks of the 12-song project are now available on all DSPs.
Stream 'Now Or Never: Side A' below:
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