New talent constantly emerges in the rap scene, but it’s rare to find acts that not only break through but also have the dedication to stick around. Get Money Forever (GMF) is the latest group making waves, consistently dominating charts and playlists with two major releases that have captured the attention of rap enthusiasts. GMF, a group of five artists—Taz, Hunni, PoppA, Khire, and producer AY—has quickly become a force to be reckoned with. AY, also known as Simplice Elinathan Himbaza, is a well-known name in the genre, serving as the leading mastering engineer on numerous rap projects since early 2024. You might recognize his signature jingle, “AYYY,” at the start or end of your favorite rap tracks. ALSO READ: Top six rap collectives driving the genre forward Although GMF started collaborating two years ago, they are all solo artists who realized that joining forces might be their best shot at making it in this competitive industry—a strategy that seems to be paying off. February 2 marked a turning point for the group when AY dropped the “Exit” EP. The lead track, “Exit,” featuring Hollix, Taz, and PoppA, quickly became a standout hit, earning over 200,000 streams, and racking up over 230,000 views for its music video. The track’s success set the stage for AY’s next project, which is the focus of this review: the “Ideas” mixtape. AY described the mixtape concept to The New Times, saying, “The idea behind the mixtape is the abundance of ideas and how I express them through beats while the rappers convey them through lyrics. It’s packed with both industry experiences and real-life stories.” And, true to his word, the project delivers on this promise. ALSO READ: Ndigukaba II mixtape review: A dive into Kigali's rap scene The “Ideas” mixtape was primarily created while AY was in Dubai, United Arab Emirates, attending to personal matters. Producer Mantis, a friend and collaborator, managed most of the recording sessions during AY’s absence. The mixtape’s artwork, featuring AY with a cyber-inspired brain, symbolizes the power of vision—where the pursuit of multiple ideas leads to the fulfillment of a dream. The project showcases the talents of all GMF members, along with a guest appearance from Kavu Music rapper Chaka Fella. Champagne: Fame doesn't come first; Money and power do Hunni kicks off the track with a declaration that Champagne showers are a reward for the money they make from their music. He emphasizes that family comes first after they've secured their success, dismissing the idea of seeking recognition or accolades just yet. He reflects on staying silent when confronted by the police and bluntly reminds listeners that, while others chase superficial desires, he and his crew have the industry firmly in their grip. Taz follows with an energetic verse, revealing how he retreats from the world when life gets tough to get his priorities straight. He condemns deadbeat fathers who fail to support their children, comparing his rap style to a new Genesis. Taz makes it clear that his goals are financial stability and securing a villa for his mother. He’s focused on building his wealth so he can relax at home, unapologetically embracing his lifestyle while staying true to his roots, even though the game is 'full of nonsense', he and his crew are moving differently. PoppA jumps in with a hard-hitting verse, addressing how he avoids the pitfalls of addiction that plague others. Despite accepting the harsh realities of life, he remains committed to his hustle while maintaining his faith in God. PoppA's lyrics convey the pain he carries in his heart, yet he’s unbothered by naysayers. He sees himself as a savior of rap, ready to take the genre to new heights while Kigali starts recognizing the value of rappers. When PoppA speaks, everyone else falls silent. 5 Niggas: Five men, One dream, Battling demons along the way In 5 Niggas, Hunni sets the tone with a somber reflection on the tight-knit crew, singing about the shared dreams that bond the five of them. He describes how stepping into his shoes for just five minutes would be terrifying, emphasizing their commitment to work by putting fun aside. For days, he's been out of touch, lost in the studio where the booth has become more than just a workspace—it's almost like a close friend or lover. Hunni paints a vivid picture of waking up to harsh critiques online, with some dismissing his music as trash. This fuels his restlessness, making him feel like a stranger in his own body. The track's heavy atmosphere deepens with PoppA's verse, where he confesses that his body feels like a walking rest place and his soul is like burnt toast. He’s trapped in a pit of problems, questioning how he'll ever escape. His hope is shattered, and he prefers to keep others' opinions at bay because they can’t truly understand him. PoppA is haunted by inner voices, screaming in pain, desperate to find peace. His therapist, ironically, is the plug. The verse ends on a haunting note, with PoppA revealing his fear that the only person who might truly love him is his mom. Taz takes the final verse, using it to defend the rap lifestyle. He acknowledges the stigma that people associate with rappers, believing they belong behind bars. Taz dreams of success and wealth, hoping to navigate the future with foresight, but he's burdened by the pain in his heart and accusations of alcoholism—all blamed on his profession. He touches on the harsh reality that even prayer may not save you in the streets, yet despite the struggles, he remains true to himself and his crew, refusing to compete with anyone or tolerate idle chatter in their circle. Beamer: The life we aspire to once our dreams are achieved Opening with a soundbite of someone warning against smoking, Beamer sets the tone for the grind and ambition fueling GMF’s journey. Hunni kicks things off by asking who else holds the keys to the Beamer, making it clear GMF is in control and ready to dominate. He paints a picture of Kigali lighting up to their beats, as the hustle begins to pay off, even if it’s still under the radar. Hunni challenges so-called role models to step up and prove their worth, dismissing hits that don't impress him and revealing that he’s been sharp since childhood, despite people labeling his success as mere luck. PoppA follows, describing how he’s up before dawn, with every hustler tuning into his tracks. He reflects on outpacing those who tried to keep up with him and advises listeners to expand their knowledge daily. He warns against being tricked by others, urging people to open their third eye, embrace independence, and prioritize money over fame. Taz closes the track, reflecting on his long hustle in the streets, driven purely by the pursuit of financial success. He speaks candidly about the back alleys of the music industry and his faith in God’s plan for his life. He stays true to his roots, refusing to glamorize a lifestyle that doesn’t reflect the struggles of his hometown, where his love for his mom and therapy through the microphone keep him grounded. Who: Contemplating legacy and the shadows we leave behind Taz delivers a deeply melodic reflection on life’s fleeting nature, questioning how we’ll be remembered after we’re gone. He muses on the unpredictability of life, acknowledging that not knowing our end should be a reason to stay grounded. Friendships have turned into parasitic relationships, where money is the ultimate goal, and hypocrisy is rampant. He contemplates the insignificance of the body, noting that on judgment day, appearances won’t matter—no one takes pearls with them. There’s a haunting realization that you might leave this world without saying goodbye to loved ones or owning anything of value, perhaps remembered only for drunken habits. He paints a grim picture of leaving behind a child who may never know their creator, or worse, passing on knowledge that’s used to tarnish your legacy. Sorrow, he notes, doesn’t kill but leaves its mark, while faith in God brought him light during dark times. Taz then questions why we chase shortcuts instead of trusting the process, admitting that in his final days, he’ll reflect on past sins, including fleeting romances, even as he seeks redemption for his actions in the city. In the chorus, Taz grapples with who will mourn him when he’s gone, wondering if anyone will remain loyal until the end. He questions who will care for the young family he leaves behind and who will step into his shoes to pay tribute when he’s no longer here. Die Tryin’: A gritty tale of desperation and loss Die Tryin’ takes listeners back to the roots of old-school storytelling, weaving the harrowing narrative of a young hustler who, seeing no other way out, turns to theft—only to end his own life when he’s cornered with no escape. AY’s production shines here, laying down a classic rap beat infused with 808s that set the tone. Taz kicks off the track with raw energy, sounding furious as he recounts the day’s plan. After getting an early call, he gears up—Timberlands, a ski mask, and shorts—ready to make moves. His focus is unwavering; he’s in it for the money and nothing else. There’s no room for defeat in his world; he’ll strike his targets with precision, and he’s got the cash to back it up. PoppA takes over, reflecting on the toll that life in the streets has taken on him. Despite his status as one of the greats, he’s still grinding, unwilling to die before he reaps the rewards of his hard work. Solitude on the hills might be picturesque, but it’s a lonely existence. With his bloodline buried in tombs, he’s got nothing left to lose. PoppA’s verse is steeped in contemplation, recognizing that only God knows how it will all end. He’d rather meet his maker than be labeled a traitor. The poetry peaks as PoppA vividly describes his last moments, surrounded with no way out: “I touch my pockets, whip out some smoke and rat poison, mix it up, then flick the lighter without hesitation and lit one up—that’s how the story of a gangster ended. No one visits his tomb, and the riches he made are nowhere to be found.” Taz returns for the outro, grounding the track in the culture that birthed it, paying homage to the old-school group Tuff Gang and the late Jay Polly (RIP), reminding us of all that they’re doing this for the legacy they hope to leave behind. Other tracks on the mixtape include Dark Mode, a gritty anthem about pushing through life's toughest moments with the belief that when things hit rock bottom, your breakthrough is just around the corner. Elevation marks their stage of success, a sharp reminder to those who haven’t streamed their music to keep their opinions to themselves. Therapy lives up to its name, offering a sonic space for reflection, conversation, and healing amid the hustle. The beat on ‘Therapy’ is arguably the most infectious on the mixtape, hooking listeners from the start. After soaking in the 24+ minute project, I couldn’t help but wonder—what’s next for these young talents? With three months left in the year, AY’s Exit-EP and Ideas Mixtapeare still holding strong in the top 20 rap albums on streaming platforms. If you haven’t already, give them a listen—it’s a recognition well-earned.
