South African rapper A-Reece has opened up about the creative thinking behind his surprise collaborative project with DJ Clen, HOW DO YOU LOVE ME NOW?, revealing that the 10-track release is rooted in musical nostalgia, friendship and a renewed appreciation for the influences that shaped his sound.
Released on Friday, November 13, 2026, the project brings together two artists whose creative relationship has developed over time. While the unexpected drop caught fans by surprise, A-Reece has revealed that the idea behind the collaboration had been on his mind for years.
A-Reece Draws Inspiration From Iconic DJ-and-Rapper Collaborations
Taking to his Instagram Stories, A-Reece explained that he had long wanted to create a project built around the relationship between a DJ and an artist. His vision was influenced by classic hip-hop collaborations, particularly the partnership between Lil Wayne and DJ Drama.
“I’ve always wanted to create a DJ-and-Artist collaboration like the iconic projects that inspired me. That Wayne-Drama in 2006 kind of affair, for instance, with a more modern approach to it,” he explained.
The rapper’s reference highlights the influence of classic mixtape culture, where DJs and rappers worked together to create projects that helped define eras and push hip-hop forward. With HOW DO YOU LOVE ME NOW?, A-Reece and DJ Clen bring that concept into a contemporary South African hip-hop setting.
Friendship Made the Project More Meaningful
Beyond the musical concept, A-Reece revealed that working with DJ Clen gave the project a deeper personal meaning. The rapper described Clen as a friend whose growth he has witnessed and whose journey he has been part of.
“Getting to do it with someone I call a friend, whose growth I get to witness and whose journey I get to be a part of, makes it even more special,” he added.
Their collaboration is also built on an established working relationship. A-Reece previously executive-produced DJ Clen’s projects Viral and Too Viral, making their latest release another chapter in a creative partnership that has continued to develop.
A Tribute to Artists Who Turned Their Cities Into Movements
A-Reece also revealed that HOW DO YOU LOVE ME NOW? carries a broader message, paying tribute to influential artists who helped shape their hometowns and musical communities.
“This project pays homage to the artists who turned their cities into movements, pushed the sound forward and reached the highest levels of success,” he shared.
The statement suggests that the album is about more than two artists coming together to make music. It celebrates the cultural impact of musicians who built movements, influenced younger generations and helped give their cities a distinct musical identity.
A-Reece Embraces the Influences That Shaped His Sound
One of the most personal aspects of A-Reece’s reflection was his admission that he previously distanced himself from some of the artists and sounds that inspired him.
The rapper explained that comparisons with established musicians sometimes made him question how people perceived his originality. He also considered whether embracing influences from outside South Africa could lead listeners to question his connection to his own musical roots.
However, his outlook has changed. Instead of viewing musical influences and originality as competing ideas, A-Reece now sees them as elements that can coexist in his artistic identity.
“Now, I’m embracing what shaped me, trusting that my roots and my influences both have a place in my expression,” he concluded.
HOW DO YOU LOVE ME NOW? Brings the Vision to Life
The 10-track project arrived without an extensive promotional rollout, adding to the surprise surrounding its release. It features contributions from Jay Jody, Nadia Nakai, Loatinover Pounds, Luna Florentino, Kid Kaydence, Kwazi M and Lowfeye.
A-Reece’s latest comments offer listeners a better understanding of the thinking behind the collaboration. Rather than simply recreating the sound of an earlier hip-hop era, he and DJ Clen appear to have used those influences as a foundation for something with its own identity.
Ultimately, HOW DO YOU LOVE ME NOW? celebrates friendship, musical heritage and creative freedom, while showing A-Reece’s willingness to embrace the different influences that have shaped his journey.
