South African hip hop star Emtee appears unbothered after well-known commentator Nota stayed conspicuously silent following the release of DIY 3 Deluxe, the deluxe edition of one of the year’s most talked-about albums. The unexpected quiet from Nota — a figure notorious for his candid and often blunt reviews — has sparked debate across social media, with many weighing in on whether the silence was intentional, awkward, or simply a sign of respect.
Emtee, born Mthembeni Ndevu, took to his social media platforms to address Nota’s silence with a brief but pointed message: “I’m coolin thinking about what Nota gotta say about the deluxe but guess what … I’m still.” The post, shared shortly after the deluxe dropped, immediately circulated across timelines, with fans and critics interpreting his calm declaration as a sign of confidence.
Nota’s Silence Breaks the Pattern
Nota, known to fans as one of South Africa’s most outspoken hip hop commentators, has a reputation for offering immediate and unfiltered takes on major releases. In the past, whenever Emtee dropped new music, Nota would be quick to share his thoughts — sometimes within minutes — setting off online debates that dominated feeds and trended regionally. His reactions often carried weight with fans, who would flock to hear what he said next.
But with DIY 3 Deluxe, that familiar cycle hasn’t happened. Nota’s social feeds contain no mention of the expanded project, leaving fans puzzled and even disappointed. Critics say this is especially notable because of how vocal Nota has been about Emtee’s past projects, his lyrical direction, and his public persona.
The absence of commentary has led to speculation: Did Nota actually listen? Is he waiting to craft a more considered review? Or is the silence a deliberate rebuke — a way of saying he doesn’t feel the deluxe edition warrants his attention?
Fans and Commentators Weigh In
Social media users have been quick to weigh in on the growing mystery. Some see Emtee’s public nudge as strategic — a way to get under Nota’s skin or to publicly call him out without direct confrontation. Others argue Emtee’s confident tone shows emotional maturity, suggesting he’s comfortable letting his music stand on its own merits.
Several fans chimed in on X, joking that Nota must be “out of words” or “taking a holiday,” while others teased that he might be crafting the perfect tweet that he’ll drop just to ruin someone’s day. There’s also a camp that believes Nota’s silence is a sign of respect — that the deluxe edition is strong enough that even critics are hesitant to poke holes in it.
One particularly viral comment read, “If Nota staying quiet means he’s speechless, then Emtee won this round.” Another fan wrote, “Some people wait to clap, others wait to criticize — maybe Nota is waiting for you to top yourself again.”
Not all reactions have been favorable. When a fan unfairly criticized Nota by saying “He doesn’t make music,” Emtee didn’t hesitate to defend the commentator’s place in the culture, replying bluntly, “But has a big mouth.” The exchange reaffirmed that Emtee still respects Nota’s influence in hip hop even as he questions the silence.
What DIY 3 Deluxe Means for Emtee’s Career
DIY 3 Deluxe is the expanded version of Emtee’s DIY 3, part of a series that has been central to his discography in recent years. Known for blending personal storytelling with street sensibilities, Emtee helped shape modern South African hip hop with breakout hits like Roll Up and We Up. The DIY series reflects his independent spirit and has become a touchstone for fans who appreciate authenticity over commercial flash.
The deluxe edition adds new cuts, deeper verses, and collaborations that many listeners believe elevate the original release. Critics and fans alike have noted that the body of work reinforces Emtee’s place in the industry, showcasing his evolution as both an artist and a storyteller.
For Emtee, defending the deluxe project — even subtly — seems like more than a social media moment; it’s a reaffirmation of his journey. After years of navigating industry ups and downs, public spats, and shifting trends, he’s clearly focused on the music first, commentary second.
A New Chapter: Letting the Music Speak
Whether Nota eventually breaks his silence or not, the conversation around DIY 3 Deluxe has evolved beyond one critic’s validation. Fans are streaming, debating lyrics, sharing favorite bars, and celebrating Emtee’s lyrical growth.
In a culture where artists and critics often clash, Emtee’s calm, confident response stands out. He didn’t lash out — he simply stated he’s “still”, suggesting that his legacy isn’t contingent on approval from any one voice.
For now, the ball remains in Nota’s court, but the hip hop community is watching — and DIY 3 Deluxe has already proven to be one of the year’s most resilient and talked-about releases.
But has a big mouth https://t.co/S71lyNuR2o
— Hustle (@emteerecords) December 11, 2025
