It is once again Thursday, and we are delighted to showcase this week’s Throwback Thursday feature, highlighting the legendary Tanzanian rap group Tha De-Plow-Ma-TZ. Today, we will focus on their single titled “2 Ruff, 2 Tuff,” which has had a profound impact on the youth in Tanzania.

DPT stands for “De-Plow-Ma-TZ.” The group is comprised of members: “Saigon Treach” (Saleh Mzee), “ Balozi Dola Soul” (Ahmed Dola), “Trip Dogg” (Philip Mwimanzi), “Stiggo” (Stiggo Mwamba), and “Storm” (Amour Shamte). Furthermore, the DPT family includes their manager and organizer, Ngwessa.

The inception of DPT can be traced back to 1992 when Saigon, Stiggo, and Trip Dogg met at Tambaza Secondary School and began rapping for fun. Over the years, various individuals have joined DPT for different durations. Saigon met Dola Soul in Lagos, Nigeria, where their families were living. As indicated by their name, the core members of DPT are sons of Tanzanian diplomats, who have provided them with substantial support.

“2 Ruff, 2 Tuff” is a single featuring only two members of the group, namely Saigon and Balozi Dola Soul, who have drawn significant comparisons to the group Tha Dogg Pound. One can distinctly hear Saigon’s resemblance to Kurupt and Balozi Dola’s flow akin to Daz Dillinger. P Funk Majani, who produced the beat, also created a sound reminiscent of Tha Dogg Pound on this track. It was officially released in 1999.

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Listen to “Tha De-Plow-Ma-TZ – 2 Ruff, 2 Tuff” below;