Usimamane releases ‘My Baby’ with Jacquees before Tai Lung album
Umlazi rapper Usimamane has put out "My Baby" with American singer Jacquees, building anticipation for his second album, Tai Lung, due on 20 November.
Usimamane has released a new single with American R&B singer Jacquees, giving fans another preview of his second album, Tai Lung. According to SA Hip Hop Mag, the song is called “My Baby” and is out now.
The rapper, who comes from Umlazi, announced the release on Instagram with a short caption tagging Jacquees and the album’s hashtag. The track blends Usimamane’s trap-leaning style, which is rooted in Durban, with the American artist’s smooth singing.
How the collaboration came about
The two artists met when Jacquees travelled to South Africa in February 2026. He first connected with Usimamane in Johannesburg and then went on to Durban, where he visited Umlazi and Umhlanga. They also spent time recording together, and that studio work led to “My Baby”.
Usimamane has spoken warmly about the trip. He has described Jacquees as a genuine person and counted the studio sessions, the food and the nights out among the best experiences of his career.
It is not his first international link-up. He worked with Rick Ross on “Dangerous II”, a song on the deluxe version of his 2024 debut, 20th: Days Before Maud. That project reached a much bigger audience thanks to his multi-platinum hit “Cheque” and “Uvalo”, which features Sjava. At the 2025 Metro FM Music Awards he won Best Male Artist.
What to expect from Tai Lung
The album takes its name from the villain of the same name in Kung Fu Panda, a character with a complicated story. Usimamane has said the record deals with personal subjects such as anger, loss, betrayal and change. He has called it the most emotionally demanding project he has made, saying he cried more than once while working on it.
He also threw away several versions of the album while searching for a sound that reflected who he is and his South African roots. He first introduced the idea earlier in 2026 on the EP G-Wagon Music: Baby Tai, which included the song “Tai Lung’s Pain”.
Tai Lung is scheduled for release on 20 November 2026. Emtee, Blxckie and Tony Dayimane are expected to appear on it.
What this means for listeners
“My Baby” is available now, so fans do not have to wait to hear the new sound. The full album is two weeks away, and anyone wanting to hear it on release day should note 20 November.
This story is based on reporting by SA Hip Hop Mag.
