Emtee’s “DIY 3 Deluxe” reEmtee Stands Unshaken as Nota’s Silence Shifts Narrative Around “DIY 3 Deluxe” Release

December 11, 2025 — South African hip-hop heavyweight Emtee has captured headlines once again — not for a feud, but for the unexpected silence of his most vocal critic, Nota, following the release of his deluxe edition album DIY 3 Deluxe. The quiet has reshaped the conversation about the project, turning what might have been another public clash into a moment that highlights Emtee’s confidence and the strength of his music.

In a brief but telling social media post, Emtee — born Mthembeni Ndevu and widely known as The Hustla — addressed the anticipation around Nota’s reaction:

“I’m coolin thinking about what Nota gotta say about the deluxe but guess what ... I’m still,”
— Hustle (@emteerecords) December 11, 2025.

The remark sliced through timelines and sent listeners and industry watchers reading between the lines. Traditionally, Nota — a figure known for sharp, swift, and often blunt commentary — would weigh in almost immediately whenever Emtee dropped new music. Past releases, including the DIY series and other projects, prompted near-instant feedback from Nota, sometimes within hours or minutes, sparking heated exchanges across social media.

This time, however, those familiar patterns did not materialise. Nota’s social feeds remain active, but conspicuously devoid of commentary on DIY 3 Deluxe. That silence is striking given how deeply entrenched the back-and-forth dynamic between critic and artist has become in South Africa’s hip-hop sphere.

A Shift in the Narrative

Instead of a brewing public feud, the moment has become about Emtee’s composure and focus. His short post signalled more than casual swagger; it suggested he noticed Nota’s absence and was comfortable letting the music speak for itself. In doing so, he effectively redirected attention toward the artistry and impact of the album rather than external validation or conflict.

Industry insiders and fans alike note that this could signal an evolution in how Emtee engages with critics — choosing to center discussions on his craft instead of reactionary exchanges. It reflects a level of artistic maturity, particularly at a time when many artists feel compelled to engage in public dispute to maintain attention. Instead, Emtee appears to be staking his presence on the sheer strength of his music and career legacy.

Continued Engagement With Listeners

Even without the expected comment from Nota, DIY 3 Deluxe has continued to find its audience. The deluxe edition — released earlier this month across major streaming platforms — expands on the original DIY 3 project, adding fresh mixes and additional tracks that have kept the body of work in rotation on playlists, radio stations, and social feeds.

Listeners and fans on Instagram and other platforms have noted that the deluxe version sounds “sharper, richer, and hungrier” than the original, praising both Emtee’s lyrical depth and his ability to evolve his sound. Others have highlighted standout tracks featuring collaborations with artists like Young Stunna, Sjava, Blue Pappi, Lacabra, and Nanette — indicating a broadening appeal that reaches beyond traditional hip-hop audiences.

Young Stunna, a prominent amapiano artist, shared his reaction to being featured on multiple tracks of DIY 3 Deluxe, calling the opportunity “deeply meaningful” and reflecting on how the collaboration marks a significant milestone in his own career. For Stunna, it represents a full-circle moment from covering Emtee’s music in his early years to now appearing alongside him on a major project.

The Importance of the DIY Series in Emtee’s Career

The DIY franchise has long been a cornerstone of Emtee’s discography. Originating with the first DIY EP and then DIY 3 in 2024, the series showcases not only his lyrical prowess but also his entrepreneurial spirit — releasing deeply personal work outside of conventional label constraints. The deluxe edition builds on this legacy, offering fans a more complete experience of the artist’s current creative vision.

The project’s release also aligns with a broader narrative about Emtee’s future. Some social posts from his official accounts suggest DIY 3 Deluxe may serve as his final album before he transitions to focusing more intently on his label, Emtee Records — a move that would position him as both creator and mentor in South Africa’s music ecosystem.

Nota’s Silence: Strategic or Simply Quiet?

While Nota’s absence has fueled speculation, it is unclear whether it stems from strategic restraint, competing priorities, or deliberate avoidance of amplifying discourse around the release. Previous interactions between the two have been intense and public, often revolving around candid assessments of Emtee’s music, personal life, and the rapper’s place in South African hip-hop. In late 2024 and throughout 2025, Nota’s remarks about Emtee’s career trajectory sparked online debate and mixed reactions from industry watchers and fans alike.

But as of this publication, Nota has not offered any public commentary on DIY 3 Deluxe. This silence could signal a shift in how critics choose their moments of engagement, or perhaps reflect a broader change in the cultural conversation around art and critique. Either way, it’s notable that the typical back-and-forth has given way to an environment that feels more about the music and less about the noise.

Scene Reaction: Watchful, Not Heated

The South African hip-hop scene has largely adopted a watchful rather than heated posture. Fans and commentators are actively discussing the quality of DIY 3 Deluxe, the growth of Emtee as an artist, and how collaborations like Young Stunna’s point to a more interconnected local music community. The discourse — while vibrant — focuses more on artistic content, streaming numbers, and the cultural impact of the album.

For his part, Emtee has not escalated the situation with further public comments about Nota’s silence. Instead, he appears content to let the music and the larger moment define his narrative. That choice seems to resonate with many of his supporters, who see it as a sign of confidence and artistic self-assurance.

In an era where social media feuds can overshadow artistic releases, Emtee’s handling of DIY 3 Deluxe — and the absence of expected commentary from Nota — marks a subtle but meaningful shift in how a major artist navigates public expectation. By letting his work take center stage, he’s crafted a narrative of resilience, artistry, and creative focus that stands on its own merits.

As DIY 3 Deluxe continues to stream and stimulate discussion, one thing is clear: the music is resonating — even without the usual accompaniment of controversy. Emtee’s decision to cool his jets and trust his craft may well prove to be the story of the season in South African hip-hop — a reminder that sometimes, silence speaks louder than critique.