Calski first started producing jams in 1998, and has since worked with the likes of Impossible Odds, Rainman, Shawn Lov, Binge Thinkers and more. It is not uncommon to find Calski rocking his MPC at b-boy jams and comps all over Brisbane, representing with Elements Collective.
Set to release his debut production album entitled Love Drive Commission through Obese Distribution next month, Calski describes the album as ‘sonically diverse’ with tinges of West Coast smooth, Detroit inspired grit, and New York drums. The LP will feature spots from Dialectrix, Rainman, Tommy Illfigga, DJ Butcher, Rinse and DJ 2Buck among others. Love Drive Commission drops Febuary 24. Calski has also jumped up on Brisbane emcee Rainman’s latest singleDarlin feat. Calski
DJ Skae’s - A-List, a compilation of Hip Hop’s finest, dropped on February 18th 2011 through Green Distribution (MGM). It will be available at your local independent hip hop store as well as JBHi-Fi’s, Sanity etc.
After dropping DJ Skae’s Guestlist just about a year ago, DJ Skae is back with another killer compilation album, DJ Skae’s A-List. This time Skae has chosen artists from around the country to submit songs for this compilation and Australia’s finest hip hop artists have delivered some heat.
With artists from each state, Fluent Form (VIC), Draz (TAS) , D’Opus & Ro’Shambo (ACT), Torcha & B-Don (NSW), Tommy Illfigga (QLD), Chase (SA) and Hunter (WA) to name a few, this compilation album showcases the hottest hip hop from around the country. This album also features international collaborations with the likes of Sereck (Def Wish Cast) teaming up with Grand Puba (Brand Nubian) from the USA, Tha Centalinkaz featuring Showay from Japan and Invincible Armour, a scratch crew from the UK, working with Sneed a producer from USA.
DJ Skae’s A-List features beatbox and DJ/Producer tracks as well from well known Australian artists Rivals (Basic Equipment), DJ Morgs (Thundmentals), DJ Butcher (Crate Creeps) and DJ Skae himself. LC Beats also drops some fire with his Didgeribox track combining his skills as a beat boxer and didgeridoo player.
The stand out tracks on this release are Social Change’s ‘Black Text’ which features some dope flows over tight production by Funkwig and nice clean cuts from DJ Snair. Sceptic and Dseeva’s ‘My Heads Up’ which is a change up from their usual grimey style to an uplifting track that really grabs you, and of course Sereck’s production and Grand Puba’s rhymes on the track ‘Wait No More’ that will guarantee to get you moving.
DJ Skae’s A-list also shows the diversity of Australian hip hop with different sounds under the one genre coming from crews like Daily Meds, Blades and Mdusu. This compilation album has hard hitting dark songs to light hearted fun tracks and is sure to satisfy every listener and boasts 20 originally produced tracks.
DJ Skae’s A-List is backed by Sub Conscious Records and is at a music store near you!
DJ Butcher (born Alexander Steffan – 31/10/1987) is a long-time producer hailing from Beenleigh in Queensland Australia. Starting his hip hop career in 2000 in his parents garage freestyling with the likes of Toddy Montana and Truths he quickly equipped himself with a set of turntables, a computer and a stack of records.Through the early years, DJ Butcher had a knack for chopping breaks and samples from dusty records and inserting them into his own beats, giving him the nickname “The Butcher”. As time flew by the name stuck and now as a respected deejay he has honed the name and made it his own.
The Early Years (1999-2002): With much influence from Australian Hip Hop Artists such as Hilltop Hoods, Lyrical Commission and Lazy Grey and a long young history of graffiti, at the ripe age of 12 he started wishing to produce music himself. After failed attempts at becoming an emcee, as a longtime musician he found a stack of his parents records and started going through them. After a few years of making beats on Sound Forge 1.0, he soon discovered Fruity Loops in 2002 and later moved onto Sony Acid Pro. After recording a few garage bangers with childhood friend Toddy Montana and brother Truths, he realised that hip hop was no longer a genre of music, it was a lifestyle.
Hip Hop Took Place (2003-2006): After discovering the new program “Acid Pro” DJ Butcher’s production started moving to a new level and in 2004 decided to compile an album with Toddy Montana forming a two man crew named “Two-Ill”. Soon after completing the 16 track album “The Social Distortion of the Adolescent”, DJ Butcher turned 18 and broke onto the gig scene. At this point, he realised his lack of lyrical ability and love for deejaying, soon after he got a set of decks out of storage that he received as a gift many years before and started mucking around with up-fade scratches (as his mixer did not have a crossfader). Doing his first show at “The Shark Bar” at Miami on the Gold Coast on February 2006 his music was first heard by other members of the hip hop community.
Fall of Two-ill and Growth of Pure Product (2006-2008): Soon after starting shows in 2006, DJ Butchers older brother Truths joined Two-Ill and they started doing numerous shows around South-East Queensland supporting any act that would have them. Forming a solid fan base Two-Ill was set for big things until in early 2007 Truths left for England for a year and the crew eventually died. As the crew was dying DJ Butcher became a local at a hip hop night in the Valley where he met the likes of 4th Degree, Tendancee and Marvel who had already established themselves as “Pure Product”. Bandless, DJ Butcher was chipping away at his deejay skills and was adequate to start getting into some more serious business. Soon after meeting Pure Product, DJ Butcher did one show with them at Uber (West End) as a favor; months later, he became Pure Products official new deejay and worked on “Eviction Notice” and various other projects.
Rise of Crate Creeps, Eloquence and Truths and Rainman (2008-present): After doing hundreds of local and interstate shows with Pure Product, DJ Butcher started jamming with longtime friend Eloquence (from Winnie Coopers) and they soon decided to work on an album again. Soon after, again, Truths joined and they became “Eloquence and Truths”. Pumping out a demo EP “ET EP” they sold 100 copies and 200 downloads in one week over a SEQ tour supporting The Funkoars. Now almost completed a full length album, it is sure to bust onto the scene. The album was completely produced and engineered by DJ Butcher. The Crate Creeps. After collaborating with fellow producer and long-time friend Tommy Illfigga (aka Tom Thum), they sparked a chemistry and with a similar production style decided to collaborate and create a production team which would be called “The Crate Creeps“, now working on a full length album featuring US, AUS and UK’s best emcees, the album is set to be revolutionary on the Australian hip hop scene and will mean big things for both members.
Now just working to perfect his scratching and production techniques, DJ Butcher has become loyal to three crews Eloquence and Truths, Pure Product and friend/Emcee Rainman. Furthermore aiming to work on another compilation project aside from Crate Creeps to attempt to break the American scene. DJ Butcher is set to become a major player in the hip hop scene in the coming years so don’t sleep!
In an effort to lift the spirits of those affected by the recent floods in QLD, Elefant Traks CEO and all round good guy Urthboy will be headlining a Flood Fun Raiser on Thursday 3rd February at the Step Inn. Supporting him and Jane Tyrell will be Vegas Aces, Mr Hill & Desmond Cheese, with DJ Katch and DJ Butcher, hosted by Rainman. Its Donation entry so give generously, with all the proceeds of the night going to the Premiers Flood Relief Appeal.
The Step Inn is also donating $1 from every beer or spirit sold so drink up (responsibly) for the cause.
This is the official film clip for This Is, the lead single off Prophet Rayza’s (QLD) debut EP Six Books. Released November 12th 2010 on Born Fresh Records and distributed nationally by MGM.
For ten years now Prophet Rayza has been a stronghold in the Australian Hip Hop scene perfecting his talents across the four elements of Hip Hop as an emcee, breakdancer, graffiti artist and beatboxer.His passion for the art form stems from his first train trip from Brisbane to Melbourne at five years of age, when he first saw graffiti and told his mother when he grew up that he would do it too. At 16 he was exposed to Hip Hop through graffiti and soon after became a bboy (breakdancer). At this point in time, rhyming was second to break dancing and purely a hobby.
As the years passed and he perfected his craft, his natural ability as a performer through break dancing led him to pick up a microphone and hypnotize the crowd in a whole new way. As anyone who has been to one of his live show can attest, Prophet Rayza is one of the most vibrant and energetic performers in the country.With a passion and drive for perfection, Prophet Rayza draws from his musical inspiration the likes of Nas, Rakim, Ice T, KRS One and Wu Tang Clan.
His performance past reads like a who’s who of Hip Hop having performed alongside such greats as Grandmaster Flash, DJ Q-Bert, Kool Keith, Lord Finesse, Grandmaster Roc Raida, Q-Unique, MC Supernatural, Talib Kweli and local legends Def Wish Cast, Muph and Plutonic, Drapht and the list goes on. In 2009 he released the Spits and Pieces mixtape which went on to move all of the limited 5,000 copies pressed within two months of its release (and over 650 downloads to date) and was Nominated for Oz Hip Hop Awards “Mixtape of the Year” 2009.
Recently releasing his debut EP Six Books on Born Fresh Records, Rayza has worked with some of this countries and abroads most up and coming producers including Daneja (pronounced Danger) from New York (production for Kool G Rap, KRS One, Immortal Technique, Joell Ortiz), Dats of The Optimen (production for Thiristin Howl III, The Optimen, Pure Product), Tommy Illfigga and DJ Butcher of Crate Creeps (production for Mantra, Thundamentals, Rakaa Iriscience of Dilated Peoples) and Cam Bluff of Vegas Aces (production for Spit Syndicate, The Tongue, Raven), you can be sure to expect big things from one of Australian Hip Hops fastest rising stars.
This Is produced by Cam Bluff (Vegas Aces)
A Rebel Era Production Directed by Isaac Bell Edited by Isaac Bell & Tim Bell
Following the enormous success of The Spits and Pieces Mixtape (moving ALL 5,000 units within two months of its release, and over 650 downloads to date) Prophet Rayza returns with his latest offering 6 Books on Born Fresh Records. Comprising of 6 original tracks composed by 6 different producers, 6 Books is themed around 6 being a perfect number mathematically, hence the writing of 6 Books depicting the ways of the world as seen through the eyes and pen of a Prophet. The first single This Is, produced by Cam Bluff is your classic boom-bap drum driven hip hop anthem portraying Prophet Rayza’s passion for hip hop in its purest form, and how the culture can make you feel empowered in the worst of life’s situations.
The second single The Lesson, produced by Daneja (NY) is a story of two men leading very different lives at the opposite ends of the scale only to find out they have more in common than they think. Featuring the smooth and soulful vocal talents of HUA (lead singer of Brisbane reggae band Darky Roots); The Lesson is classic storytelling for a modern world.
Featuring guest appearances from Hua (Darky Roots), Tommy Illfigga and Adverse and production from some of the most up and coming beat makers from here and abroad including – Daneja (NY), DATS of The Optimen, Tommy Illfigga and DJ Butcher of The Crate Creeps, Cam Bluff of Vegas Aces and Prophet Rayza. 6 Books is an experience. From the flawless lyrical tapestry perfectly woven into the meticulously crafted musical fabric, right down to being designed and packaged to resemble a book, 6 Books will awaken your 6th sense. Release date November 12th 2010 through Born Fresh Records. Distribution nationwide by MGM. Available at all good record stores (inc JB Hi-Fi) and online.
After dropping DJ Skae’s Guestlist about a year ago, DJ Skae is back with another killer compilation album, DJ Skae’s A-List. This time Skae has chosen artists from around the country to submit songs for this compilation and Australia’s finest hip hop artists have delivered some heat.
With artists from each state, Fluent Form (VIC), Draz (TAS) , D’Opus & Ro’Shambo (ACT), Torcha & B-Don (NSW), Tommy Illfigga (QLD), Chase (SA) and Hunter (WA) to name a few, this compilation album showcases the hottest hip hop from around the country. This album also features international collaborations with the likes of Sereck (Def Wish Cast) teaming up with Grand Puba (Brand Nubian) from the USA, Tha Centalinkaz featuring Showay from Japan and Invincible Armour, a scratch crew from the UK, working with Sneed a producer from USA.
DJ Skae’s A-List features beatbox and DJ/Producer tracks as well from well known Australian artists Rivals (Basic Equipment), DJ Morgs (Thundamentals), DJ Butcher (Crate Creeps) and DJ Skae himself. LC Beats also drops some fire with his Didgeribox track combining his skills as a beat boxer and didgeridoo player.
The stand out tracks on this release are Social Change’s – Black Text which features some dope flows over tight production by Funkwig and nice clean cuts from DJ Snair, Sceptic and Dseeva’s – My Heads Up which is a change up from their usual grimey style to an uplifting track that really grabs you and of course Sereck’s production and Grand Puba’s rhymes on the track Wait No More that will guarantee to get you moving.
DJ Skae’s A-list also shows the diversity of Australian hip hop with different sounds under the one genre coming from crews like Daily Meds, Blades and Mdusu. This compilation album has hard hitting dark songs to light hearted fun tracks and is sure to satisfy every listener and boasts 20 originally produced tracks. DJ Skae’s A-List is backed by Sub Conscious Records and is coming soon to music store near you!
As we board flight PE 2010, and prepare ourselves for the journey of lifetime, the voices of our captains are heard loud over the speakers. “You are now strapped in for flight PE 2010″.
Captaining our flight is none other than the South Australian Hip Hop crew Pagen Elypsis.
The PE crew composed of Kadowg, Prime, Purpose, Motive and Pohetikut, are no strangers to the grimy streets of hip hop. Pagen Elypsis have been working tirelessly for the last few years to make 2010 a year that symbolises something big for the group and it seems to be going perfectly to plan.
The mixtape appropriately titled 2010 which dropped earlier this year offered a great taste of what was to come for the One Way Ticket LP. As we are given our safety instructions, a moment is taken to admire the great cover art, done once again by the king of covers, April77. We should also mention the top shots of the crew taken by Chances Photography. Pagen Elypsis – One Way Ticket is marked Don001 and represents the first release for the new label, Double Or Nothing Records. Other release’s coming soon include Afore Mentioned – The 11th Hour and Prime’s – Good Morning, the mixtape. Back to our flight. Throughout our trip operated by none other than Don Airlines, we prepare ourselves for 15 or so massive tracks and a little humor along the way.
As we double-check that our seats are in the upright position, our journey begins. One Hit Away dives in to the minds of each of the PE emcees, as they discuss the sometimes fickle nature of the music industry. The beat warms and peaks with a grungy rock guitar riff that set’s the backdrop perfectly. Keep It All Moving does exactly that as the head nod shit continues with a Cam Bluff produced banger.
One Way Ticket the title track from the album gives us an inside look at the major hip hop influences for PagenElypsis , we hear mentions of Biggie, Tupac, Boogie Down Prod, Eminem the list continues. This track really represents a period in time where everything in hip hop was new and exciting.
It’s evident from early in the piece that the PE emcees are no slouches behind the mic. With many of the guys born and breed in the battle scene, we’d imagine these guys sleep with their mics. Lyrical structure, topic, content, style, mic presence…it’s all first class (yes that was a subtle pun).
All We Wanna Know features a great sample from the man Biggie Smalls, clearly one of PE’s all time fav rappers. We should also mention that all the cuts (where applicable) were handled by none other than QLD’s monster, DJ Buthcer.Carrot Stones is sure to get you on your feet with Purpose and Boombaty holding nothing back on the beat. Butcher once again tears up this track with his devastating cuts. It’ll Be Ok, a solo track from emcee Prime changes the pace with a nice introspective joint that has Prime positioned on point for his Good Morning release later this year/early 2011.
“I never won the lottery therefore I didn’t break free, it takes more than $900 to stimulate me. But I happily accept and do with it whats expected”.
The beat selection, composition, lyrical dynamite and execution throughout the whole album never missed a..errr…beat. Boombaty, Kela, Cam Bluff,Purpose and Answer all produce tracks with a rich full sound, no tinny shit here. PE have outdone themselves with this release. Aerobiks one of the albums standout highlights is an absolute banger. DJ Butcher tears the shit out of this one. This track….this track…..killer opening, banging beat an instant classic. Each verse here is as murderous as the previous.
“Kill the track I’m peeling back your thinking cap, this is that silver back gorilla rap, Elypsis has the city and we won’t give it back..”
Who’s Foolin’ Who opens with one of the funniest skits we have heard in a longtime, these guys have a great sense of humor and the skit actually ties in with something, not just thrown in to add depth to the track list. Who’s Foolin’ Who is right up on that funk tip. A track that sets the groove for the second half of the album. The Kadowg written No Forgiveness a raw and brutal tale of drama and strife puts a little turbulence into our flight and. As we prepare for landing Necessary Evil and Peace round out our trip.
Flight PE 2010 was a smooth one. Don Airlines have hooked us up with the first class tickets and the Pagen Elpysis have catptained the trip perfectly.One Way Ticket doesn’t lack in any conviction, an album that will never become a coaster or dust collector. Pagen Elypsis have sealed 2010 as their own, have your boarding passes ready.
We rate Pagen Elypsis – One Way Ticket a high-flying 4.2 out of 5.
We were lucky enough to catch Pagen Elypsis perform some of their tracks from the One Way Ticket album on the M-Phazes – Good Gracious Tour. If you missed out, Pagen Elypsis will be launching their debut album One Way Ticket on October 9th in Adelaide at Fowlers Live, North Terrace (opposite the skate park). Special guests Crate Creeps and Dialect & Despair will be performing on the night…bam…plus an underage emcee comp. (This is an all ages show!)
Line up:
Pagen Elypsis
Crate Creeps (QLD)
Dialect and Despair
Hosted by Simplex of Terra Firma
Tickets $20 Licensed ALL AGES. Pre-sale tickets are now available from selected stores. Tickets available from Clinic116, Da Klinic, Cold Krush and through DON. Email donstudios@gmail.com.
Doors open at 7.30pm
Visit Pagen Elypsis on Facebook to check out the T-Shirt & Hoody designs. Available on the night T-Shirts $29, Hoodies $49.
Underage MC Comp details: Double or Nothing is putting on a emcee Comp for any underage emcee’s out there and offering them a chance to perform at the biggest album launch this year!
To enter submit your best 1 minute recorded freestyle or track to donstudios@gmail.com. The best 5 entries (announced October 1st) will receive a ticket to the show for them and 1 friend, a copy of Pagen Elypsis debut Album One Way Ticket and a poster signed by the group!
On the night each of the 5 contestants will get to perform there song live and the final winner (judged by the crowd) will receive $100 & prizes! Beats will be provided by Purpose. How to enter:
Submit a 1 minute recorded freestyle or track to go in the draw to be one of 5 that get to perform their song live on stage (recording quality does not have to be the best) Submit your entries to DON RECORDS @ donstudios@gmail.com
Criteria:
You must be under 18 to enter
You must have your entries in by TODAY OCT 1.
If you haven’t heard the name Cam Bluff of late, then you surely haven’t been paying enough attention. 2010 has seen Cam Bluff produce some of this years most impressive beats with no intention of slowing the pace. We take a deeper look into the past, present and future of this amazing producer.
Past Cam Bluff born (18/02/1989) grew up in Kwazulu Natal (South Africa). Cam was always surrounded by music and heavily influenced by the country’s culture and people. He was constantly surrounded by music having both an aunt and grandma who were both music teachers. He was always into sports and from this, found hip hop through skateboarding videos.
After migrating to Australia in early 2001 he continued his involvement within the skateboarding scene and grew more interested in hip hop music and the production behind the genre. In his last year of school, He stumbled across a program a mate had accidentally given to him called Fruity loops. During lunchtime, whilst still at school, Cam’s mate would show him how to use Fruity loops. This is where he leant how to compile loops and to structure drum patterns.
As time passed, he later on bought himself an akai mpc2000xl after learning about the long relationship and history involved with drum machines and sampling. Keen to learn more, he then equipped himself with a turntable and records which he had bought from local thrift stores. He soon started sampling early 70’s soul/funk records, drawing inspiration from the likes of Pete Rock/CL Smooth, DJ Premier and J Dilla to name a few. Later on in 2007 he made the switch back to a computer based program called Ableton live 6, using his MPC now as a midi controller as well as a beat machine. He shortly attended sound engineering classes in early 2008 learning about the techniques involved in mixing the music he was creating.
Around the same time, Bluff started working with a couple of emcee’s from Adelaide, Purpose and Motive (Pagen Elypsis/Afore Mentioned). After sending countless amounts of beats, he managed to secure a track on their Afore Mentioned – Red October release which dropped in 08.
He later met DJ Butcher through Butchers cousin (who he was producing for at the time), Keen on working with local rappers, he soon was introduced to Publik Relationz which complied of Mr Hill and Seven, (winner of the M-Phazes comp 2010). Work on an EP quickly began. During Cam’s time working with PR, he met 4th (Pure Product) who quickly became interested in working with him. Publik Relationz EP unfortunately did not see the light of day, though Cams sound did manage to catch the ears of local rap icons, The Optimen.
After creating a bit of a buzz in late 2008, Cam Bluff was signed to Red Tape Entertainment, thus beginning a new chapter in his music career. This sparked big things for him, being given the opportunity to remix a track for the The Optimens work of art The Out Of Money Experience, which dropped this year.
During 2009 Cam contributed production towards Spit Syndicates – Exile, and Pagen Elypsis’ – One Way Ticket which both dropped this year. He also managed to secure two tracks on Rainman’s album (yet to be announced), as well as a few on Pure Products new album (due later this year/early 2011).
Present Cam is currently working with fellow Red Tape Renegade, 4th (Pure Product) on the Vegas Aces EP which is near completion, closely being followed by an album. Hit up Vegas Ace’s Facebook here to check for upcoming gigs/shows. He is also working with former Queenslander resident and rapper Syntax (Trace Elements), working on a full length LP. Old mateSeven (Born Fresh Records/winner of M-Phazes comp) debut EP is out now and features production from himself and DJ Butcher to name a few. Cam also produced a track on The Tongue’s – Alternative Energy LP, also out now. You will also be able to find production in the near future on Raven’s (Crate Cartel) new album Ravenous dropping 2010. Afore Mentioned – The 11th Hour album with the bulk of production being handled by himself and also Prophet Rayza’s – 6 Books dropping soonish. Red Tape Entertainment is also working on a Red Tape remix project, which will feature production by Bluff, and others on the Red Tape Entertainment label.
Future Bluff is proving to be an immense competitor in the hip hop scene, already working with some of the most well-known artists around the nation, and is quickly working his way up in the industry as a respected beat maker/producer. Keep an eye and ear out for him, there’s much more to come.
Interview with Cam, more about his Vegas Aces EP with 4th coming soon.
Off the back of Seven’s success, winning the Triple J unearthed M-Phazes competition and being placed on the Triple J 2010 Hitlist, Born Fresh Records brings Australia a massive EP fresh from the beaches of the Gold Coast. The EP includes 6 exclusive full length tracks, featuring the vocal talents of such new-age Australian Icons as Michael Tomlinson (Yves Klein Blue), Joyride (Spit Syndicate) and Claire Walters.
The EP’s first single Pray exhibits smooth, laid back production with a flowing piano line, accompanied by a catchy hook & adlibs from Michael Tomlinson of the Brisbane band Yves Klein Blue. Produced by DJ Butcher (Crate Creeps), the tracks catchy chorus, modern structure and heartfelt lyricism appeals to the common man/woman, living out the ‘common’ grind.
The second single Shinkansen features a running bass line with the soulful vocal talent of Joyride (Spit Syndicate) on the hook and throughout the verses. The track, written by Seven on his travels through Japan, reflects on lost-love, relationships and personal niggles in day-to-day life.
The remainder of the EP features production from the world-class hit producer M-Phazes (Bliss n Eso, 360, Illy, Mantra), DJ Butcher(Suffa – Hilltop Hoods, Trials – Funkoars, Rakaa Iriscience – Dilated Peoples) and Adelaide talent, One Above. Taking inspiration from the beauty and trials of daily life, this Self-Titled EP gives Australia a well crafted and polished example of the natural lyricist that is Seven.
Album to be released September 10th 2010 through Born Fresh Records, distributed nationally by MGM. Available at all good record stores (inc. JB HiFi) and online..also here.
Tracklisting:
1. The Summer
2. Pray (extended) ft. M Tomlinson
3. Possums produced by M Landon
4. Shinkansen ft. Joyride
5. Next Day ft. 4th
6. You & I ft. Claire Walters
7. Pray (radio edit) ft. M Tomlinson
8. Aye Lady (You & I remix) ft. C Walters
9. Aye Lady (Instrumental)
10. The Summer (Acapella)
