Much could be said about Rates… an artist, a musician, a good humble guy, or a raging lunatic… either way, he is fast making an impression on the rap scene. Older brother to one of Australia’s most promising and talented artists Kerser and best mate to Jay Dee.
Rates is well known for describing this lifestyle and often giving good advice to kids and people in the same situation. This fact is evident on I Rap Because, simply stating why he chose this life and provoking quite alot of thought along the way. Rates has toured all over the country and has performed at many sold out venues all across Australia.
Rates, along with Kerser, have been gaining plenty of momentum with the new single We Here Now. The track tells a tale of their journey as artists, transitioning from an adverse development, to a fully certified identity in the hip hop community. Rates’ latest fan pleasing activity has set the scene for his album release, which is set to land later this year. Check out the new Ferocious promo filmclip below. Destroy & Rebuild is due June 14th.
Obese Records are happy to announce Rates has been signed to Obese Distribution!
One of the most catalytic hip hop releases to date comes in the form of Eloquor’s third LP From the Oceans of Karana. Following on from the release of his 2011 EP, Eloquor continues to explore his fascination with the human condition. From the Oceans of Karana is a spiritual encounter, which explores both the fundamentals and intricacies of life.
The album is divided into three parts; Creation, Preservation, and Destruction. Each part is proceeded ceremoniously by a foreword from Ramesh, a Hindu mystic. The concept behind Eloquor’s themes is inspired by the three Hindu gods Brahma (the Creator), Vishnu (the Preserver), and Shiva (the Destroyer). Otherwise known as the Tridev.
Eloquor’s reverence for eastern philosophy and religion is strewn through his lyrics, his masterful story-telling transcended by a soundtrack of evocative 1970’s Bollywood samples, soulful jams and classic boom bap sounds. Esteemed guests featured on the LP include Ginger Van Es, Candice Monique, Strike Won, Duvz, and L Fresh the Lion. With outstanding production from Simplex (Terrafirma), 76 (Stronghorn Studios), Pokerbeats, and Jase (Beatheadz).
Lead single, New Day, touches on Eloquor’s principles, both as a musician and as an optimist. Featuring the soulful vocals of Ginger Van Es, the track glides smoothly from the beginning to the outset, providing a peaceful vibe. Following up, Electric Kids, digs deep into the artists empathy for underprivileged youth, hoping to uplift and empower the often neglected teens.
“I wrote this track to uplift kids that are feeling shit about their situation. The song is for the kids so they don’t feel alone. For the kids in residential care with parents who are unable to raise them for whatever reason it may be.” -Eloquor
Recorded especially for the track, Eloquor uses vocals performed by students at Caulfield Park Community School, where he teaches disadvantaged and at risk youth. One extends the universal outlook of Eloquor’s existence, touching on the emcee’s astral side. From the sampled 70’s Bollywood records, the production of 76 compliments the MCs flow, with rhymes touching on topics of creationism. From the Oceans of Karana is a generously personal look into the mind of a deep thinker. Eloquor graciously lends his words as a vehicle for introspection, in the hope they benefit his listeners.
“This album is an expression of my spiritual and social beliefs. Designed to empower, educate and provoke thought with an open mind and heart.” -Eloquor
Release Date: 10.5.2013, Released By: Myspherical Entertainment and Obese Distribution.
Presenting the self titled debut album from Sarm of the acclaimed Sydney duo That’s Them. Featuring guest spots from undisputed kings Kerser, Rates, Fraksha, Tornts, Dialectrix and Rinse (Bingethinkers), with production by Nebs, the album burns its way across your ears the same way the intense orange of the 6 panel digipack sizzles across your retina.
Combining the futuristic, angular production of Nebs with the characteristic hip hop and grime flavoured flow of Sarm, this will be yet another hotly debated and passionately devoured release featuring the new sound shouldering its way out of Sydney’s West. Nebs‘ electro disco influenced production pops like fizzing, acidic neon across the black granite opulence lent by deeply dug soul samples cut by masters such as DJ Mathematics, DJ Floskel and DJ 2Buck.
Never one for the same old humdrum, Sarm contrasts the sharp grime style of Fraksha with the mellow flow of Dialectrix, and the snappy bravado of tracks like I’ll Abuse You For Fun with the devastatingly honest When You Hear This, about the diagnosis of Sarm’s daughter with leukaemia. Dropping on April 12 through LookUp & Obese Distribution, Sarm is about to unleash volcanic heat on the local hip hop scene.
Track Listing: Live And Direct Ft DJ 2Buck Fresher Than You This Is Our Time Ft Kerser, Nebs & Rates Nice To Meet You Ft Dialectrix I’ll Abuse You For Fun Back In the Day Ft DJ Mathmatics Keep It Moving Ft Fraksha The Cheeky Kid Ft DJ Floskel Don’t Mention My Name Raw Is life Ft Tornts & Nebs Love Of My Life Global Warming Ft Rinse Roll Up Ft Nebs & DJ Mathmatics My Own Back Bang Your Head Feat Kerser & Nebs When You Hear This Who You Know Ft DJ 2Buck All I Have
Letters To The Sun is a soul/hip hop duo featuring Perth MC Coin (The Stoops) and Tasmanian producer/DJ Akouo. Their debut self-titled album is out on the 22nd March 2013 (today), through Obese Distribution.
Originating from two of the most musically isolated parts of Australia, Perth Coin and Tasmanian DJ/producer Akouo have been quietly building a cache of sounds that blend neo-soul, backpack rap and eclectic rhythms. The duo draw inspiration from a range of influences, from hip hop producers such as J Dilla, Pete Rock, Hitek, Exile and 20Syl to neo-soul figures like Amp Fiddler, Erykah Badu and Common.
As a member of The Stoops, Coin collaborated with producer J Squared (Illy / Beathedz / Spit Syndicate) on their album Stoop Squared. It was soon followed up his album ‘Home‘, a collaboration with future beats producer Ta-ku. Coin’s work on The Stoops infectious summer anthem ‘Free‘ featuring 2010 Wam Song of the Year winner Georgi Kay was met with critical acclaim, earning the Stoops a strong run of festival shows and international support slots including Pete Rock, Kurtis Blow and Loop Troop throughout 2011.
Akouo builds musical soundscapes that encompass soulful melodies, unique beats and jazzy bass lines. His debut album Outwit the Muscle featured as triple j Hip Hop Show ‘Album of the Week‘ and it’s single Lazy Days collected strong rotation on JJJ radio. His works include collaboration with artists such as Class A, Phatchance and Dunn D. In 2010, Akouo released a collaborative EP with US MC Javs (DJ Bonez/Jase). Akouo has performed alongside artists including DJ Premier, Masta Ace, Classified and Bliss n Eso.
1. 1234 2. Mile High Club feat. Donovan de Souza 3. Drive Slow feat. Tiaryn 4. The View feat. Bonita & Von Pea of Tanya Morgan 5. Letters feat. Tiaryn 6. Bleach feat. Tim Crick 7. Puppeteer feat. Tiaryn 8. Days Of Old 9. Bridge The Gap 10. My Heart feat. 20syl of Hocus Pocus 11. Where You Are feat. Bonita 12. Deja Vu 13. Home Bound 14. Wet Cement feat. Lucy Peach
15. Tip Toe
Obese Records, Australia’s first hip hop label, was established in 1995 as a small record store originally named OB’s. After the business was bought and renamed by Tirren Staaf (Pegz) in 2002, the label was created as an outlet for the distribution of Australian hip-hop.
Melbourne’s emcee Reason with his album Solid, was the first release on the label, closely followed by the scene-defining Culture of Kings and Obesecity compilations. Over the course of its twelve years, Obese Records has seen success stories such as Hilltop Hoods, Muph & Plutonic, Drapht, Illy, release award winning albums, play to crowds of thousands at Obese Block Parties, and cement their places in Australian hip hop history. Current artists on the roster include Plutonic Lab, M-Phazes, Dialectrix, Thundamentals, Spit Syndicate, Pegz, Chasm and more.
The nerve centre at Obese HQ, headed by Operations Manager Fern Greig-Moore, Publicist Lindsey Martin, and Sales Manager Terry Ho, includes sales, publicity, marketing, accounts, and A &R services. In 2013 Obese Records signed its first management contract with successful underground emcee Kerser, one of many important artists on the extensive distribution roster.
As the label continues to wave the banner for credible hip hop releases in Australia, the demand for distribution has increased. Boasting industry stalwarts such as Broken Tooth Entertainment, Crate Cartel, Wordburner/Bias B, Lookup and Karsniogenics, Obese Distribution umbrellas over 100 of the country’s finest hip hop acts. Managed by Frank Mincone, The Prahran store (4A Izett Street) has become a hip hop mecca in Australia for committed fans, hosting media listening parties, in-store signing sessions, radio marathons, and its own segment on Obese TV.
After years of demographic observation, Pegz recognised the demand for a cultural hub in Frankston after noting a large portion of hip hop enthusiasts inhabited the bay side region. The decision was made to replicate a second retail store. Conveniently positioned at the heart of the township, the shop features an impressive wall piece by Melbourne graffiti artist Shem and will be open five days. Business hours are Tues – Sat 10am-5:30pm, and 10am – 6pm on Fridays. Besides vinyl, CDs, and the label’s own merchandise, Obese Records retail will stock street apparel and accessories from brands such as 1Line, Wu Tang, Burn Crew, and Kangol. Quality paints from Ironlak, Molotow will also be available to customers over 18, as well as a wide range of arts supplies, street art magazines and DVDs.
The store’s opening signifies an important time in local hip hop culture, where in the face of the demise of physical music sales across the industry, the hip hop community continues to support vinyl and CD production. With a highly productive 2013 and beyond planned, keep an ear out for upcoming Obese Records related events, and other announcements in the coming months.
Representing Melbourne with a street swagger only Tornts can bring to the table comes Poison. This is Tornts at his venomous best over an epic new Kharnivor beat. Accompanied by a another classic filmclip executed by Heata, this is a massive ramp up for Tornts in the lead up to a new album.
Expect a new full-length LP later in 2013, which will be released thru Broken Tooth Entertainment and distributed by Obese Distribution.
One Sixth has been hip hop’s best kept secret for too long. Today, the brilliant young lyricist has released his highly anticipated debut album Electronic Mail through local indie label Pang Productions together with Obese Distribution. After winning the prestigious Hilltop Hoods Initiative in 2010, buzz surrounding One Sixth’s first LP has been building rapidly.
Bolstered by his memorable on-stage presence, and frequent stand-out guest verses, One Sixth’s name is constantly dropped by the local hip hop elite (usually in the context of “most promising” or “favourite” Australian rapper).
Notoriously personable and comical, One-Sixth has connections among all facets of the scene, and a strong and supportive following as a result. Electronic Mail is a concept album themed around the poignant and increasing apparentness of digital communication. Together with the Nokia 3310 inspired album artwork, song titles such as ‘SMS‘, ‘LOL‘ and title track Electronic Mail, surmise the digital experience.
Working alongside some of the most exciting modern producers in the Australian game, including Dyl Thomas (Polo Club), Must Volkoff (Mata & Must, Pang Productions), Tony Wolf & the late Charles Parker, and Geko (GOATMOB, Crate Cartel).
The use of evocative samples throughout the album assist to colour the tracks with clever pop-culture cues while lyrically One Sixth shines. Instantly impressive for his stylistic dexterity and use of language, the underlying messages woven masterfully through the album allow stories to unravel more after each listen. With his dulcet tones draped over illustrative metaphor and double entendre, One Sixth bares his soul with the upmost conviction.
Guest vocalists include Mantra, Maundz, Lotus, The Tongue, Candice Monique, Class A, Dyl Thomas, Fluent Form and Raven. Lead single Round The Sun, produced by long-time comrades Charles Parker and Tony Wolf, encompasses a m lange of vintage vocal samples, driving bass lines and melancholy woodwind loops. The track is especially sacred to One Sixth representing one of the last opportunities to work with Charles Parker, who tragically passed away in 2011. ‘SMS (Six Million Stories)‘ is produced by the ingenious Must Volkoff, who produced, recorded and mixed the bulk of the album.
“I hope anyone who listens to the album can see how much respect I have for music, and for my craft. There are many dimensions to who I am as a person; I try to incorporate that idea into my music, because I think a lot of people can relate to that self perception.” – One Sixth
A sample heavy track, the full base line plods alongside strings nuances. Lyrically the track empathetically examines a series of unhappy stories; the concept derived from One Sixth’s interest in foreign films, and the SBS slogan ‘six billion stories‘. Track five on the album is the mesmerising ‘Around You‘, a highlight production from Dyl Thomas. Melancholy strings, heartbeat bass lines, and boom-bap kits set the cinematic backdrop for the track. The sensitivity of the femme fatale style sample juxtaposed with the assurance of One Sixth’s flow is a moving combination. With multiple interpretations, One Sixth is somewhat of an alluring enigma.
Brimming with heartfelt professions, Electronic Mail is a magnum opus, a work of art, crafted by a true connoisseur of his genre.
Track Listing Electronic Mail Round the Sun Sick – Feat. Mantra and Maundz SMS (Six Million Stories) Around You Electrolude 1 LOL (Love or Lust) Let Me Know VHS (Virtual Hot Stepper) Crossed Wires – Feat. Lotus, The Tongue and Candice Monique The Night Market Electrolude 2 Think of You – Feat. Class A and Dyl Thomas System Error #HTTP – Feat. Fluent Form and Raven Quartz
Born in Australia but raised in Namibia, One Sixth is an African-Australian who is emerging as one of Australian hip hops freshest talents. Schooled in Africa until 18, he recently returned to Australia to experience a new life. Now based in Melbourne, One Sixth boasts regular appearances with respected groups Illzilla, Public Opinion Afro Orchestra, The Mega Horns, Polo Club, Black Jesus and his crew Pang Productions.
One Sixth has been Melbourne’s best kept secret for too long. In August 2012 the brilliant young lyricist will release his debut album Electronic Mail through local indie label Pang Productions together with Obese Distribution. We have already heard the brilliant first single from the album Electronic Mail titled Round The Sun, One Sixth now brings you the second single from this hotly anticipated albumand the track is called LOL (Love Or Lust). LOL (Love Or Lust) has been released alongside a killer filmclip once again executed by the team over at Full Clip.
One Sixth’s debut LP Electronic Mail will be available August 24th. You can pre-order now through Soul Clap Recordshere.
One-Sixth has been Melbourne’s best kept secret for too long. In August 2012 the brilliant young lyricist will release his debut album Electronic Mail through local indie label Pang Productions together with Obese Distribution.
The brilliant lead single Round The Sun is a rich insight to what is sure to be a new benchmark album for local hip hop. With production from long-time comrades Charles Parker and Tony Wolf, the beat encompasses a mélange of vintage vocal samples, driving basslines and melancholy woodwind loops.
The track is especially sacred to One Sixth being one of the last opportunities he had to work with Charles Parker, who tragically passed away in 2011.
“The track means a lot to me now because Sam passed away, I really wanted to do more music with him. He was such a dope artist and some of the conversations we had sort of influenced what I’m rapping about on the track.” – One Sixth
Full of illustrative metaphor, One Sixth bares his soul with the upmost conviction. With multiple interpretations available according to the listener’s mentality, One Sixth is somewhat of a lyrical enigma.
The first Obese Distribution release to drop in 2012 comes from Wagga Wagga’s own Rahjconkas and Brisbane native Mr Hill with their brand spanker The Feedback out Friday 27th of January. Production wise, the album boasts tasteful electronic components blended with rootsy, traditional highlights.
The duo have placed emphasis on matching lyrical content with sonic expression to epic effect. Contrast among tracks is strong, evident in Find My Way which features Spit Syndicate’s Joyride with its edgy and progressive feel, flipping it up to the horn-heavy, up-beat flavour of Revolution featuring Koolism’s Hau and Thundamentals Jeswon. With spots from Trails, The Tongue, Seven, Phatchance and 4th (Vegas Aces), this album is bound to be a banger.
Each an established artist in their own right, Mr. Hill and Rahjconkas have much experience both on the stage and in the booth. Mr Hill started out in the group Publik Relation, and has been playing shows in around Brisbane for numerous live acts since 2004, his confidence and skill on stage developing to that of an industry stalwart. Rahjconkas has opened for artists such as Urthboy, Jane Tyrell, Mantra, Phrase, M-Phazes and Muph. Recently, the multi-talented Emcee, Producer and Drummer has been working closely with Phatchance, Coptic Soldier and Johnny Utah (Featured triple j Artists), and has since expanded his beat sales to artists within America, Canada & New Zealand.
Track List 1.Who Da Man feat. Trails 2.Play No More 3.Warning Signs 4.City Glow feat. Seven and The Tongue 5. Turn Away feat. Phatchance 6.Sometimes 7.Out With the Old feat. 4th 8.Find My Way feat. Joyride 9.See Through 10.Revolution feat. Hau and Jeswon 11.Poor Sight 12.Rewind feat. Sharyn Payens *13.Bonus track (only available with physical album purchase)
