Obese Records – Frankston Store Opening

8 03 2013

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.

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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.

Obese Records  ||  Youtube  ||  Twitter  ||  Facebook





Obesecity 2

6 08 2012

10 years ago, at a time when Australian hip hop was still struggling to be heard, Obese Records released Obesecity. Invited from all corners of the country, emcees and producers hungry to showcase their skills contributed tracks, unbeknownst of the powerful ripple effect it would create.

Bolstered by the humble independent label, the compilation birthed a generation of hip hop heavyweights, recognised today as the true pioneers of a flourishing industry. Hilltop Hoods, Muph & Plutonic, Bias B, Pegz, the late Hunter and more united to give the growing genre a voice.

To celebrate its anniversary Obese Records is extremely proud to present Obesecity 2. A dual-disc compilation showcasing the brightest and most promising new artists in Australian hip hop, handpicked alongside the genre’s most revered underground acts. With emphasis on the label’s distribution roster and independently established acts, Obesecity 2 will benchmark the scene once more.

The range of artists featured on the compilation varies both stylistically and geographically. With moments of progressive, electronic production, next to the more traditional sounds of BBQ rap boom bap. Obesecity 2 exhibits the extensive sonic landscape now occupied by the genre.

The diversity noted in the subject matter is reflective of age, circumstance and inclination, laid forth by the nation’s most unconventionally outspoken social conscience. Obesecity 2 is not only an ode to its genre-defining predecessor, but a time capsule, which will undoubtedly be prized for its conviction in this age of mass production and impersonal media.

Disk 1
1. Bingethinkers – Cannibals
2. Never Settle – Psychosis
3. Ciecmate & Mouf feat. DJ No Name Nath – Bags Not
4. Goatmob – Space Trip Oddity
5. Newsense – Hard Act To Follow
6. Class A – The View
7. Tommy Illfigga – Life Wouldn’t Be So Comfy Here
8. Dialect & Despair – Ghosts In A Shell
9. P Link – Turn The Tables
10. Spit & Mac – Firebrand
11. Dikitionone – Collision Course
12. Purpose feat. Joyride – Easy Listening
13. Calski – What You Do To Me
14. Mortar – Murder That
15. Tornts – Concrete Shores
16. Maundz – The Spiel

Disk 2
1. Lazy Grey, Jake Biz & DJ Dcide – Fitzgerald Enquiry
2. Fluent Form feat. Has-Lo – The Code
3. DVS – Dandenong Hip Hop
4. Mr Hill & Rahjconkas – Take The Blame
5. Cash Krzma – All Fonts
6. One Sixth – Nonsense
7. Miss Karleena – Ready
8. In Good Company – House Of Cards
9. J Point – Super Fly Aboriginal (Dope MC)
10. Moneykat feat. Candice Monique – Eye Of The Storem
11. Bigfoot – What I Do
12. Kid Selzy – Here I Am
13. Dwizofoz – Brand New Day
14. Eloquor – Himalayas
15. Johnny Row – Hell Yeah
16. Deathstarrs – Eulogy
17. Raven – Gun

Obese Records  ||  Facebook  ||  Twitter





Obesecity 2 – Track List Revealed

25 07 2012

10 years ago, at a time when Australian hip hop was still struggling to be heard, Obese Records released Obesecity. Invited from all corners of the country, emcees and producers hungry to showcase their skills contributed tracks, unbeknownst of the powerful ripple effect it would create.

Bolstered by the humble independent label, the compilation birthed a generation of hip hop heavyweights, recognised today as the true pioneers of a flourishing industry. Hilltop Hoods, Muph & Plutonic, Bias B, Pegz, the late Hunter and more united to give the growing genre a voice.

To celebrate its anniversary Obese Records is extremely proud to present Obesecity 2. A dual-disc compilation showcasing the brightest and most promising new artists in Australian hip hop, handpicked alongside the genre’s most revered underground acts. With emphasis on the label’s distribution roster and independently established acts, Obesecity 2 will benchmark the scene once more.

The range of artists featured on the compilation varies both stylistically and geographically. With moments of progressive, electronic production, next to the more traditional sounds of BBQ rap boom bap. Obesecity 2 exhibits the extensive sonic landscape now occupied by the genre.

Obesecity was released 10 years ago when the Aussie hip hop genre was very unpolished and misunderstood. Crews from across Australia had been linking up for shows and various other reasons, but the scene was relatively insular and invisible to mainstream society. What Obesecity and Culture of Kings managed to create, was a unity and strength, which in its exceptional nature forced people to sit up and take notice. Since that point, Australian hip hop hasn’t really looked back. We are now a thriving industry, and part of what defines modern Australia. Obesecity 2, in essence, is about reflecting on all of it, and realising how far we’ve come.” – Pegz

The diversity noted in the subject matter is reflective of age, circumstance and inclination, laid forth by the nation’s most unconventionally outspoken social conscience. Obesecity 2 is not only an ode to its genre-defining predecessor, but a time capsule, which will undoubtedly be prized for its conviction in this age of mass production and impersonal media.

Disk 1
1. Bingethinkers – Cannibals
2. Never Settle – Psychosis
3. Ciecmate & Mouf feat. DJ No Name Nath – Bags Not
4. Goatmob – Space Trip Oddity
5. Newsense – Hard Act To Follow
6. Class A – The View
7. Tommy Illfigga – Life Wouldn’t Be So Comfy Here
8. Dialect & Despair – Ghosts In A Shell
9. P Link – Turn The Tables
10. Spit & Mac – Firebrand
11. Dikitionone – Collision Course
12. Purpose feat. Joyride – Easy Listening
13. Calski – What You Do To Me
14. Mortar – Murder That
15. Tornts – Concrete Shores
16. Maundz – The Spiel

Disk 2
1. Lazy Grey, Jake Biz & DJ Dcide – Fitzgerald Enquiry
2. Fluent Form feat. Has-Lo – The Code
3. DVS – Dandenong Hip Hop
4. Mr Hill & Rahjconkas – Take The Blame
5. Cash Krzma – All Fonts
6. One Sixth – Nonsense
7. Miss Karleena – Ready
8. In Good Company – House Of Cards
9. J Point – Super Fly Aboriginal (Dope MC)
10. Moneykat feat. Candice Monique – Eye Of The Storem
11. Bigfoot – What I Do
12. Kid Selzy – Here I Am
13. Dwizofoz – Brand New Day
14. Eloquor – Himalayas
15. Johnny Row – Hell Yeah
16. Deathstarrs – Eulogy
17. Raven – Gun

Obese Records  ||  Facebook  ||  Twitter





Obesecity 2 Winners

27 06 2012

Ten years ago, when Australian hip hop was little known, still struggling to be heard, Obese Records released the first ObeseCity compilation. Emcees and producers from across Australia, who are now revered as pioneers, contributed tracks. The likes of Hilltop Hoods, Muph and Plutonic, Bias B, Pegz, Hunter and many more, united to give their young genre a stronger voice.

 

Now, ten years later, Obese Records has much to celebrate as an independent label. With over sixteen rostered artists, an extensive distribution roster, three platinum records, three gold records, four ARIA awards, and countless fans from around the world. The genre has become a voice for the Australian youth, magnified by the support of triple j, community radio, and now commercial radio, street press, music magazines and online blogs.

On August 17th this year, Obese Records will release ObeseCity 2; a dual-disc compilation showcasing the brightest and most promising new artists in Australian hip hop. With emphasis on the label’s distribution roster and independently established acts, every track has been exclusively selected for the compilation. In addition to the long list of contributing established artists involved in ObeseCity 2, two places on the track list have been filled by ObeseCity 2 Competition winners Dwizofoz of Brisbane, Queensland, and DVS from Dandenong, Victoria.

Featured Artists:
Bingethinkers
Never Settle
Ciecmate & Maggot Mouf
GOATMOB
Newsense
Class A
Tommy Illfigga
Dialect & Despair
P Link
Spit & Mac
DiktionOne
Purpose
Calski
Mortar
Tornts
Maundz
Lazy Grey, Jake Biz & Dj Dcide
Fluent Form & Has-Lo
DVS
Mr Hill & Rahjonkas
One Sixth
Miss Karleena
In Good Company
J Point
MoneyKat
Bigfoot
Kid Selzy
Dwizofoz
Eloquor
Johnny Row
Cash Krzma
Deathstarrs
Raven

Brand New Obese Records Website  ||  Facebook  ||  Twitter 





‘Obesecity 2’ – 10 Year Anniversary Edition – Get your track on the album!

10 04 2012

In 2002 the genre was benchmarked by the release of Obesecity. The compilation channeled the strength and unity of a developing sub-culture. A mass collaboration, the release included exclusive tracks from artists now revered as the most influential pioneers in a booming industry.

Hilltop Hoods, Koolism, Reason, Terra Firma, Pegz, the late and great Hunter all contributed from across the country uniting crews and their fans. Since then Australian hip hop has come a long way. 2012 sees it as highly diverse, easily accessible, constantly evolving, always moving forward.

Obesecity 2: 10 Year Anniversary Edition (release date June/July 2012), will showcase established and up and coming breakthrough artists handpicked from across the country. For all involved the dual-disc compilation will provide a unique opportunity to share in the bigger picture, to be part of the collective by sharing skills with a reputable media network and a hungry fan base. This time around Obese Records is proud to announce that two track positions will be left open to the general public!

Up-and-coming unsigned hip hop artists Australia wide are encouraged to take part in this inaugural project by submitting their own individual track exclusive to the release. Stay tuned for weekly announcements including the unveiling of Obesecity 2: 10 Year Anniversary Edition artists, competition winners and more! 

For competition guidelines and further information visit:
www.obeserecords.com   ||  www.facebook.com/obeserecords





Hunter and Crew at L!ve.

28 09 2009

Hunter Show @ J!ve all aussie hip hop

18+ Event. Entry is $15. Raffle at the door, prize = 5 free drinks & 2 free entries To The 100% Aus Beef Emcee Battles.

Come down to L!VE on Light Square, November 6 for a huge night of raw aussie hip-hop. Hunter (SBX Crew) drops in all the way down from Perth, supported by After Hours (Certified Wise), K21 feat. Koolta & DJ Pt, Chase,  Lariken and Train.

If you don’t know already, here is a bit of a bio on each artist.

HunterMyspace / Facebook
Hunter, born in Yokine, emerged as one of Perth’s most venomous Battle Rappers, slaying crew’s throughout the 90′s and well into the new millenium. He released his first album with Dazastah from Downsyde, called Done DL.

The last ten years have also seen Hunter collaborating with a range of people such as Funkoars, Matty B, Clandestien, Downsyde, Drapht, Layla, Infallable and Miss Cheek. He has also appeared on compilation albums including 2 and 3 of the Culture of Kings series and Obesecity and has just released his first solo album Going Back To Yokine.

After Hours – Myspace / Facebook
After Hours are from South Australia, hailing from the almighty Certified Wise Crew. After Hours is Headlock, The Editor, Integer (aka Intalekt) and DJ Jugular, aussie hip-hop veterans with releases such as Different Rules Apply & a classic in A Hero’s Turf they have also had many guest spots and tracks on compilations such as Culture of Kings 1, 2 & 3, Obese City, Suffering City, 15 Oz Vinyl, Reason – Reography, Funkoars – Who’s ya Step Daddy, Train of Thought – Moving Heads, Hilltop Hoods – The Calling, Defenders – Self Defence, Hospice – Visiting Hours, K21 presents – The Greenhouse & Terra Firma – Music to Live By.

K21Myspace / Facebook
It all started in 2005 when a then 15-year-old hip-hop lover decided to venture into a world of making his own music. Armed with nothing more than an old computer, a handful of records and the knowledge of what he thought was dope, K21 began his voyage.

2009 is set to be the year K21 makes his move. Having already tested the waters with his production album K21 Presents: The Greenhouse, gaining crucial onstage experience and becoming a self motivated business minded musician.

Koolta - Myspace / Facebook
Koolta
is a highly respected emcee and producer. Koolta has shared the stage with many prominent artists such as C-Rayz Walz, The Funkoars, Pegz, Drapht, Terra Firma and many more.

Last year he featured prominently on K21′s Greenhouse compliation, and both produced and featured on Grifter’s Inc – Creature Of The Night album. 2009 is set to be a big year, as he is planning to drop his debut album.

PT – Myspace
Over the last few years Paul has been making a name for himself by DJing for acts such as K21, Koolta, Grifters Inc, Realizm and Chase.

He has performed alongside acts such as The Funkoars, Terra Firma, Drapht, Adroit Effusive and C-Rayz Walz. He will feature on both Koolta’s and K21’s debut albums in 2009.

ChaseMyspace / Facebook
Chase
was born in 1985, and first introduced himself to the aussie hip hop scene as a graff writer early in 99. By about 2002 he was into writing his own lyrics and entering battles. He has won such events as:

2004 Lizard lounge topic battle winner
- 2005 Channel V Aussie Friggn Hip Hop state winner (national runner-up)
- 2007 Word of Mouth 2 on 2 winner
- 2008 Oball battle winner

He has also competed in the world rap championships jump off 2 on 2 battles. Although Chase still battles he is now concentrating more on his recorded music, spitting that raw hard hitting lyrics over banging beats from producers such as Engineer (Canada) and Squared(Japan/Aus)

LarikenMyspace / Facebook
Lariken is a young lad who is rising through the ranks by winning many recent emcee battles and doing live shows regularly, his aggressive style and hilarious antics have made him a house-hold name in the aussie hip-hop community.

TrainMyspace / Facebook
Train, not your typical type of rapper. Musically and artistically balanced, He creates hip hop for many different listeners and performs at a standard higher than many. He’s been an emcee for 8 years now and has entered a couple of emcee battles in his time such as the Double or Nothing series back in 05 and pushes a hard headed freestyle. After many years of honing his skills Train’s debut mixtape is about to drop for release around Australia, always putting in work and forever dedicated to the true artform of aussie hip hop.








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