Author: Jim Steps

allaussie hip hop exclusive

Mr Grevis – Drift Away feat. Jess Harlen

Jim Steps

It’s been a long road leading to the release of a debut album for Garry McPhee – or Mr. Grevis, as you most likely know him. The MC has been freestyling since 16 purely for the love of it, but up until recently chose not to release any of the verses he has been spitting. The change of heart seems to have been a good one. His first track The Youth skyrocketed to the top of the triple j Unearthed chart where it continued to take the number one spot for several weeks. (Tunes So High and Sunday Struggle also featured.) The … Continue reading Mr Grevis – Drift Away feat. Jess Harlen

allaussie hip hop exclusive, Elefant Traks

Hermitude – Parallel Paradise EP

Jim Steps

Hermitudes remix accompaniment to their critically adored album HyperParadise is out now. It features some electrifying remixes from some of Australia’s best and most hyped producers including M-Phazes, Flume, Ta-Ku and Sampology. Flume leads the charge with a kaleidoscopic reinvention of HyperParadise, filled with epic buildups, swung beat work and classy synths – showing why he’s making waves on the international beats scene. Australia’s hip hop production powerhouse, M-Phazes takes a break from his trademark boom-bap, delivering an addictive disco-fuelled take of Speak of The Devil. The ever prolific Ta-Ku takes HyperParadise into dancefloor destruction mode, proving why he’s one of … Continue reading Hermitude – Parallel Paradise EP

Alberts, allaussie hip hop exclusive, Elefant Traks

Alberts Welcomes Urthboy

Jim Steps

Last week while the world was watching the sun and Venus, Alberts has had it’s eyes set on the Urth. Alberts is thrilled to announce that a worldwide agreement with hip hop artist Tim Levinson (Urthboy) was signed last week. Known for his solo work under the moniker Urthboy and as a founding member and main songwriter of The Herd, Tim brings his works to Alberts after many years of managing his own rights. The team at Alberts have been fans of Tim for years respecting his talent, entrepreneurship and social conscience. The new relationship comes at an exciting time for … Continue reading Alberts Welcomes Urthboy

allaussie hip hop exclusive, allaussie hip hop style

Mad Hata – The Snapback Boutique

Jim Steps

Mad Hata is the online store of dopeness with a mission in bringing Australia the best caps from around the world to your doorstep. Run by two dipshits who grew up with each other, born out of frustration that we weren’t rich and rolling in some fat stacks so they decided to take on Australia one head at a time. Dubbed The Snapback Boutique, Mad Hata opened as an online boutique around five months ago, sourcing original overseas hat labels and selling them to those yearning for a decent hat outlet in Australia. Specialising in caps and a great line of … Continue reading Mad Hata – The Snapback Boutique

allaussie hip hop exclusive, Immortal Music, Obese Distribution

Xidus Pain (UK) & Johnny Crates (AUS) – Crates of Pain LP

Jim Steps

Crates Of Pain is a raw uncut hip hop album entirely produced by Melbourne’s Johnny Crates, starring the premium writing abilities of Xidus Painfrom the UK. Featuring guest spots from songstress Renee Soul on Know The Way and cuts by Peterborough DJ, beatboxer and producer Shure Fya, who blesses the album with some prime cuts on Pen Play, Play Pen as well as Game Genie. The track Game Genie is a packed with countless double entendres and metaphors over smooth hypnotic beats. The concept of the track is based around the old school game Genie Converters for Sega Mega (Genesis). … Continue reading Xidus Pain (UK) & Johnny Crates (AUS) – Crates of Pain LP

allaussie hip hop exclusive

2012 Australian DMC Championships

Jim Steps

Broken Playground, Store DJ and Rane, along with our friends at Twisted Pair Audio and Monster Energy are proud to present the return of the DMC DJ Championships to Australia in 2012. The tour will begin on the 22nd  of June with a State Final  held in VIC, NSW, QLD, WA and SA and the National Finals will be  held in Melbourne on August the 18th. The national winner will be flown to the UK in September to compete in the World Finals. This year entrants allowed their choice of Digital Vinyl System and their own choice of mixer to … Continue reading 2012 Australian DMC Championships

allaussie hip hop exclusive

Versify 2 – Spoken Word at the South Australian Writers’ Centre

Jim Steps

Get ready for round 2 of Versify – bringing together spoken word stars and rappers for an evening of lyrics and rhythms that will shake you out of those winter doldrums. Featuring the mesmerizing tones of Omar Musa, Mighty Joe, Luka Lesson, Alia Gabres, Social Change and K21, winner of the Hilltop Hoods Initiative. A cappella rap and spoken word to bring you out of those winter doldrums. Joe Kim A.K.A. Mighty Joe was born and raised in the East Bay, California. Long the breeding ground for independent hip hop artists, the Bay Area’s street smart, often socially conscious sensibilities … Continue reading Versify 2 – Spoken Word at the South Australian Writers’ Centre

allaussie hip hop exclusive, Golden Era Records

Hilltop Hoods – Speaking In Tongues Official Filmclip Lookbook

Jim Steps

To celebrate the release of Speaking In Tongues, Hilltop Hoods have just published a digital Lookbook to give listeners a glance behind the scenes of the film clip. The track, which features Chali 2na, is the second single taken from No.1 platinum album Drinking From The Sun. The lookbook takes a peek behind the curtains and shows how the film clip’s artwork courtesy of Sofles took shape. View the lookbook here. Hilltop Hoods begin their National tour (their only headline tour for 2012) on Thursday the 28th of June. The Speaking In Tongues Remix, is a free track the Hilltop Hoods have released to celebrate … Continue reading Hilltop Hoods – Speaking In Tongues Official Filmclip Lookbook

allaussie hip hop exclusive

Purpose & Prime – Get Em High

Jim Steps

In the lead up to his appearance at the sold out Come Together Festival this weekend in Sydney, Purpose teams up with fellow PE member and Soulmate Records latest, MC Prime for an exclusive track titled Get Em High.   To all the lucky folk quick enough to snap up a ticket, get ready as Luna Park will become host to one of the biggest events on the local hip hop calendar. Headlined by undoubtedly one of the biggest names. A man who needs no introduction, multi award winning, 360 will close the day in the only way he knows how – absolute chaos.  Not to say the … Continue reading Purpose & Prime – Get Em High

allaussie hip hop exclusive, Payback Records1 Comment

Yung Warriors – Standing Strong

Jim Steps

Introducing Yung Warriors, Australia’s fastest rising Indigenous hip hop outfit. Fresh off the back of dates with American Hip Hop heavyweights D12 and recent US showcase’s in NY & LA, Yung Warriors have just announced the release of their second album Standing Strong, in stores now through Payback Records / Shock. Yung Warriors is brothers Tjiimba and D Boy. Together they’ve supported the likes of Akon, 50 Cent, The Game and Outlawz, whilst maintaining a regular presence in their hometown of Melbourne. With the albums lead single (and title track) already added to triple j rotation, and national tour dates … Continue reading Yung Warriors – Standing Strong

allaussie hip hop exclusive, Elefant Traks

National Reconciliation Week 2012

Jim Steps

National Reconciliation Week (NRW) is celebrated across Australia each year between 27 May and 3 June. The dates commemorate two significant milestones in the reconciliation journey—the anniversaries of the successful 1967 referendum and the High Court Mabo decision. The week is a time for all Australians to learn about our shared histories, cultures and achievements and to explore how each of us can join the national reconciliation effort. May 27 marks the anniversary of Australia’s most successful referendum and a defining event in our nation’s history. The 1967 referendum saw over 90 per cent of Australians vote to give the Commonwealth … Continue reading National Reconciliation Week 2012

allaussie hip hop exclusive, allaussie hip hop style

Reka – Open Studio

Jim Steps

James Reka is a young contemporary artist based in Melbourne, Australia. Since 2002, Reka has established himself as a pioneer in Melbourne’s burgeoning street art scene. His origins lie in the alleyways and train-lines of the city’s inner-suburbs, and his popularity has seen him grow to being exhibited on gallery walls the world over. His character work has come to represent the beginning of a new style of street art – surrealist, abstracted creatures emerging from the depths of Reka’s mind, communicating through strong lines, dynamic movement and bold colours. Theses figures haunt the laneways throughout Australiasia, clambering up brick … Continue reading Reka – Open Studio

allaussie hip hop exclusive, Nuffsaid Records, Obeast Records

Delta – Alien EP

Jim Steps

Delta stands unparalleled as a seasoned cultural ambassador for purist hip hop in Australia. Since releasing The Second Story three years ago, the hip hop world has been anxiously awaiting his next release. Beloved for his dependable quality of production, lyricism and execution, Delta is a champion of his craft. The first single from upcoming album Pyramid Schemes (due late 2012) is Alien, a hypnotic sample-heavy track which explores human identity outside of the rat race, among the infinite cosmos that lies beyond. Alien is introduced by a foreword from the father and original architect of hip hop, DJ Kool … Continue reading Delta – Alien EP

allaussie hip hop exclusive, allaussie hip hop interviews1 Comment

Real Music Lasts Forever ‘This Is How We Never Die’ – Chasm Interview

Jim Steps

This Is How We Never Die is the refreshingly on-point third instalment from prestigious Sydney producer Chasm. Joined by local and international artists; Chasm approaches beats like a learned artist with a brush, building on classic principles to create evolutionary new music.  aahh: This Is How We Never is the title to this absolute masterpiece of a production album. Explain to us the concept behind the title of the LP and what the you wanted to accomplish with this album? Chasm: The title is taken from a Currensy line I heard on one of his latest tapes, ‘Real music lasts forever, this … Continue reading Real Music Lasts Forever ‘This Is How We Never Die’ – Chasm Interview

allaussie hip hop exclusive, Born Fresh

Prophet Rayza – Spits & Pieces Vol 2.

Jim Steps

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.  In 2009 he released the first Spits and Pieces mixtape which went on to move all of the limited 5,000 copies pressed within two months of its release. Prophet Rayza now brings you the follow up to Spits and Pieces with Volume 2.  His last record Six Books (Born Fresh Records), saw him working with some of this countries and abroads most up and coming producers including 5th Seal from New York, Dats … Continue reading Prophet Rayza – Spits & Pieces Vol 2.

allaussie hip hop exclusive, Elefant Tracks

Urthboy – Naïve Bravado feat. Daniel Merriweather

Jim Steps

Teaming up with incredible Daniel Merriweather, Urthboy sidesteps peers while exhibiting his trademark sharp flow, songwriting talents and that knack for well-crafted hooks. The concept of Naïve Bravado is like a lamb with a lion’s heart; a broken down car needing a jump start. It’s not a false courage if it leads you out of the mess. Anchored in running bass lines, ominous horns and monstrous percussive drums—all concocted by the brilliant collaborative production of Count Bounce and Hermitude. Urthboy has kept a frenetic pace since the release of the AIR award-winning, ARIA and AMP nominated Spitshine (2009); with 2011’s Future … Continue reading Urthboy – Naïve Bravado feat. Daniel Merriweather

allaussie hip hop exclusive

Come Together Stage Times

Jim Steps

To all the lucky folk quick enough to snap up a ticket to this year’s sold out Come Together Festival, get ready as we announce the stage times and countdown to the June long weekend. On June 9, Luna Park will host one of the biggest events on the local hip hop calendar, headlined by undoubtedly one of the biggest names. A man who needs no introduction, multi award winning, 360 will close the day in the only way he knows how – absolute chaos. Not to say the roof won’t be raised from opening doors, with Bam Bam kicking off … Continue reading Come Together Stage Times

allaussie hip hop exclusive, allaussie hip hop style

Balmores Clothing

Jim Steps

Based in Melbourne, Australia, Balmores (pronounced Bell•moh•ress) was founded in 2008 with the vision of producing versatile streetwear for the vibrant local and international street culture community. Reflecting our vision and serving the Hip Hop, streetportation and creative arts market, we aim to represent our brand through its customers; the people. Values of the Balmores Brand: Authenticity Proudly standing by all they do, Balmores aims to produce fresh, original designs as they carve up printed street wear with real edge. Noticing the current flood of endless similar product and lack of creative streetwear over-saturating the market, Balmores is not content to settle with … Continue reading Balmores Clothing

allaussie hip hop interviews, Obese Records

Illy + M-Phazes: Friday Flips #3

Jim Steps

Friday Flips is a collaboration between Illy and M-Phazes. Over the coming months, Friday Flips will see the boys release re-workings of well known current, and classic, tracks from all corners of the music world. As with everything Illy and Phizzle do, the supporters are the driving force behind Friday Flips. The result – each track will be built from songs suggested by you guys. On any Friday that the call is put out for track suggestions, hit them up with whatever track you’d like to see ‘Flipped‘. They’ll pick a track that day, flip it over the week, and release it the following Friday. As a thanks for the continued support … Continue reading Illy + M-Phazes: Friday Flips #3

allaussie hip hop exclusive, Elefant Traks

Sky’High – Forever Sky’High (Out Now)

Jim Steps

Some people just won’t get it. They’ll see the rough and miss the diamond. Others will hear the raw aggression and recognise the ideas, hooks and melodies are undeniable proof of one of the most exciting voices to emerge in local hip hop yet. Sky’High diversifies and illuminates the possibilities of what’s going on here, giving volume to an Australian voice the mainstream generally shut down.  The creative fearlessness of Sky’High’s debut not only hits the mark but crashes through it. Whether it’s the grime of Reign, or the hip hop of Don Dada or Forever Gone, she remorselessly smashes it outta the park. But it’s when Sky reveals her … Continue reading Sky’High – Forever Sky’High (Out Now)

allaussie hip hop exclusive, Crate Cartel

Maundz – Maundzilla

Jim Steps

Straight out of Melbourne city comes one of the Nation’s most talked about MC’s, Maundz, ready to unleash his highly anticipated sophomore LP titledZero upon the masses. Flying the flag high for the scenes undeniably most hyped up emerging independent force that is Crate Cartel, Maundz is joined by fellow Cartelian and beat smith extraordinaire WIK for the entirety of what is sure to be heralded as one of the country’s slickest hip hop releases to date.  Wik, having proved his skills behind the sp1200 in recent local releases, has collected an eclectic slew of head nodders for and neck snappers for Australia’s most promising up and coming MC to … Continue reading Maundz – Maundzilla

allaussie hip hop exclusive, Obese Records

Illy – Heard It All

Jim Steps

Illy returns in 2012 with his surefire hit of a single Heard It All from upcoming third album Bring It Back. Following the success of career defining sophomore LP The Chase, fans have been anticipating the next Illy release with baited breath. Heard It All embraces the irony of releasing something original, when everything seems to have been done before. Personable and full of conviction, in this track Illy investigates what he stands for, while aknowledging his fans for their ongoing support.   “I was having a really tough time getting inspired to write recently. I wrote this (Heard It … Continue reading Illy – Heard It All

allaussie hip hop exclusive

Hunter inducted into WAM Hall Of Fame

Jim Steps

The peak West Australian music body WAM has announced it three inductees into the music WAM Hall Of Fame this year, as part of the upcoming WAMi Festival. The late hip hop icon Hunter, former WAM CEO Paul Bodlovich and comedy muso Tim Minchin will receive the honour this year. Robert Hunter died October last year after a long battle with cancer, having been an instrumental part of the hip hop scene not only in the west, but in a national sense. He was part of the Syllabolix Crew that also featured Drapht, Layla and Dazastah, amongst others, and made … Continue reading Hunter inducted into WAM Hall Of Fame

allaussie hip hop exclusive, Crate Cartel, Obese Records

Maundz – Take It Back feat. Bias B

Jim Steps

Maundz, the outspoken rascal of Melbourne’s rap-scene; has a heart of gold, a potty mouth, and an acid tongue. His second LP Zero, is the first release of 2012 from irrefutable hip hop collective Crate Cartel. Zero is a fast approaching sun on the horizon after what has been a long winter for Maundz fans. Featuring collaborative efforts from New York’s number one man of the moment Action Bronson, ARIA award winning Drapht, Golden Era’s Vents and Sesta, Melbourne kings Brad Strut and Bias B, and of course Crate Cartel. Revered by the likes of Hilltop Hoods and Drapht as the “next big thing”, Maundz has become highly respected by his underground and commercially established cohorts alike. The lead single Take … Continue reading Maundz – Take It Back feat. Bias B

allaussie hip hop exclusive, Beat Basement Records

Basement Grits – Heroes

Jim Steps

Consisting of label beat makers Develop and Apollo Grimes, emcees Ricky Shamroxx and Diggis, and hip hop deejay ‘Dex Mo’, Basement Grits’ fusion of talent promises to deliver fat Hip Hop, flavoured with boom bap beats and a sound concurrent with the new school wave of artists emerging in the local Hip Hop scene. Since the formation of the group, Basement Grits have supported both Australian and internationally renowned Hip Hop acts such as Pegz and Xzibit, while locking themselves down for a slot at most Hip Hop events in the Cairns area. With an EP and album in the pipeline, the crew … Continue reading Basement Grits – Heroes

allaussie hip hop exclusive, Obese Records

Tom Showtime – Spaces & Places Melbourne’s Finest Remixes

Jim Steps

Eight of Melbourne’s finest producers remix Spaces & Places, the Tom Showtime single featuring Gift of Gab, Lotek & Ash.One taken from The Jam Thief. With Dub, Breaks, Hip Hop, Lo-Fi and Future Beats this release truley showcases the diverse sounds of Melbourne’s music makers. Featuring Remixes By: Amin PaYne, Lotek, Copycat, Jects, SNESmega, KelBeats, Moonshine, & Skomes. Purchase  ||  Soundcloud  ||  Tom Showtime Official Continue reading Tom Showtime – Spaces & Places Melbourne’s Finest Remixes

allaussie hip hop exclusive, Liberation Music

TZU – Beginning Of The End

Jim Steps

TZU introduce their new single, Beginning of the End their finest, seamlessly merging musical genres and sounds, whilst tackling current global issues head on to create a glorious alternative pop statement. It follows the story of a man who time travels into the future and sees the effects of mankind’s destruction of the Earth – the literal End of the World. ‘If you’re going to write a song about the end of the world, you want to make it as grand and amazing a tribute to the entire species and all of history (as you can)”, says singer and writer Joel Ma of … Continue reading TZU – Beginning Of The End

allaussie hip hop exclusive, Elefant Traks

Sky’High – Forever Sky’High

Jim Steps

Some people just won’t get it. They’ll see the rough and miss the diamond. Others will hear the raw aggression and recognise the ideas, hooks and melodies are undeniable proof of one of the most exciting voices to emerge in local hip hop yet. Sky’High diversifies and illuminates the possibilities of what’s going on here, giving volume to an Australian voice the mainstream generally shut down.  The creative fearlessness of Sky’High’s debut not only hits the mark but crashes through it. Whether it’s the grime of Reign, or the hip hop of Don Dada or Forever Gone, she remorselessly smashes it outta … Continue reading Sky’High – Forever Sky’High

allaussie hip hop exclusive, Soulmate Records

360 – ‘Child’ goes Gold!

Jim Steps

360 has continued to make waves over the past month. A really positive and successful trip to the UK to commence writing for his next album also saw his first ever UK show in London; a sold out one at that. Sixty’s prolific Tweeting throughout the trip revealed some exciting collaborations are in the works for album #3. Upon his return Sixty took off on the regional Groovin’ the Moo festival tour and has been smashing them so far. Bendigo, Townsville, Maitland and Canberra all yielded bouncing, absolutely jam packed tents and wild audience responses. The audience’s cheers in Maitland … Continue reading 360 – ‘Child’ goes Gold!

allaussie hip hop exclusive, I Forget Sorry!

Chance Waters – Maybe Tomorrow

Jim Steps

Following the success of his first single Infinity, (currently sitting at over 20,000 views on YouTube), Chance has had his head down in the studio and this week will release his new track, Maybe Tomorrow from his soon to be released album, Infinity. Produced by One Above, the new single demonstrates Chance’s lyrical potency and his potential to push the typical boundaries of the hip-hop genre with an up-beat tempo, off-beat rhythm, piano-rock influences and live instrumentation. Following widespread national acclaim under the appellation Phatchance, Sydney hip hop artist Chance Waters is losing the alias and going ‘au naturale’ with his given … Continue reading Chance Waters – Maybe Tomorrow