Author: Jim Steps

allaussie hip hop exclusive

Come Together Festival – Sold Out

Jim Steps

The 2012 Come Together Festival, to be held at the Big Top Luna Park on Saturday June 9, has sold out in record time! It’s no surprise, really, given the kingpins and rising cream of local hip hop on this year’s line-up. Featuring its second all-Aussie hip hop line-up, Come Together is led by none-other than Melbourne’s multi platinum selling rapper, 360 in his next Sydney performance on his upcoming national tour, The Flying Tour which is setting ticket sales records around the country! Joining 360 are ARIA award nominees, Horrorshow, as well as beat giants Hermitude, Seth Sentry, Koolism, Thundamentals, … Continue reading Come Together Festival – Sold Out

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Last Credit – Self Titled Album

Jim Steps

It all began as a zany scheme. Two heavy metal fans who couldn’t play guitar, who couldn’t sing, drums? fuggedaboutit. Rap? why not. Last Credit are Jaius Maxwell Constantine and Reverend Maekism Oswald, you can now download their self titled LP for free by following the download link below. 2004: Maekism had tried his luck as a rapper, ammusing friends and offending workmates. Not long after JMC joined him in similar circumstance but in reverse. 2005: The duo came up with Last Credit. Unsuccesful group names include: “The Stormtroopers”, “Willy Wanker and the Chocolate Experience”, “Death-Thrush” and “Lisp-Service”. By the end … Continue reading Last Credit – Self Titled Album

allaussie hip hop exclusive, Ironlak

Ironlak X A/D Comp

Jim Steps

If street art is your thing, then this might be for you? Send Analogue/Digital and Ironlak a photograph of your latest graffiti pieces, paste-ups or murals and five finalists will be selected to be critiqued by Ironlak family member Vans the Omega where one winner will receive over $5ooo in prizes and earn the opportunity to paint live at the A/D after party with VTO himself. The prize pack includes: Adobe Creative Suite 5.5 Design Premium (RRP $3,175 AUD) A swag of Ironlak paint supplies, markers and apparel (RRP $1,200 AUD) Two VIP passes to Analogue/Digital Sunshine Coast 2012 (RRP $500 … Continue reading Ironlak X A/D Comp

allaussie hip hop exclusive, Obese Records

Chasm – The Truth feat. The Tongue, Hau & Dazastah

Jim Steps

The Truth is the new single from Sydney’s superlative producer Chasm, the first instalment from his upcoming LP This Is How We Never Die. Featuring three of Australia’s most proficient emcees; The Tongue, Hau, and Dazastah, the track is innovative and brazen. From the get-go the track detonates out of a vocal crescendo into its punchy, progressive party feel. Chasm with his exceptional ear for eclectic sample combinations fuses latin piano loops with brass accents and futuristic synth solos. Bringing a new shine to the art of braggadocio, the three emcees effortlessly glide through verses, each repping his distinctive style with … Continue reading Chasm – The Truth feat. The Tongue, Hau & Dazastah

allaussie hip hop exclusive

Kerser – Do The Kers Tour 2012

Jim Steps

You can’t change who you are, but you can change who you’ll be. For 24-year old emcee Kerser, these words are set in stone. Born and raised in Campbelltown in the South West of famous Sydney, the city sights he witnessed while growing up weren’t exactly postcard perfect – just try taking some snaps round the streets of C-town after the sun sets and see what scenes develop. But in dark places people shine. Blazing up from the underground thanks to a potent mix of talent, determination and the guts to try something new, Kerser is the name on everyone’s … Continue reading Kerser – Do The Kers Tour 2012

allaussie hip hop exclusive, Stone Throw1 Comment

aahh album art of the month: Quakers

Jim Steps

Stones Throw debuts the most exciting hip hop project since Dilla and Madlib joined forces for Jaylib – a 40+ track album from production outfit Quakers, featuring Golden Era crate dug beats and visceral verses from the likes of Dead Prez, Jonwayne, Aloe Blacc and so many more. Quakers consists of local beatmaster Katalyst, Fuzzface (a.k.a. Portishead‘s Geoff Barrow), and 7-Stu-7, a triage of venerable producers in their own right whose combined efforts prove boom-bap is far from dead. Fuzzface is better known as Portishead’s Geoff Barrow, a long-time Stones Throw supporter in touch with Peanut Butter Wolf since championing the … Continue reading aahh album art of the month: Quakers

allaussie hip hop exclusive

Justice & Kaos – Easter Showcase

Jim Steps

Not many local groups can lay claim to a journey similar to what hip hop duo Justice & Kaos have traveled so far in their career. Climbing the pinnacle of the MC battle world; releasing an independent mixtape that garnered mainstream media attention, spawning a TV documentary that reached New York; winning an Australian & NZ Urban Music Award; the bittersweet experience of releasing product through an Australian major record label, netting an ARIA Award nomination and much more. All before releasing an album. After a blistering 2007, the group took a hiatus from the public eye to refine their … Continue reading Justice & Kaos – Easter Showcase

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Fobes – Walk On Dreams feat. Sonia De Pellegrin (Prod. One Above)

Jim Steps

Gold Coast emcee Forbes has always felt like he saw the world a little differently. Younger days caught in a world of his own vivid imagination quickly become memories to mourn and fear. A self confessed loner, Forbes is a rapper with an unfamiliar story to tell.  2011 brought forth many career landmarks. Under the wing of new found friend and mentor Pez, Forbes earned his place as opening act for Pez & 360 on their national Change It For The Better Tour. Hard work and cunning saw Forbes battle his way onto the stage at Sprung Hip-Hop festival and most … Continue reading Fobes – Walk On Dreams feat. Sonia De Pellegrin (Prod. One Above)

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DJ Wasabi – Mystic Scratch Album

Jim Steps

Erupting from the depths of Australia’s electronic community is the dynamic new sound of Melbourne’s own Wasabi. With his debut EP Calm Before The Storm, the internationally renowned proponent of turntablizm leaves the beaten track to explore an eclectic audio path that takes the listener on a journey through the diversity of glitch, dub, industrial breaks and minimal tech. The stand-out title track epitomises Wasabi’s intricate fusion of wickedly crooked beats, liquid bass lines and smooth atmospheric frequencies, producing a soundscape that satisfies the hunger of every beat-fiend. Wasabi now brings you an unreleased album from 6 years ago, made … Continue reading DJ Wasabi – Mystic Scratch Album

allaussie hip hop exclusive, Born Fresh

Vegas Aces – V’s Up

Jim Steps

After both artists had been doing their own things respectively, (Cam Bluff & 4th) Vegas Aces linked up officially mid 2010 and have been creating buzz ever since. The two have been crafting their sophomore EP at the same time as well as trail-blazing the live show circuit with many incredible acts such as Spit Syndicate, Illy, 360, Seven and Mr Hill just to name a few. The debut E.P V.A.All.Day has been out for a moment now and featured Seven (winner of the triple j M-Phazes comp), Laneous (of Laneous and the Family Yah), and the incredibly talented Claire Walters. Currently on the … Continue reading Vegas Aces – V’s Up

allaussie hip hop exclusive, Soulmate Records

360 – Child Official Video

Jim Steps

Right, let’s just get this straight, your mate 360 is here and he ain’t going away any time soon! It hasn’t been long since the tickets for the highly demanded Flying Tour went on sale. Shows in Melbourne, Brisbane, Frankston, Adelaide, and Perth have completely sold out with second and final show dates announced in all cities to meet the screams of Sixty’s devoted army that are covering his Facebook wall. Queensland was the first state to show it’s hunger for Uncle Six, with the under 18’s show selling out within minuets of going on sale. The 18+ gig at Brisbane’s … Continue reading 360 – Child Official Video

allaussie hip hop exclusive, Obese Distribution

Tom Showtime – Spaces & Places feat. Gift Of Gab, Lotek & Ash One

Jim Steps

With his eclectic debut album The Jam Thief out in April 2012, Melbournes most intriguing musical multi-takser Tom Showtime presents his first single Spaces & Places featuring Gift Of Gab, Lotek & Ash One. Tom Showtime is a man of many guises. At first glance one may simply take him for your humble local DJ, but upon further investigation this dexterous character also claims the labels Producer, Saxophonist and gramophone enthusiast. Spaces & Places exhibits Tom Showtime’s worldclass production expertise, with its hypnotic bass-heavy synth setting the scene for all three lyrical guests to execute their interstellar narrative. A global hip hop collaboration, … Continue reading Tom Showtime – Spaces & Places feat. Gift Of Gab, Lotek & Ash One

allaussie hip hop exclusive, Rubber Records

N’fa Jones – Babylondon EP Tour

Jim Steps

Front man of genre bending loca Hip Hop collaboration 1200 Techniques, N’fa Jones is set to launch his brand new solo EP Babylondon with four very special performances. The Babylondon EP will be available through Rubber Records April 6th.  Six years in the making, get set to wrap your ears around the full force of Babylondon, offering four solid mixes of hip hop driven beats and cool melodies including recent single Wayooy feat. Roots Manuva and M-Phazes and follow up new single March On. The EP also features 7 Seconds feat. Tyson McVey (Daughter of Neneh Cherry) – with production … Continue reading N’fa Jones – Babylondon EP Tour

allaussie hip hop exclusive, Crate Cartel

Fluent Form – #Flu32

Jim Steps

After the success of his independently released debut album Chapters Of Substance, Fluent Form wasted no time in returning to the studio to begin work on his sophomore LP, The Furnace. The Melbourne MC and Crate Cartel member has been hard at work on his 3rd release, which is sure to be a must have. Fluent release’s a free download titled #Flu32. Produced by Geko, filmed & edited by Discourse (Full Clip) and directed by Discourse & Fluent Form. #Flu32 can be downloaded below. One take verse, one day shoot & edit… #Flu32 Twitter  ||  Facebook  ||  Download – #Flu32 Continue reading Fluent Form – #Flu32

allaussie hip hop exclusive, Elefant Tracks

The Herd – The Better Alive EP

Jim Steps

In celebration of their A Thousand Lives tour kicking off next week, The Herd are set to release the Better Alive EP. Featuring 7 tracks, and including new single Better Alive, featuring the vocal talents of tour buddies Thundamentals and Sky’High. The single is available now as a free download. The song came about as a result of a therapy session between The Herd and Thundamentals, following the bike sabotage incident which left The Herd’s Ozi Batla hospitalised. The drama was all caught on tape and has been turned into a reality-web series.  Urthboy explains “Understandibly there’s been a lot … Continue reading The Herd – The Better Alive EP

allaussie hip hop exclusive, I Forget Sorry!1 Comment

Chance Waters – Approaching Infinity Tour

Jim Steps

Following the release of the title track from his soon to be released sophomore album, Infinity, Sydney hip-hop artist Chance Waters (formerly Phatchance) announces that he will hit the road for a series of East Coast shows this April and May. Infinity is produced by Adelaide artist-to-watch One Above, who recently produced The Hilltop Hoods’ #1 Single ‘I Love It ft. Sia’ as well as numerous songs from Chance’s debut LP, Inkstains. After more than five years actively touring the country and releasing music under the moniker Phatchance, Chance Waters has decided to lose the alias and return to his given … Continue reading Chance Waters – Approaching Infinity Tour

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L-Fresh The Lion – The Lion Speaks

Jim Steps

L-Fresh The Lion is a 23-year-old hip-hop artist and producer from South West Sydney. He has made a name for himself as a versatile and unique artist, who writes, records, produces and mixes most of his own music, whilst also delivering powerful speeches and meaningful spoken word poetry sets. He celebrated his 21st birthday by being selected as the national support act for hip-hop icon Nas during his first headline tour of Australia in 2009. L-Fresh has also shared the stage with Xzibit, Public Enemy, Chali 2na, DJ Qbert, MC Supernatural, as well as local hip-hop artists Urthboy, Pez & … Continue reading L-Fresh The Lion – The Lion Speaks

allaussie hip hop exclusive, Elefant Tracks

Sietta – Dark Passenger EP

Jim Steps

Sietta take an inspired sidestep in creating the hauntingly beautiful Dark Passenger EP, remaining versions of their debut album, The Seventh Passenger released last year. This bold new direction shines the warm glow of the spotlight on the powerful vocals of Caiti Baker. The emotion and raw honesty in her voice lays bare the heart and soul of Sietta. James Mangohig’s instrumentation is understated but considered, capturing the warmth perfectly with his use of vintage pianos and luscious string arrangements. They switch effortlessly from the up-to-the-minute coolness of bass-heavy electronica into the classic realm of voice and instrument from another era. It’s stunning. 1 Dark … Continue reading Sietta – Dark Passenger EP

allaussie hip hop exclusive, Obese Distribution, SBX

Clandestien – Weapons Grade

Jim Steps

It’s the return of the chosen ones, Perth’s undisputed overlords of hardcore, Clandestien from the mighty Syllabolix Crew are back in effect. The trio of Tomahawk, Graphic, and Mortar have ventured out from the citadel to once again unleash their trademark darkness upon those who would claim king. They’re back, and this time they’ve bought the whole armory. An armory full of weaponry in the form of hip hop at its most razor-sharp. Weapons Grade, the groups forth release, sees the cohort combine their venomous lyrical prowess teamed with a gang of the countries standout bomb manufacturers to conjure up … Continue reading Clandestien – Weapons Grade

allaussie hip hop exclusive, Independent

Drakezilla – Red Head Redemption

Jim Steps

Drakezilla is a prehistoric creature that mutated due to atomic radiation and rose from the depths of the sea to make hot jams with his Atomic Breath… and stomp cities. He has just released a free new banging album titled Red Head Redemption, which is available for free download.  Red Head Redemption features production from Trials (Funkoars), Sammsonite (The Optimen), Engineer, Mdusu, Mules + more. Guests include Smiles Again (Mind Over Matter), Syntax and Johnny Utah. Filmed by Geordie Tarren – Directed & Edited by Drakezilla  Tracklisting: 01 Introview (produced by Drakezilla) 02 Redhead Redemption (produced by Mules) 03 All The Time … Continue reading Drakezilla – Red Head Redemption

allaussie hip hop exclusive, Golden Era Records

Hilltop Hoods – Drinking From The Sun No.1 on ARIA Charts

Jim Steps

Hilltop Hoods are officially the first Australian act to land at No.1 on the ARIA charts this year, deposing pop star Adele from her top spot with their sixth album titled Drinking From The Sun. It is the hip-hop kings’ third album in a row to debut at No.1, following on from 2006’s The Hard Road and State Of The Art in 2009. Only Michael Buble, Foster The People and Lana Del Rey have stolen the No.1 spot from Adele’s juggernaut album 21 this year before the Hoods claimed the top spot this week.  The Hoods are now touring the US and … Continue reading Hilltop Hoods – Drinking From The Sun No.1 on ARIA Charts

Independent

Purpose – We Will Be Heard

Jim Steps

We Will Be Heard is the first offering from Purpose’s long awaited debut album Where It Starts. Engaging and upbeat, this self-produced song captures the free-spirited restlessness of today’s youth from a fresh faced and honest perspective. Keeping fans tied over with a 3 part mixtape series, Purpose has put his best work to date on what is sure to be an explosive break through debut. Accompanied by an amazing film clip the single We Will Be Heard is available now to purchase from his Bandcamp page below. Digital single features We Will Be Heard (Debate Remix) & exclusive bonus track … Continue reading Purpose – We Will Be Heard

allaussie hip hop exclusive, Coalmine Records

Phazed Out – Review

Jim Steps

Phazed Out is the new compilation/remix album from international producer extraordinaire M-Phazes, strung together by the legendary DJ Rhettmatic of the World Famous Beat Junkies. Phazed Out features a monster collection of stella tracks taken from the Coalmine Records back catalogue. The album features appearances from such artists as Heltah Skeltah, Saigon, Inspectah Deck, CL Smooth, Emilio Rojas, Skyzoo, Sadat X, El Da Sensei, Termanology, Bekay, DJ Babu, Torae, Brown Bag AllStars, Chubb Rock, DJ Revolution, Mela Machinko, Krondon, Phil The Agony, Mista Sinista, J-Live and more. Phazed Out is a perfectly paced album that flows from the first track right … Continue reading Phazed Out – Review

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Seth Sentry – My Scene (Megatroid Remix)

Jim Steps

My Scene is the first single from Seth Sentry’s highly-anticipated debut album. Humorously and light-heartedly Seth steers us through scenarios that reiterate his outlook on life… that any scene you can find has enough cool people in it to make for a worthwhile visit now and again, but some people just aren’t meant for permanent residence in any one scene. No single lifestyle or ethos can sum up an entire person. Without any attempt at being so, My Scene is a declaration of independent thought. A kind of ‘live and let live’ thing. Recent RJD2 Remix winner Megatriod has recently released a cracking remix of Seth’s latest … Continue reading Seth Sentry – My Scene (Megatroid Remix)

allaussie hip hop exclusive, Illusive Sounds

Diafrix – Running It

Jim Steps

Diafrix is one of Australia’s most explosive and eclectic live acts. Following on from their hugely successful EP in 2006, their debut album Concrete Jungle has taken Diafrix’s iconic concoction of African rhythms, dance hall, funk, Australia hip hop and reggae and developed it into a truly world-class product while still maintaining the same raw energy they’ve carried since they formed in 2001. This trademark style has transcended any specific genre to create a totally unique, but entirely harmonious sound. The group – which heralds from the Melbourne suburb of Footscray – comprises two frontmen, Momo and Azmarino. Both are … Continue reading Diafrix – Running It

allaussie hip hop exclusive, Broken Tooth Entertainment

Tornts – Concrete Slang

Jim Steps

From the depths of Melbourne, the highly respected rapper and venomous author, Tornts, is back with his highly anticipated LP, Concrete Slang. Broken Tooth Entertainment’s most prolific MC returns with a hard hitting dose of reality rap and imagery riddled visions of city life in 2012. Since he exploded on to the scene in 2003 with his groundbreaking first album Adding Insult to Injury, his uncompromising approach has inspired young hopefuls nationwide. Concrete Slang is another chapter in the evolution of Tornts’ undisputed originality, as he continues to grow in his style, delivery, content, and as an artist. Stark and confronting, and always pushing … Continue reading Tornts – Concrete Slang

allaussie hip hop exclusive, Obese Distribution1 Comment

Rainman Announces ‘Darlin’ & National Launch Dates

Jim Steps

Mention Rainman amongst the initiated and the respect attributed to his name is palatable. Recognised nationally as one of Queensland’s finest, Rainman’s list of collaborations, support slots and guest appearances reads like a who’s who of local hip hop. Rainman is poised to drop his second album Bigger Pictures, in stores Friday 4 May through Obese Distribution. The album sees Sammsonite return for the lion’s share of the production but also features some of Australia’s finest beat – smiths including the APRA and AIR Award winning, ARIA nominated Count Bounce, DJ Bonez, Mangohig (Sietta), Chasm, Cam Bluff and Calski. Guest MCs … Continue reading Rainman Announces ‘Darlin’ & National Launch Dates

Gentleman’s Relief Records

Low Budget – Poolside

Jim Steps

Emerging from a cloud of cheap aftershave, Melbourne duo Low Budget return with their third release Poolside. Picking up where their 2009 sleeper hit Laserdisc left off, Poolside finds Low Budget continuing to hone their trademark boogie-driven bass-heavy brand of hip hop. Early single A Hard Act To Follow features MC Gentleman Gene dropping quick-witted rhymes over DJ Debonair P’s greasy wild-west finger popping funk. Meanwhile, the second single Poolside finds Gene urging listeners to ‘slip, dip, dive’ into the shimmering depths of P’s pulsating, glossy production. With all vocals and production handled by the enigmatic pair of Gentleman Gene and … Continue reading Low Budget – Poolside

allaussie hip hop exclusive, Tape Death

MD – Electric Sky

Jim Steps

Hailing from Hobart mdusu (pronounced muh-DOO-soo) or MD or Duse, is one of Tasmania’s premier hip hop artists. Since his first live performance as an MC in 2003, the MC/producer has built himself a reputation Australia-wide for quality recordings and raucous live shows, a feat which is all the more remarkable considering the isolation of his home town. In just a few short years, he has performed alongside acts such as De La Soul, Jurassic 5, Jungle Brothers, Z-Trip, Swollen Members, The Herd, Drapht, Funkoars, Muph & Plutonic etc. and can even lay claim to having shared a stage with … Continue reading MD – Electric Sky

Independent

Sarah Connor X Big L – Furious Anger

Jim Steps

Hip hop artist and writer from Sydney’s Inner West, Sarah Connor is all about making the impossible possible. Bringing you fresh, inspiring and insightful music, Sarah Connor’s spitfire and intense lyricism brings new blood to the table. Currently setting fires in the studio with Averie Harvey, DJ Maniak (Terminal Illness) and The Digital Assassin (Scotty B – formerly Blades Of Hades). This release is going to be a force to be reckoned with. Check out her latest effort as she raps over Big L’s – Furious Anger. Soundcloud  ||  Facebook Continue reading Sarah Connor X Big L – Furious Anger