Author: Jim Steps

allaussie hip hop exclusive, Elefant Tracks

Mini Documentary on the life of Sydney MC Sky’high Pt. 1

Jim Steps

Elefant Traks announces the signing of Sydney’s Sky’high, arguably the most surprising act to join the label’s roster yet. One of the most compelling artists to emerge from the local hip hop scene, Sky’high’s raw aggression seemingly puts her at odds with many of the Elefant Traks family, but her sheer talent and songwriting skills are undeniable. Growing up in the housing commissions of Maroubra and Ultimo, surrounded by a lifestyle of drugs, alcohol and violence, Sky’s inner strength guided her through an upbringing completely foreign to most Australian kids. In many ways though, she embodies the spirit of hip hop and staunchly represents her area in a … Continue reading Mini Documentary on the life of Sydney MC Sky’high Pt. 1

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Yuin Huzami – The Ripple Effect

Jim Steps

This sophomore solo offering from the Coalition Crew’ MC/producer heralds his long-awaited return to the stage as one of Australia’s most promising independent MC/producer artists. Renowned for delivering healthy doses of deeply insightful and conscious lyricism over finely crafted, soulful Hip Hop bangers Yuin Huzami is back with The Ripple Effect. Yuni has been a part of the Australian hip hop scene since 1993 and has released 2 EP’s and 3 full length studio albums. Before making the switch to being a musician he was first a graffiti artists, and has since re-established himself as an internationally received aerosol muralist … Continue reading Yuin Huzami – The Ripple Effect

allaussie hip hop exclusive, Golden Era Records

Funkoars – Vamoose

Jim Steps

Quick to reclaim the room from the force fed and the fake, The Funkoars are back with another pessimistic party anthem and third single Vamoose from their latest and most deadly album, The Quickening. “So get loose or get gone, Vamoose son of a bitch!” Drawing inspiration from a classic Notorious B.I.G. rhyme and produced by Golden Era Records resident recluse Trials (Hilltop Hoods, Drapht, Vents), Vamoose is a one-liner barrage being drunk driven home by Sesta and Hons, smashed into some black market organs, huge guitar stabs and a soul sample fondled to bits by stuntman/DJ Reflux. Catch The Funkoars … Continue reading Funkoars – Vamoose

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Uncomfortable Beats #2

Jim Steps

Uncomfortable Beats is a Melbourne based collective that is dedicated to expanding and exposing the best in Australian beats culture to the rest of the world. This multi-headed beast is a record label, web blog, regular live music showcase, and even TV show. For over a year it has been a successful monthly residency showcasing the wealth of local talent in electronic and sample-based music. The new release of compilation album Uncomfortable Beats #2 (Launched 10/2/2012) is a solid addition to their discography. This release displays the bright future of this generations local electronic music pioneers. 2012 has seen the manager David … Continue reading Uncomfortable Beats #2

allaussie hip hop exclusive, Independent

MoneyKat – ‘Nothing Is Safe feat. Candice Monique’ Video Clip

Jim Steps

MoneyKat is a full blooded album- political, personal and poetic. The debut album from international duo MoneyKat, comprising Omar Musa from Australia and Mighty Joe from California, it spans a diverse range of musical styles and ideas. With production from New Zealand’s Fire and Ice (Scribe, David Dallas), Australian producer Ishu, Mercury prize winning producer Lotek (Roots Manuva, Speech Debelle), Californian producer Count and US rock veteran Geoff Stanfield (Black Lab, Sun Kil Moon), this is an international album with rich sonic texture. The palate of sounds ranges from reggae Nothing is Safe to classic soul-sampled hip hop Each Footstep, … Continue reading MoneyKat – ‘Nothing Is Safe feat. Candice Monique’ Video Clip

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M-Phazes: Beat Making Tutorial & Phazed Out Album Stream (Originals Vs. Remixes)

Jim Steps

Watch M-Phazes take you through a step by step production tutorial of his remix for Another Classic, feat. Burke, Torae, Side Effect & DJ Waxworx, as featured on his remix producer compilation, Phazed Out. M-Phazes breaks down how he put this track together from the sample, drums, filters and more and gives invaluable insight into his production methodology. Coalmine Records is pleased to offer the Untagged/No DJ version of Phazed Out, produced entirely by Australia’s ARIA award winning M-Phazes. This iTunes-only release is now available and serves as a collectible alternative to the inaugural, February 14th mixtape-edition, which is mixed by … Continue reading M-Phazes: Beat Making Tutorial & Phazed Out Album Stream (Originals Vs. Remixes)

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Theory Of Face – The Frighteners

Jim Steps

Direct from the minds of the two madmen known as Trials and Adfu comes the first track released from the new Free EP by Theory Of Face – 2012: A Face Odyssey. The track titled The Frighteners is available for free download now below. The vocals in Theory Of Face are handled by Funkoar and all-around bad cunt Trials, and smashing the fuck out of the turntables and mix is Adfu, an unassuming menace of the scratch game. Both are seasoned veterans in production and muscial maaadness. Stay tuned for next weeks track, coming soon to a face near you. You … Continue reading Theory Of Face – The Frighteners

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Mr Clean – Hard Yak b/w Casket

Jim Steps

Born from an Indonesian father and a white Australian mother, Sydney resident Mr. Clean aka Andrew Wiradilaga, has been doing his thing in the Sydney scene since the late 90’s. Finding his name with stable crew Ear Infection which consisted of Sleeping monk, APEX (R.I.P) & Az One. Around the beginning of local Hip Hop’s prominent rise to radio and othe forms of media, Mr Clean became a proud father to his 1st born son. Rap took a back seat, it wasn’t until 4 years later that a combination of elements brought him back to hunger. The rise of his friend and … Continue reading Mr Clean – Hard Yak b/w Casket

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Versify – Spoken Word at the South Australian Writers’ Centre

Jim Steps

The SA Writers’ Centre is excited to kick off its regular series of spoken word events with acappella performances from five celebrated and award winning rappers. Let Mighty Joe, Omar Musa, Prime, Dialect and Koolta take you on a journey through one of the most dynamic and diverse lyric forms to sweep the globe, with words, rhythms and tales of life, love and politics stripped bare. If you’re a fan of slam, spoken word or hip hop, or just love words and their possibilities, you won’t want to miss this. The event kicks off at 7pm, Monday March 5.  Tickets are $10 … Continue reading Versify – Spoken Word at the South Australian Writers’ Centre

allaussie hip hop exclusive, Elefant Tracks

Joelistics – The Shining EP

Jim Steps

Following on from Joelistics’ debut from 2011, Voyager, is his electro mutant 7 track remix EP featuring new single The Shining. The Shining picks up where Joelistics left off, forging ahead and pushing his sound further outside the realms of hip hop, into a land of pulsing electro and lush electronica. He hasn’t abandoned the backstory though, with remixes plunging the EP back into hip hop. The charisma and adventurousness of one of our best lyricists shines through in this reimagined format. Lending their remix touch to Joelistic’s material include TZU band-mate Count Bounce, Monkey Marc, Indie dance outfit Rufus, … Continue reading Joelistics – The Shining EP

allaussie hip hop exclusive, Karsniogenics

Jake Biz – Deuce Deuce

Jim Steps

Karsniogenics Records is pleased to announce the launch of the first Jake Biz single Deuce Deuce in lead up the release of his debut album Commercial Hell. The Deuce Deuce single features production from Brookes Cullings and cuts by DJ Lopsided. In celebration to the single which is out now, Karsniogenics have put together a Limited Edition (300) Jake Biz package deal including: 1 x 7″ Vinyl (A-Side Deuce Deuce, B-Side Frontline Approach featuring the 750 Rebels including Lazy Grey, Bigfoot & Ken Oath). 1 x White or Black Jake Biz Commercial Hell T-Shirt. 1 x Digital Download Card with codes to … Continue reading Jake Biz – Deuce Deuce

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Tom Showtime – Made You Look

Jim Steps

To celebrate the launch of his new website, Tom Showtime is giving away a massive free download. Taken from the Your Word Against Mine collection Shooting Noodles is remix of the Nas classic Made You Look. Check out www.tomshowtime.com and head to his facebook page to enjoy this tremendous bootleg. If you ain’t already following this fellow, now is the time to start… Taken From The Your Word Against Mine Collection Tom Showtime  ||  Soundcloud  ||  Facebook  ||  Youtube Continue reading Tom Showtime – Made You Look

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Purpose – Cities, Classics, Where It Starts

Jim Steps

2011 was a huge year for South Australian MC & Producer Purpose. Instead of doing a 2011 wrap up for Purps, we caught up with him to chat all his If The City Had a Voice Mixtape series, the new album, highlights from 2011 and what the future holds for this enigmatic artist.  You had a huge 2011, what was your biggest highlight of the year?  The feeling of finally just putting the mixing/producing skills I’ve learned over the past few years into practise was extremely satisfying. But every time this question pops up I have to say performing on … Continue reading Purpose – Cities, Classics, Where It Starts

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Boats, Rhymes & Life

Jim Steps

Melbourne’s first ever floating block party Boats, Rhymes & Life. Jump around to bangin’ beats and sure fire rhymes over 2 levels aboard the good ship Victoria Star. Headlining the top deck is Mantra whose instant classic Got Me Wrong has become part of everyone’s play list over the last few months. Mantra will be rocking the boat with his crew Bam Bam and DJ Wasabi. We also have DJ/Producer extraordinaire Nick Thayer headlining the lower deck. He has worked with some legendary international artists such as A Skillz and DJ Yoda on seminal labels like Bomb Strikes, Insane Bangers, Southern … Continue reading Boats, Rhymes & Life

allaussie hip hop exclusive, DFTC Records

Sparts – Jackabeat

Jim Steps

Continuing on from 2011’s successful DFTC Records releases, Sparts delivers the first offering from the crew for 2012 in the form of the free Jackabeat mixtape. The release contains a varied collection of consistently dope, new and old beats which provide Sparts with a canvas to lace his acerbic verses over. Jaded by the world and what rap has become, Sparts shows there’s still room for meaningful, hard hitting rhymes, as long there’s fire in the belly. Featuring 17 tracks including, Drive and Left For Dead, guest verses from DFTC crew members Force, Dazed, Mol One and Sinks, and mixed by … Continue reading Sparts – Jackabeat

allaussie hip hop exclusive, Soulmate Records

360 – The Flying Tour

Jim Steps

Following unprecedented demand, a sold out national tour and chaotic scenes from in-store signings, 360 announces The Flying Tour featuring both 18+ and underage shows to cater for the entire army. Rather than taking Sixty’s stadium-sized album into stadiums, he’s rewarding followers by playing at venues that allow them to get up close and very personal with the man himself. Falling & Flying is continuing to dominate, with current single Boys Like You achieving certified double platinum status and the album itself charging towards platinum sales. Boys Like You is sitting at #3 on the ARIA singles chart, having held … Continue reading 360 – The Flying Tour

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Shan Frenzie – Show and Prove

Jim Steps

It’s been well over twenty years since DJ Frenzie made his debut in the local Hip Hop scene. Originally a Melbourne native, Frenzie was part of the infamous RFK Hip Hop crew in the early 90’s, who also spawned such legends as Trem One, Brad Strut, Raise, and Len One (Brothers Stoney). Frenzie now resides in Sydney, where he has continued as one of the cities most respected working DJ’s in the club circuit, and hosts Australia’s longest running continuous DJ mix style radio show Groove Therapy (Now in it’s tenth year) every Friday on radio 2SER FM. The Show and Prove … Continue reading Shan Frenzie – Show and Prove

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Drakezilla – Introview

Jim Steps

Introview marks the beginning of Drakezilla’s new album, Redhead Redemption, which will be released online for free in the coming weeks with limited hard copies to follow. It’s mostly comprised of a collection of tracks made over the past two years which were either lost due to hard drive failure or made for no other reason than to make a jam. This little number is 16 tracks deep with production from Drakezilla himself, Trials, Mac Lethal, Mdusu and Sammsonite along with features from The Tongue, Syntax, Mdusu, Smiles Again and Johnny Utah.  It will be available for free download in … Continue reading Drakezilla – Introview

allaussie hip hop exclusive, allaussie hip hop gaming

EA Games X Mass Effect 3 ‘GAME’ Preview Night

Jim Steps

An exclusive invite has been put out to you & your friends to head down to GAME in Parramatta and be a part of all the action at the EA Games – Mass Effect 3 GAME Preview Night starting at 6pm tonight finishing 9pm at Westfield Shopping Centre Parramatta.  Come along and meet the game’s associate project manager from Bioware, Robyn Theberge, for an advanced game presentation and poster signing. Also be there for your chance to be one of the first in Australia to play Mass Effect 3. Food & drink will be provided as well as doors prizes. Event … Continue reading EA Games X Mass Effect 3 ‘GAME’ Preview Night

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DVNT Clothing

Jim Steps

DVNT INC. originated in 2008 as a movement against the stale, boring, repetitive clothing being forced upon the youth of today. DVNT is now stocked in 20+ stores throughout QLD and NSW and constantly growing. The guys work tirelessly towards building DVNT into the godzilla street wear brand they have always envisioned it could be. Doug, Luke & AJ are the three guys behind the DVNT label. They each pride themselves on the quality of their goods and pay close attention to the finer details that other brands often overlook. DVNT aim’s to create diverse ranges with a variety of styles and designs that can be enjoyed by anyone and everyone. By mixing controversy, a deviated twist, and … Continue reading DVNT Clothing

allaussie hip hop exclusive, Obese Records

Dialectrix – New Generation

Jim Steps

Dialectrix is back in 2012 with a sociotech reflective narrative in the form of New Generation, the first single from his upcoming LP The Cold Light Of Day. The single premiered on triple j late last week.  After the success of hit singles Whut! and Pieces of a Puzzle, which is now featured on the new Hollywood blockbuster movie ‘Chronicle‘, Dialectrix reprises with another catalytic externalization. The new track credits production wizardry from Plutonic Lab and cuts from the brilliant DJ 2Buck. Sonically, classic soulful grittiness and iconic vocal cuts are juxtaposed by synth nuances. all in all New Generation is an ode to … Continue reading Dialectrix – New Generation

allaussie hip hop exclusive, Stone Throw

Announcing: Quakers

Jim Steps

Quakers is a hip-hop collective boasting 35 members which orbits around a core of three producers: Fuzzface, 7-Stu-7 and Katalyst. Fuzzface is better known as Portishead’s Geoff Barrow, a long-time Stones Throw supporter in touch with Peanut Butter Wolf since championing the Jaylib album back in 2004.  7-Stu-7 is Portishead’s engineer and in-house producer at Invada Records in the UK. Katalyst is one of the most respected producers in Australia and a partner in Invada Records.  Disillusioned with much of the hip-hop around them, the like-minded producers set out to create the type of rap record they’d want to listen to. … Continue reading Announcing: Quakers

allaussie hip hop exclusive, Elefant Tracks, Grindin'

P-Money Interview on Sky’High

Jim Steps

A few weeks ago, New Zealand producer P-Money shared his thoughts and experiences on twitter, regarding the production he did with newly signed Elefant Traks member Sky’high. We caught up with P to delve a little deeper in to his role on the Your Highness EP. Check that out below. How did you first come across Sky’high and what were your first impressions? I first saw Sky’high rhyming on a YouTube video early last year posted by Sydney’s Fbi Stolen Records.  After watching that video I asked my mate Sam Dutch from Grindin’ to introduce us (I was hyped). We met … Continue reading P-Money Interview on Sky’High

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DJ Flagrant – Pool Cleaner Video Mix

Jim Steps

Melbourne’s own DJ Flagrant is a synonymous entity within Australia’s music scene. Candidly nicknamed The Business Man, Flagrant built his reputation over his decade of experience in the many components of the industry. Australian born / US raised Nate Flagrant began the pursuit of his hip hop career in the early 90’s after seeing DMC competitor Alejan meticulously scratch and blend records at a rave in Nashville, Tennessee. Starting out on a single Sony turntable, Flagrant spent many sleepless nights perfecting his sound to replicate the DMC flavor that had influenced him. After returning to his hometown of Melbourne in 1999, … Continue reading DJ Flagrant – Pool Cleaner Video Mix

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Smash Brothers – Gangsta (Kurk Kokane)

Jim Steps

The latest track from Smash Brothers aka Fraksha, Diem, Murky Depths & Scotty Hinds, Gangsta exemplifies their signature sound of UK grime meets Melbourne dubstep with a heavily pulsating riddim courtesy of Kurk Kokane. Lyrically, the boys tear it up in high velocity with their grungy & individually unique vocals. Filmed at Tetris Studios by Dan de Sousa, Gangsta is one filthy track brimming with talent. Turn your speakers up, set the bass to high and hit play… then rewind and play it again even louder. Download below. Facebook  ||  Twitter  ||  Sound Cloud Continue reading Smash Brothers – Gangsta (Kurk Kokane)

Minimal Aesthetics

Requiem – Digital Blues

Jim Steps

Requiem is in a long distance relationship with a city. While enjoying the tropics of Darwin and its monsoonal rains the young MC reflects on the city that gave him his start in hip hop and inspired him to make music. It’s the city of crews he grew up listening to and a constant source of inspiration.Away from music it’s a city of art, arguably the graffiti capital of Australia and one of the premier graf capitals in the world. With its vibrant laneway and coffee culture and buzzing nightlife Melbourne is the place Requiem says welcomes him back every … Continue reading Requiem – Digital Blues

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Grey Ghost EP

Jim Steps

Arising from the death of Melbourne beat experimentalists The Melodics; Grey Ghost is a one-man journey through time, space and sound. From the natural poetry of Jeremedy’s urban parlance, to the kind of universal rhythms that awaken our inner primate; this is music, however technological, that remains unmistakably and beautifully human. Debuting with a handful of songs that reiterate a definitive post-rap sound and ideology, Grey Ghost is a collision of the real world and the imagination – where opposing laws of musical physics are defied and then redefined. Futuristic, retro and retro-futuristic all in one; Grey Ghost is rock … Continue reading Grey Ghost EP

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M-Phazes – Phazed Out

Jim Steps

Australia’s top rank producer M-Phazes presents Phazed Out, a compilation of select singles from Coalmine Records catalog, remixed by the Gold Coast beatsmith and blended to a seamless perfection by the World Famous Beat Junkie, Rhettmatic. The album includes features from Saigon, Inspectah Deck, Bekay, Big Noyd, Phil The Agony, Termanology, Shabaam Sahdeeq, Chubb Rock, Sadat X, Heltah Skeltah, CL Smooth, Skyzoo, Masta Ace, Brown Bag AllStars, El Da Sensei, Mela Machinko, J-Live and more.  The album is now available through all major digital retailers and becomes available on CD on February 28th. Stay tuned for the Untagged (No DJ) version, which … Continue reading M-Phazes – Phazed Out

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MoneyKat – High Stakes feat. Mantra (Prod. Ishu)

Jim Steps

MoneyKat is an international hip hop duo comprising Omar Musa (Australia) and Mighty Joe (USA). After being sporadic collaborators for years, a highly successful tour in Indonesia spurred them into creating MoneyKat, a group intent on bring their soulful, personal, political and poetic style to ears and minds. With contrasting accents, styles and tones, they are a dynamic musical partnership. Their debut album MoneyKat, recorded in the USA and Australia, will be released March 9, 2012 through Obese Distribution. The first taste of the album comes in the form of the track High Stakes feat. Mantra with production from Ishu.  Facebook … Continue reading MoneyKat – High Stakes feat. Mantra (Prod. Ishu)

allaussie hip hop exclusive, Coalmine Records

The Raw (M-Phazes Remix)

Jim Steps

M-Phazes drops the first official single for his remix album Phazed Out, which drops digitally on February 14th and on CD on February 28th through Coalmine Records. The single is a remix of Coalmine’s inaugural single The Raw which features Saigon, Inspectah Deck and Bekay and includes an updated scratch chorus provided by DJ Boogie Blind. Phazed Out is a compilation of select singles taken from Coalmine’s catalog, remixed by the Aria Award winning M-Phazes and mixed/arranged by DJ Rhettmatic, former DMC West Coast Champion. Guest features on Phazed Out include Heltah Skeltah, CL Smooth, Emilio Rojas, Skyzoo, Sadat X, El Da Sensei, Torae, … Continue reading The Raw (M-Phazes Remix)