Author: Jim Steps

allaussie hip hop exclusive, Future Entertainment

Professor Green Hits Australia

Jim Steps

One of UK’s most innovative rapper’s Professor Green and Australia’s own DJ Ruby Rose are set to blow the roof off with Jessie J. Future Entertainment is excited to announce that UK underground Hip Hop phenomenon, Professor Green, has accepted the mic as support for Jessie J’s first ever Australian headline tour. Breaking out of London’s underground Hip Hop scene back in 2006 at the tender age of 23, Professor Green (aka Stephen Paul Manderson) is a prodigious rapper whose got more than just the skills to pay the bills. In just five short years he’s won the inaugural JumpOff Myspace … Continue reading Professor Green Hits Australia

allaussie hip hop exclusive, Obese Records

Mantra 2011 Wrap Up

Jim Steps

2011 was an unheralded year for Mantra, your favourite rapper’s favourite rapper – as he’s widely known. Mantra had been lighting a fire under the genre as we know it with the release of his much talked about second solo album Speaking Volumes in September.  After supporting Drapht on his Life of Riley National Tour and performing at the Come Together festival at Luna Park in Sydney earlier this year, Mantra was readying fans for what was to come… The album’s first single Got Me Wrong feat. Parvyn Kaur Singh received high rotation on triple j, and was their most requested song during … Continue reading Mantra 2011 Wrap Up

allaussie hip hop exclusive, Obese Records

Pegz 2011 Wrap Up

Jim Steps

Aside from attending to the role of hard-working CEO, Pegz brought out his first solo album since his hiatus from the booth last year. Drama landed on shelves in March, generating the release of two enthusiastically received singles Bombs Away and Priceless feat. Joe New, Dialectrix and DJ 2Buck. Promptly after, Pegz took his Bombs Away National Tour on the road along with hype man Eloquor, DJ 2Buck on decks, Dialectrix and Joe New, accompanied at various intervals by Simplex and Dutch and others. Pegz also played a stand-out set at Raise the Roof 2 at the Espy alongside Urthboy, … Continue reading Pegz 2011 Wrap Up

Obese Records

Simplex 2011 Wrap Up

Jim Steps

In 2011, Simplex released his debut solo album Audio Biography, much to the anticipation of fans. Following the release he embarked on 2 tours around the country, accompanied by Motion & Madcap, that saw him playing a variety of shows alongside Doom (USA), Briggs, Layla & Dazastah, Pegz, Dialectrix and more. After a busy start to the year, Simplex returned to the studio in June to start working on a few remix projects for other artists, while shooting videos for Be Somebody and Worldwide in the latter part of the year – both to be released soon. Simplex also flexed … Continue reading Simplex 2011 Wrap Up

allaussie hip hop exclusive, Obese Records

Skryptcha 2011 Wrap Up

Jim Steps

For Skryptcha, 2011 was a year of travel, experience and studio time –with his head down since early January 2011 working on a new album. All year long Skryptcha has been exchanging with producer from New York called Illmind, who he met up with whilst in the US in April to discuss plans for the album and work on tracks. During his time abroad, Skryptcha visited places like New Orleans, Memphis & New York, drawing inspiration from the cities. Even though much of his time was spent in the studio, Skryp still found space to tour a large part of the … Continue reading Skryptcha 2011 Wrap Up

allaussie hip hop exclusive, Broken Tooth Entertainment

Broken Tooth 2011 Wrap Up

Jim Steps

At BTE, 2011 has been the year of Ciecmate. With all of our artists being quite vigilant on the local show front, Ciecmate has risen above and beyond releasing both his debut full length solo album, Game Over, and a production album, Chess Sounds Vol. 1 highlighting local and international guests over his signature sounds. Following on from the success of the two albums, Ciecmate toured the full country with the Funkoars in support of their new high energy album, The Quickening. Joining the tour with Ciecmate, and also officially joining the BTE fold was $2 Scratchies star, 2 x … Continue reading Broken Tooth 2011 Wrap Up

allaussie hip hop exclusive, Crate Cartel

Crate Cartel 2011 Wrap Up

Jim Steps

In true Goatmob fashion, 2011 was just another year, of which the Cartel paid no attention to… As a result, they traveled everywhere from Brisbane to Perth, Fluent Form finished his third solo album, released it, and has already started his fourth…. Geko & Aetcix decided to release a collection of misguided recordings only to receive critical acclaim whilst Maundz is still working on his album entirely produced by WIK. That is when WIK isn’t being sought after by a plethora of other rappers. Raven has stayed true to his hermit ways after his late 20ten release and is writing up … Continue reading Crate Cartel 2011 Wrap Up

Elefant Tracks

Sky’high – Your Highness EP

Jim Steps

It’s a big day for Sky’high today! The free download of Your Highness EP is available now. Sky’high is Australia’s most compelling Hip Hop artist yet. She displays a raw and aggressive style born from the gutters of Sydney. Tough as nails from a glance but catch a glimpse of that disarming smile and you get a hint there’s a lot more to this character than meets the eye. Sky’high has just been announced as the latest artist to sign with Elefant Traks and will be releasing an album in May 2012. The Your Highness EP features the 5 tracks including the … Continue reading Sky’high – Your Highness EP

Elefant Tracks

Sky’high Joins The Elefant Traks Family

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 … Continue reading Sky’high Joins The Elefant Traks Family

DFTC Records

Sparts – Drive

Jim Steps

Melbourne producer Dazed’s reworking of French artist Kavinsky’s ‘Nightcall’ provides a dark, atmospheric soundscape for emcee, Sparts to deliver two verses of cynical vitriol over. The single is now available for free download now. A short tale of disillusion and anxiety with the pace of a hard boiled, heist thriller, Drive is the first track from Sparts’ upcoming free mixtape, Jackabeat, from Down For The Count Records.  “Life moves fast, so you better move faster.”   Sparts – Jackabeat Mixtape Coming soon. Twitter  ||  Bandcamp  ||  DFTC Records Continue reading Sparts – Drive

allaussie hip hop exclusive, Fontana, Golden Era Records

I Love It feat. Sia single goes platinum

Jim Steps

The Hilltop Hoods single I Love It (Feat. Sia) has reached platinum status in Australia this week, heralding yet another remarkable milestone for the band.  Set to drop their sixth studio album Drinking From The Sun on Friday March 9th through their own label Golden Era Records / UMA, I Love It Feat. Sia is the first single to be lifted from the forthcoming album, and a taste of what’s sure to be one of the most anticipated releases of 2012. On the International front, Fontana, Universal Music Group’s award-winning independent marketing, sales and distribution company, has signed an exclusive … Continue reading I Love It feat. Sia single goes platinum

Uncategorized

New ESPN Commercial with Hilltop Hoods

Jim Steps

The ESPN NFL Playoffs and Super Bowl are coming soon to ESPN Australia/NZ. The TV campaign associated with this features the brand new track by the Hilltop Hoods – I Love It feat. Sia. The commercial will run on Foxtel & Austar. In other related news, the Golden Era Mixtape 2012 is due out at the end of Jan and will feature a host of artist, remixes and all that other Golden Era goodness. If you are entering the the HTH Initiative this year you have until February 28, 2012 to get your entries in. You can find out more … Continue reading New ESPN Commercial with Hilltop Hoods

allaussie hip hop exclusive

DFTC Records 2011 Wrap Up

Jim Steps

This year saw the first full year for the new Melbourne based outfit Down For The Count Records consisting of Force, Sparts, Mol One, Sinks and Dazed. Forming late in 2010 with the goal of releasing product in 2011, they certainly lived up to this plan with multiple drops throughout the year. 2011 saw the release of a 7″ Vinyl Rest in Syn from Dazed featuring Sydney emcees Rinse and Grand Arkiteks crew. This release was received well by fans and there are only a couple of copies of the limited edition wax left. DFTC also released Down For The … Continue reading DFTC Records 2011 Wrap Up

allaussie hip hop exclusive

Death Stars 2011 Wrap Up

Jim Steps

Death Stars are Syntax & Mules. 2011 saw the release of a self titled 7 track EP. VHS funk for Star Wars gangsters and Home Alone homies. With samples crafted entirely out of old school movie scores, and raps ranging from George Lucas-inspired metaphors to full blown misogyny, this is an interesting listen to say the least. Death Stars wasn’t an official Soulmate Records project, but one that filled all our hearts with joy. Syntax of course dropped The Musical on Soulmate in 2010 and is a member of In Good Company, who released a self-titled LP last year. Mules the … Continue reading Death Stars 2011 Wrap Up

allaussie hip hop exclusive

Koolta 2011 Wrap Up

Jim Steps

2011 proved to be the biggest year thus far for Koolta’s music. In March, he was awarded $10,000 to put towards his debut album thanks to the Hilltop Hoods Initiative. Following this, Koolta digitally re-released The Deportation EP (2010) and dropped another free EP, The Influx. Stomp, the single off The Influx, saw Koolta getting solid support from JJJ and community radio. In November, the Adelaide MC/Producer teamed up with longtime DJ PT on the acclaimed free mixtape release The Forked Road, which featured collaborations with Prime (Soulmate) and Allday (UKW). This year has also seen Koolta open up his … Continue reading Koolta 2011 Wrap Up

allaussie hip hop exclusive, Obese Records

Thundamentals 2011 Wrap Up

Jim Steps

To much anticipation, Foreverlution hit store shelves in July and Thundacats responding instantly taking the band into the ARIA and AIR charts for the first time ever. Debuting at #3 on the AIR Charts, #17 on the ARIA Urban Charts + #19 on the ARIA Australian Charts. It’s first single Paint The Town Red was already getting a pasting on airwaves across the country with their 2nd How You Been? also being added to triple j rotation. The critics responded in kind with the fans praising the album for its immaculate production and international sound. Soon after its release Thundamentals hit the … Continue reading Thundamentals 2011 Wrap Up

allaussie hip hop exclusive, EMI, Soulmate Records

360 2011 Wrap Up

Jim Steps

It has been a huge 2011 for 360. Not only did he release his album Falling & Flying in September but it hasn’t left the ARIA Top 50 since release. Falling & Flying peaked at No.1 on the iTunes album chart and No.1 on the official ARIA Top 40 Urban Album Chart plus No.4 on the ARIA Top 50 Albums Chart on release. 360 also embarked on his national Falling & Flying tour throughout October/November, he played Sydney’s Homebake festival, Falls Festival, picked up the Most Hunted Award at this year’s Jagermeister Independent Music Awards and helped create, what will … Continue reading 360 2011 Wrap Up

allaussie hip hop exclusive, Soulmate Records

Prime 2011 Wrap Up

Jim Steps

2011 was a spectacular year for Prime. Good Morning, call it a mixtape if you dare, was released with a collection of all-original material (save for three beats) but was crafted and structured as lovingly as any album in your collection. The fact that it was made available for free download was simply a bonus.  Prime’s unprecedented approach to fan engagement in 2011 has been his success – his habit of giving away original, album-quality material to a burgeoning listener base via social media, one heartfelt, hard-hitting track at a time. Many of these tracks, like Devilish, have become the stuff of Internet legend; others, like … Continue reading Prime 2011 Wrap Up

allaussie hip hop exclusive, Myspherical Entertainment

Eloquor 2011 Wrap Up

Jim Steps

2011 saw Eloquor travel across the country alongside Pegz on the massive Bombs Away Tour with official hype man duties. While touring and holding down a day job he managed to write and record material for his best work to date the 8 track  Human Condition EP. Eloquor released his Human Condition EP in November last year enlisting the production skills of Suffa, 76, Simplex, Frank Dukes, Poker Beats and Hattori Hanzo and guest MCs Pegz and 1/6. This was followed in December by a massive dual album launch with fellow Myspherical Entertainment labelmates In Good Company. Eloquor appeared on numerous … Continue reading Eloquor 2011 Wrap Up

allaussie hip hop exclusive, Myspherical Entertainment

In Good Company 2011 Wrap Up

Jim Steps

2011 was a big year for In Good Company – Three distinctly unique individuals fusing their respective styles together to produce a hybrid self-titled LP. Consisting of Syntax, Breach and Whisper, the dynamic trio are seasoned word-slingers with a partiality for wordplay, stunning punch lines and sonic storytelling. In Good Company the self titled LP, released last year featured an assortment of impressive vocal contributors including Eloquor, Mantra, Ginger Van Es, Boltz and Skyzoo (USA) and additional production highlights from heavyweights M-Phazes, Jase, J Smith & Dutch, and Joe Lewis. The single The Road feat. Ginger Van Es produced by Whisper, is … Continue reading In Good Company 2011 Wrap Up

Obese Records

Spit Syndicate 2011 Wrap Up

Jim Steps

Spit Syndicate began the year with a very special, sold-out acoustic show with Horrorshow and Joyride at The Basement in Sydney, followed by a handful of shows. Nick Lupi and Jimmy Nice then took some much-needed time-out , during which Nick snuck away overseas to travel through Mexico and the USA– looking for inspiration for the next record. Upon Nick’s return to Australia, the Double S hit the studio straight away to work on new music. The boys played the Obese Winter Block Party in Jindabyne before releasing part one of a new mixtape. Best Intentions: Part One, a free … Continue reading Spit Syndicate 2011 Wrap Up

Obese Records

Muph & Plutonic 2011 Wrap Up

Jim Steps

2011 has seen Muph & Plutonic hit stages again, playing Come Together, Essence, Reconciliation, Life’s A Beach festivals as a stripped back two piece with Plutonic on drums & Muph on the mic. They then hit the road on the national Party, Party, Party tour with Drapht throughout September / October. Plutonic continues to find extra hours in the week with his list of production credits continuing to reinforce his as one of the best & most prolific Australian beat producers in the game. Drapht, Gully Platoon, Horrowshow, Resin Dogs, TZU, Hilltop Hoods have all chosen to work with Plutonic Lab, … Continue reading Muph & Plutonic 2011 Wrap Up

Obese Records

M-Phazes 2011 Wrap Up

Jim Steps

M-Phazes, serial multi-tasker and our biggest international export, had a jam-packed ’11 touring, collaborating and producing some of the freshest sounds permeating our atmosphere. July 1st saw Phazes team up with dexterous US word-slinger Emilio Rojas to release self-titled album Phaze One. The two forged album over two years of to-ing and flowing across the Pacific, the LP features guest vocals from Illy, Mela Machinko (Pharoahe Monch and Jean Grae), and Mateo. Phaze One supported Wu Tang Clan on their Australian tour in early August. As well as his heavy involvement in a large portion of this year’s Australian hip hop releases … Continue reading M-Phazes 2011 Wrap Up

Obese Records

Illy 2011 Wrap Up

Jim Steps

2011 was a mammoth year for Illy. Following the release of his acclaimed second album The Chase in late 2010, it seemed Australia could not get enough of the young trailblazer. Smash hit single It Can Wait (feat. Owl Eyes) made ARIA Gold status selling more than 35,000 units. It was also nominated for best independent single 2011 AIR Awards, where The Chase was nominated for best hip hop and best urban album.  The Chase Album Tour in March was a great success, with two sold out shows at The Corner Hotel to his home-crowd. Later in the year Illy went on … Continue reading Illy 2011 Wrap Up

Obese Records

Dialectrix 2011 Wrap Up

Jim Steps

2011 has been a BIG year for the lyrical powerhouse, Dialectrix. Riding on the success of his second solo album, Audio Projectile, which was released in late 2010 (produced by Plutonic Lab), D-trix continued to smash the airwaves with hit singles Pieces of a Puzzle and Whut!. Along the way he encountered some career highlights including his live performance on Triple J’s Like A Version, where he and Pluto remade the classic Spiderbait track Buy Me A Pony. He also showcased his live skills to numerous cities as part of the Audio Projectile Tour, with label mate Pegz on his Bombs … Continue reading Dialectrix 2011 Wrap Up

allaussie hip hop exclusive, Coalmine Records

M-Phazes – Phazed Out

Jim Steps

Australia’s top rank hip-hop producer M-Phazes and legendary turntablist DJ Rhettmatic of the World Famous Beat Junkies, join forces for the February 14th release of Phazed Out. The project is a compilation of select singles taken from Coalmine Record’s catalog, remixed by the ARIA Award winning M-Phazes and blended together by the former DMC West Coast Champion, Rhettmatic. The mix breathes new life into many of the boutique label’s previously released material and includes guest features from the likes of Big Noyd, Phil The Agony, Termanology, Sadat X, Heltah Skeltah, CL Smooth, Skyzoo, Masta Ace, Brown Bag AllStars, El Da Sensei, Mela Machinko, J-Live and more. In promotion … Continue reading M-Phazes – Phazed Out

allaussie hip hop Podcasts

Ghosts In The Room – Where I Come From

Jim Steps

Ghosts In The Room is a Canberra based hip hop producer who began producing beats in 2001. Primarily a sample based producer, Ghosts in the Room has been influenced by other producers such as the RZA, The Alchemist and Just Blaze. In 2012 Ghosts in the Room will be releasing his self titled debut production album. The album features artists from both Australia and America with guests on the album including Kool G Rap, Bishop Lamont, Iron Solomon, Havoc (Mobb Deep), Rapper Big Pooh, Timeless Truth, Okwerdz, 360, Briggs, Fluent Form, Omar Musa, Newsense, NJE and many more. With mixing duties being handled by Ken Lewis and Geko, the album is shaping up … Continue reading Ghosts In The Room – Where I Come From

allaussie hip hop exclusive, Independent

Kadyelle – Puppet Strings

Jim Steps

Puppet Strings is the first single from Kadyelle’s new studio album, The Theory of Everything due for release in 2012. The track features SBX legends Dazastah, Optamus (of Downsyde),  Hunter & Porsah Laine, along with Perth’s beloved Soma and freshly WA-settled  veteran rapper from VIC, Thorts. The two-part single reps production from The Digital Assassin (formerly of Blades) and Rahjconkas.Vocals and ‘Rahjconkas Mix‘ beat mixed by Aetcix. Touted as being one of the most skillful females in the scene right now, after her solid debut release Earthworthy hit shelves in April 2010 (and later as a free download on Bandcamp). Kadyelle … Continue reading Kadyelle – Puppet Strings

allaussie hip hop exclusive

Sky’High joins 360 ‘Boys Like You’ Tour

Jim Steps

Sydney MC Sky’High has just been announced as a support act for the one of the hottest acts in Hip Hop in Australia right now 360. The shows on February 24th and 25th will be held at The Standard in Sydney and with the first show already sold out make sure you get your tickets fast. Tour dates: Fri Feb 24 – The Standard, Sydney NSW **SOLD OUT** With Sky’High Tickets via: Oztix – 360.oztix.com.au & Moshtix Sat Feb 25 – The Standard, Sydney NSW **NEW SHOW** With Sky’High Tickets via: Oztix – 360.oztix.com.au & Moshtix For the full list of dates and ticketing … Continue reading Sky’High joins 360 ‘Boys Like You’ Tour

allaussie hip hop exclusive

Aslan & Brad Strut – The Testament (Twelve Jewelz A.U.S)

Jim Steps

Founder of Twelve Jewelz Productions and The Horns of Jericho Soundsystem. UK based Emcee/Producer Aslan has been creating music & performing for well over a decade at home and abroad cementing himself as both an innovative lyricist and solid beat maker. Aslan has been busy building with his Twelve Jewelz family around the globe and is set to present the follow ups to The Concentration Camp Pt. 1 with The Latin Quarterz, French Legion, Twelve Jewels Australia, and The Horns Of Jericho compilations. This is the 2nd single from the forthcoming Aslan Presentz… Twelve Jewelz A.U.S titled The Testament feat. Brad Strut. Production by Aslan, for more information head to http://www.twelvejewelz.com. You can also purchase … Continue reading Aslan & Brad Strut – The Testament (Twelve Jewelz A.U.S)