Author: Jim Steps

Elefant Tracks, Unkut Recordings

rage FIFTY results

Jim Steps

rage recently held its rage FIFTY, which celebrated the top 50 film clips of 2011, as voted by you. We see some impressive results from Elefant Traks Hermitude, with their Speak Of The Devil video and also Trem from Unkut Recordings with his video for the track Animal  Kingdom. Both artist and teams who worked on the respective videos deserve a massive congratulations. Below are the results to the to 25 of the rage FIFTY which was revealed on ABC1 Christmas Eve. We also recommend you head over to Trem’s website and read what he had to say about the result, you … Continue reading rage FIFTY results

allaussie hip hop exclusive

Down Under Grime Vol. 1

Jim Steps

50/50 is pleased to present Down Under Grime Vol.1. Selected and mixed by Family Tree’s DJ Complex this features previously released as well as unreleased tracks and highlights by some of the strongest grime production and MC’ing coming out of Australia. Look out for Vol.2 coming very very shortly! You can find the track list below and download the mix by clicking on the little grey down arrow in the Soundcloud player. Track List 1. Spartan Riddim – Brinks / Nebs / Kerser 2. New Age – Arctic 3. Takeoff Freestyle – Fraksha / Fatty Phew 4. Magnum Riddim – … Continue reading Down Under Grime Vol. 1

Grind Time Now Australia

360 Vs. Kerser

Jim Steps

The biggest match up in Australian battle rap for 2011. Campbelltown’s Kerser goes toe to toe with Melbourne’s 360 to settle the hype between their two vocal fanbases. Will this battle decide the winner? The boys decided to let their fans argue it out, so comment, subscribe, share it with your friends, let us know who you thought won… Head over to the aahh Facebook Page to join the discussion. The battle was held at Laundry Bar by Grind Time Now Australia. Filmed and edited by Dands1. Kerser  ||  360  ||  Grind Time Now Australia Continue reading 360 Vs. Kerser

allaussie hip hop exclusive, Golden Era Records

Hilltop Hoods feat. Sia – I Love It (Debate Remix) – Pay With A Tweet

Jim Steps

Tweet To Pay and get a free Drinking From The Sun bonus track – Hilltop Hoods feat. Sia – I Love It (Debate Remix). Simply follow the Tweet To Pay link below or click the main image in order to pay with a Tweet and get your exclusive track. You can for a limited time, pre-order the exclusive Drinking From The Sun package. The full details of this package can be found below.  In the package you will find: A signed copy of ‘Drinking from the Sun’. A copy of the 2012 Golden Era Mixtape feat. Hilltop Hoods, Funkoars, Vents, ADFU … Continue reading Hilltop Hoods feat. Sia – I Love It (Debate Remix) – Pay With A Tweet

Obese Records

Thundamentals – How You Been? Teaser

Jim Steps

Building upon Sleeping On Your Style’s outstanding production, eclectic musical influences and compelling rhymes, Foreverlution is, as the title would suggest, a deliberate blend of timeless organic tones interspersed with more contemporary sounding influences.  From the ominously dulcet foghorn that intro’s opening track Holla through the big band enthused bombasticism of Calm In The Chaos, lead single Paint The Town Red and the Parisian swell of Check My Fresh (feat. Vida-Sunshyne), the first half of Foreverlution drips with 1920’s speakeasy soul. But though this and an old school RnB flavor permeate the record right through to the laid back Sunday afternoon slide … Continue reading Thundamentals – How You Been? Teaser

allaussie hip hop exclusive

Full Tote Odds – Place Your Bets

Jim Steps

Full Tote Odds are Levelheaded, Slats, Eslev, DJ Hacksaw and Ross Read. These five boys from the Adelaide hills have crossed paths in the music world for over fifteen years. Mates since the first year of High School, Slats, Levelheaded & DJ Hacksaw were members of the Blackwood Hip Hop group Train Of Thought. Under that name they released a highly acclaimed Demo (2002) and a hit debut album Moving Heads (2004). The Moving Heads LP was released through Obese Records and featured two other emerging Adelaide acts in Hilltop Hoods and Funkoars. The album sky-rocketed Train Of Thought to national recognition in … Continue reading Full Tote Odds – Place Your Bets

I Forget Sorry!

I Forget, Sorry! Mixtape 2011

Jim Steps

Started as a means for friends to cross promote each other, IFS has now grown into a label, record distributor and an artist management hub that is run entirely by the artists, for the artists. When most labels would decide to spread their releases out over a larger period of time the question must be raised is there method in I Forget, Sorry!’s madness? Time will fucking tell. A limited hard copy press of the mixtapes spread across a double disc is available for order through the http://www.iforgetsorry.com store now! The generous offering from the IFS crew includes; 1. Coptic Soldier – … Continue reading I Forget, Sorry! Mixtape 2011

Illusive Sounds

Pete Rock – Australian Tour 2012

Jim Steps

Illusive is thrilled to announce the first ever Australian tour by legendary New York producer/DJ, Pete Rock. The self proclaimed Soul Brother #1 hits Melbourne, Sydney, Brisbane and Perth in January 2012. Widely regarded as one of the greatest hip-hop producers of all time. He has embarked on an unrivaled production and solo career spanning two decades, seeing him produce iconic records for Run DMC, Public Enemy, A Tribe Called Quest, Nas, Ghostface Killah and Redman to name a few. He is credited as playing a major role in the merging of elements of jazz and funk into hip hop music, … Continue reading Pete Rock – Australian Tour 2012

Obese Records

Window Of Time – The Reamixes Vol. 1

Jim Steps

Obese Records and Goonbag Radio presents: Window Of Time – The Reamixes Volume #1. Reason welcomes in the the New Year with the release of a free Reamix album available now. Having recently announced his retirement Reason’s legacy will continue to carry on for many years to come, a testament to a true pioneer of the local scene.  Window Of Time – The Reamixes Volume #1 features remixes by Trials, Dazed, Mase & Mattic, B Wiv, Concrete Jungle & MC Pete. Plus a bonus unreleased track prduced by Debate. Available now for free download, grab a copy of the Window of Time Reamixes … Continue reading Window Of Time – The Reamixes Vol. 1

allaussie hip hop exclusive, Soulmate Records

360 – Boys Like You feat. Gossling – Official Video

Jim Steps

Fresh off the back of his Boys Like You Tour comes the official video for Boys Like You. What happens when you put 360, Gossling and Ruby Rose together and make a film clip? It turns into a gritty daytime soap opera, which is exactly what’s happened in the video for Boys Like You. Boys Like You is the latest lifted from Sixty’s latest record Falling & Flying and this is what he had to say about the tune. “Boys Like You is a song I wrote about my ex-girlfriend actually,. She cheated on me with one of my best … Continue reading 360 – Boys Like You feat. Gossling – Official Video

allaussie hip hop exclusive, Golden Era Records

Hilltop Hoods – I Love It Feat. Sia

Jim Steps

The Hilltop Hoods have treated fans to not only one brand new film clip for their lead single I Love It, taken from the upcoming Drinking From The Sun LP, due February 2012. The clips, produced by 3 different production companies each bring a unique take on the track. Check them all out below. Hilltop Hoods – I Love It Feat. Sia – Carl Allison & Nick Kozakis Version Kozakis and Allison bring together a perfect fusion of direction and visuals to compliment any production. Having worked together on high and low end projects they are making a solid impact on the … Continue reading Hilltop Hoods – I Love It Feat. Sia

Golden Era Records

Hilltop Hoods – Drinking From The Sun – Limited Edition Pre-Order

Jim Steps

The new Hilltop Hoods album, Drinking from the Sun will be released on March 9, 2012. A limited Edition Pre-order package is now available! Only 1000 units of this unique package have been manufactured. The pre-order package will come in an 11” round box container. This package contains: A signed copy of ‘Drinking from the Sun’. A copy of the 2012 Golden Era Mixtape feat. Hilltop Hoods, Funkoars, Vents, ADFU & Briggs. An ‘I Love It’ sticker. A 7” of ‘I Love It’ featuring a remix by Trials of the Funkoars. A ‘Drinking from the Sun’ T-shirt An exclusive pair of … Continue reading Hilltop Hoods – Drinking From The Sun – Limited Edition Pre-Order

Golden Era Records

The Funkoars – 2011 Knock Off Party + Comp To Win Tickets

Jim Steps

2011 is almost over so to celebrate The Funkoars are putting on the biggest after work Knock Off Party of the year! After their stand-out performance at Sprung Festival, The Funkoars are back to officially launch their ARIA Chart topping new album The Quickening along with an all-star cast of some of the best Hip-Hop artists Australia has to offer!! These are two knock off parties you do NOT want to miss out on! Check out the full dates below and be sure to enter the competition below to win a double passes to both shows. 2011 Knock Off Party … Continue reading The Funkoars – 2011 Knock Off Party + Comp To Win Tickets

allaussie hip hop exclusive, Train Of Thought Productions

Vinyl Villains – Back In Action (Remix)

Jim Steps

Vinyl Villains consist of Train Of Thought members Hacksaw & Debate. Hacksaw has been honing his skills on the decks since the mid 90’s and Debate started producing beats around the same time. Both attended Blackwood High and shared a passion for Hip Hop which has never waned.  In Early 2000 Debate approached Hacksaw to join his group then called Exhilation the group would eventually consist of 5 members and become known as Train Of Thought. In The Mid 2000’s members of Train Of Thought decided to pursue different interests in life but Hacksaw & Debate kept doing their thing and … Continue reading Vinyl Villains – Back In Action (Remix)

allaussie hip hop exclusive, Soulmate Records1 Comment

360 – Boys Like You Tour

Jim Steps

Enigmatic, straight-talking 360 is taking his contentious live show to the masses come February and March 2012 on the back of his addictive new single Boys Like You. And not a moment too soon. The Boys Like You Tour picks up where the sold out national Falling & Flying album tour left off. Boasting twelve big shows to give fans another tasty dose of the pumped up 360 party. Once again, it’s not just capital cities feeling the love, limited regional centres will also get a look into 360’s high-energy world. Six’s crew will join him in these live conquests and … Continue reading 360 – Boys Like You Tour

allaussie hip hop exclusive, Tape Death

Megatroid wins Icebird ‘Charmed Life’ remix competition

Jim Steps

Megatroid is a Sydney born, Vancouver based producer who has so far slipped under the radar of all but the most discerning hip hop/production fans. Think this is set to change though, especially now that he as won the Icebird ‘Charmed Life’ remix competition, beating over 150 entries to clinch the win!  The track was offered up for remix by the duo behind Icebird: legendary producer RJD2 and singer Aaron Livingson of The Mean. Megatroid went for a stripped back, minimalist vibe, commenting that he wanted to create “an alternative to the current dub-step trend in electronic music, which is brutal … Continue reading Megatroid wins Icebird ‘Charmed Life’ remix competition

Obese Records

Mantra – Voodoo Music Official Video

Jim Steps

In contrast to the lyrical introspection prominent in revered first single Got Me Wrong (featuring Parvyn Kaur Singh) (Triple J’s most requested song in the week following its release), Voodoo Music is essentially a celebration of Mantra’s aptitude for wordplay and metaphor. Crediting the production genius of young Melbourne wiz-kid Abstrakt with cuts from DJ Wasabi, Voodoo Music is characterized by its rupturing bass and pan flute-esk synths bringing Mantra’s audaciously swaggering flow to new heights. ‘One of the albums most bangin’ beats for sure. Produced by young buck Abztrakt, this track is all about the flow. I got really … Continue reading Mantra – Voodoo Music Official Video

Elefant Tracks

Hermitude – HyperParadise

Jim Steps

Hermitude soar to new heights on their fourth album HyperParadise out February 3rd 2012. It follows the astonishing success of lead single Speak of The Devil, the dancefloor gem thrashed by Australian radio; whose infectious video clip won the 2011 triple j J Award for Australian Music Video of the Year. HyperParadise is Hermitude hitting the bullseye of their artistic vision, the most perfectly representative record showing their grasp of future beats, electronica and hip hop. It’s not just their meticulousness in production and musicianship, it’s the passion and love they have for instrumental electronic music that sets them so far … Continue reading Hermitude – HyperParadise

Big Village Records

True Vibenation drops their second single ‘No More’

Jim Steps

It’s been a hectic few weeks since Sydney outfit True Vibenation released their debut album The Sunshower Phenomenon. The album was named as Triple J Hip Hop Show ‘Album of the Week’ and has received great airplay across the country on stations including Triple J, FBI, RTR FM and 3RRR. The music video for their first single Work, Work, Work feat, Alphamama has had numerous plays on ABC TV’s Rage and has clocked over 5000 views on YouTube. On the back of considerable hype as well as praise from industry insiders True Vibenation’s second single No More was quickly snapped up for … Continue reading True Vibenation drops their second single ‘No More’

Independent

Blades – Future

Jim Steps

Newcastle hip hop band Blades welcome the release of their new single, Future. Combining an electric mix of drum and bass, dub-step and electro beats against a hip hop canvas, the trio comprising of Kid Lyrical, Wizadry & Likewyse partner the track with anthem-inspiring rhymes to create the perfect party jam. After establishing a fan base and funding their own trip to perform in Hamburg, Switerland and the Glastonbury Festival in 2008, Blades have managed to create a global sound by retaining an unmistakable Australian grounding in their music. Having already been received well by radio, Future is sure to … Continue reading Blades – Future

Big Village Records

Ellesquire – On The Prowl Official Video

Jim Steps

Ellesquire blends humorous, self deprecating lyrics with more traditional hip hop style braggadocio battle raps while exploring topics from reflections on life and heart break to visions for his future. But not one to confine himself to just rapping Ellesquire also shows some singing talent handling hooks with a clear ear for melody. Ready is a 17-track collection of songs produced entirely by beatmaker/jazz musician extraordinaire P Major, featuring sample heavy, lo-fi beats alongside soulful, eloquent rhymes with guest spots by P.Smurf, Tenth Dan & Rapaport and cuts by Sam Z. On The Prowl is the lead single from Ellesquire’s debut album … Continue reading Ellesquire – On The Prowl Official Video

Independent

Stateovmind – Something For Nothing EP

Jim Steps

Short, crisp and delicious are three words that can describe the Debut EP from Canberra’s own Stateovmind. This five track offering serves the listener up a mouth watering selection of clever, poetic and potent wordplay. With classic and fresh home-style flavours which range from the traditional to the more modern and personal. All the while simmering amongst a sound-scape of handpicked drum soaked bass bubbling beats. Delivered by some of Australia’s premier beatsmiths including M-Phazes. Coming from the isolated, forgotten and often criticised Canberra has given Stateovmind the time and space to develop a unique style of home-grown hip hop. Despite … Continue reading Stateovmind – Something For Nothing EP

allaussie hip hop exclusive, Golden Era Records

Hilltop Hoods Super Request Super Farewell

Jim Steps

As promised the Hilltop Hoods are putting on two exclusive side-shows in Perth, as they will not be appearing on the Perth leg of the BDO tour. The shows will be held at Capitol on Thursday & Friday the 9th & 10th of February, 2012. After the Hilltop Hoods first Perth side-show sold out in the first few days the guys have added a second due to popular demand. Apart from Vents & ADFU, the Hoods will be joined by Perth’s very own Dazastah & Layla (at both shows). Tickets are now on sale from here! Hilltop Hoods  ||  Twitter  ||  Golden Era Records Continue reading Hilltop Hoods Super Request Super Farewell

allaussie hip hop exclusive, The Ayems

Drapht – ARIA Performance

Jim Steps

Drapht is still currently on cloud nine from a couple of weeks ago after taking home the ARIA for Best Urban Album.  It was his first year in attendance at the ARIAs and was lucky enough to have been asked to open the ceremony with a performance of Rapunzel which you can watch below. Drapht is currently enjoying a couple of weeks at home in Perth, but is excited about what’s to come with his summer Festival appearances kicking off again on the 30th December in Rockhampton for the Oxford St Party and finishing up in his home town for … Continue reading Drapht – ARIA Performance

Uncategorized

Hilltop Hoods Initiative is Back Again!

Jim Steps

The 2012 Hilltop Hoods Initiative is now open for applications. The Hilltop Hoods Initiative is a $10,000 grant funded by Hilltop Hoods and APRA to help emerginglocal Hip Hop artists to manufacture, market and release an album. In past years the grant was restricted to South Australian residents but since 2009 the guys have made the grant available to applicants Australia-wide. In addition to the $10,000 in funding, the winner will receive legal advice courtesy of David Vodika and Media Arts Lawyers which can be used for general legal or specific career advice, plus a Shure Microphone prize pack. To … Continue reading Hilltop Hoods Initiative is Back Again!

allaussie hip hop exclusive, Independent

Tom Showtime: The Bullet Train feat N’Fa Jones – EP3013

Jim Steps

Introducing Tom Showtime, a man of many guises. Although appearing to the overt eye as a DJ, this talent brimming character is also labeled producer, café owner, saxophonist and gramophone enthusiast. From Be-Bop to Breakbeat, Tom’s passion for music is paralleled only to his tenacious enjoyment of watermelon, coffee and cricket. Tom began collecting and spinning records in London in early 2000, indubitably motivated by the collection of English house DJ’s and producers sharing his house. After several years, he returned home to Melbourne to release The Showtime EP’; a head nodding Trip Hop odyssey showcasing original horn lines and … Continue reading Tom Showtime: The Bullet Train feat N’Fa Jones – EP3013

allaussie hip hop exclusive, Broken Tooth Entertainment, Elefant Tracks, Golden Era Records, MGM, SBX

Australian Hip Hop Supports Canteen

Jim Steps

The Australian Hip Hop Supports Canteen collection is at one a definitive catalogue of Australian contemporary music and a warm and charitable gesture to our sick Australian kids from a supportive Australian music community. Australian Hip Hop Supports Canteens includes some of the final works from Hunter as well as a swarm of contributions from the local hip hop community. This very special album was the brainchild and final project of recently deceased seminal local rapper, Hunter. Sadly, Hunter missed the release of this album by weeks, losing his long battle with cancer in October 2011 and leaving his much-loved crew … Continue reading Australian Hip Hop Supports Canteen

allaussie hip hop exclusive

Mark B & Dialect – Fresh Wild Fly & Bold (Theory 77 Turntable Death-Mix)

Jim Steps

Theory 77 remixes Mark B & Dialect’s recent single Fresh, Wild, Fly & Bold; a tribute to old-skool Hip-Hop pioneers The Cold Crush Brothers.  We caught up with Mark B earlier today to get the lowdown on the new Fresh Wild Fly & Bold remix, check that out below. aahh: What was the reasoning behind your choice of producer on the new Fresh Wild Fly & Bold remix? Mark B: I’ve never been a fan of remixes so when I first looked at the idea of remixing the song I knew we had to come with something totally different to the original version we made. … Continue reading Mark B & Dialect – Fresh Wild Fly & Bold (Theory 77 Turntable Death-Mix)

allaussie hip hop exclusive1 Comment

N’fa Jones: New single ‘Wayooy’ feat. Roots Manuva & M-Phazes

Jim Steps

N’fa Jones frontman of genre bending local hip hop collaboration 1200 Techniques is back on Australian shores with a new EP in hand, Babylondon. You would have seen him already, with recent collaborations on Drapht’s Bali Party, taken from the AIR and ARIA Award winning album Life Of Riley. As well as with 360 on a deeper album cut Hope You Don’t Mind from the AIR Award winning album Falling & Flying. N’fa’s not just back to Party Party Party, he also brought some almighty tunes home with him and has just dropped his brand new single Wayooy, featuring stellar collaborations with Roots … Continue reading N’fa Jones: New single ‘Wayooy’ feat. Roots Manuva & M-Phazes

Elefant Tracks1 Comment

The Herd announce A Thousand Lives – New tour & video

Jim Steps

The Herd get set for an action packed 2012 with the announcement of a cross country stampede and the release of video for their third single, A Thousand Lives. A Thousand Lives’ nostalgic narrative sees The Herd at their story-telling best. The uplifting track is taken from the critically adored fifth album Future Shade. The new video is a ‘to camera’ piece utilising a projector to juxtapose the members’ previous lives. The video announcement coincides with announcement of the A Thousand Lives Tour, which takes place in March/April 2012 (see below for dates). This tour the hip hop pioneers will bring something … Continue reading The Herd announce A Thousand Lives – New tour & video