Author: Jim Steps

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LHA – This Is Your Life

Jim Steps

In just over a week, Sydney-based hip hop duo, LHA, hit the stage at the Gaelic Club for the official launch of their debut album, Split Decision. It’s the first time the outfit will be playing with a full live band that includes drums, trumpet and renowned sax player, Jason Bruer, who has played with BB King. With fellow Sydney locals, Five Coffees, Charmers, DJ Dlect, 2Deep helping out with proceedings, the night is sure to be full of smooth flows and the tightest beats Sydney has to offer.  The latest single from Split Decision, This Is Your Life, is … Continue reading LHA – This Is Your Life

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Full Tote Odds – Southern Wind

Jim Steps

Full Tote Odds are the latest in a long line of successful hip hop artists produced by the Adelaide Hills. The first single from their forthcoming album Place Your Bets, Southern Wind is a heartfelt hip hop ballad layered with rich piano, splashes of live drums and twists of strings and guitar. Echoing through the tale of a fractured, flawed relationship is an aching, bittersweet refrain sung by the sultry Taylor Jones. The progress of an inevitable decline and vicious decay of something that was once so beautiful into a blurred, bleak disfunction is captured expertly by MCs Slats, Levelheaded and … Continue reading Full Tote Odds – Southern Wind

Obese Records

Illy Goes ARIA Gold!

Jim Steps

Illy’s smash-hit single It Can Wait feat. Owl Eyes has just received ARIA Gold status after selling its 35,000th copy! The Chase has been nominated for Best Urban Album at the 2012 ARIA Awards! To top that news, he is also back in the studio already after his huge tour with Spit Syndicate, M-Phazes and Sietta. “I have been in the studio with Phizzle pretty flat out working on shit for the next album (coming mid 2012) and it is really, really coming along well. Can’t wait to get some more stuff out. If you’ve been to one of the recent … Continue reading Illy Goes ARIA Gold!

allaussie hip hop exclusive

Burn: New!! Summer 2011 Has Landed…

Jim Steps

It’s been a long time between drinks, but after giving the retailers a head start with the new Summer range, the guys over at Burn have just finished updating the online store with loads of new product. You are one of the first to know about this update, so be quick. New Stock Online Now: – New tee designs – New colours of some reprints – New guest artist tees by NAILS and CURE – New caps (and restock of old favourites) – New snap back caps Burn Clothing  ||  Twitter  ||  Facebook Continue reading Burn: New!! Summer 2011 Has Landed…

allaussie hip hop exclusive, Golden Era Records

Hilltop Hoods announce the details of a brand new track ‘I Love It feat. Sia’

Jim Steps

Hilltop Hoods have just announced that they will premiere their brand new single I Love It feat. Sia on Triple J Breakfast next Monday (Nov 21). The new tune, the first off their forthcoming album Drinking From The Sun, will be officially released on Friday November 25. I Love It features the vocal work of fellow South Australian product Sia.  The Hilltop Hoods will also be supporting Eminem on his massive 3 show Lose Yourself Australian tour. Tickets for the 2nd Sydney show go on sale tomorrow. You’ll want to be quick. The Hoods sixth album Drinking From The Sun drops in February 2012. Hilltop … Continue reading Hilltop Hoods announce the details of a brand new track ‘I Love It feat. Sia’

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Summadayze Adelaide – New Years Eve

Jim Steps

Black. White. Grey. It’s all a bit blah, really. Where’s the fun? Where’s the excitement? Where’s all the colour gone? Well, Future Entertainment is bringing it back in all of its vivid glory. We’ve found a place where colour thrives, every day and every night. Somewhere you can splash bright green over there, some yellow up there, and sky blue or crazy hot pink everywhere. At any time, anywhere, you can paint the town red, purple, orange or whatever you like. It’s your world, your party, your New Years Eve … so lift the lid and make a splash! Welcome to Colourfornia: where … Continue reading Summadayze Adelaide – New Years Eve

Groove Penguin Records

The Psyde Projects – Orfd

Jim Steps

The Psyde Projects are happy to introduce to you their new single Orfd. The new EP leans towards a more electronic direction as you’ll notice with this single. Late last year The Psyde Projects went off on their first ever tour to promote their debut album, Welcome to Boomtown.  After their very successful album launch, their hit single Kay-Pee-Em got picked up by Australia’s national music radio show, Triple J, which received great reviews and was played on high rotation!  This year they’re set to tour nationally again to promote their second 6 track EP aptly titled The Psyde Projects: Volume II. Whilst still staying true to the sampling … Continue reading The Psyde Projects – Orfd

Stolen Records

Prime – Good Morning (Out Now)

Jim Steps

There has been quite a bit of buzz surrounding Soulmate Records latest signee emcee Prime’s – Good Morning release… Friday we all saw why. The South Australian emcee has released his debut solo for free download exclusively through his website.  The free download features 18 tracks with original production from One Above, Cam Bluff, Answer, Purpose, Mules and more. We also see Raven, Motive, 4th and Purpose share mic duties. Good Morning (with it’s 18-piece cover art series) is available for FREE download exclusively from PrimeIsHere.com Stay tuned for our upcoming interview with Prime, dropping soon.  Tracklisting: 1. 8am – Produced … Continue reading Prime – Good Morning (Out Now)

allaussie hip hop exclusive, Golden Era Records

The Funkoars “It’s All Good” Tumblr

Jim Steps

To celebraate the release of The Funkoars single “It’s All Good (Is Very Good)” the guys have created a Tumblr account. The guys want you to submit your most “Classic” photos to funkoarstumblr@gmail.com. The most classic of the classic will win prizes! A certified party anthem It’s All Good (Is Very Good) has consistently been the stand out track performed on The Funkoars national album launch tour and gathered one of the biggest responses during their headline performance at Brisbane’s Sprung Festival.  The Funkoars new single is available now on iTunes.  The single package includes two exclusive remixes by Trials and Debate with a guest verse from Mortar. Produced by Funkoars group member Trials (Hilltop Hoods, Drapht, … Continue reading The Funkoars “It’s All Good” Tumblr

Elefant Tracks

Elefant Traks Announces an Industry first ‘CD Plus MPFree’

Jim Steps

Your favourite label is leading the way with a new system of album sales through the Elefant Traks online store called CD + MPfree. Get a CD or vinyl sent to your letterbox; receive the same album as high quality MP3s in your inbox, free and Immediately! Downloads and cloud-based consumption is undoubtedly the future, but labels still sell more CDs than digital albums. This is about rewarding those who feel the liner note love and value lyric booklets or signed copies, or the joy of a parcel in the mail. It’s two for the price of one, without devaluing … Continue reading Elefant Traks Announces an Industry first ‘CD Plus MPFree’

allaussie hip hop exclusive, Born Fresh

Seven – Good Thing feat. Mr. Hill

Jim Steps

The release of single, Good Thing heralds a new era for Gold Coast emcee Seven. With renewed vigour he unveils Sevensies.com, a website designed to bring fans and the unfamiliar to his music in the simplest way possible. Good Thing, featuring long time collaborators Mr. Hill and talk-of-the-town producer Cam Bluff is the first track leaked to the masses from the forthcoming Summer 2012 release Floated. Sevensies.com will be home to all foreseeable musical endeavours, available for free digital consumption to the public. This direction is without qualm or concern; he merely aims to present his stories and often jovial … Continue reading Seven – Good Thing feat. Mr. Hill

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Brad Strut Interview: UK, Unfuckwithable, & Unkut Recordings

Jim Steps

In 2001 Brad Strut released his debut long player The Authentic LP, an album which marked a turning point in local hip hop. allaussie hip hop catch up with Australian legend Brad Strut as he returns home from the UK. Not only does Strut talk about his upcoming release, we also delve head first with Strut into the other projects he has been working on include Ciecmate’s – Chess Sounds Vol. 1. aahh: After spending a few years over in the UK you’re back in Australia. How did you find the time spent in the UK and are you happy to … Continue reading Brad Strut Interview: UK, Unfuckwithable, & Unkut Recordings

allaussie hip hop exclusive, Crate Cartel

Exclusive: Geko & Aetcix – GOATMOB ‘Flatline’ feat. Fatty Phew

Jim Steps

‘GOATMOB’; Virtual socio-phobes, they are seldom seen at nightclubs, festivals or other communal shindigs. It is believed they spend most of their waking life underground, practising their primitive form of music and imbibing in strange herbs and potions. Emerging from the midst of Melbourne’s underground, the latest production from the illustrious Crate Cartel crew is Goatmob. Both emcees and producers respectively, the complimentary alliance that is Geko and Aetcix successfully combine their individual styles to bring this peculiarly alluring project to fruition. Goatmob reunites the duo again after collaborating on previous projects such as 2007’s Raw Four EP and the … Continue reading Exclusive: Geko & Aetcix – GOATMOB ‘Flatline’ feat. Fatty Phew

allaussie hip hop exclusive

Aslan Presentz… Co-Offenderz 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. Heavily influenced by the sounds he heard growing up when he would borrow his parents vinyls/cassetes which he descibes as “…a mix of everything from reggae, classic soul, rnb and motown to rock, house, dub, and early hipn hop”. By age 10 he started to build his own collection of music, the 1st CD being Ice Cubes “Amerikkkas Most Wanted”, he … Continue reading Aslan Presentz… Co-Offenderz Twelve Jewelz A.U.S.

allaussie hip hop exclusive, Golden Era Records

New Funkoars Clip & Single Out Now – It’s All Good {Is Very Good}

Jim Steps

Fresh off the back of their #11 Aria Album Chart debut for their brand new album The Quickening, The Funkoars are proud to deliver their breakthrough single It’s All Good (Is Very Good). A certified party anthem It’s All Good (Is Very Good) has consistently been the stand out track performed on The Funkoars national album launch tour and gathered one of the biggest responses during their headline performance at Brisbane’s Sprung Festival. The Funkoars new single is available now on iTunes. The single package includes two exclusive remixes by Trials and Debate with a guest verse from Mortar. Produced by Funkoars group member … Continue reading New Funkoars Clip & Single Out Now – It’s All Good {Is Very Good}

allaussie hip hop exclusive, Elefant Tracks

Urthboy – Exclusives EP

Jim Steps

Urthboy has been busy in the studio… going through the studio hard drive where he has located a stack of songs that have been released as a free download to his Mailing List a few weeks ago. The release titled Exclusives EP, features 9 tracks going back pre-Signal and post-Spitshine.  To stay up to date with all of the latest Urthboy happenings and news plus special exclusives goodies like this, be sure to sign up to the Urthboy mailing list right here. Urthboy will be performing at the Nick Cave Tribute shows called Straight to You in November. Urthboy has been working away … Continue reading Urthboy – Exclusives EP

allaussie hip hop exclusive, Golden Era Records

Eminem adds 2nd Sydney show

Jim Steps

Hilltop Hoods will be playing an additional tour date with Eminem! After the first two shows sold out in under an hour, the promoters have negotiated adding a second Sydney show at the Sydney Football Stadium on December 4th. Tickets for the second Sydney show go on sale at 2pm from Ticketek on Wednesday November 16th. Hilltop Hoods will be accompanying Eminem on all his Australian tour dates. Dec. 1st – Melbourne Etihad Arena (Sold out) Dec. 2nd – Sydney – Sydney Football Stadium (Sold out) Dec. 4th – Sydney – Sydney Football Stadium Ticketek  ||  Hilltop Hoods  ||  Twitter Continue reading Eminem adds 2nd Sydney show

LookUP Records

Burns & Nebs – Sugar Magik

Jim Steps

Here we have some new music from the LookUP family – a collaboration between Scott Burns & Nebs titled Sugar Magik. This 5 track free release is available for free download on sugarmagik.com or from the link below. The Sugar Magik release features some killer artwork from Mike Watt, you can check out the lead single below. Tracklist 1. In The Zone 2. Some Decibels 3. Another Message 4. Burns Sugar Nebs Magik 5. A Toast Vocals + Lyrics = Scott Burns Production + Mastering = Nebs Artwork = Mike Watt Sugar Magik  ||  Download Link  ||  LookUp Records Continue reading Burns & Nebs – Sugar Magik

Big Village Records

True Vibenation – The Sunshower Phenomenon (Out Now)

Jim Steps

True Vibenation is a group with undeniable talent and soul representing a cultural shift in the Australian hip hop scene. With a take on the music that borrows from genres as diverse as afro-beat, pop, dubstep and blues their debut album The Sunshower Phenomenon sounds like it could have come out of anywhere in the world, yet is distinctly Australian. Not content with sticking to the traditional format of just MCing or DJing the talented trio also reforms into a horn section, performing all horns on the record. Released on November 4 through Sydney imprint Big Village, The Sunshower Phenomenon is a … Continue reading True Vibenation – The Sunshower Phenomenon (Out Now)

allaussie hip hop exclusive

Reason – Window Of Time (Out Now)

Jim Steps

Reason’s Window of Time is the final solo effort of his pioneering career, a true testament to his twenty plus years of dedication to Australian hip hop and reflective of his journey thus far. Window of Time, in essence, is intended to open minds and expose its listener to a mélange of historical, situational and currently pressing themes. Reason, both a school teacher and youth workshop facilitator, takes actualities to words with the intention of inspiring positive action. The album’s conceptual roots are of a worldly emphasis in contrast to the artists previous releases that were more indicative of his local … Continue reading Reason – Window Of Time (Out Now)

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Impossible Odds “Everything” with Georgia Corowa

Jim Steps

Based around the core of front-man Rival MC (aka Fred Leone) and DJ Returnagain (aka James Vincent), Impossible Odds are an Indigenous Hip Hop/Soul group from Brisbane. October saw the release of their long awaited debut album Against All Odds. With one EP and 3 singles released over the last 5 years, Impossible Odds have held a steady line. Though still instinctively founded in the indigenous community – through strong national community radio and triple J play, heavy media coverage, killer live shows, big support slot’s and national touring – the band have also earned themselves a large mainstream audience. … Continue reading Impossible Odds “Everything” with Georgia Corowa

allaussie hip hop exclusive, Independent

Stalkz – We Never Left (Nov 25)

Jim Steps

Stalkz is one of Gold Coast most celebrated artists. He’s been laying low for the past few years, and is about to return to the scene with a bang. That bang he’s referring to is a brand new 12 track album entitled We Never Left. It’s a mix album featuring new music from Stalkz and an array of local and overseas talent. Appearances range from The Winnie Coopers, Trace Elements & DJ Butcher to ferocious new comers such as Kamal Ali, Frekwent C and Lozzy Ozborn. The album made complete with the instrumental stylings of US producer Vherbal of Anno Domini … Continue reading Stalkz – We Never Left (Nov 25)

allaussie hip hop exclusive

Eloquor – I Know (Preview)

Jim Steps

Melbourne’s Eloquor will be releasing his 7 track EP entitled Human Condition come early November. The ethically outspoken emcee has spent much of the 2011 slamming hype duties on the Pegz ‘Bombs Away Tour’ alongside Dialectrix, Joe New and DJ 2Buck, still managing to bring his own project to life despite a busy schedule. The opening track I Know outlines the many challenges Eloquor has faced growing up over the years. By chance Eloquor met Hattori Hanzo in a restaurant while having a meeting with his manager about the EP. He overheard them talking about Hip Hop and came over and introduced himself. From there we exchanged numbers … Continue reading Eloquor – I Know (Preview)

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Mantra – Speaking Volumes Tour Comp

Jim Steps

Mantra is fast becoming one of Australia’s most eminent hip hop artists. After setting a new bench mark with first solo effort Power Of The Spoken, the Melbourne emcee is back with an explosive new release entitled Speaking Volumes. Combining both musical proficiency and articulate character, Mantra has delivered a seamless, holistic album.  Speaking Volumes exhibits the intricate philosophizing idiosyncrasy of Mantra’s rhymes. His vehement lyricism with its tapestry of subject matters is vividly transposed by its musical accompaniment for the album’s entirety. Publicly, yet astutely labelled ‘your favourite rapper’s favourite rapper’, it was no surprise that an inundation of accomplished names stepped forward … Continue reading Mantra – Speaking Volumes Tour Comp

Independent

Prime & Purpose – Top Billin’

Jim Steps

Adelaide MC’s Prime & Purpose (Pagen Elypsis) return to the Top Billin’ show armed with 100 bars a piece. The guys are both preparing for solo releases, Prime with his LP Good Morning and Purpose with his If The City Had A Voice Pt. 3 mixtape, followed also by his solo LP.  Good Morning will be available for free download, so keep an eye out for further details on that coming real soon. You can still download Purpose’s newest mixtape track lifted from his upcoming If The City Had A Voice Pt. 3 titled Don’t I Know It here. Prime Twitter  ||  Purpose … Continue reading Prime & Purpose – Top Billin’

Independent

Purpose – If The City Had A Voice Pt. 3

Jim Steps

Adelaide producer / emcee and Pagen Elypsis member, Purpose has been building momentum to his début solo effort with his cracking If The City Had A Voice mixtape series. Late November will see If The City Had A Voice Pt. 3 drop for free release and  is mixed by fellow South Australian DJ Hacksaw. Artists that feature on If The City Had A Voice Pt. 3 include fellow PE members Prime and Motive, with production by Purpose, Answer, Rob Shaker (WA) and Cam Bluff (QLD). Purpose has put out 6 releases both as a solo artist and as an integral part of group efforts. His growth both in and out of the … Continue reading Purpose – If The City Had A Voice Pt. 3

allaussie hip hop exclusive, Golden Era Records

Hilltop Hoods Western Canadian Tour

Jim Steps

Hilltop Hoods are hard at it over the next few months with a tour of Canada happening next month, the massive sold out tour with Eminem and a run of festival dates which include the national Big Day Out Tour. The Hoods will play 3 massive dates in Canada followed by the two huge sold out shows in Melbourne and Sydney.  Suffa, Pressure and DJ Debris will then be busy preparing for the launch of their brand new LP titled Drinking From The Sun, due out early February 2012. Crowds will also be pleased to hear that at least 3 tracks … Continue reading Hilltop Hoods Western Canadian Tour

Golden Era Records

Methodz – Winner of the “Marked For Death” Remix Competition

Jim Steps

Australian producer Methodz produces a stomper remix of Vents – Marked For Death. The illusive Melbourne producer Methodz is a member of the Cheapskates Crew which include Katchem, Seedy Cest and Vawn A.G on the cuts.  Growing up in Melbourne he was always fascinated by the fact that most classic albums started in a bedroom/ basement and he credits Alchemist as his biggest influence among many. Other than his own crew Methodz has worked with Brad Strut, Shawn Lov, Maundz, Raven and Fluent Form to name a few and hopes to expand this list very soon. When describing his sound he says … Continue reading Methodz – Winner of the “Marked For Death” Remix Competition

allaussie hip hop exclusive

Saki – The Silent Son EP

Jim Steps

While most follow the leader, Melbourne MC Saki has deliberately ventured off on his own forging himself as a creative voice and irrefutable talent. Laced with a calm demeanour, Saki oozes truth and boasts a mindful and vulnerable approach to song writing. Born of Polynesian/Australian descent, Saki Dj’d since 1999 with the aspirations to become a producer. Looking to fine tune his studio skills he attended SAE Music College and received a Diploma in Music Industry. Initially production was Saki’s main focus, but this was quickly overtaken by his urge to write. Three years later Saki has joined forces with … Continue reading Saki – The Silent Son EP

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Adelaide – Trem Listening Party

Jim Steps

This Saturday October 28, it’s Adelaide’s turn to be treated to the spectacle that is the Trem – For The Term Of His Natural Life LP release. Clinic 116, Ironlak & Unkut Recordings are pleased to present For The Term Of His Natural Life Listening Party to be held at Clinic 116.  Message from Trem: ADL Fam, please get down to Clinic 116 this Saturday the 29th Oct to join us and help celebrate my albums release. The first two were crazy in Melbs and QLD so I hope many of you will be able free up a minute in the arvy to come past and say g’day. The … Continue reading Adelaide – Trem Listening Party