Author: Jim Steps

Unkut Recordings

Trem – For The Term Of His Natural Life (Official Listening Party)

Jim Steps

In a time capsule unearthed in an overgrown train yard on the outskirts of Melbourne, archaeologists discover a dirt encrusted artefact, a codex of the art and science of hip hop based on a blueprint etched in concrete during a period of innovation. It bears the marks of the late 1980s and early 90s when the elemental standards were laid down by a small elite. The artefact in question is For The Term of His Natural Life, the debut solo LP from Australia’s finest lyrical craftsman, Trem One. To say début is misleading, though. With a small but revered discography including two sought after vinyl EPs and his … Continue reading Trem – For The Term Of His Natural Life (Official Listening Party)

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Phrase National Tour

Jim Steps

Artfully designed to jack up your adrenalin, Phrase’s third studio album Babylon hums with tremolo guitar, Farfisa and Hammond lines. The choruses (so epic they must be carved into the side of a mountain somewhere) feature gutsy vocals from an unlikely crew of special guests including Alex Burnett of Sparkadia, Davey Lane, Guineafowl, Jane Doe, and Jimmy Barnes. Accustomed to dropping his rhymes over loops and breaks, this time around Harley did away with all the samples and penned songs from scratch on guitar. Finding himself leaning to the raw, desperate delivery of Australian garage rock and British mod, Phrase enlisted a producer Tony Buchen, with a similar aesthetic, and the … Continue reading Phrase National Tour

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Plutonic Lab joins Hilltop Hoods on tour

Jim Steps

Plutonic Lab, best known as one of Australia’s leading hip hop producers & one half of Muph & Plutonic, has been hand picked to join Hilltop Hoods as their live drummer. 2012 will be a massive year for Hilltop Hoods, with Plutonic’s first official shows beginning in December with the Eminem tour, continuing with the Big Day Out & beyond. After years of hard work & contributions to the Australian Hip-Hop community, touring with Hilltop Hoods is a definite career highlight to Plutonic’s long list of achievements. Currently on tour with Drapht, Muph & Plutonic will continue as a duo, however the forthcoming WA & QLD … Continue reading Plutonic Lab joins Hilltop Hoods on tour

allaussie hip hop exclusive, Independent

Drakezilla’s – Redhead 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. Drakezilla is currently finishing up a new album titled Redhead Redemption which features production from Trials, Sammsonite, Engineer, Mdusu, Mules and more.  Guests include Smiles Again (Mind Over Matter), Syntax and Johnny Utah. Drakezilla has now dropped the official video for the track I Look Down which was produced by Trials, additional drums by Drakezilla and bass & keys by Mdusu. The whole video was animated by Elle Reid. You can check out the video clip below and … Continue reading Drakezilla’s – Redhead Redemption

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Jay Daniels – The Drop-In

Jim Steps

Joshua “Jay Daniels” Neal (born August 23, 1990) is a 21 year old writer, rapper and singer from Sydney, Australia. At the age of 16 Jay began writing lyrics and recording songs out of his own bedroom. Jay developed his own style throughout the years, and improved his craft as he posted his music on various hip-hop forums, receiving feedback from other unsigned artists across the globe. Jay developed his own style throughout the years, and improved his craft. 2010 was the year which Jay decided he really wanted to push things forward, which began with Jay building the trusted … Continue reading Jay Daniels – The Drop-In

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Forbes – Kid Been Waiting

Jim Steps

Forbes has been breaking grounds this year dropping mixtape tracks that have been well received and even releasing a track with Pez . Lately we have seen a series of tracks aimed at the haters with an upbeat fuck you feel to them. Forbes is back with his second EP release titled Kid Been Waiting. “I conciously made the EP more ‘commericially appealling’, I chose beats that I thought were current and on that ‘next level’. It was therapudic to talk about some personal struggles I’ve dealt with in the past, sever anxiety, panic attacks and long bouts with depression. The EP … Continue reading Forbes – Kid Been Waiting

allaussie hip hop exclusive, Elefant Tracks

The Last Kinection win two ‘Deadlys’ and release new track ‘Are We There Yet?’

Jim Steps

No strangers to the music industry, The Last Kinection have had significant success and experience for years before the group formed. Naomi (MC Nay) was one half of R&B Pop group Shakaya and signed with a major multinational label at the age of 16, quickly climbing the ARIA charts and selling platinum singles and a debut album.  Joel Wenitong (Weno) and Jacob Turier (Jaytee) were on the rise as part of the infectious group Local Knowledge (Music Oz’ Best Indigenous Artist in 2005; Best Group in the 2005 Deadly Awards) before it folded. Disheartened and frustrated, all three quickly moved on to form The Last Kinection, … Continue reading The Last Kinection win two ‘Deadlys’ and release new track ‘Are We There Yet?’

allaussie hip hop exclusive, EMI Records, Soulmate Records

360 – Falling & Flying: Track By Track

Jim Steps

True to the title of his upcoming album Falling & Flying, Melbourne hip-hop artist 360 has been through some serious ups and downs over the past 12 months. All that is about to change with the impending release of Falling & Flying, which after a feverish wait is now out.  After announcing his partnership with Soulmate/EMI in mid-2010, and leaking album track The Take Off to his growing legion of fans, the former underground emcee seemed to be sitting on top of the world. But after a karting accident in late 2010 that nearly took his life (he still has … Continue reading 360 – Falling & Flying: Track By Track

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Down For The Count Records presents – “Down For The Count” Label Album

Jim Steps

The 1935 image taken from the infamous Max Baer vs Joe Louis personifies the first full length release from Down For The Count Records. A surprise attack from the newly formed crew consisting of Dazed, Mol1, Sinks, Sparts and Force, Down For The Count is overflowing with a passion, drive and respect for the genre that lately seems to have gone to the wayside. Sixteen tracks deep and featuring in house production from Dazed combined with heaters from B Wiv, Chris Labs, Double Digits, Shroomz, Alabama, Bipola, Rotten Produce, Flash Forest and Chris Labs has allowed each emcee to craft … Continue reading Down For The Count Records presents – “Down For The Count” Label Album

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True Vibenation – Work, Work, Work’ feat. Alphamama New Video

Jim Steps

True Vibenation are Australian hip hop twins Verbaleyes and Native Wit and brother from another mother DJ Gabriel Clouston making their own brand of True School Hip Hop. Although True Vibenation consists of the classic hip hop line-up of two MCs and a DJ, their vibe is very unique with each member adding their own musical flavour by producing beats as well as playing their own instruments. True Vibenation are young and hungry, since recording their 5-track sampler in late 2008 (all DIY) they have been played on the Triple J Hip Hop Show, SBS radio, Koori Radio and their … Continue reading True Vibenation – Work, Work, Work’ feat. Alphamama New Video

allaussie hip hop exclusive, DFTC Records

Dazed – Rest In Syn 7″ (Out Sept. 30)

Jim Steps

It’s rare for the scene to be blessed with the release of a 7” in these often cynical times. Making music is an expensive habit, and there are a lot of broke artists languishing out there with stillborn plans. Melbourne based producer/MC Dazed has said fuck all that and gone ahead with a limited release, collectors edition vinyl featuring two tracks from Sydney based artists and his own inimitable production. Rest in Syn is a record by a man who still values the memories of flipping through magazines and freaking out on seeing new track produced by a favourite artist; as Dazed puts it, “it’s all … Continue reading Dazed – Rest In Syn 7″ (Out Sept. 30)

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Tom Tom Crew Live In Melbourne

Jim Steps

Raw energy personified, Australia’s Tom Tom Crew smash together acrobatics, hip-hop and percussion to create an entertaining, adrenaline-fuelled spectacle – a circus show for the 21st Century. From the first bass drum kick to the hairraising, acrobatic finale, Tom Tom Crew deliver a show that grabs you and doesn’t let go. The pulsing energy of hip-hop meets the raw physicality of acrobatics in a mash-up of gravity-defying manoeuvres, astonishing beat-boxing and breakdancing, improbable contortion and energetic drumming. This electrifying fusion of circus and street skills is overseen by ringmaster Ben Walsh, a world-renowned percussionist who provides the driving beat behind the heart-stopping … Continue reading Tom Tom Crew Live In Melbourne

allaussie hip hop exclusive, Soulmate Records

Prime – ‘Restore My Faith’ Video Clip & Download

Jim Steps

We have seen a host of free downloads leading up to Prime’s – Good Morning release. This time Prime has hooked up with the boys over at Full Clip, to deliver this cracking video clip of Prime’s latest track from Restore My Faith.  Restore My Faith was produced by Answer. Cover art by Drake Designs. Download the track free by clicking on the here or below in the link section. Not only has Prime recently been announced as label Soulmate Records latest signee, he has also featured on UK MC Sonnyjim’s drop the Psychonaut LP and also fellow stable mates 360 – Stand The Fuck Up Mixtape. Prime has already proven himself a highly talented MC with his … Continue reading Prime – ‘Restore My Faith’ Video Clip & Download

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Ellesquire – Album Launch

Jim Steps

Since the release of his debut album Ready in August, Ellesquire has been creating quite a buzz. Receiving positive reviews and feedback from street press, radio, magazines & blogs nation wide. The album was FBi Radio ‘Sunsets Album Of The Week’ and it’s single On The Prowl was added to full rotation on Triple J. On The Prowl has been the most requested song twice on Triple J’s Super Request, Reached number 9 on the iTunes Hip Hop/ Rap charts and has clocked over 30 000 views on youtube within a month of it’s release. Stemming from the albums success, Ellesquire has … Continue reading Ellesquire – Album Launch

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NBL Championship Commercial features The Funkoars

Jim Steps

The National Basketball League has launched its new season’s television commercial, which is going to air currently on free-to-air television on Network Ten and its digital channel ONE. The 30 second commercial features South Australia’s very own the Funkoars – Where I Am (You Go? Remix), taken from their latest release The Quickening.  Featuring an extension of the successful ‘It Goes Off’ branding used last season, the commercial aims to showcase the excitement and atmosphere that culminated in a unrivalled sporting entertainment experience that fans enjoy at live iiNet NBL Championship games. You can check out the commercial below featuring The Funkoars … Continue reading NBL Championship Commercial features The Funkoars

allaussie hip hop exclusive, Illusive Sounds

Bliss N Eso – Coastal Kids: Brand New Video Clip

Jim Steps

After months in the making, Bliss N Eso return with their latest video project, Coastal Kids! Sit back and enjoy Bliss N Eso newest clip, featuring some of the biggest names in the action Sports industry, Including Robbie Maddison, Bilko, Matt Schubring, Dane Searls, Daniel Watkins & more!  The song’s concept revolves around the prominence of the coastal lifestyle in Australia and references many of the outdoor activities and breathtaking imagery that the country is renowned for. Featuring some of the biggest names in the action sports industry, all coming together for this first of a kind music video. From an early stage in their career, Bliss … Continue reading Bliss N Eso – Coastal Kids: Brand New Video Clip

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Trem – For The Term Of His Natural Life: Pre Orders Live

Jim Steps

So for those looking to have a copy of Trem’s – For The Term Of His Natural Life sent direct to your door by the 7th October, or want to ensure you lock down part 1 of the Artist series tees, check Unkut Recordings to secure a pre order now! The shop is now taking orders to ship on the 5 – 6th. The site had a slight meltdown during initial upping of the preorders with the amount of heads trying to score a piece but things have smoothed out a little. If your looking to grab a pre, please read … Continue reading Trem – For The Term Of His Natural Life: Pre Orders Live

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Spit Syndicate to release two part mixtape series: Part 1 arrives September 30

Jim Steps

Following their critically acclaimed 2010 release Exile and after a busy year of touring, Sydney duo Spit Syndicate are back with a brand new online mix-tape project Best Intentions: Part One, the first of a two-part mix-tape series available for free download via online networks Friday 30th September. Best Intentions sees MCs Nick Lupi and Jimmy Nice return to the mix-tape format from which they first made waves in the local hip-hop scene. Over the course of 9 tracks, Spit Syndicate drape their trademark flair over a range of different sounds, from the boom-bap of Pharoahe Monch to the more … Continue reading Spit Syndicate to release two part mixtape series: Part 1 arrives September 30

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Drapht – Party Party Party Tour

Jim Steps

The Party, Party, Party tour is selling fast and will be one of the hip-hop tours of the year, don’t delay in getting your tickets as we expect a lot of shows on this run to sell out before the day, so get on it! Presented by The Ayems Records, Fidelity Corporation, vmusic.com.au, The Brag, Rave Magazine, Beat Magazine, dB Magazine & X-Press Magazine. The tour hits capital cities and regional centers through September and October. In the last six months Muph & Plutonic have been hitting stages again, playing Come Together, Essence, Reconciliation festivals as a stripped back two piece with justPlutonic on drums & Muph on the mic. Most recently, Muph & Plutonic firmly stamped … Continue reading Drapht – Party Party Party Tour

Rappertag

Rapper Tag #43 – Pegz

Jim Steps

Business man, mentor, artist; Pegz is never a loss for words and rarely holds back from the issues he holds close. He is as unrelenting as he is introspective, always the barometer for truth from the streets of Melbourne, he continues to challenge himself in the ever growing success of local hip hop. Here we have Rapper Tag #43.  Respect to Plutonic Lab on the skins, Terry behind the lens and Reason for the tag. Pick up your copy of Drama through iTunes here.  Music video for Priceless (feat. 2buck, Dialectrix and Joe New) coming soon. Facebook  ||  Twitter  ||  Obese Records Continue reading Rapper Tag #43 – Pegz

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LHA – Split Decision (Out Now)

Jim Steps

Sydney-based hip hop duo, LHA, announces the release of their debut album, Split Decision. Written and produced entirely by the duo, the album perfectly captures the ethos of LHA; soulful, catchy, heartfelt music to move body and mind. LHA comprises Australian emcee Adikkal and Korean producer LeeHahn. Captivated by the idea that a song should move you inside and out, LHA make music full of provoking grooves. Crossing cultures and fusing elements of soul, funk on the bedrock of hip hop, they produce a distinct sound that, while gathering eclectic influences from music’s fringes, upholds an appeal for music fans … Continue reading LHA – Split Decision (Out Now)

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360 – ‘Killer’ Video Clip

Jim Steps

Melbourne rapper 360 dropped his new video clip for his latest single Killer, taken from his upcoming album Falling & Flying dropping on the 30th of September through EMI/Soulmate. The clip sees 360 chase down a mysterious evader all the while employing a fun take on the special effects process. The single “Killer” is available to purchase from iTunes with some great remixes being released soon, check out the heavy 12th Planet remix below where he takes the original to another planet with his signature dubstep sound, get ready! BUY – 360 – Killer (iTunes) PRE ORDER – 360 – … Continue reading 360 – ‘Killer’ Video Clip

Obese Distribution

Kerser – The Nebulizer

Jim Steps

Reigning champion of the notorious Got Beef? battles, achieving a staggering million plus YouTube views and selling more than 3000 copies of his two mixtapes comes Sydney’s cocky, charismatic MC Kerser. Joining forces with freakish beat-banging producer Nebs, Kerser has put together The Nebulizer, his keenly anticipated first album. You already know the story of a place like this – home invasions, drive-by shootings, stabbings, poverty, drugs, desperation, anger. It’s a place you turn your back on, a blight – a cancer on the otherwise smooth arse of the Emerald City. But while Sydney’s hip hop spotlight has been on the … Continue reading Kerser – The Nebulizer

Unkut Recordings

Trem – For The Term Of His Natural Life

Jim Steps

In a time capsule unearthed in an overgrown train yard on the outskirts of Melbourne, archaeologists discover a dirt encrusted artifact, a codex of the art and science of hip hop based on a blueprint etched in concrete during a period of innovation. It bears the marks of the late 1980s and early 90s when the elemental standards were laid down by a small elite. The artifact in question is For The Term of His Natural Life, the debut solo LP from Australia’s finest lyrical craftsman, Trem One. To say debut is misleading, though. With a small but revered discography including … Continue reading Trem – For The Term Of His Natural Life

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Come join The Funkoars for a drink LIVE on Ustream TONIGHT!

Jim Steps

Tonight from 7-8pm CST join The Funkoars for a drink and Q&A session on the Golden Era U-Stream Channel here. You can ask a question, tell them which track is your favorite or just comment on Trials long hair. The guys hope to see you there! The Quickening is available now in stores and online. Twitter  ||  Facebook  ||  U-Stream  || iTunes Continue reading Come join The Funkoars for a drink LIVE on Ustream TONIGHT!

allaussie hip hop exclusive, Elefant Tracks

Ask…The Tongue

Jim Steps

With the recent release of his free download the Sextape, Elefant Traks member the Tongue has been swamped with a host of emails and facebook messages asking for advice on all facets of relationships and sexuality. In an effort to respond to all his fans, The Tongue has sent aahh a copy of some of the more popular and not so popular questions, we present to you Ask…The Tongue. Long term relationships – worth the effort or overrated? The Tongue: The best thing in the world is being in love with someone great. Sex is awesome but love is more powerful … Continue reading Ask…The Tongue

Unkut Recordings

The release of ‘Trem – For The Term Of His Natural Life’ draws closer

Jim Steps

Things are sure heating up with one of local hip hop’s most anticipated releases edges ever near. Unkut Recordings hip hop heavyweight Trem One is set to drop For The Term Of His Natural Life. The release looks to be a hip hop collectors extravaganza with all the cross promotions that are associated with a release of this calibre. The full tracklist, press release and ability to pre-order are all on their way. Check below for the full word from Unkut below.   Todays (Sept 16) word from Unkut Recordings HQ: “The overly long awaited, most anticipated Trem solo is nearly upon us! Yes, for … Continue reading The release of ‘Trem – For The Term Of His Natural Life’ draws closer

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Straight To You Tour – Triple J’s Tribute To Nick Cave feat. Urthboy & More

Jim Steps

This November, triple j is celebrating our Ausmusic Month by touring a series of tribute concerts to the one and only Nick Cave. Nick Cave is an Australian music legend – he’s been on the scene for 35 years with various acts including The Birthday Party, Boys Next Door, The Bad Seeds and Grinderman. Now Australian musicians including Elefant Traks very own Urthboy, are lining up to get involved in this tribute to the man himself – and are taking his music around the country. A slew of talented Australian singers will join a band led by Cameron Bruce, who plays … Continue reading Straight To You Tour – Triple J’s Tribute To Nick Cave feat. Urthboy & More

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Omar Musa & Mighty Joe – MoneyKat

Jim Steps

Many people would recognise a money cat statue, painted gold with a waving paw, as a common feature of Asian grocery stores and restaurants. Traditionally, a money cat is supposed to bring monetary wealth and prosperity into a business. International hip-hop duo MoneyKat, comprising Omar Musa (Australia) and Mighty Joe (US), seek to flip that idea on its head. Both MCs had solo careers before this collaboration. Musa, the Australian Poetry Slam Champion in 2008, released World Goes to Pieces in 2010 as well as touring in France, China, India, the UK and as support for the legendary poet/singer Gil … Continue reading Omar Musa & Mighty Joe – MoneyKat