Author: Jim Steps

allaussie hip hop exclusive

Raise The Roof II – Friday Sept 30

Jim Steps

The Espy is pleased to announce that it is once again opening its doors up to a night of all local hip hop. Raise The Roof picks up from where it left off, a colossal lineup showcasing the finest in established and emerging Aussie hip hop. Our first installment of Raise The Roof in June was a raging success, volume 2 is shaping up to be just as huge… Headlining festivities is Melbourne’s own Pegz. With a recently released album, fresh off a national tour and a new film clip coming, the local storyteller is one of Australia most commanding … Continue reading Raise The Roof II – Friday Sept 30

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Phrase – National Babylon Tour

Jim Steps

Proudly presented by triple j, Tone Deaf & Street Press Australia, Phrase is set to embark on an extensive national tour to perform tracks from his unanimously critically acclaimed third album Babylon. Performing all dates with full band, Phrase promises to deliver a world-class performance of his back catalogue along with a selection of songs from Babylon. Backed by 4 of the best musicians in the country, Phrase boasts an even bigger sound live than what he achieved on his sonically groundbreaking album. Come and see live what critics are saying is a “soulful, edgy album that’s screaming to be heard … Continue reading Phrase – National Babylon Tour

allaussie hip hop exclusive, Illusive Sounds

Breakout – Under 18s Music Festival Tickets Selling Fast

Jim Steps

Illusive and Totem Onelove’s mammoth new under 18s music festival, Breakout, went on sale at 9am Wednesday morning and has now officially sold out of early bird tickets in Sydney and Melbourne. The festival, which features the likes of LMFAO, The Bloody Beetroots, Ferry Corsten (Melb only) Diafrix and 360, is in unchartered territory for an underage event and kids have come out in droves to show their enthusiasm for an event of its colossal scale. Sydney has now moved into second general release, with tickets still at the dirt-cheap price of $90 (including booking fee). Melbourne’s early bird allocation was … Continue reading Breakout – Under 18s Music Festival Tickets Selling Fast

allaussie hip hop exclusive, Independent

Allday – Noue Yesue

Jim Steps

Allday is another in the long line of rappers coming from the seemingly fertile breeding grounds of Blackwood, Adelaide.‘I basically grew up in the hip hop scene; I would have been about eleven years old when I went to my first show. I’ve done the shaved head and the air max thing when I was younger. As Jay Z says, I’m off that,’ he laughs. Like many, after completing an apprenticeship on the battle circuit, Allday made his way into the recording studio. This culminated in a collection of angry battle-style tracks that are still for the most part unheard. … Continue reading Allday – Noue Yesue

allaussie hip hop exclusive, Invada

Katalyst – Deep Impressions [Out Today]

Jim Steps

Internationally renowned, ARIA nominated producer Katalyst returns with new album Deep Impressions, set for release today via Invada Records / Remote Control. The follow up album to his highly acclaimed 2007 album What’s Happening, a former triple j feature album, Deep Impressions is Katalyst’s third full length album and his most impressive work to date. The latest product of his audiophiliac obsession, Deep Impressions deconstructs and distils soul, hip hop, funk, jazz, reggae and electro influences into what is perhaps most accurately described as “the Katalyst sound“. Deep Impressions is a reflection of the large variety tunes that influence Katalyst’s own musical … Continue reading Katalyst – Deep Impressions [Out Today]

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Fluent Form – Word Merchant LP: Riots, Raps & Religion

Jim Steps

We catch up with Fluent Form fresh off the back of his Word Merchant LP drop to talk about all things regarding the album. Crate Cartel member and emcee heavyweight Fluent Form has not only been busy acting on the small screen he has also been making some great hip hop. Check out what he has to say regarding his recent Word Merchant release below. aahh: Your  LP release titled ‘Word Merchant’ dropped a few months ago. It’s had some time now to soak amongst the heads, what kind of reaction and feedback have you had for the album this time … Continue reading Fluent Form – Word Merchant LP: Riots, Raps & Religion

allaussie hip hop exclusive, Golden Era Records

The Quickening Available Now!

Jim Steps

Golden Era Records are proud to present The Funkoars 4th and most lethal album to date, THE QUICKENING! Featuring special guest appearances from Hilltop Hoods, Vents & K21 and guest production from Large Professor, Dazastah (Downsyde), Simplex & Debate. With their first single Where I Am smashing the radio waves, The Quickening is a non-stop barrage of badness and the epitome of evil! Order The Quickening now on iTunes Order The Quickening now through JB HiFi Track Listing 1. Fumes That Spell Doom 2. The Quickening 3. Where I Am 4. It’s All Good (Is Very Good) 5. All We … Continue reading The Quickening Available Now!

allaussie hip hop exclusive, Coalmine Records

S-Dub – Something About You feat. Ces (Prod. M-Phazes)

Jim Steps

Coalmine Records is getting set to launch a blitzkrieg of new music, which starts with the release of Shabaam Sahdeeq’s new single Something About You, produced by M-Phazes. This single, which boasts the talents of the Cuban born singer/songwriter Ces, is the debut single off Sahdeeq’s forthcoming LP Keepers of the Lost Art, which is set to drop later this year. As former label-mates with Mos Def, Talib Kweli, Company Flow & Pharoahe Monch through Rawkus Records, S-Dub has been tied to a long history of independent success both as a solo artist and through his membership with the late … Continue reading S-Dub – Something About You feat. Ces (Prod. M-Phazes)

allaussie hip hop exclusive, Rappertag

Reason – Rapper Tag #42

Jim Steps

Having withstood the test of time, Reason continues to personify both tenure and standard as one of Australia’s true veteran’s of the underground Hip Hop scene with 15 years experience under his belt. The Reason story reflects true preservation of his belief in maintaining a constant yet positive presence. Reason practices what he preaches by promoting positive content in a context that is truly street, yet with a personal message contained within. A lover of graffiti, politics, life and the environment, these are examples of the diversity that the listener envelops into their own conscience. Reason released his third LP … Continue reading Reason – Rapper Tag #42

allaussie hip hop exclusive, Obese Records

Thundamentals – Foreverlution: ‘Paint The Town Red’ Video Clip

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. Producing almost the entire record, DJ Morgs has really stepped up-to the plate. In the words of Tuka: “the content itself reflects our growth as a band and also the knowledge/skills we’ve managed to gather since our self-titled debut was released in 2008. In this life, it appears that change is the only constant. The one thing you can truly be sure of is that everything … Continue reading Thundamentals – Foreverlution: ‘Paint The Town Red’ Video Clip

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In Good Company – Self Titled LP

Jim Steps

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. Featuring 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, IGC’s dynamic fusion of mindsets and themes of exploration have surfaced with brilliance and retrospect. All Part of the Plan feat. Mantra produced by Whisper, takes a … Continue reading In Good Company – Self Titled LP

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The Tongue – The Sextape (Out Now)

Jim Steps

When it comes to hip hop there isn’t much The Tongue hasn’t done; an MC Battle champion; an accomplished touring artist and songwriter with two albums; three mixtapes and an EP under his belt.. all before he turned 26. Having toured with the likes of Public Enemy, Dizzie Rascal, Drapht and The Herd, The Tongue connected with the masses via radio hits such asThe Punch, Bad Education, The Show and Real Thing. His second album Alternative Energy was feature album on both FBi and 2SER, as well asAlbum of the Week at Drum Media and The Brag. His latest release The Sextape will be a free mixtape available for download September 12th, 2011. Under the guiding hand of Sydney’s premier … Continue reading The Tongue – The Sextape (Out Now)

allaussie hip hop exclusive, Soulmate Records1 Comment

Prime – Money

Jim Steps

We have seen a slew of cracking free downloads from South Australia’s very own MC Prime of late, and here’s another. Recently he dropped the first taste from his upcoming album Good Morning, with a track titled Tunguska (grab it here free) we then quickly saw another brilliant track drop titled House Of Balloons (grab it here free) then it was the 3rd instalment from the Good Morning release titled Devilish – for free download right here. Now we are seeing an amazing 4th drop titled Money (download here). You can grab it direct below by following the link. Not only has Prime recently been announced as label Soulmate Records latest signee, he has also recently … Continue reading Prime – Money

allaussie hip hop exclusive, Illusive Sounds

Breakout – Under 18’s Music Festival

Jim Steps

Illusive and Totem Onelove are extremely excited to announce the birth of a brand new under 18s music festival – Breakout– and its inaugural events in Melbourne at Sidney Myer Music Bowl (Fri 25 Nov) and Sydney at Hordern Pavilion and Byron Kennedy Hall (Fri 2 Dec). The first two acts to be announced for the festival are LA’s multi-platinum party rocking duo LMFAO and skyrocketing local hip-hop star 360. The dance and urban focused festival will continue to announce headlining acts each day this week at 4pm (AEST) via its website (letmebreakout.com) and social networks. Breakout organisers promise some of the … Continue reading Breakout – Under 18’s Music Festival

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Hermitude – Speak of the Devil Tour

Jim Steps

Hermitude are set to turn heads with their most playfully infectious song to date, Speak Of The Devil. With its contorting synth lines, fun chorus and slamming drums, it perfectly captures the energy and joy of the band. Featuring the voice of Sydney artist Chaos Emerald in Speak Of The Devil, Hermitude have developed a dedicated following for their pumping live shows and monstrously positive vibes. Catch them when they launch Speak Of The Devil in November – December. Hermitude formed in 2001 when Blue Mountains duo Luke Dubs (Luke Dubber) and Elgusto (Angus Stuart) paired up with a shared love … Continue reading Hermitude – Speak of the Devil Tour

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Triple J Unearthed set to launch new digital station – Coming Soon

Jim Steps

triple j Unearthed is 100% new, independent and unsigned Australian Music on your digital radio and online 24 hours a day, 7 days a week from October 5. A second triple j radio station! The music will be handpicked from the wealth of music on triplejunearthed.com – an online community 30,000 artists and 250,000 registered users strong. Featuring acts from across Australia and a wide and varied selection of tracks, we’ll be reflecting Australia’s live and vibrant music scene. Independent musicians have never had more opportunity to receive airplay and music lovers will be able to discover great new music they … Continue reading Triple J Unearthed set to launch new digital station – Coming Soon

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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. 2010 was the year which Jay decided he really wanted to push things forward, which began with Jay building his own home studio, which he had worked towards setting up over a period of … Continue reading Jay Daniels – The Drop-In

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Jimblah – Face The Fire (Out Now)

Jim Steps

Hilltop Hoods Initiative Winner from 2007, Jimblah, has launched his debut full-length album entitled Face the Fire and is currently on tour with The Herd. Jimblah crosses cultural lines and musical tastes with his debut effort Face the Fire on which he shares stories from his life through Hip Hop narration. Face the Fire, title track off the album, is a touching story of grief and loss and how to move through the pain of losing a loved one. Jimblah is an Indigenous producer/MC/writer from Adelaide, South Australia, hailing from the Larrakia nation in Australia’s Top End. Influenced by a wide … Continue reading Jimblah – Face The Fire (Out Now)

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The Silent Titan takes his début album to the US – For The Rest Of My Days

Jim Steps

The Silent Titan prepares to make new fans with the U.S release of his début album For the Rest of My Days. The album that Australian media praised for its refreshing blend of soulful hip hop beats and jazz infused melodies will be released through Fat Beats Records. The Silent Titan’s début album For The Rest of My Days is brought to the world through the creative mind of Tomasz Charuk aka Tommy Fiasko, previously of the Thundamentals. Producing music for almost ten years, this album has been a long time coming. Drawing influence from producers such as Dj Premier, Black Milk, J Dilla … Continue reading The Silent Titan takes his début album to the US – For The Rest Of My Days

allaussie hip hop exclusive, Golden Era Records

Vents – Marked For Death Remix Competition

Jim Steps

Makred For Death – Remix Competition. Remix Vent’s – Marked For Death track for your chance to win a Golden Era Prize Pack and a feature on The Golden Era Website.  Download the Acapella and all of the other parts by following the link to here. E-mail your entry to goldeneraremixcomp@gmail.com entries close Sept. 27th winner announced Sept. 30th. All parts made available to download, and all parts downloaded remain the property of Golden Era/Vents. Remixes created from the parts made available aren’t to be used for commercial purposes. Good Luck! Included in the Accapella pack is two killer remixes of … Continue reading Vents – Marked For Death Remix Competition

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Young & Free – San Francisco

Jim Steps

Some call Australia the ‘lucky country’, but we’ve always made our own fate. From a rebellious past we’ve forged an identity steeped in cunning ingenuity, creative discontent and unorthodox flair.  We’ve staged rebellions over rum, gained notoriety and won Nobels. We invented cask wine and Wi-Fi and we’ve won countless world titles. There may not be a lot of us, but we’ve always packed a punch. So it is no surprise that with nothing more than a can of paint and a glint in their eye Australians are taking the street art scene by storm. It’s time for the rest … Continue reading Young & Free – San Francisco

allaussie hip hop exclusive, Golden Era Records

The Funkoars feat. Vents – The Assassination (Jaytee Remix)

Jim Steps

Tweet to pay and get a free Funkoars – The Quickening bonus track: The Funkoars feat. Vents – The Assassination (Jaytee Remix). Simply click the here or the image below to ‘Pay With A Tweet’ and grab your download of this murderous track.  Fresh off the back of releasing their thumping first single Where I Am, the Funkoars are proud to announce The Quickening Album Launch Tour which will see them touring extensively throughout the country from September through November. Visit Funkoars.com for ticketing details.  Tour Dates: Fri 23 Sept – NSW – Wollongong Uni, Wollongong Sat 24 Sept – ACT – Zierholz @ … Continue reading The Funkoars feat. Vents – The Assassination (Jaytee Remix)

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Jedi Mind Tricks – Australian Tour

Jim Steps

For the past fifteen years, Jedi Mind Tricks has established itself as one of the most critically-acclaimed groups in the underground hip-hop scene, with their raw and gritty flavour. From their debut album in 1996, The Psycho-social, to their seminal sophomore release, Violent By Design, to their musical expansion heard on Servants In Heaven and Kings In Hell, JMT has made an indelible impression on the independent music scene while arguably forging its own subgenre of rap. Led by the fiery vocals of controversial frontman, Vinnie Paz, and his venerable rhyme partner, Jus Allah, the group has built one of the … Continue reading Jedi Mind Tricks – Australian Tour

allaussie hip hop exclusive, Independent

Headlock & K21 – Try A Little Penmanship (oh-tiz)

Jim Steps

The Wolfshirt Extremist and After Hours emcee Headlock has teamed up with South Australian all-rounder K21 to deliver this cracking remash of a classic Otis R track of a similar name. Both K21 and Headlock have been quite busy of late, with K21 working in combination with a number of artist’s including the almighty Brad Strut and South Australia’s own Realizm. Headlock with his fellow After Hours crew members dropped their Darker Days release earlier this year with smashing results you can check out our review here. Below you can follow the link to the download page and grab the MP3. While you’re at it, check … Continue reading Headlock & K21 – Try A Little Penmanship (oh-tiz)

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Burn City Hip Hop: Melbourne – September 3rd

Jim Steps

StrictlyOZ from SYN FM now Kiss FM have put together a local show showcasing the talents of some Local upcoming Emcees and DJ’s at ID Gaff Bar in Collingwood, Melbourne this Saturday night. (September 3, 2011).  Matte Blac will be giving us some tracks from his recent Mixtape Mixed Business, Defron often known for his Battle talents steps to the stage with his man Ayelix to form Two Face, who are set to tear up the stage. Cryptic also known for his Battle MC abilities will perform new tracks from his upcoming EP and plenty more including Big Dip, Primary … Continue reading Burn City Hip Hop: Melbourne – September 3rd

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Red Bull Thre3Style – Adelaide

Jim Steps

Red Bull Thre3Style is an international DJ contest hitting Australian shores. The competition serves to unearth Australia’s best DJs, who will go head-to-head in the ultimate DJ battle. Red Bull Thre3Style is an invitation-only DJ competition, which will see five state qualifiers, held in Brisbane, Sydney, Melbourne, Adelaide and Perth throughout August and September. Each qualifier will host eight of the best DJs in that state, battling to make it through to the Australian Red Bull Thre3Style Final, in Sydney in October. There is one simple rule – the DJs must play at least three genres of music in a 15 … Continue reading Red Bull Thre3Style – Adelaide

allaussie hip hop exclusive, Illusive Sounds

Xzibit – Australian Tour

Jim Steps

In news sure to thrill hip hop fans, Illusive are pleased to announce the return of hip hop heavyweight Xzibit to our shores in November. Xzibit marks his return to Australia after almost five years with a whirlwind tour that sees him cover 11 venues in a just over a fortnight. Alongside capital cities, X will grace Newcastle, Cairns, Townsville, Traralgon and Hobart for the first time ever. Recognised as a true West Coast stalwart and ‘one of the most respected rappers in the game’ (Rolling Stone), Xzibit first came to public attention in the late ’90s with his debut … Continue reading Xzibit – Australian Tour

allaussie hip hop exclusive, Impossible Odds Records, Independent1 Comment

Impossible Odds – Announce New Single ‘Everything’

Jim Steps

Based around the core of front-man MC Rival (aka Fred Leone) and DJ Returnagain (aka James Vincent), Impossible Odds are an Indigenous Hip Hop/Soul group from Brisbane. Renowned Australia wide, their list of award nominations reads like a tome. Deadly Award Nominated Artists in 2008 & 2010, they were 2010 QSONG finalists in the “Song of The Year” category, 2010 QSONG winners in the “Urban” category and previously, JB Seed Speak: ‘Indigenous Hip Hop Competition’ Winners. More recently, in the last 3 weeks alone, they have been nominated for: • 2011 QSong Courier Mail ‘People’s Choice’ Award • ‘Indigenous Hip Hop’ BUMP … Continue reading Impossible Odds – Announce New Single ‘Everything’

allaussie hip hop exclusive, Obese Records

Mantra – Speaking Volumes: Behind The Album

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 the explosive new release Speaking Volumes. After his enthusiastically received contribution to the infamous ‘Rapper-Tag’ internet cypher; Mantra has been keeping fans engaged with his weekly album teasers. Take a look at his latest promo clip Speaking Volumes – Behind The Album (below). 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 … Continue reading Mantra – Speaking Volumes: Behind The Album

allaussie hip hop exclusive, Elefant Tracks

The Tongue – The Sextape: ‘Two Girlfriends’

Jim Steps

When it comes to hip hop there isn’t much The Tongue hasn’t done; an MC Battle champion; an accomplished touring artist and songwriter with two albums; three mixtapes and an EP under his belt.. all before he turned 26. Having toured with the likes of Public Enemy, Dizzie Rascal, Drapht and The Herd, The Tongue connected with the masses via radio hits such as The Punch, Bad Education, The Show and Real Thing. His second album Alternative Energy was feature album on both FBi and 2SER, as well as Album of the Week at Drum Media and The Brag. His … Continue reading The Tongue – The Sextape: ‘Two Girlfriends’