Author: Jim Steps

allaussie hip hop exclusive

Banksy’s works heading to Sydney as part of the ‘Outpost Project’

Jim Steps

A private collection of 23 of Banksy’s works is heading to Sydney’s Cockatoo Island for the biggest street art festival in the southern hemisphere, Outpost Project. The Banksy works’ journey to Cockatoo island will be the first time that the Oi You! Collection (which houses the Banksy works) will have been seen outside of New Zealand. “People are fascinated by Banksy’s art and by his identity, which has never been revealed. This is a private collection, showcasing an art movement that has become a global phenomenon,” says Geoff Bailey, Sydney Harbour Federation trust executive director. The festival, presented by the Sydney Harbour … Continue reading Banksy’s works heading to Sydney as part of the ‘Outpost Project’

allaussie hip hop exclusive, Rappertag, UNFD1 Comment

Illy – Spit Syndicate – Sietta – On Tour (Hosted by M-Phazes)

Jim Steps

Following a smashing set at Splendour In The Grass, Illy has unleashed a new video, joined the 600 Sounds line-up and released tickets for the Illy, Spit Syndicate and Sietta tour, hosted by M-Phazes. Illy has released a stunning new video for the latest track (and third single from the acclaimed album The Chase) Cigarettes. Cigarettes has also just hit radio – it is a calming hook-laden track, and a perfect example of musical matching between M-Phazes and Illy. Illy said, “Phazes first showed me this beat at the Bunbury Groovin’ The Moo… It’s not a typical hip-hop sounding beat, which … Continue reading Illy – Spit Syndicate – Sietta – On Tour (Hosted by M-Phazes)

allaussie hip hop exclusive, Soulmate Records

360 – Falling & Flying Tour

Jim Steps

360 will hit the road for an intensive Spring tour from mid October right on through to mid November. When Falling & Flying lands on September 30 2011, it’ll be the culmination of a productive studio streak for this Melbourne MC.  The album takes in the full sweep of styles from dancehall to straight-up hip hop, with the in-demand Styalz Fuego in the producer’s chair.   For his album tour, 360 is bringing his newly-formed three-piece band, with Grey Ghost warming the stage at most venues. With a formidable following behind him, you can expect each of these shows to … Continue reading 360 – Falling & Flying Tour

allaussie hip hop exclusive, Joint Adventure

Def Wish Cast – Dun Proppa

Jim Steps

Since the initial days when hip hop culture first arrived in Australia, there are many who’ve become obsessed with the traditional four elements; B-boying/B-Girling, Emceeing, Deejaying and Graffiti. They symbolise hip hop at its most pure and are the living embodiment of all four elements in their rawest form as each member was born from the 80’s explosion. Def Wish Cast embraces all the aspects and ideology but never imitates. They created something localised that was revered and is now mythologised: they are Def Wish Cast; they are Australian; they are Hip Hop. In 1990 Def Wish Cast began taking … Continue reading Def Wish Cast – Dun Proppa

allaussie hip hop exclusive, Obese Records

Spit Syndicate to release mixtape

Jim Steps

Fresh off an overseas hiatus, straight into the studio to work on their third album (due early 2012), Spit Syndicate have prepared a blazin’ 9 track mix-tape. This exclusive free online release will be available Friday 23rd September. “This is a way of thanking our fans, both new and old, for their support and patience with something fresh and free. We first made a name for ourselves by releasing mixtapes, this is a return to those roots – banging beats, sharp lyrics.” Nick Lupi Visit http://www.spitsyndicate.com for more information and tour dates leading up to their support slots on Illy’s … Continue reading Spit Syndicate to release mixtape

allaussie hip hop exclusive

Bliss N Eso – 600 Sounds Festival

Jim Steps

The headline acts at this year’s Armor All Gold Coast 600 have been joined by ARIA Award winning Sydney hip hop sensation Bliss N Eso to complete the two-night lineup for the October event. One of the great Australian success stories in the world of hip hop MC Bliss, MC Eso and DJ Izm have been rapping together from their high school days and been the leaders in their field since the launch of their debut release in 2000. The trio complete the Friday night component of the 600 Sounds Festival of the Armor All Gold Coast 600 at the Broadwater … Continue reading Bliss N Eso – 600 Sounds Festival

allaussie hip hop exclusive, Soulmate Records

Prime – Devilish (Download)

Jim Steps

We’ve said it once before but South Australia’s MC Prime has been a busy man of late. 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).  Now we are seeing the 3rd instalment from the Good Morning release titled Devilish – for free download right here. Not only has Prime recently been announced as label Soulmate Records latest signee, he has also featured on  UK MC Sonnyjim’s release, the Psychonaut LP and also fellow stable mates 360 – Stand The Fuck Up Mixtape. Prime has already proven … Continue reading Prime – Devilish (Download)

allaussie hip hop exclusive, Golden Era Records

Funkoars – The Quickening

Jim Steps

The Funkoars are back ‘n badder than ever and are set to unleash their highly anticipated fourth album The Quickening on Friday 16th of September through Golden Era Records. 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. The Quickening features guest performances from Hilltop Hoods, Vents, Ad-Fu, K21 with production from Large Professor, Dazastah, Simplex and Debate. Head the the JB HI-FI website to pre-order Funkoars – The Quickening and get your free GE signed mixtape and listeng to an exclusive … Continue reading Funkoars – The Quickening

allaussie hip hop exclusive, Obese Records1 Comment

Mantra – Speaking Volumes

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. 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 labeled ‘your favourite rapper’s favourite rapper’, it was no surprise that an inundation of accomplished names … Continue reading Mantra – Speaking Volumes

allaussie hip hop exclusive, Soulmate Records

Tom Ugly – I Was Somebody Else feat. Pez

Jim Steps

There once was a boy called Tom Ugly. A prodigious talent. From an early age Tom knew that he wasn’t like the other children in the playground. Instead of kiss-chasey and ring-around-the-rosy, Tom was enamoured with the world of music and devoted most of his time to banging on Tupperware in the kitchen. Time passed and the obsession evolved. From Tupperware to percussion….percussion to strings…strings to voice…voice to electronics. The unique abilities of this boy were confirmed when, at the tender age of 16, Tom (and his band) became the first in a long line of unfathomably talented youngsters to … Continue reading Tom Ugly – I Was Somebody Else feat. Pez

allaussie hip hop exclusive, I Forgot Sorry!

Phatchance X Gotye – Somebody That I Used To Know (Hip Hop Remix)

Jim Steps

The ever creative I Forget, Sorry member Phatchance is back with a cracking remix of Gotye’s newly released Somebody That I Used To Know featuring Kimbra. With help from producer One Above, Phatchance flips Gotye in to a smooth hip hop track whilst paying homage in the same breath. The original version of this track is featured on Gotye’s 2011 album Making Mirrors (Stream here).   It’s a pretty hard task attempting to remix a perfect song, you can’t really improve anything, only change it. I think One Above’s done an amazing job adding his own style and production to the … Continue reading Phatchance X Gotye – Somebody That I Used To Know (Hip Hop Remix)

allaussie hip hop exclusive, allaussie hip hop interviews, DFTC Records2 Comments

Dazed – Rest In Syn 7″ featuring Rinse and Grand Arkiteks.

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; … Continue reading Dazed – Rest In Syn 7″ featuring Rinse and Grand Arkiteks.

allaussie hip hop exclusive, The Ayems

Drapht – Bali Party Film Clip

Jim Steps

It’s a huge week for Drapht. The local hip hop powerhouse’s album The Life of Riley has gone Gold, he has added a run of dates in NT and WA to his massive Party Party Party Tour and today he is premiering the video for his latest single ‘Bali Party’ right here on allaussie hip hop. Drapht – The Party Party Party Tour: With special guests Muph & Plutonic, Thundamentals and Layla & Dazastah. Wednesday 14 September – Station Hotel, Thredbo, NSW Thursday 15 September – Penrith Panthers, NSW Friday 16 September – Enmore, Sydney, NSW (Licensed/All Ages) Wednesday 21 … Continue reading Drapht – Bali Party Film Clip

allaussie hip hop exclusive, The Ayems

Drapht adds new dates and a Gold Record!

Jim Steps

Drapht’s adding new dates to his Party, Party, Party Tour so that he can finally take the number one debuting The Life of Riley album to the dusty stages in the northwest of the country. Not only is the album and his full live show hitting towns in the north of WA this tour now also marks Drapht’s first visit to the Northern Territory. Bali Party is the new single from the The Life of Riley album, which we are very excited to announce has now reached official ARIA Gold Status. This is Drapht’s first gold album, an enormous achievement for … Continue reading Drapht adds new dates and a Gold Record!

allaussie hip hop exclusive, Rappertag

Rapper Tag # 40 – Jeremedy (Grey Ghost)

Jim Steps

Jeremedy is the space age rhythm-poet known for his work as frontman of Melbourne’s Electronica Rock-Hop crew The Melodics. He is also known for his high energy guest spots with various rappers including Mantra and 360. He’s latest project is Grey Ghost.  He is also a sort after graphic artist, creating high quality art for music. Grey Ghost aka Ghosty Grey aka Art Ghostfunkle is a space age rhythm-poet from Melbourne town. Mixing Punk, New Wave & Hip-Hop his Debut EP (tentatively titled The Life & Times Of Ghosty Grey) is due for physical, digital & spiritual release soon. The first … Continue reading Rapper Tag # 40 – Jeremedy (Grey Ghost)

allaussie hip hop exclusive, Independent

allaussie spotlight on: Arks Emcee

Jim Steps

Arks is the young 16 year old Melbourne emcee bringing a refreshing style to local hip-hop. Arks started at the early age of 12 penning down his thoughts and rhymes to acoustic beats. Arks, although young knows too well about the trials of tribulations with stories of love, heartbreak, hardships and joy. As his knowledge for hip-hop and the culture grew, so did his love for the art. At The Age of 14, Arks released his first mixtape The Dead Poets, based upon the famous Robin Williams film, covering such beats as Talib Kewli’s – Get By and Lyrical Commissions – … Continue reading allaussie spotlight on: Arks Emcee

allaussie hip hop exclusive

Treehouse Collective Mixtape

Jim Steps

Matt Beaton, Josh Gilmour and Kel Corbett all studied together at High School, Tafe and University, forging a strong friendship along the way. Between us we’ve had the opportunity to work with a diverse range of clients across various industries such as the Arts, Music, Fashion, Theatre, Editorial Newspaper & Magazine Design, Film, TV and Web/Multimedia Design. After working for various design & photography companies around Perth, we established Treehouse in ’07 as a way to pool our skills and pursue the type of work we love to do. With a shared passion for music, this is one area we … Continue reading Treehouse Collective Mixtape

allaussie hip hop exclusive, LookUP Records

Bingethinkers – Cannon Fodder Video Clip

Jim Steps

Over the past half-decade, Bingethinkers have built their reputation as one of Sydney’s most dynamic hip hop outfits- electrifying audiences with their remarkable live show. The group is comprised of MC Rinse on the mic, DJ 2Buck (Dialectrix, Gully Platoon) on the decks (and beats) and producers Aeon (a member of Sydney rock/electronica act Decoder Ring) and PSYKEone on the beats. This combination of high energy, boom bap production and razor sharp lyrics create an unmatched collection of individual talent sharing a single ethos. First clip from Bingethinkers debut album “Where Are They Now – Cannon Fodder”. – Directed by VERSUS. Following up from the release of their ShelfLife Mixtape (2007), Bingethinkers formed LookUP with fellow Sydneysiders Scott Burns and Thats … Continue reading Bingethinkers – Cannon Fodder Video Clip

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Celph Titled + Action Bronson Australian Tour

Jim Steps

Hifi & Trent Slingshot presents Celph Titled with Blacastan plus Action Bronson. With 3 massive dates just announced for their Australian tour including stops Adelaide, Melbourne and Sydney this will be one gig hip hop heads must make it to. Heads will not only be treated to the hip hop goodness that Celph Titled and Action Bronson will be deliverying, Australian giants Brad Strut. Celph Titled (USA) The over-the-top, bazooka wielding action star of hip hop, word master Celph Titled began his professional entrance into the rap game as a teenage lyricist and local production staple during the late 90’s … Continue reading Celph Titled + Action Bronson Australian Tour

allaussie hip hop exclusive, Unkut Recordings

Trem – For The Term Of His Natural Life

Jim Steps

Needing little to no  introduction, born and raised in inner west Sydney till the age of 13 before re-locating south to the boon-docks of G-Town, an hour south west of Melbourne, Trem, like most in his age bracket and on this part of the planet, gained his first look at hip hop through movies such as Beat Street and books like Subway Art in the early eighties. Instantly falling in love with the phenomenon he dabbled in floor moves before turning his hand to graff. As a member of the Australian leg of a worldwide graffiti crew Run For Kover … Continue reading Trem – For The Term Of His Natural Life

allaussie hip hop exclusive, Obese Records

Mantra – Speaking Volumes

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 labeled ‘your favourite rapper’s favourite rapper’, it was no surprise that an inundation of accomplished … Continue reading Mantra – Speaking Volumes

allaussie hip hop exclusive, Soulmate Records3 Comments

Prime X The Weeknd – House Of Balloons

Jim Steps

South Australia’s MC Prime has been a busy man of late. Recently he dropped the first taste from his upcoming album Good Morning, with a track titled Tunguska (grab it here free) and has already made it’s debut on the national radio airwaves. In celebration Prime drops a free download titled House Of Balloons.  Not only has Prime recently been announced as label Soulmate Records latest signee, he has also featured on  UK MC Sonnyjim’s release 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 X The Weeknd – House Of Balloons

Elefant Tracks

The Herd – Future Shade Tour feat. Sietta

Jim Steps

Forming like Voltron, The Herd blaze across the country on the Future Shade Tour with the newest Elefant Traks signees Sietta as well as a swag of great acts in each city including Jimblah, Impossible Odds, Acumen and many others. Not only that but you can get the first song from Future Shade when you buy your ticket! The Herd are set to unveil their fifth album, Future Shade. In the lead up to the release The Herd are releasing an 8 Part series on all aspects the album, check out Part 1 with Jane Tyrrell here. Part 2 (below) features Urthboy talking about his love of fast cars and artist management in Elefant Traks.  He describes how Grandma’s Song from The Herd’s upcoming album … Continue reading The Herd – Future Shade Tour feat. Sietta

allaussie hip hop exclusive

360 – Killer

Jim Steps

As an added bonus 360 has just released the third single from his upcoming album Falling & Flying, a bumper of a track titled Killer. Check it out below now. It’s also official that Rapper Tag has had more than 1 million views on YouTube (1,011,127 to be exact). Falling & Flying will be out September 30, through Soulmate/EMI. 360 – Killer (Colwell/Behr/Allen/Cann/Currie/Ure). Produced by ’96 Bulls. Available @ iTunes 22nd August 2011. Contains a sample from ‘Alles Klar’ by Ultravox included courtesy of Chrysalis Records Limited. Contains elements from ‘Alles Klar’, written by Allen/Cann/Currie/Ure and published by Sing Sing Songs Ltd/Jump-Jet Music Ltd/Hot Food Music Ltd/Mood Music Ltd. All … Continue reading 360 – Killer

allaussie hip hop exclusive, Golden Era Records

Funkoars – The Quickening Album Launch Tour

Jim Steps

The Funkoars are back ‘n badder than ever and are set to unleash their highly anticipated fourth album The Quickening on Friday 16th of September through Golden Era Records. 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. Known for having one of the most dangerous shows in the business, Funkoars will be performing an all-new live show incorporating songs from The Quickening as well as their claaaassic material that forged them … Continue reading Funkoars – The Quickening Album Launch Tour

allaussie hip hop exclusive, Obese Records4 Comments

Sonnyjim – The Psychonaut LP

Jim Steps

To Whom It May Concern:  I am writing to you on behalf of my client Sonnyjim, to inform you of his recent discontent at the bastardized image of hip-hop music portrayed and traded by popular culture. Gun toting, money fetishizing and the constant oppression of the proverbial “ho” reign supreme as rap’s status quo, and real underground hip-hop is seen as “whatever”. My client, Sonnyjim, is entirely repulsed that such a widely appreciated and intelligently honed form of “street-music” is constantly overlooked by the media in favour of the flavour of the month. In order to adequately resolve this situation, … Continue reading Sonnyjim – The Psychonaut LP

allaussie hip hop exclusive, Elefant Tracks1 Comment

The Herd – Future Shade

Jim Steps

It is the most complete realisation of the band’s vision, and their most carefully produced record to date. From a love of ‘90s hip hop (Red Queen Theory) to Eastern European soul (Grandma’s Song); from a Sufjan influence (My Sister’s Palace) to the incomparable (Signs of Life), Future Shade is underpinned by hip hop, but is not contained by any genre. At their essence, The Herd have always explored the personal and the political: but the fury of a song like 77% has given way to the subtlety of a song like Shihaba, detailing a family member’s encounter with racist … Continue reading The Herd – Future Shade

allaussie hip hop exclusive, Soulmate Records5 Comments

360 – Stand The Fuck Up (Download)

Jim Steps

As an expression of 360’s gratitude, here’s a link to his latest (absolutely free) mixtape – the long awaited sequel to Please Be Seated 1 & 2. It’s called Stand The F**k Up. It features some of hjs favourite Australian emcees including Illy, Justice, GMC, Vegas Aces, Prime, Infinite and Tys, plus flipped versions of some of his favourite tracks at the moment. He thinks you’re going to love it. In return, hey only asks one thing – that you pre-order his album Falling & Flying! The response so far has been amazing, but in order to really achieve his … Continue reading 360 – Stand The Fuck Up (Download)

allaussie hip hop exclusive, allaussie hip hop interviews, Obese Records1 Comment

Thundamentals Interview: ThundaCats, Thoughts & Talent

Jim Steps

Just over a week ago, Blue Mountains Crew Thundamentals dropped the highly anticipated follow-up to their 2009 Sleeping On Your Style release with the stunning LP Foreverlution. aahh catches up with Jeswon to talk all things album related, the recent KON Design comp and what’s shooting Thudamentals latest LP in to the CD players of thousands country-wide. Strap yourself in…blast off!! aahh: Fans of Thundamentals have been waiting since 2009 for a follow-up to the critically acclaimed Sleeping On Your Style LP release. What’s been the biggest change for you as a group since that release and how will Foreverlution build on that last album? Jeswon: I would have to … Continue reading Thundamentals Interview: ThundaCats, Thoughts & Talent

allaussie hip hop exclusive, Independent1 Comment

Matte Blac – The Colour Of Sound

Jim Steps

After a long time of crafting his style, Melbourne MC Matte Blac, one half of the duo Mixed Alliance, has released his debut solo mixtape The Colour of Sound for free download. For his keen sense of social trends and world events, Matte is one who understands great lyrics, no backpedaling into tired metaphors each rhyme makes you think just hard as the previous.  Taking listeners on a journey from the mellow opening track to the thumping finale, Matte wanted people to see the world as he sees it, through his cryptic rhyme style, it makes you listen again and read between the lines to … Continue reading Matte Blac – The Colour Of Sound