Author: Jim Steps

allaussie hip hop exclusive

Phrase – Babylon (Out Today)

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 (The Pictures/You Am I), Guineafowl, Jane Doe, Jimmy Barnes and Phrase singing, for the first time, himself. 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, … Continue reading Phrase – Babylon (Out Today)

allaussie hip hop exclusive

Koolta – The Influx EP (Exclusive Download)

Jim Steps

Emerging South Australian Hip Hop artist Koolta, is a 22yo MC/Producer who was recently announced the winner of the 2011 Hilltop Hoods Initiative. With an all-round skill set, Koolta employs a DIY mentality, handling all his own production, writing, recording and mixing. Hailing from the Adelaide Hills, the last few years Koolta has contributed production and vocals on various local releases, such as K21’s – The Greenhouse compilation. In 2008 and 2009, Koolta shared the stage with K21 and DJ PT for a stack of shows around the country supporting the likes of the Funkoars, Drapht, Pegz, Vents, Terra Firma … Continue reading Koolta – The Influx EP (Exclusive Download)

allaussie hip hop exclusive, Invada

Katalyst announces 3rd album ‘Deep Impressions’ and drops a free mixtape ‘Back To Basics Vol. 1’

Jim Steps

Internationally renowned, ARIA nominated producer Katalyst returns with new album Deep Impressions, set for release on the 16th of September 2011 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 … Continue reading Katalyst announces 3rd album ‘Deep Impressions’ and drops a free mixtape ‘Back To Basics Vol. 1’

allaussie hip hop exclusive, Independent

Bam Bam Music

Jim Steps

Bam Bam true to his name, this young emcee has burst on to the independent circuit with a huge buzz. Not only have we seen an explosive selection of tracks uploaded on to his Soundcloud page, but we’ve also seen this guy feature on 360’s mixtape Stand The Fuck Up and tour extensively with Uncle Six. Bam Bam heralds a new beginning in this emcee’s journey, pop culture, remixes, straight up hip hop and good times is this guys modus operandi. Be sure to keep an eye out for Bam Bam, an album will be coming soon. You can check out some of his recent tracks below, … Continue reading Bam Bam Music

allaussie hip hop exclusive, Big Village Records, Other Tongues

Ellesquire – Ready (Out Now)

Jim Steps

Big Village is very proud to announce the release of Ellesquire’s debut solo album Ready. Ellesquire is a rapper whose lyrics come across with an honesty and charm that is rarely heard within the local hip hop scene. Ready combines his smooth, flowing delivery and storytelling style with sample-heavy, lo-fi beats from prolific local producer P.Major. The sound pays tribute to 90s hip hop, while keeping a fresh feel by experimenting with atypical rhythms and melodies. The album’s lead single and title track Ready has helped Ellesquire generate a buzz as one of the most interesting artists to emerge on the local … Continue reading Ellesquire – Ready (Out Now)

allaussie hip hop exclusive, Obese Records, Rappertag

Mantra – Speaking Volumes

Jim Steps

Obese Records’ latest family member has been blazing a name for himself since 2005. From his early work with the group Equills and local Melbourne outfit Illzilla (fronting the group on their debut EP and Wasteland full length), Mantra’s captivating flow and intelligent lyrical connections continue to elevate his status as one of Australia’s most talented MCs as touted by both artists and fans. Mantra gives us an exclusive sneak peek at Self-Destruct featuring Promoe, a track off his upcoming album Speaking Volumes, out September 9th. Shot by: Ginger Van Es for Macula Productions Edited by: Romy Handley for Macula Productions … Continue reading Mantra – Speaking Volumes

allaussie hip hop exclusive, Born Fresh

Tommy Illfigga – Walk a Mile (August 12)

Jim Steps

From Brisbane’s urban jungle comes Tommy Illfigga with a sure-fire ripper of an album entitled Walk a Mile. Tommy Illfigga is a pure-blood hip hop native. Since ‘99 the wily emcee has been skulking the scene in many capacities, earning many accolades to his names (plural), together Tommy Illfigga and his alter ego Tom Thumb are taking the world by storm. Tommy’s aptitude is apparent not only through his exceptional word-harnessing abilities, but also in his proficiency as a respected producer, B-boy, graff writer and Beat Boxer.  His first release The Unfiltered EP hit shelves in 2007, stirring the scene with … Continue reading Tommy Illfigga – Walk a Mile (August 12)

Golden Era Records

Funkoars – Where I Am Music Video

Jim Steps

Adelaide circa 2003, three MC’s and one DJ release their debut full-length album under the name the Funkoars – Things haven’t been quite right since! They’re back! After going to ground 12 months ago, the Funkoars have resurfaced to deliver Where I Am the first single from their fourth LP The Quickening through Golden Era Records. Not only can you purchase the single on iTunes, but you now you can watch their brand spankin new music video for Where I Am directed by Selina Miles from Unity Sound & Visual. With scenes shot at up to 2000 frames per second by … Continue reading Funkoars – Where I Am Music Video

allaussie hip hop exclusive, Obese Records, The Ayems

Drapht – The Party, Party, Party Tour 2011 feat. Muph & Plutonic

Jim Steps

Muph & Plutonic join Drapht on  The Party, Party, Party Tour 2011 – tickets on sale Friday August 5. Those out there in the know, know that Muph & Plutonic haven’t stopped working the last two years. However their projects have been happening behind the scenes. Now stepping back out on the road, the Melbourne-based hip-hop duo have been announced to join Drapht on The Party, Party, Party tour. 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 just Plutonic … Continue reading Drapht – The Party, Party, Party Tour 2011 feat. Muph & Plutonic

Karsniogenics, Obese Records

Chasm & Lazy Grey Rusty Griz

Jim Steps

Sydney based producer Chasm is back! Check out the exclusive sneak-peek​ for the new single from Chasm & Lazy Grey available via iTunes August 5th through Obese Records. Be on the lookout for the next Chasm project coming towards the end of the year. Check out Rusty Griz below. Out on iTunes – August 5 through Obese Records Produced by Chasm. Lyrics written and performed by Lazy Grey. Recorded by Dcide @ The Family Home. Lazy Grey appears courtesy of Karsniogenics. Mixed & Mastered by Dan Elleson @ Dan’s Dojo Artwork by Dcide Continue reading Chasm & Lazy Grey Rusty Griz

allaussie hip hop exclusive

Dry July – Month For Huntz

Jim Steps

Some of the biggest names in local hip-hop, led by Perth man of the moment Drapht, formed a Dry July team in support of their compatriot, Robert “Huntz” Hunter who is battling terminal cancer. The initiative, which raises funds for adult cancer sufferers, ends today, and the group of musicians who have called themselves Month for Huntz have raised the most money in WA so far, with $10,572.53. Hunter, once known as the hard man of local hip-hop with a penchant for heavy drinking and drug- taking, is one of a new generation of digital communicators who, through his YouTube raps … Continue reading Dry July – Month For Huntz

Sony Music

Phrase – Apart

Jim Steps

It’s customary for an artist on the promo trail to talk up (or big note) how progressive their new album is. But in the two years since Clockwork floored the hip-hop world, Phrase — aka Melbourne MC Harley Webster — has completely ripped up his past by the roots. Babylon, his third album, throws down the gauntlet to any musician feeling hemmed in by a scene and longing to paint a bigger picture. The first single, Apart, sets the stage for Babylon, as a garage stomper with guitar twists and a chorus sung by You Am I’s Davey Lane — … Continue reading Phrase – Apart

allaussie hip hop exclusive, Other Tongues

Class A serves new single featuring Ishu

Jim Steps

Having dropped her exciting debut album Me, Me, Me and Him: The Secret Life of a Receptionist last year, Melbourne MC Class A is back and shows no sign of slowing down as she reveals new single Never featuring Ishu. Her last record saw her collaborating with Aussie hip hop heroes M-Phazes, BVA, Urban Monk and Doc Felix, which gained loads of local buzz and saw her truly cement her position within the Australian hip hop scene. She’s shared the stage with the likes of Dilated Peoples, Jean Grae, Talib Kweli, Gift of Gab (Blackalicious) and J-Live, as well as national … Continue reading Class A serves new single featuring Ishu

Rappertag1 Comment

Rapper Tag #38 – Seth Sentry

Jim Steps

Rapper Tag #38 live from Loungeroom, Coburg. Filmed by dands1 – Introduced to the live circuit in 2003 through performances with local hip hop/drum and bass outfit D.S.O.L.  Seth quickly became a fixture at Elf Tranzporter’s seminal ‘Phat Logic’ night from 2003-‘05, where he honed a freestyle technique that ultimately gained him local prominence through a third placing in the 2005 Revolver Battles competition. By this time he also organized and kicked off the successful weekly ‘Sideshow Freaks’ night at The Old Colonial in Fitzroy. Featuring a weekly line up of emcees and acts from around Australia, it was here he met and began … Continue reading Rapper Tag #38 – Seth Sentry

allaussie hip hop exclusive, Obese Records2 Comments

Illy – Cigarettes: New film clip

Jim Steps

This is the third single from Illy’s wildly successful sophomore release The Chase, this track Cigarettes features Hue Blanes of the Melodics, with production by ARIA award‐winning M‐Phazes. Music video by Rockaway Media This October, Illy hits the road for his biggest tour yet. With relentless live shows and two acclaimed albums under his belt, the emcee has earned his crown as one of our of country’s top hip hop artists. With Sydney’s Spit Syndicate and Darwin’s Sietta joining the bill, and ARIA Award winning producer M-Phazes as host, this tour is the perfect follow-up to the 21 date (mostly sold out) album tour last March. It’s been one hell of a ride for Illy, with singles Pictures, It Can’t Wait’ (Feat. … Continue reading Illy – Cigarettes: New film clip

allaussie hip hop exclusive, allaussie hip hop interviews, Wordburner Records

Bias B – Biaslife: Beginnings, Beats & Blessings Interview

Jim Steps

Australian hip hop pioneer Bias B has announced his retirement after an extremely influential solo career. His last show in Melbourne at The Corner Hotel was true testament to his genre-defining reign as one of local hip hop’s original kings. The venue packed out with representatives from all corners of the industry showing their support. Here’s what fellow industry innovators Reason, Ciecmate and Pegz have to say about the legendary Melbourne emcee; “Being the first Melbourne based emcee I had ever heard, I’ve always drawn inspiration from Bias B. I have the esteemed honour of calling him a true friend, an honour I cherish. As an artist … Continue reading Bias B – Biaslife: Beginnings, Beats & Blessings Interview

allaussie hip hop exclusive

Prime – Tunguska (Free Download)

Jim Steps

Tunguska is the first track from South Australia’s Prime (Pagen Elypsis) upcoming release Good Morning, out later this year via Soulmate Records. You can download it for free here. Spread the word. Tunguska is produced by One Above. Cuts by DJ Hacksaw. Cover by Drake Designs. Cover image courtesy of Manfred Zeuch. Prime Is Here  ||  Twitter  || Direct Link Continue reading Prime – Tunguska (Free Download)

Elefant Tracks, Rappertag

Solo – Rapper Tag #37 (Horrorshow)

Jim Steps

Rapper tag #37 live from Brooklyn, NYC – The Rapper Tag Jagganaut marches on with MC Solo from Horrorshow, chilling it back a minute in Brooklyn NYC.  Horrorshow recently performed at the One Day at The Basement show earlier this year. The gig featured all acoustic sets from Joyride, Spit Syndicate and Horrorshow and was based around the guys reimagining their songs using the talents of their musician friends from other inner west bands like Made In Japan and Milan. If peeps are interested in tracking down some more recordings from the night, acoustic versions of two songs – Waiting For The 5:04 and a cover of American Girl – are available on the bandtag … Continue reading Solo – Rapper Tag #37 (Horrorshow)

allaussie hip hop exclusive, Obese Records

Illy announces new tour feat. Spit Syndicate & Sietta

Jim Steps

This October, Illy hits the road for his biggest tour yet. With relentless live shows and two acclaimed albums under his belt, the emcee has earned his crown as one of our of country’s top hip hop artists. With Sydney’s Spit Syndicate and Darwin’s Sietta joining the bill, and ARIA Award winning producer M-Phazes as host, this tour is the perfect follow-up to the 21 date (mostly sold out) album tour last March. It’s been one hell of a ride for Illy, with singles Pictures, It Can’t Wait’ (Feat. Owl Eyes), and The Chase already becoming radio favourites. Illy’s latest single Cigarettes has just hit radio … Continue reading Illy announces new tour feat. Spit Syndicate & Sietta

Independent

Nymphlow – Ain’t It A Pity // City Under Siege // Digital 12″

Jim Steps

A forgotten child of note pads and spray-cans, Nymphlow is the writer’s emcee of 90’s hip-hop lost in a saturated new millennium. Influenced by the cerebral lyricism and DIY ethic of crews such as Wu-Tang Clan and D.I.T.C., Nymphlow’s authorial discipline as a recording artist offers a rebirth of hip-hop’s golden era. The homie Nymphlow just dropped his debut digital 12″ for free download so here’s your chance to pick it up. Produced by Geko, it features 2 remixes, one by WIK (Crate Cartel) and one by Newsense (BTE), with the cuts provided by Dazed. This is def one for the … Continue reading Nymphlow – Ain’t It A Pity // City Under Siege // Digital 12″

allaussie hip hop exclusive, Obese Records1 Comment

Thundamentals – Foreverlution (Behind The Scenes)

Jim Steps

Newtown hip hop 3 piece Thundamentals have announced the impending release of their sophomore album Foreverlution, the eagerly anticipated follow up to their 2009 longplayer Sleeping On Your Style. With their own national album launch shows TBA and lead single Paint The Town Red already on Triple j rotation, The Thunda’s are back in force. 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 … Continue reading Thundamentals – Foreverlution (Behind The Scenes)

Elefant Tracks, Inertia

Sietta – The Seventh Passenger (Out Now)

Jim Steps

Be prepared to be impressed by the fiery electronic soul of Darwin duo Sietta, and their debut album The Seventh Passenger. With a voice influenced by the rugged blues of Etta James and Memphis Minni, Caiti Baker’s powerful presence and themes of empowerment, love and hurt leave an unforgettable mark on the listener. In another time she may have gone down an R&B/pop path – such is her rich soaring delivery. Thankfully, Sietta didn’t dumb down; embracing a grittier direction, coated in a disarmingly alluring voice. As Kahlil Gibran said: ‘Beauty is not in the face; beauty is a light in … Continue reading Sietta – The Seventh Passenger (Out Now)

allaussie hip hop exclusive, Golden Era Records

Funkoars – Where I Am

Jim Steps

Tune into Richard Kingsmill’s ‘2011’ show from 6-9pm on Triple J this Sunday night to hear the premier of the Funkoars – Where I Am. They’re back! After going to ground 12 months ago, the Funkoars have resurfaced to deliver Where I Am the first single from their fourth LP The Quickening through Golden Era Records. Featuring filthy guitars, stomping drums and a bastard of a bass line, Where I Am brings back what’s been missing from Australian Hip-Hop – The Evil. Telling tales of parties past, Where I Am leaves the listener riding shotgun with the Funkoars as they tear … Continue reading Funkoars – Where I Am

allaussie hip hop exclusive, Obeast Records

Hau – Back at it again. Audio newsletter goodness.

Jim Steps

This time rocking over Ski Beatz & Mos Def’s, ‘Taxi’ instrumental from the album, 24 Hour Karate School. Purchase here. See us perform next at: Da Klinic 10th Birthday Bash (Also performing: Briggs, Bias B, Vents, Terra Firma, K21) HQ Live, Adelaide Friday, July 29th The Beresford Hotel Gig (with Plutonic Lab on the drums) Bourke St, Surry Hills Saturday, August 6th Sydney Website  ||  MySpace  ||  Twitter (Hau)  ||  Twitter (Koolism)  ||  Blog  ||  YouTube Continue reading Hau – Back at it again. Audio newsletter goodness.

allaussie hip hop exclusive, Independent

Cozzabags – Boganics

Jim Steps

Originally from Melbourne’s Eastern suburbs Cozzabags was a part of the city’s vibrant graffiti scene in the 90’s and 00’s. He also DJ’d in small Melbourne clubs during the burgeoning Hip Hop scenes earliest days. His first influences were Funk, US Hip Hop and seeing local punk & hardcore bands perform in community halls in Melbourne’s outer East. His unusual influences are often reflected in his music whilst still giving a tip of the cap to Old-School Hip Hop. His bedroom produced track Boganics generated some 18,000 views on YouTube in 2010. Not quite a dream come true but the … Continue reading Cozzabags – Boganics

allaussie hip hop exclusive, Sony Music

Phrase Records Rock Cover For Charity

Jim Steps

Phrase has been given the opportunity to cover one of 3 classic Australian rock songs and it’s up to YOU to help him choose which song he’s going to cover. This is all to help raise money for the Heaps Decent initiative that is committed to the cause of finding and nurturing the creativity of underprivileged and Indigenous young people and has all been made possible through the help of the Snickers Sessions. Every vote cast will raise $1 for the Heaps Decent initiative and is giving you and your friends the opportunity to see Phrase cover the song of YOUR choice! Just hit … Continue reading Phrase Records Rock Cover For Charity

allaussie hip hop exclusive

MC Trey lends a hand in Fiji

Jim Steps

Hip Hop music will be used to raise awareness on social issues. And Fijian Australian hip-hop artist and community worker Thelma Thomas aka MC Trey has recently volunteered her time to assist members of FemLINKPacific’s Generation Next Project. For five days, MC Trey worked with Generation Next to co-write and produce music around the theme: Enhancing women’s participation for conflict prevention. “I will present free lyric writing, beat-making and digital storytelling workshops for Suva-based young women, on behalf of Fiji Youth Initiative (FYI),” she said in a statement. “A collaborative group song will be created which reflects and comments on social issues. … Continue reading MC Trey lends a hand in Fiji

allaussie hip hop exclusive, Golden Era Records

Vents – Rollin Balls Tour Hits QLD

Jim Steps

Vents feat. Adfu is to hit QLD this Weekend for the next leg of his Rollin Balls tour, he has also been added to The Homebake Line-up and has new T-Shirts available at the GE Store! – Catch Vents on the Rollin’ Balls Tour this weekend here: Brisbane TONIGHT July 22nd at the Step Inn feat. Choose Mics As mentioned Vents has also been added to Homebake 2011 alongside an all-start Australian line-up including Drapht, Ladyhawke and The Vines. You can also grab a Vents ‘Marked For Death’ T-Shirt at the Golden Era Online store now! Vents on Twitter  || Golden … Continue reading Vents – Rollin Balls Tour Hits QLD

allaussie hip hop exclusive, allaussie hip hop reviews, Independent1 Comment

After Hours – Darker Days (Album Review)

Jim Steps

After Hours are back (after a long break) with their third release, an EP titled Darker Days. Available now on iTunes here, Darker Days is a departure from their earlier work – with a nastier, more evil sound. 11 tracks deep, packed with some serious heat – this is a release not to be slept on. Darker Days features the talents of Pohetikut (Pagen Elypsis) as well as production from Trials (Funkoars), Newsense (Hospice Crew) and Debate (Train of Thought). As members of the illustrious Certified Wise crew DJ Jugular, Edits, Headlock & Integer1 are back with their third release Darker … Continue reading After Hours – Darker Days (Album Review)

allaussie hip hop exclusive, Obese Records

Mantra announces upcoming album title

Jim Steps

Mantra has wrapped up in the studio for his next release entitled Speaking Volumes. The album will feature a seasoned array of contributors including M-Phazes, Illy and Urthboy. ‘It’s a far more musical album, an album of songs, as opposed to “rap” songs. I also collaborated with a lot more guest vocalists, and worked more closely with the producers to get the sound I was after.’ – Mantra Stay tuned for more exclusive Mantra news! Continue reading Mantra announces upcoming album title