Author: Jim Steps

allaussie hip hop exclusive, Impossible Odds Records

Impossible Odds Records – Official Label Launch

Jim Steps

Impossible Odds are one of Brisbane’s, and indeed Australia’s, stand alone acts. Fred Leone aka Rival MC list of credits are impressive: The Artist · Winner of the inaugural JB Seed “Speak: Indigenous Hip Hop” Competition (2007) · Nominated for the 2008 Deadly Awards (“Most Promising New Talent in Music”) · 2 Tracks have received full rotation on Triple J · Triple J’s Aus Music Months feature Artist November 2009 · ‘Feature Album of the Week’ on ABC Asia Pacific · ‘Release of The Week’ & ‘Single Off The Week’ in both Time Off and Scene Magazines · Sat at … Continue reading Impossible Odds Records – Official Label Launch

allaussie hip hop exclusive, Independent

Catching up with Ryan Egan

Jim Steps

Somewhere amongst Melbourne’s talent-filled swarm of new artist’s you’ll find a kid named Ryan Egan. Some may call this twenty-something’s music Hip-Hop and some may call it something completely different. Ryan, on the other hand prefers to not label it with any type of genre’, and to just let the listener decide instead. Ryan has gone from performing at local house parties to sharing the stage with artists such as Seth Sentry, Motley (UK) and Julez – all in a few months work. He may be putting a touch of Hip Hop over a well-known Coldplay song, or talking about … Continue reading Catching up with Ryan Egan

allaussie hip hop exclusive

V8 Supersounds – 600 Sounds featuring The Funkoars

Jim Steps

There is a new music festival circuit, V8 Supersounds, part of V8 Supercars Australia. The first of these V8 Supersounds events is 600 Sounds part of the Armor All Gold Coast 600 (from Friday 22 – Sunday 24 October 2010). Sunday night will feature Australia’s hip hop heavyweights The Funkoars. Based in Adelaide, they have had record-breaking attendance all over the nation……Gold Coast get ready. Consisting of three emcees – Trials, Hons and Sesta – plus DJ Reflux, they have produced some of the best hip hop known to Australia. Also appearing is Australia’s Sneaky Sound System. Ministry of Sound’s … Continue reading V8 Supersounds – 600 Sounds featuring The Funkoars

allaussie hip hop exclusive, Independent1 Comment

Omar Musa – World Goes To Pieces

Jim Steps

Omar Musa is a rapper and poet from Queanbeyan, NSW, Australia in 1984 and is of Malaysian-Australian heritage. He has lived in London and California and spends most of his time on the road, performing and writing. He has won numerous awards for poetry and music, including the Australian Poetry Slam in 2008 and the British Council’s Realise Your Dream award in 2007. While living in London in 2008, he recorded with MOBO award winning British rapper Akala. He has also run creative workshops in Aboriginal communities in remote Australian towns. His first hip-hop record, The Massive EP, recorded in … Continue reading Omar Musa – World Goes To Pieces

allaussie hip hop exclusive, Broken Tooth Entertainment

Maggot Mouf – You’re All Ears (Album Preview) July 16

Jim Steps

Coming straight out of government housing and searing his mark into the Canberra hip hop scene with his crew Alikeminds was just the start for Maggot Mouf. His latest album, You’re All Ears is ready to lay down an aural assault with its crisp production and sharply observed lyrics. You’re All Ears features production by BTE’s powerhouse, Ciecmate and the intimidating talent of Sammy Scissors. Featuring guest verses from 1/6 (this year’s 2010 Hilltop Hoods Initiative Winner), Scotty Hinds (Nine High / Smash Brothers), Dekoda and additional production from the devastating Joey Gargoyle and Bigfoot (Hired Goons / 750 Rebels), … Continue reading Maggot Mouf – You’re All Ears (Album Preview) July 16

allaussie hip hop exclusive, Born Fresh, Crate Cartel1 Comment

Triple Album Launch – Crate Creeps – Crate Cartel – Jake Biz

Jim Steps

Off the back of the success of Geko’s Crate Cartel Radio (in stores now) which features the likes of Maundz, Fluent Form, Raven, Jake Biz & Bigfoot, Bias B, Fatty Phew & Luke Mac, Kings Konekted, Ciecmate and Aectix, Geko will make his travels up to Brisbane to release the album along side fellow Crate Cartalians Maundz, Raven and Fluent Form. Alongside the already massive line-up, the production duo The Crate Creeps (DJ Butcher & Tommy Illfigga), off the back of there eagerly awaited album release – July 9th, will be releasing there album with an EXTREMELY live show incorporating … Continue reading Triple Album Launch – Crate Creeps – Crate Cartel – Jake Biz

allaussie hip hop exclusive, Elefant Tracks3 Comments

Uncensored Conversations: Freedom of speech and censorship: How free are we? – Highlights

Jim Steps

The third and final event of the Uncensored Conversations Speaker Series, ‘Freedom of speech and censorship: How free are we?’ was held in King’s Hall at the Museum of Australian Democracy at Old Parliament House, Canberra on 15 June 2010. Three members of Sydney hip hop group, The Herd, (Urthboy, Ozi Batla and Traksewt) shared their thoughts alongside Professor Dr Julianne Schultz. The Herd have used music as an outlet to express their opinions on a variety of issues. Their song ‘77%’ – which features the line ‘77% of Aussies are racist’ – refers to survey results that revealed the … Continue reading Uncensored Conversations: Freedom of speech and censorship: How free are we? – Highlights

allaussie hip hop exclusive, Invada, Obeast Records

Koolism – Behind The Scenes IX (Can’t Stand It)

Jim Steps

Koolism has started their journey back into the game and in this video you get to play fly on the wall and watch Hau laying down the first verse to Koolism’s new single, Can’t Stand It. Ignorant crew duck down! Canberra’s finest, Koolism, are back! The mighty combination of emcee Hau Latukefu and DJ Danielsan Ichiban return more vitriolic, more pissed off, than ever. On Can’t Stand It, Hau takes fire at the Australian government’s policy of refugee detaining, the seeming hypocracy of lambasting Pauline Hanson but cheering for her on Dancing With The Stars and the general air of … Continue reading Koolism – Behind The Scenes IX (Can’t Stand It)

allaussie hip hop exclusive, Independent

Realizm – Nasty Ill Filthy 12″ OUT NOW

Jim Steps

You may have heard of Realizm, you may not have. He’s been cutting his teeth for the better half of a decade in the studio and the stage with a bunch of guest spots littered across various local and international releases. He has a vinyl only 12″ about to drop called Nasty Ill Filthy featuring DJ Snair (The Battlehoggs), IDE (Creative Juices) from Brooklyn and Koolta from Adelaide. The vinyl only 12″ features four tracks and their four counterpart instrumentals; all produced by unsung beatsmith Amayze. This is the first project between the two Adelaide natives, with an album in … Continue reading Realizm – Nasty Ill Filthy 12″ OUT NOW

allaussie hip hop exclusive

Everfresh Studio – Everfresh: Blackbook

Jim Steps

The group known as Everfresh—artists Sync, Phibs, Reka, Rone, Wonderlust, Prizm, Meggs, Makatron and The Tooth—create works which fuse intense colour, intricate line work, iconic characters and visual narratives, using the most diverse street art and graffiti techniques. The Everfresh crew are the key players that continue to shape Melbourne’s dynamic and prolific street-art scene. Everfresh Studio is an explosive hub of creation and activity, inconspicuously located in Melbourne’s inner-city suburb of Collingwood. Behind an unmarked factory door, Everfresh artists conceive, develop and collaborate to produce their now internationally renowned work for the streets, as well as fine art for … Continue reading Everfresh Studio – Everfresh: Blackbook

allaussie hip hop exclusive, allaussie hip hop interviews, Obese Records

Interview with Eloquor about his new album ‘Charge’

Jim Steps

Charge is the title to your highly anticipated second LP release, after the successful debut effort on Move Up. Whats  been the biggest change for you personally and musically going into the making of Charge? I guess I was much more picky with the beats I chose for Charge. I really tried to get as many beat reels together from as many strong producers as I possibly could to get the sound I was after. I also got to hypeman for Briggs on the Hilltop Hoods tour last year which definitely influenced my perspective on how I wanted my music … Continue reading Interview with Eloquor about his new album ‘Charge’

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OXFAM Australia – The Hip Hop Approach

Jim Steps

You may ask – “Why is Oxfam Australia mucking around with Hip Hop music?”. Well, hip hop is an obviously diverse culture, and what we’ve found is that: Hip Hop is an inherently political and vocal culture. It is an innovative culture that couples respect with a progressive outlook on social life and politics. Hip hop is ground-breaking, boundary-pushing and is not afraid to ask the big questions or to suggest the alternatives. Hip hop has a long history as an inspirational force within disadvantaged urban environments. It talks to the people, and is created by the people. Aussie Hip … Continue reading OXFAM Australia – The Hip Hop Approach

Golden Era Records

The Ultimate Hangover – Funkoars live at HQ Complex Adelaide

Jim Steps

After a string of sold out tours and festivals, The Funkoars have been taking a well earned sabbatical from what was essentially a two year long hangover. Now after some serious stomach pumping and quality time in rehab, The ‘Oars are ready to deliver their last Adelaide show for 2010. Not only will this mark their final hometown show of 2010, but we will also see The Funkoars performing selected cuts from their back catalogue for the VERY… LAST… TIME. Promising to deliver a world class performance, The Funkoars have pulled out all the stops – more booze, more women … Continue reading The Ultimate Hangover – Funkoars live at HQ Complex Adelaide

allaussie hip hop exclusive, Obese Records

Spit Syndicate – Exile (New website)

Jim Steps

Spit Syndicate have just launched their brand spanking new website, featuring design by April77. The site is packed with news, pics, lyrics and all that Spit Syndicate goodness. Starry-Eyed – the new video for the first single from Exile is currently in production. Watch this space! In the meantime – peep this short clip of the Double S live on stage rocking various venues across the country… Spit Syndicate are no strangers to the live circuit, having played successive Obese Block Party tours and joining crew-members Horrorshow on the wildly-successful Inside Story tour in March. The Starry-Eyed National Tour is … Continue reading Spit Syndicate – Exile (New website)

allaussie hip hop exclusive, Elefant Tracks

allaussie hip hop’s spotlight on: The Last Kinection

Jim Steps

The Last Kinection are an Indigenous Hip Hop trio made up of brother and sister Weno and Nay, as well as DJ Jaytee. 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 … Continue reading allaussie hip hop’s spotlight on: The Last Kinection

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Spit n Grime MC Battles – Adelaide

Jim Steps

If your in Adelaide on July 2, then  come get your drink on, with a host of acts including Bwiv Deece, Maundz, Fluent Form, Discourse (VIC), Ground Floor Up, Mnops + Nieve, Dark Faction and DJ Faint One. The night will also feature some emcee battles judged by locals Evolve & K21. First prize is $500 cash. Donated by Kustom Aart Constructions + a tattoo to the value of $450 donated by Body Art and Beauty, Old Noarlunga. This is a show not to be missed. Free raffle entry for all ticket buyers. Raffle prize is $200 worth of free … Continue reading Spit n Grime MC Battles – Adelaide

allaussie hip hop exclusive

Exit Through The Gift Shop – Extended Season @ The Mercury

Jim Steps

Adelaide’s The Mercury and Iris Cinemas are run by the Media Resource Centre to enhance screen culture and to give screening opportunities to emerging South Australian film, video and digital media artists. Currently, The Mercury has been screening the infamous Banksy’s new documentary, Exit Through The Gift Shop. The popularity of this has been huge, with The Mercury extending the season AGAIN! There will be four more screenings of Exit Through The Gift Shop before fans will have to wait to catch it on DVD release. Support a great cinema and head on down this weekend. Session times are below. … Continue reading Exit Through The Gift Shop – Extended Season @ The Mercury

Uncategorized

Horrorshow: Walk You Home Tour

Jim Steps

Elefant Traks is pleased to announce Horrorshow’s Walk You Home Tour with 8 shows nationwide this August/September. The horse that is Horrorshow’s live reputation has bolted! Their Inside Story tour earlier this year was a smashing success playing to over 4000 people including 2 sellout Sydney shows (the first selling out 3 weeks in advance) at the Factory. The buzz around Horrorshow keeps growing: their evocative, ego-free hip-hop continues to strike a chord with a diverse and growing legion of devoted fans. They were recently featured in J-MAG for the tattoos fans have made out of their lyrics. After appearances … Continue reading Horrorshow: Walk You Home Tour

allaussie hip hop exclusive, Golden Era Records

APRA Music Award winners announced

Jim Steps

The 2010 APRA Music Awards have been announced and Adelaide lads The Hilltop Hoods took home the gong for Urban work of the Year with the track Still Standing. The other big winners on the night were The Temper Trap who took home Song Of The Year gong for their track Sweet Disposition. AC/DC were finally recognised for their contribution to Australian music with Angus and Malcolm Young being awarded the Song Writer Of The Year award as well as the Most Played Australian Work Overseas gong for their single Rock ‘N Roll Train. Other notable winners include Ash Grunwald. … Continue reading APRA Music Award winners announced

allaussie hip hop exclusive, Obese Records

Skryptcha – The Numbers Album Sampler (July 23)

Jim Steps

From one city skyline to another, Sydney emcee Skryptcha digs into hip hop’s East Coast influence for direction and tone on his much anticipated debut full length. Titled The Numbers, this fourteen track outing is an honest and personal expression of Skryptcha’s personality and love for the music wrapped up in that old boom-bap and soul sound. Like those who have made a mark in the past, The Numbers is a glorious mix of deft production work and intelligent lyricism and story telling. Enlisting production from noted Australian beatmakers M-Phazes, Chasm, Jase and Ante Escobar alongside international input from Domingo … Continue reading Skryptcha – The Numbers Album Sampler (July 23)

allaussie hip hop exclusive, Invada

Koolism – Cant Stand It (Stream)

Jim Steps

Koolism have just leaked their brand new single Can’t Stand It. The track is making waves at the moment and has made a few ears twitch and a lot of heads turning.DJ Danielsan as always provides the backdrop to this up-tempo track, while Plutonic Lab chips in with the drums. As for the words, emcee Hau, explains: “The lyrics were inspired by, to put it simple and plain, a lot of fuckery in this country. I definitely believe we have it a lot better than many places around the world, but at the same time, that doesn’t mean I’m not … Continue reading Koolism – Cant Stand It (Stream)

allaussie hip hop exclusive, MGM, Soulmate Records, Uncategorized

360 – Take Off (Sky Is Falling) Doco

Jim Steps

Step behind the scenes with 360 as he discusses the inspiration and recording process for Take Off (Sky Is Falling), the first official preview track from his upcoming album Falling & Flying (Soulmate/EMI). Features live studio footage and a cameo from track producer Styalz Fuego. Filmed & edited by Hamish McCormick for Carnival Cinema, June 2010. Album should be out September. Take Off (Sky Is Falling) Continue reading 360 – Take Off (Sky Is Falling) Doco

allaussie hip hop exclusive, Crate Cartel

Maundz – White Shirts Film Clip

Jim Steps

The above film clip is brand new from Maundz, released today. The track White Shirts is taken from the album Mr Nobody. Doc Savage remix of Maundz’s ‘Agent 99’, Melbourne, Australia, June 2010 Both tracks have been taken from the Mr Nobody LP released recently this year. You can pick up Maundz – Mr Nobody at all good hip hop stores. You can also check out a few other remixes from the album right here. Continue reading Maundz – White Shirts Film Clip

allaussie hip hop exclusive, allaussie hip hop interviews, I Forgot Sorry!

Phatchance – Interview

Jim Steps

After packing out Sydney’s Oxford Art Factory in March this year; on August 6th solo artists Phatchance and Coptic Soldier are back by demand for another, bigger, all ages Face Paint Event. This time commandeering the Factory Theater for a night of live, alternative Australian hip-hop, where both the performers and crowd get their faces painted for the sake of the party. Crowned both a Triple J Unearthed and Myspace.com featured artist Phatchance has gone from strength to strength since the release of his debut album Inkstains. His stage partner Coptic Soldier has just released his debut EP The Sound … Continue reading Phatchance – Interview

allaussie hip hop exclusive, allaussie hip hop interviews, Elefant Tracks, Obese Records

Spit Syndicate – Exile (Interview)

Jim Steps

Nick Lupi from the Spit Syndicate catches up with allaussie hip hop to talk about their new release Exile, touring, competing with hip hop legend Ozi Batla plus more: aahh: Exile has just dropped lads, congrats on the release. Brilliant is something that comes to mind. Tell us a little about the album? Nick Lupi: Big ups Jim, thank you – glad you like it. I much prefer to let the music speak for itself rather than try to describe it with words, but in terms of the album, it’s the culmination of a lot of late nights and long … Continue reading Spit Syndicate – Exile (Interview)

allaussie hip hop exclusive, Elefant Tracks

Ozi Batla – Wild Colonial Tour

Jim Steps

Ozi Batla, frontman for The Herd is venturing out on his first solo tour in support of his debut record Wild Colonial. Already heavily featured on triple j, Rage, Video Hits and Channel [V], Ozi steps out on stage backed by Sandro, who produced the entire Wild Colonial album. One of the most lauded and loved emcees in Australia, Ozi Batla has led The Herd and Astronomy Class on multiple National tours and performances at all the major festivals. Most recently he wowed the sold-out crowds at Before Too Long: Paul Kelly Tribute shows at the Forum in Melbourne. Expect … Continue reading Ozi Batla – Wild Colonial Tour

allaussie hip hop exclusive, Illusive Sounds

Bliss N Eso – Down By The River New Video

Jim Steps

Check out the brand new video clip for Down by the River – the first single taken from the highly anticipated 4th studio album from Bliss n Eso! The clip was filmed in and around the Victorian mountains, where BnE recorded their soon to be released album Running on Air (July 30). To complement the song’s lyrical content the video also features various tour footage shot over the last 18 months in Aus & USA. Also don’t miss DJ Izm’s classic BMX stack right at the end! During this album’s creative process, the Sydney-based outfit headed out of the city … Continue reading Bliss N Eso – Down By The River New Video

allaussie hip hop exclusive, Myspherical Entertainment, Obese Records

Eloquor – Charge July 2

Jim Steps

Like the glow of the city streets, Melbourne’s Eloquor is the amalgamation of a spiritual soul with the battered underground. A talented lyricist and memorable performer, Eloquor’s pedigree is built upon his responsibilities of being a hip hop poet devoted to uplifting the community and a teacher to those less privileged. Featuring production from noted names like M-Phazes and Jase, and digging deep into the aural landscape of New York’s hip hop roots, Charge is his second full length album, and like its commanding title, the music captures the drive and will to keep living through the uphill ride of … Continue reading Eloquor – Charge July 2