Author: Jim Steps

Obese Records

Muph & Plutonic Headline HiFi Birthday Bash

Jim Steps

Iconic live music venue The HiFi are celebrating their birthday in June and have lined up Muph & Plutonic to headline shows at both their Melbourne and Brisbane locations. After touring the nation as part of this year’s Groovin’ The Moo festival, Muph & Plutonic will hit the HiFi June 11th in Melbourne before heading to Brisbane June 12th. Labelmates Chasm & Vida-Sunshyne will feature at the Melbourne show while Jess Harlen will perform at both dates. The Optimen and Rainman will feature in Brisbane with more to be announced shortly for Melbourne. Tickets for both shows are on sale … Continue reading Muph & Plutonic Headline HiFi Birthday Bash

MGM, Soulmate Records

360 Mixtape Launch @Hangtime

Jim Steps

First off, if you don’t have a copy of Please Be Seated yet, what the f*ck are you doing? Download that sh*t right now lad. With that out of the way, 360 is launching his new mixtape @ Hangtime next Thursday with (wait for it) a mash-up DJ set alongside longtime Hangers resident Mat Cant! Does Sixty have turntable skills to rival Roc Raida (R.I.P.), or is he Melbourne’s answer to Steve Aoki? Or have I got the wrong end of the stick and this is just some ol’ two-turntables-and-a-mic steez? Only one way to find out. Also playing: the homie Joyride from the … Continue reading 360 Mixtape Launch @Hangtime

allaussie hip hop exclusive

M-Phazes – Triple J Mix Up Set

Jim Steps

For regular Triple J listeners, the past few months have been pretty M-Phazes heavy. His debut album, Good Gracious was featured on Triple J in February and just two weeks ago, M-Phazes produced a track with Triple J unearthed artist Seven, a 22 year old MC from the gold coast – and the winner of the M-Phazes Unearthed MC Competition. (Completed track was played for the first time on today on Triple J). With tracks like from the ‘Where’s Elvis?’, ‘For What it’s Worth’ and ‘Goodbye Gravity’ frequently on the Triple J air-waves, M-Phazes is undoubtedly a huge production force … Continue reading M-Phazes – Triple J Mix Up Set

allaussie hip hop exclusive, Elefant Tracks

Urthboy takes tour to Europe

Jim Steps

Urthboy will be performing a special intimate show in Sydney on June 19 before departing on his first European tour. It’s going down at the tiny Sandringham Hotel in Newtown with special guests. Urthboy heads to Europe in July playing at Open Air festival in Switzerland (Jay-Z, Eminem, Nas & Damien ‘Jr. Gong’ Marley) and Splash! Festival in Germany (Wu-Tang Clan, Missy Elliot). Club dates include three shows supporting Brother Ali in Germany and a headline show in London with label-mates Hermitude. Tix are extremely limited for this send-off show at the Sando. First in first served. Urthboy feat. Elgusto … Continue reading Urthboy takes tour to Europe

allaussie hip hop exclusive

Cut To The Chase EP

Jim Steps

The long-awaited EP from Adelaide emcee Chase has been in the works for a while now and everyone has been wondering when it was coming, well it’s finally here. Rumors are that the Cut To The Chase EP has come out well above expectation, with banger after banger. The Cut To The Chase EP features 8 tracks plus an intro and has appearances from Illmaculate, Dribbles and Lariken.  Production is from engineer, J Squared, Rotten Produce and Kurziv. Chase – Insanity Hunter and DJ Vame Monster House & Chase Cut To The Chase EP – Adelaide launch Perth’s emcee Hunter … Continue reading Cut To The Chase EP

allaussie hip hop exclusive

Fatty Phew – Yes Or No Clip

Jim Steps

Fatty Phew, is back better than ever. Phew’s versatility has always been known after the underground classic release 23 Years In The Making. With tracks like Stand Up, Phew returns with his hard-hitting lines and passionate views on life, then chills out with a track reminiscing on past experiences with Wont Forget. Tracks like So The Fuck What, pokes fun at the side of life that everybody else seems to take so serious, and Yes or No is a story about the times people tend not to take serious. To add to this new release, DJ Bogues brings his talents … Continue reading Fatty Phew – Yes Or No Clip

allaussie hip hop exclusive

Ozi Batla – Wild Colonial (Joey Smiles Review and Interview)

Jim Steps

As a veteran member of some legendary groups, Ozi Batla has already mastered raps over The Herd’s accordion and guitar-layered live instrumentation, the reggae influenced beats of Astronomy Class and some futuristic trip-hop feature spots – but Wild Colonial is much more personal than anything he’s done before and listeners’ preconceptions will be challenged over the diverse soundscape of the record, which is sure to cement him as one of the finest wordsmiths in Australia both in terms of lyrical content and his exceptional delivery and control over the mic. The concept behind the album becomes clear when listening to … Continue reading Ozi Batla – Wild Colonial (Joey Smiles Review and Interview)

allaussie hip hop exclusive, Independent

Crymziko – Corrosive Oversound

Jim Steps

Crymziko (pron.  Crim-Zeeko) is a twenty year old emcee born and raised in Wollongong, Australia.   He has been honing and mastering his craft in hip-hop for over seven  ears, firmly placing his name among the ranks of Australia’s underground scene. Having played with and opened up for some of the biggest names in Aussie Hip Hop ( including Downsyde, Drapht, Thundamentals, Pez/360,  Mind Over Matter, Phatchance and more), he has made a name for himself on the local scene and plans to aim for bigger and better things on a national level. With his overall diverse style, sharp tongue and … Continue reading Crymziko – Corrosive Oversound

allaussie hip hop exclusive, Illusive Sounds

Bliss n Eso announce their 4th Studio Album ~ Running On Air

Jim Steps

Bliss N Eso are proud to announce the release of their highly anticipated fourth studio album, Running On Air, in late July. The trio have spent the better part of the past six months in the Victorian bush, writing and recording the follow-up to their Gold selling, ARIA Award winning LP, Flying Colours. It’s been a big couple of years since the release of 2008’s Flying Colours, which received praise in countless media and broke all kinds of records. Highlights include winning an ARIA award; Playing in front of 82,000 punters at the historic Sound Relief concert; The release of … Continue reading Bliss n Eso announce their 4th Studio Album ~ Running On Air

allaussie hip hop exclusive, Obese Records

Mantra – Power Of The Spoken album launch

Jim Steps

With a successful touring run supporting Urthboy already in motion (Sneakquel Tour – Adelaide leg gig review here), acclaimed Melbourne emcee Mantra is gearing up for his hometown launch show on the 28 May. Celebrating the release of his Triple J featured, debut full length album Power of the Spoken, Mantra will take to the East Brunswick Club with DJ Wasabi. Mata & Must and Class A have been lined up as supports for the evening. Tickets are $18. The show is shaping up to be a killer, with  Mantra and Wasabi putting together a one-off set featuring visuals, special … Continue reading Mantra – Power Of The Spoken album launch

allaussie hip hop exclusive, allaussie hip hop reviews, Elefant Tracks

Urthboy – The Sneakquel Tour (Adelaide Leg Review)

Jim Steps

Elefant Traks giant Urthboy, Jane Tyrell and Elgusto (Hermitude) hit Adelaide last weekend, bringing an in your face, energetic live show that had the punters out of control.  Joining Urthboy on The Sneakquel Tour this time round is Melbourne emcee and lyrical magician Mantra. Local lads Mase and Mattic kicked the night off, warming up the crowd early on. It was then on to Koolta who performed tracks of the recently released Deportation EP, both groups were well received by the eager crowd. You could tell that the atmosphere was hyped, a real sense of excitement hung in the air. … Continue reading Urthboy – The Sneakquel Tour (Adelaide Leg Review)

Uncategorized

Mata Of Fact- Show a must see

Jim Steps

For one night only, the cream of the crop of Melbourne’s Hip Hop scene will come together to perform on Saturday May 15 at the Central Club Hotel in Richmond. Mata & Must will headline a jam-packed night of Australian Hip Hop supported by Mr Nobody himself Maundz plus Dekoda and Vince Van Go. Kicking off the night will be the man himself Vince Van Go, who last year dropped his highly anticipated debut EP under the name SlipryTips. After months in his laboratory Vince Van Go will be debuting his new tracks. Following Vince Van Go will be the … Continue reading Mata Of Fact- Show a must see

allaussie hip hop exclusive, Elefant Tracks

Ozi Batla – Wild Colonial (2010)

Jim Steps

Here it people, for a very limited time we are streaming Ozi Batla’s long awaited debut solo album, Wild Colonial – out May 14 on Elefant Traks. There will also be a deluxe edition out with a second disc containing instrumental versions of each track (available via iTunes). Pre order your physical copy through JB Hi-Fi and you will receive a signed version of Wild Colonial, you can do that here. Mark down the release date today! At long last, Elefant Traks is pleased to introduce the debut solo record from Ozi Batla – Wild Colonial. The most personal record … Continue reading Ozi Batla – Wild Colonial (2010)

allaussie hip hop exclusive, Timeless Lifestyle/Foreign Dub Records

Undertow – Minds Believing Tour

Jim Steps

Foreign Dub presents Undertow in his East Coast Minds Believing album launch tour. Undertow will be joined by DJ Maniak for the tour plus Flawlezz and Rukus Crew. Full dates are listed below. Brisbane – Stepp Inn May 14, Rezadent, Flawlezz, Rukus Crew, Risky Livin. Gold Coast – Shark Bar May 15, Double album launch with Rezadent. Flawlezz, Rukus Crew, Ripe Crew, Caughts/Askerbars/Btrail, Nighstalker. Byron Bay – Budda Bar May 21, Davedog (Resin Dogs), Flawlezz, Rukus Crew, Azoz, Kasper, Hauser. Melbourne – Miss Libertines May 28 – Rezadent, Dazed and Flawlezz, Rukus Crew, JP and Bogues. Sydeney Secret Warehouse Location … Continue reading Undertow – Minds Believing Tour

allaussie hip hop exclusive, Obese Records

Maundz Interview – Mr Nobody (2010)

Jim Steps

Melbourne emcee Maundz released his full length LP yesterday, titled Mr Nobody. Let us tell you, it’s one you want to get your hands on.  Distributed by Obese, mixed and mastered by Deece at Omni Hieroglyphic Studios, Mr Nobody is Maundz’ social commentary on a world that doesn’t seem to have a clue…and boy does it do it well. We caught up with Maundz to have a quick chat about the release of his highly entertaining album Mr Nobody. Your debut album Mr Nobody dropped only yesterday, how are you feeling about it all? I feel fucking great man, feels … Continue reading Maundz Interview – Mr Nobody (2010)

allaussie hip hop exclusive, Obese Records

Cover Of The Moment – Spit Syndicate – Starry Eyed single

Jim Steps

Spit Syndicate are set to take Australia by storm next week when they drop their sophomore LP titled Exile. We have already had a quick sneak peek at the album and let us tell you, get excited. Not to give too much away, we’ve decided to award the ‘Cover Of The Moment’ to Spit Syndicates – Starry Eyed single cover (just wait till you see the LP). You may or may not have seen this one, but it features two tracks both produced by fellow One Dayer, Adit(Horroshow). The guys over at April77 Design never seem to fail to impress. … Continue reading Cover Of The Moment – Spit Syndicate – Starry Eyed single

allaussie hip hop exclusive

A Sight For Sore Eyes – SA Charity Gig

Jim Steps

This show will see one of the biggest line-ups of Adelaide Hip Hop in the past 5 years, donating their time and energy to support and raise much needed funds for the Royal Society for the Blinds Children and Youth Services. Get behind this great cause and show your support by parting with a lousy $10 to see some of Adelaide’s finest and help some vision impaired kids to live a better life. This is a daytime gig, so come and have some drinks and chill in the Electric Light Hotels Beer Garden. Doors open @ 1PM The day consists … Continue reading A Sight For Sore Eyes – SA Charity Gig

Unknowho Records

Dialect – JJJ unearthed feature artist

Jim Steps

South Australian emcee Dialect has been picked as this weeks Triple J Unearthed feature artist. As a part of the whole deal, Triple J threw a few q’s Dialects way. You can check that out below. Also, make sure you head over to Dialects unearthed page here, and download some new tracks plus leave a review. 1. Tell us about your music – How did you develop your flow and sound? I make straight up Hip Hop music with a focus on heavy beats and true lyricism inspired by my life experience, passion for record collecting and that 90’s New … Continue reading Dialect – JJJ unearthed feature artist

allaussie hip hop exclusive, Coalmine Records

Brown Bag AllStars – “What It’s All About” (M-Phazes Remix)

Jim Steps

The Brown Bag AllStars are back, this time with The Down Under Remixes (Digi 12″). This digital-only release from the BBAS crew is available through iTunes, Amazon & other digital retailers. This project contains remixes of two previously released tracks which have been remixed by Australila’s M-Phazes and also S.2. The M-Phazes remix of What It’s All About will also be featured on the forthcoming Coalmine Records release Phazed Out, which is a remix LP of Coalmine’s single catalog, remixed by M-Phazes. Click here or below to purchase The Down Under Remixes on iTunes. You may stream What It’s All … Continue reading Brown Bag AllStars – “What It’s All About” (M-Phazes Remix)

allaussie hip hop exclusive, Illusive Sounds

Lowrider – Here We Go

Jim Steps

Here We Go is the first taste of Lowrider’s sophomore album, Round the World, which is due for release in early July. After their first official release, 2008’s Diamond Amongst The Thieves, was near unanimously praised as one of the finest Australian albums of the year (‘there are truly no missteps on Diamond Amongst The Thieves’ – Drum, ‘This album is one of those rare gems in Australian music’ 9/10 – Sauce), there has been a huge level of anticipation for its follow-up. With a little help from New York’s legendary Chops Horns, Lowrider have returned with a bold, neck-breaking, … Continue reading Lowrider – Here We Go

allaussie hip hop exclusive, LookUP Records

Relive The 2nd Annual ReUP Festival

Jim Steps

The guys over at LookUP have organised a montage put together by PSYKEone, covering some of the highlights from The 2nd Annual ReUP Festival which took place in Sydney on April 25 2010 – Relive the chaos below… Here’s the order of the day to help you follow things – if you have a Sound-Cloud membership help out by tagging extra details on the waveform: “Beat Fighter” beat battle, Daily Meds, Class A & Nikkita, Swarmy, “Feeding Time” emcee battle, Dialectrix, LC Beats and Rival, That’s Them, Thundamentals and Def Wish Cast. Continue reading Relive The 2nd Annual ReUP Festival

allaussie hip hop exclusive, Red Giant Music

Justice & Kaos – Theme Music

Jim Steps

Justice and Kaos are widely tipped to be the next big thing in local hip hop circles. Melding commercial sheen with genuine talent, they realise that music is a business and approach it as such. In an industry where performing to more than five people and writing a bio can be perceived as ‘selling out’, the pair’s motivation is actual refreshing. It’s certainly helped them fastrack their careers. While Justice (the emcee) is largely unknown in mainstream circles, he’s already one of the most successful rappers to come out of Australia. The winner of the prestigious Scribble Jam Emcee Battle … Continue reading Justice & Kaos – Theme Music

allaussie hip hop exclusive, Red Tape Entertainment

allaussie hip hop’s monthly cook up with: Sammsonite (The Optimen)

Jim Steps

It’s been some time between drinks now since Brisbane’s best, The Optimen have performed a headlining show for their fans, but even with the AA meetings and late night phone calls to their sponsors they just can’t control their thirst any longer. For this reason, and also to bring their blistering new album The Out Of Money Experience to the live stage, The OPees are back in the lab and planning their launch for Friday, May 28 at the new home of hip-hop in Brisbane – The Step Inn. Not leaving anything to chance, they have joined forces with fellow … Continue reading allaussie hip hop’s monthly cook up with: Sammsonite (The Optimen)

allaussie hip hop exclusive, Unkut Recordings

Brad Strut- Authentic Re-release vid

Jim Steps

This was posted on the unkut.com website just yesterday and will interest a lot of folk. In 2006 Brad Strut and his Peruvian Gems label (Unkut subsidary) set to re-release his debut album Authentic (Originally released in 2001). The new version was originally due to be accompanied with a DVD detailing the movement circa late 90’s to 2001, some insight into Struts mind at the time as well as thoughts from Brad’s peers and those who had a hand in Authentic. Unfortunately the DVD was never completed and the re-packaged CD dropped a couple years later minus the additional footage. … Continue reading Brad Strut- Authentic Re-release vid

allaussie hip hop exclusive

Downsyde highlights the upside of Narrogin

Jim Steps

This article titled Downsyde highlights the upside of Narrogin by Nikki Wilson-Smith was featured on the ABC News website mid last week. The article features Downsyde’s Optamus and highlights the positive effects that hip hop can have on disadvantaged youths and also the community. As a student at Craigie High School, Scott Griffiths’ passion was music. But, his parents and teachers took a bit of convincing that Aussie hip hop was the right career path. “Even though it was quite unconventional to want to have a career in hip hop and especially Australia hip hop they realised that it was … Continue reading Downsyde highlights the upside of Narrogin

allaussie hip hop exclusive, Elefant Tracks

Urthboy – Still Keep Diggin’ (New Track)

Jim Steps

Urthboy and entourage headed up the coast in February and decided to start and finish a few new tracks. One of which is Still Keep Diggin’, and the guys want to share it with you. On a side note you may also catch one of these new tracks performed live on Urthboy’s – The Sneakquel Tour. The Sneakquel Tour has started, so make sure you catch Urthboy, Jane and Elgusto with Mantra as support if you get the chance.  You can download Still Keep Diggin’ for free below. You can also check the full Sneakquel Tour details right here. Urthboy … Continue reading Urthboy – Still Keep Diggin’ (New Track)

allaussie hip hop exclusive

Loose Change free album

Jim Steps

Sydney based hip hop crew, Loose Change release their debut album of laidback, infectious beats and honest, soul soaked raps. Combine a beatmaker with a golden touch on the drum machine, two emcees with gifted flows and life-fuelled lyricism, and a DJ who brings it altogether live. This is Loose Change. Emcees Rapaport and Ellesquire provide heartfelt lyrics with a sharp delivery. The raps are backed up by the sample-heavy P major production, with gritty drums, chopped up rhodes samples and moog-synth basslines. Cuts by Sam Z and some formidable guest verses by P Smurf, and the Loose Change sound … Continue reading Loose Change free album

allaussie hip hop exclusive

Hip Hop Youtube

Jim Steps

Here are a few hip hop related Youtube clips that are worth checking out. Questions Lounge feat. B wiv Deece (Rise Promo Video) Great promo video for B Wiv Deece’s – Rise In Peace (May 1st). Microphone Madness – Force & Sparts (Powerlines EP) New clip for Force & Sparts – Microphone Madenss, taken from their Powerlines EP. The track is produced by Wik and the clip shot and edited by B Wiv. Swarmy & PSYKEone – Onetwo Swarmy and PSYKEone get busy on a short track titled Onetwo. Kade Mc vs The Tongue (Final) Kade Mc vs The Tongue … Continue reading Hip Hop Youtube

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

allaussie hip hop Interview with Ozi Batla

Jim Steps

We catch up with Elefant Traks emcee Ozi Batla to chat about his upcoming debut solo LP Wild Colonial (May 14). Wild Colonial is the title of your upcoming debut solo LP, dropping next month on Elefant Traks. It’s a great sounding title, whats the concept behind it? “Wild Colonial” is from the old Irish/Australian folk song “Wild Colonial Boy” about the legendary bushranger and his fight with the authorities. It captures the rebelliousness of how I like my hip hop. The colonial is me, not just of this country but also of hip hop – so the “Wild” relates … Continue reading allaussie hip hop Interview with Ozi Batla