Author: Jim Steps

allaussie hip hop exclusive

Torcha & B-Don – Frozen State LP (Out Today)

Jim Steps

A work ethic unmatched, Sydney emcee Torcha teams up with producer B-Don for his third release in less than a year. Following new albums under the Hyjak & Torcha name along with the debut of his rock group A Broken Silence, Torcha & B-Don round out the trifecta with the new LP Frozen State, a hybrid hip hop album influenced by its elements of hard rock, classical, and chart topping tunes. Stay tuned for a full review of Frozen State, coming soon. Track listing: 01. On the Map 02. Road Rage 03. Internet Age 04. Waiting 05. Smoke Circles 06. … Continue reading Torcha & B-Don – Frozen State LP (Out Today)

allaussie hip hop exclusive, Obese Records

Monster House – Hunter and DJ Vame – COMING SOON

Jim Steps

Will be in shops and iTunes this week, running late. In 2008, old school Australian hip hop legend, DJ Vame (Def Wish Cast, Cannibal Tribe) emailed another Australian Hip Hop legend Hunter, from Western Australia’s Syllabolix Crew, (Drapht, Downsyde, Layla, Clandestien, and Matty B) and offered him some beats. Hunter liked the beats so much; he immediately asked Vame if he would be interested in doing a project, collaboration, or even an album together. Vame, who had been putting together a collection of mad slamming beats, and really only letting them out to a certain few, jumped at the chance … Continue reading Monster House – Hunter and DJ Vame – COMING SOON

allaussie hip hop exclusive, Pang Productions

Mata & Must + Rezadent – Dual Album Launch

Jim Steps

QLD heads are in for a treat when Mata & Must team up with with Rezadent, for an all out dual album launch, featuring some of QLD’s finest in support. Continue reading to get the full low down on this big night. Mata & Must (Paradox of Minds) In 2003 Mata & Must released their first EP on their own imprint established out of necessity. Six years on with an ever growing fan base, Melbourne label Pang Productions are celebrating their tenth release with Mata & Must’s long awaited debut full length album Paradox Of Minds. Leading up to the … Continue reading Mata & Must + Rezadent – Dual Album Launch

allaussie hip hop exclusive, Shogun

Swarmy (Overproof) – Mixtape Downloads

Jim Steps

Swarmy is noted as one of the fiercest emcees rolling around Sydney . If you’ve seen his live show, you can testify that Swarmy can rock a crowd, with backing from PSYKEone on the turntables and beat machines, get yourselves ready. Swarmy released a mixtape last year titled Fed Up But Still Hungry and he finally uploaded it to Soundclould for us. You can also download the mixtape direct from the link found below. The link to download: Swarmy – “Fed up but still hungry” Swarmy is also a member of Overproof. Overproof consists of Fame, Abuse & Swarmy, 3 … Continue reading Swarmy (Overproof) – Mixtape Downloads

allaussie hip hop exclusive

Simplex’s – Solo Joint

Jim Steps

Emcee Simplex will drop his long-awaited solo joint on Obese this year. One of this country’s most talented (and under-rated) hip hop talents to grace this country. Simplex’s solo album is slated for a mid-year 2010 release. The album is pretty much a collection of tracks that Simplex has been working on for a few years now, ideas he had wanted to get out from inside his head and inside his computer. Simplex also admits that he is using a bunch of beats that span around eight years of production styles. He is trying to keep the album as varied … Continue reading Simplex’s – Solo Joint

allaussie hip hop exclusive

Chalkfest

Jim Steps

The next Chalkfest held on Sunday March 7, will feature an impressive line up of hip hop acts, graffiti demos, emcees, DJ’s and guest breakers. All of this molded together for a visual and sensory experience like no other. With Resin Dogs as one of Chalkfests headline acts, its going to be another big Sunday at Chalk. Resin Dogs, Seth Sentry, Winnie Coopers, The Optimen, Omni Anti, Surecut Kids, Cutloose, Jungle Traffic, Fattal Brothers, DJ Solo + More acts TBA. Tickets $22 + BF Available through all moshtix outlets and on the door on the day. CHALKFEST and its featured … Continue reading Chalkfest

allaussie hip hop exclusive, Independent

Hip Hop @ The Fringe This Weekend

Jim Steps

This Friday (March 5) we have a a big hip hop line up at Adelaide’s Fringe Festival. Catch Level Headed, After Hours and then Curse Ov Dialect, all for the bargain price of $10. Times are below. Get there. Presented by Higher Ground. Shimmering West is the  brand new outdoor venue, running on Light Square. A fantastic array of live music acts will be appearing on the Shimmering West stage throughout the Fringe Festival. Shimmering West Tickets are available through Higher Ground – 9 Light Square Adelaide. Phone – (08) 8410 5599.. 10:00 – Level Headed 10:45 – After Hours … Continue reading Hip Hop @ The Fringe This Weekend

allaussie hip hop exclusive, Golden Era Records

Bigger Than Hip Hop Radio Show – Interview Preview With Suffa MC

Jim Steps

Last week Paul from Bigger Than Hip Hop Radio Show spoke with Suffa MC from the Hilltop Hoods, this all went down during their tour of Canada just as they cool off from doing interviews for a while. Here’s some of what the guys had to say. Paul: Whereabouts are you guys at the moment? Suffa: We’re at Calgary Airport in Alberta Paul: Are you playing a couple of shows up there at the moment? Suffa: Yeah we’ve just done six shows here, and we’ve got two left on our Canadian tour. We’ve got a big show in Ottawa tomorrow … Continue reading Bigger Than Hip Hop Radio Show – Interview Preview With Suffa MC

allaussie hip hop exclusive, allaussie hip hop reviews, Crate Cartel1 Comment

Fluent Form – The Furnace Review

Jim Steps

We take a look at one of the top releases from 2009, Fluent Form’s – The  Furnace. Released mid to late last year under Obese Distro, The Furnace caught a few people sleeping, including us. After selling out his independently released debut album, Chapters Of Substance, Fluent Form wasted no time in returning to the front lines with his sophomore LP. Across 14 tracks, Fluent continues to demonstrate his ability as a lyricist to combine concepts with complexity. To add to this release, Fluent has recruited a stellar line-up of guests including veterans Brad Strut and Ciecmate alongside Melbourne’s Mata … Continue reading Fluent Form – The Furnace Review

allaussie hip hop exclusive, Crate Cartel1 Comment

Fluent Form Interview

Jim Steps

So man last year we seen you drop the album the Furnace, and it’s had a massive reception. Fans have been going nuts for it, with it selling out in a lot of places over the country. Did you expect this much of a response? I definitely didn’t expect this kind of response at all. I knew I had a bit of a fan base and people checking for my shit, But I definitely didn’t expect this. Goes to show that with some hard work and a lot of patience, you can be rewarded. It’s really helped keep me hungry … Continue reading Fluent Form Interview

allaussie hip hop exclusive, Elefant Tracks

The Sneakquel Tour with special guest Mantra

Jim Steps

In the name of late nights and lost mornings, Urthboy is coming to your town on the Sneakquel Tour throughout April and May 2010. Nominated for this year’s Australian Music Prize (one of the only artists nominated twice) Urthboy is joined on stage by the incandescent Jane Tyrrell and DJ/producer Elgusto. Their Spitshine Tour in Oct/Nov 2009 was a huge success playing to over 10,000 people. After successfully navigating their way through the Australian Summer Festival collision course, the time for a headline tour with visuals, dance moves and new tunes has come. In support is gun-lyricist Mantra, whose debut … Continue reading The Sneakquel Tour with special guest Mantra

allaussie hip hop exclusive, Obese Records1 Comment

M-Phazes & Gully Platoon Double Album Launch Melbourne

Jim Steps

Bringing you one of Australian hip hop’s most anticipated nights, M-Phazes & Gully Platoon will launch their respective debut albums in a show that will boast an unprecedented array of guest appearances from some of the biggest names in the genre. Slated for March 27th at the Espy’s Gershwin Room, M-Phazes will launch his debut album, Good Gracious (named the Triple J ‘Feature Album’), featuring on-stage performances by Drapht, Phrase, Muph & Plutonic (w/ Candice Monique), Pegz, Illy, Delta, Dialectrix, Nine High, Mantra, 13th Son plus some very special guests. Gully Platoon (Pegz, Dialectrix, Joe New & DJ 2Buck) will … Continue reading M-Phazes & Gully Platoon Double Album Launch Melbourne

Formula Recordz, Obese Records

Choose Mics – Beggars Can’t Be Choosers (April 9)

Jim Steps

Choose Mics, the duo comprising emcee Haunts and DJ/Producer Mules, would have to be a couple of the hardest working geezers in the biz. With their debut album Beggars Can’t Be Choosers hitting stores in April, Choose Mics have also just wrapped up a massive east coast tour with aussie heavy weights Phrase, Bliss N Eso and Muph & Plutonic, the timing couldn’t be better for them to drop their first official release. Now based on the Gold Coast, Birmingham born Haunts brings a fresh new flavour to the local hip hop scene. Described as a hard nosed and in … Continue reading Choose Mics – Beggars Can’t Be Choosers (April 9)

Obese Records

Mantra – Power of the Spoken (March 26)

Jim Steps

Through his early work with Equills and acclaimed Melbourne outfit Illzilla, Mantra has been blazing a name for himself since 2005. Boasting a captivating flow and intelligent lyrical work, Mantra has risen in status to become one of Australia’s most respected MCs, as touted by artists and fans alike. His debut album, Power of the Spoken, is driven by the importance of the verbalized thought; a way to paint ideas, thoughts, and opinions in its most effective form. In the opening title track, he breaks down the very word “mantra” as a concept- chanted and recited through history as “phonetic … Continue reading Mantra – Power of the Spoken (March 26)

allaussie hip hop exclusive, Major1 Comment

D’Opus and Roshambo – Past Time (2010)

Jim Steps

D’Opus & Roshambo are set to unleash some new material, and are spearheading it with their new single Come Find Out, featuring Chanel Cole on the hook (alternatively, off the hook, depending on how you look at it). Ross Garrett (D.Opus) and Rowan Thomson (Roshambo) met in 2003; D’Opus already an established DJ having supported everyone from the Jungle Brothers, Q*Bert, Mr. Thing and De La Soul, while emcee Ro had built up an impressive reputation for spreading the hip hop gospel through his long-running show on 2XX FM. Taking inspiration from the golden era of hip hop, classic funk … Continue reading D’Opus and Roshambo – Past Time (2010)

allaussie hip hop exclusive, Obese Records2 Comments

Illy – Pictures 2010 Tour + New Acoustic CD

Jim Steps

With Illy’s single Pictures landing at #66 on Triple J’s Hottest 100, Illy has lined up a spate of shows through the month of April in support of its success, dubbed the Pictures 2010 Tour. The tour comes on the heels of the recent announcement that Illy will be one of the few hip-hop acts to be part of this year’s Groovin’ The Moo festival set to take place through May. With a new set that will include previews from his upcoming sophomore album, Illy has tapped local Melbourne hip hop crew BBS to support. Illy’s set will be accompanied … Continue reading Illy – Pictures 2010 Tour + New Acoustic CD

allaussie hip hop exclusive, Karsniogenics

The StatesMen – Sean B & DJ Dcide debut single feat. Lazy Grey

Jim Steps

To many Brisbane locals, The StatesMen’s Sean B & Dcide (aka DJ Dce), are synonymous with the city’s hip hop scene. They’ve not only spent 18 years collectively on radio and behind the boards with 4zZz’s PhatTape Hip Hop Show, but have also appeared as artists on a wide array of Australian Hip Hop releases, many since revered as pure classic’. Two years in the making, The StatesMen’s debut album, Drama To The Finish authentically defines the process for these two pioneering creatives, as the road here has been brutally long and seen many adventures, all of which are wrapped … Continue reading The StatesMen – Sean B & DJ Dcide debut single feat. Lazy Grey

allaussie hip hop exclusive

Horrorshow Ticket Winner!

Jim Steps

The buzz around Horrorshow is staggering: they’ve swept up everyone from Triple J kids to purist heads and indie hipsters. Their new album Inside Story was JJJ Album of the Week & Hip Hop Album of the Year (SMH) and their joint launch with Urthboy sold out the Metro Theatre in Sydney. The evocative brand of earnest, ego-free hip-hop announced by their debut album The Grey Space, earned them an ARIA nomination for Best Urban Release. Coupled with acclaimed recordings is their growing reputation for explosive live shows, most recently winning over a swag of new fans during 25 shows (over 7000 payers) on … Continue reading Horrorshow Ticket Winner!

allaussie hip hop exclusive

Maundz – Mr Nobody (May 7)

Jim Steps

After years of keeping the scene at bay, 2010 will finally see the highly anticipated release of local emcee Maundz’s debut LP, Mr Nobody. Cliche’s and tall tales aside, the Melbourne city native breathes the ferocity of a seasoned veteran and is bound to set the benchmark on how hip hop should be done. Since releasing his first two 7” inch records through Mass MC’s Double Beef records in 2005, the 24 year old emcee has garnered a strong underground following within the country, living up to his reputation as the local scene’s best kept secret. Featuring a stellar line … Continue reading Maundz – Mr Nobody (May 7)

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Zoo York x USG (Adelaide)

Jim Steps

Manhattan based ‘street’ label Zoo York has teamed up with Adelaide store USG and graff writer Ling to bring you the above tee. This limited edition collab tee features a full photo print on white. The print is of a piece done by Ling in Melbournes famous streets. Tees are limited to only 150 in the whole world. You can grab yours from USG (Myer Centre) for $50. Interesting fact: Zoo York was originally started by skateboarders Rodney Smith (SHUT Skates), Eli Morgan Gessner and Adam Schatz, as if you didn’t know that already! Continue reading Zoo York x USG (Adelaide)

allaussie hip hop exclusive, Obese Records

Thundamentals ‘Mic Silk’ Live

Jim Steps

Thundamentals have had a huge run of live shows and performances over the last 6 months, this continues with shows still to come on the My Lady Tour. To get everyone in the mood….well Melbourne and Brisbane more specifically, check out the two vid’s posted.  Both of these videos were taken from the Thundamentals album launch, held at The Gaelic Club, Friday 30/10/09. The first video features a track that Thundamentals really only perform live, Mic Silk. Check it, you can also cop tickets below by following the links. Get down if your in Melbourne or Brisbane, quality supports for … Continue reading Thundamentals ‘Mic Silk’ Live

Red Tape Entertainment

The Optimen Update – The Out of Money Experience (April 10)

Jim Steps

It’s been awhile since we first heard about The Optimen’s next project, The Out Of Money Experience and finally after all this waiting, the guys have locked in a release date. April 10 will be the day The Optimen unleash The Out Of Money Experience on the nation with a few tracks floating around already (Myspace and free download),  things are sounding large. Here’s what the guys at Red Tape had to say about the whole affair. We got some good news here at Red Tape! From the people who brought you Boomtown and The Red Tape Renegades, The Optimen’s … Continue reading The Optimen Update – The Out of Money Experience (April 10)

allaussie hip hop exclusive, Coalmine Records

Brooklyn Bridge – Bekay feat. Masta Ace (Prod. by M-Phazes)

Jim Steps

Australian producer M-Phazes is set to drop an absolute banger in the form of his production album Good Gracious. It will feature some of Australia’s top emcees including Drapht, Bliss N Eso, Phrase, Illy, Pegz, Muph n Plutonic, Delta, Solo, Spit Syndicate, Dialectrix, Mantra, Nfa, Nine High, Forthwrite (360 n Pez), 13th Son and Haunts. Good Gracious will be out on February 26 through Obese Records (check the previous post we did regarding this release here). If your not already excited, then here’s something to wet your appetite. M-Phazes recently produced a track for US emcee Bekay feat. Masta Ace. … Continue reading Brooklyn Bridge – Bekay feat. Masta Ace (Prod. by M-Phazes)

allaussie hip hop exclusive, Obese Records

M-Phazes – Goodbye Gravity (1st single)

Jim Steps

The first single off M-Phazes’ debut album Good Gracious is titled Goodbye Gravity. M-Phazes work is met head on by Muph & Plutonics energetic live setting; resulting in a remarkable connection between live instrumentation (bass, keys & guitar with Plutonic Lab on percussion) orchestrated by M-Phazes and Muphs distinct vocal tone. Highlighted by Melbourne soul singer Candice Moniques choral hook, Goodbye Gravity is a certain achievement on its own. Stay tuned to your radio next week, as it’s been revealed that Good Gracious will be Triple J’s feature album of the week. You can also see from the pic below, … Continue reading M-Phazes – Goodbye Gravity (1st single)

allaussie hip hop exclusive, Independent

mdusu – new album + free mixtape

Jim Steps

Hailing from Hobart – Australia’s southern-most capital city, mdusu (pronounced muh-DOO-soo) is one of Tasmania’s premier hip hop artists. Since his first live performance as an emcee in 2003, the MC/producer has built himself a reputation Australia-wide for quality recordings and raucous live shows, a feat which is all the more remarkable considering the isolation of his home town. In just a few short years, he has performed alongside acts such as De La Soul, Jurassic 5, Jungle Brothers, Z-Trip, Swollen Members, The Herd, Drapht, Funkoars, Muph & Plutonic etc. and can even lay claim to having shared a stage … Continue reading mdusu – new album + free mixtape

allaussie hip hop exclusive, Elefant Tracks

Urthboy nominated for an Australian Music Award

Jim Steps

Sydney artist Urthboy (Elefant Traks) aka Tim Levinson has been nominated to join the shortlist for this year’s Australian music award, The Amps, for his new album, Spitshine. Urthboy, also known for his work with The Herd, worked on the new album with fellow stable mates Hermitude. Levinson makes up one of the nine artists on the shortlist for the Australian Music Prize for outstanding album of 2009, the second time he’s been nominated after The Signal made the cut in 2007. Now in its fifth year, the music prize is not just the most reputable of the gongs handed … Continue reading Urthboy nominated for an Australian Music Award

allaussie hip hop exclusive, Elefant Tracks

Debut solo from Ozi Batla – Wild Colonial (2010)

Jim Steps

Ozi Batla is one of Australia’s best known emcees, fronting both The Herd and Astronomy Class. He is best known for penning anthemic tunes such as “77%”, “Starship Troopers” and “A Bright Tomorrow”, sharing credits on “We Can’t Hear You”, “Only 19” and the early Australian hip hop breakthrough “Scallops” in 2003. Renowned for his often politically charged lyrics, he also been involved outside music, through direct activism, fundraising and conducting hip hop workshops for disadvantaged youths in the outback and inner cities. Far from a one-dimensional emcee, his vocal range is as evident live as on record. He is … Continue reading Debut solo from Ozi Batla – Wild Colonial (2010)

Obese Records

Torcha & B-Don – Frozen State LP

Jim Steps

A work ethic unmatched, Sydney emcee Torcha teams up with producer B-Don for his third release in less than a year. Following new albums under the Hyjak & Torcha name along with the debut of his rock group A Broken Silence, Torcha & B-Don round out the trifecta with the new LP Frozen State, a hybrid hip hop album influenced by its elements of hard rock, classical, and chart topping tunes. “Torcha’s new LP Frozen State with musical genius B-Don cements his place at the forefront of Australian hip hop. This is his third full LP release in less than … Continue reading Torcha & B-Don – Frozen State LP

allaussie hip hop exclusive, Obeast Records

Happy Valentines day?? Hau – Love The Beast Mixtape

Jim Steps

To kick off this corporate day of love, Hau from Koolism is celebrating with a free mixtape for all  ‘Love the Beast’. Named after the Eric Bana doco, it’s bits and pieces Hau’s been working on, with original beats and other people’s instrumentals. Jacob Giles helped Hau put this one together but we also see a track produced by Katalyst (Space Invaders) and MGO on the artwork (Obeast Records ‘Badder Than Osama’….classic!). To grab this banging mixtape click here. Hau has also been busy working on his own blog which you can check out, by following the link here. Feel free … Continue reading Happy Valentines day?? Hau – Love The Beast Mixtape

allaussie hip hop exclusive, Krosswerdz Recordings5 Comments

Brethren – Bastion

Jim Steps

The Hip-Hop crew Brethren are a two-man team of Mistery (Matthew Peet) & Wizdm (Claude Rodriguez). Both individuals are veterans of the hip-hop scene in their own right. Mistery is one of the most renowned graffiti writers in Australia, a crucial member of internationally recognized graff crews Bounty Hunterz & 21st Century. He is also a b- boy who teaches breakdancing to hundreds of kids through the breaking team he started Magic Villains, and is a key member of the Sony performance crew “Atrac 3”. Wizdm is no slouch either, an awarded expert of “popping & locking” [elements of b boying], an accomplished drummer and … Continue reading Brethren – Bastion