Author: Jim Steps

Obese Records

GULLY PLATOON – The Great Divide

Jim Steps

After a few days off, we are back with some huge news in the aussie hip hop scene. First off we see Gully Platoon. This outfit is the combined firepower of Pegz, Dialectrix, Joe New and DJ 2Buck, with production duties of the likes of Jase and Plutonic Labs. The skills of these super-talented musos is going to come together on the outfit’s debut record The Great Divide. Set to drop August 7, the first single from The Great Divide is Coat Of Paint. You can check out the first single and a few other songs here. The guys from … Continue reading GULLY PLATOON – The Great Divide

Obese Records

Drapht / Coalition Crew Tour Dates

Jim Steps

Drapht’s festival run continues, as Coalition Crew is added to The Sounds Of Spring bill. Drapht’s run on Australia’s biggest festivals continues as the Perth MC beefs up his upcoming itinerary with stints at this year’s massive (and sold out) Splendour in the Grass, the Sounds of Spring Festival, and the Blueprint Festival! Along with these dates, several club shows have been announced as well in New South Wales and Western Australia. Tour dates and details are as following: July 23 – Busselton, WA @ Esplanade (w/ Downsyde) July 26 – Byron Bay, NSW @ Splendour In the Grass (w/ … Continue reading Drapht / Coalition Crew Tour Dates

Golden Era Records, Uncategorized

Hilltop Hoods – Live At The Wireless and JTV specials

Jim Steps

The Hilltop Hoods, will be smashing up your radio tonight as Triple J bring us their live set from The Gippsland One Night Stand. Tune in tonight at 8pm to relive the magic. Below find dates and times of  other JTV specials with the Hilltop Hoods. Triple J TV with The Doctor: Road Trip special: Mon 13th July 9pm ABC2 & Fri 17th July 11:15pm ABC1 Triple J TV with The Doctor: One Night Stand Best Bits special: Mon 20th July 9pm ABC2 & Fri 24th July 11:15pm ABC1 Triple J TV presents: Hilltop Hoods (30min live special): Mon 20th … Continue reading Hilltop Hoods – Live At The Wireless and JTV specials

Golden Era Records, Major, Obese Records

The Nosebleed Section – Number 17 JJJ Hottest 100

Jim Steps

The guys from Hilltop Hoods have crushed Triple J Hottest 100 of all time, ranking in at number 17.  Congratulations go to the guys, we all know this is thoroughly deserved!! Authors: M. Lambert, D. Smith Released: 22 September, 2003 on The Calling LP Produced by: Hilltop Hoods Recorded: Adelaide, SA “That was definitely a turning point for us,” agrees MC Suffa, one third of Adelaide’s finest hip-hop outfit. Alongside bandmates MC Pressure and DJ Debris, the Hilltop Hoods frontman is well aware there’s a lot of love out there for the Hoods’ ode to the people in the back … Continue reading The Nosebleed Section – Number 17 JJJ Hottest 100

Uncategorized

Sole’d Out- A documentary on the sneaker craze

Jim Steps

Australia’s reply to Just For Kicks, Sole’d Out premiers in Melbourne on the 31st of July. Low Budget will be performing on the night you can check the trailer here. Since their emergence in 2005, Low Budget has established an enduring presence on the Australian hip hop scene. Following the widespread buzz generated by their self-released mixtape in 2005, the group’s jazzy debut album, Magnasound, was one of the surprise success stories of 2006, drawing universal enthusiasm and praise from critics and fans alike. On the back of the critical triumph and public acclaim of Magnasound, Low Budget quickly solidified … Continue reading Sole’d Out- A documentary on the sneaker craze

LookUP Records

That’s Them – Stay Up

Jim Steps

Since the release of the Thats Them EP, the group have simply gone from strength to strength. Nebs’ unique production sound is receiving international acclaim with the likes of A-Alikes (RBGs) and Solomon Childs (Killer Bees) writing to his world-class beats, whilst the stunningly futuristic Sonics of ‘Big Cty Music – (The Nebs Treatment)‘ feature on Scott Burn’s debut album locally. Add to that a commanding presence on the LookUP In The Sky Vol.1 mixtape and the remarkable feat of selling out their 12″ vinyl debut on LookUP Records a week before its official release. The guys music was also … Continue reading That’s Them – Stay Up

Golden Era Records, Major, Uncategorized1 Comment

State Of The Art – Track By Track

Jim Steps

­­­­­­­­ Here we have a little track by track run down of the fulll State Of The Art album. The run down is done by all three members of the Hilltop Hoods, Suffa, Debris and Pressure. It’s a great read and we’d like to see more groups do the same. Read on… 1. The Return SUFFA: We wanted the opener to be a punch in the face. I think we’ve achieved that. PRESSURE: Very much so. We wanted to come back heavy and aggressive and we’ve definitely done that. It’s a big slap in the face. SUFFA: It’s three years … Continue reading State Of The Art – Track By Track

allaussie hip hop gaming, Illusive Sounds

Bliss N Eso feature on EA Sport Fight Night Round 4

Jim Steps

Illusive are very excited to announce that local hip-hop juggernauts and serial video game junkies Bliss N Eso will have a track featured on the new instalment of EA’s seminal boxing series – Fight Night.  The selected track, Field of Dreams, which also features Illusive’s skyrocketing soulstress Paris Wells, will be the only Australian song to feature on the game’s soundtrack. Fight Night Round 4 was released worldwide on June 25th and will undoubtedly continue the much acclaimed franchise’s stranglehold on the boxing game genre. Other acts to feature on the title include Snoop Dogg, Bloc Party and Mos Def. EA Sports Australia caught up with … Continue reading Bliss N Eso feature on EA Sport Fight Night Round 4

Elefant Tracks, Uncategorized

Elefant Traks DVD Footage

Jim Steps

In case you missed it….Elefant Traks has recently put up a new trailer for their DVD release, check it here. The DVD is looking to drop on 31st July. Featuring all your fav Elefant Trak artists, this is sure to be killer. You can also catch the tour that coincides with the release at these venues: The Herd & Koolism @ Prince of Wales MELBOURNE 24 July The Herd & Koolism @ Manning Bar – SYDNEY 25 July The Herd & Koolism @ The Zoo – BRISBANE 31 July The Herd & Koolism @ Station Resort JINDABYNE 5 Aug The … Continue reading Elefant Traks DVD Footage

Obese Records

A Friendly Reminder……Big Show

Jim Steps

If your in Adelaide this weekend July 10, make sure you get to HQ as 3 of Australia’s finest hit the main stage,  just in-case you didn’t know…… BIAS B When it comes to quality Australian Hip Hop, the most influential name that comes to mind is Bias B. With a career spanning over a decade, he has been at the forefront of the development of the local hip hop scene since the early 90’s. Bias B’s debut release Beezwax not only changed the standard of the local scene but has become a classic and a defining stepping stone in … Continue reading A Friendly Reminder……Big Show

Elefant Tracks

Urthboy – Ready To Go

Jim Steps

Ok Urthboy fans, we are drawing closer the release of Spitshine (August 14), while we all have to wait for the full album, the second single Ready to Go is about to drop. Produced by Count Bounce and featuring the vox of Nat Dunn and Jane Tyrrell, Ready To Go is hectic and a sharp detour off the vibe of the first single Hellsong. The song will be released on iTunes on July 17. The single features 2 exclusive remixes of Hellsong courtesy of Tony Buchen and DJ Joyride. The Ready To Go clip is out very soon, stay tuned. Continue reading Urthboy – Ready To Go

Grhyme Productions

Sinergy Crew – Sin City (Independent release)

Jim Steps

Sinergy Crew are back almost 4 years after their initial Chaos Theory mixtape, with their first studio album Sin City. Both lyrcists, Chains One and Royalz, have stepped up their game since Chaos Theory, with Royalz bringing his trademark dark, boom-bap inspired beats to a new level. The album features collaborations with Hungry Humans stalwart Raven, ex-Phonic Division member Turps, DBO Crew with help from stablemates Associated Illness. DJ’s Elev8, Gutz and Simple Simon feature on the cuts. Sin City was released on July 4 through Grhyme Productions and is available at all good independent music stores, online/itunes and via … Continue reading Sinergy Crew – Sin City (Independent release)

Uncategorized

DJ Bonez on iPhone

Jim Steps

All the iPhone and iPod Touch users out there get set for your fist official aussie hip hop  iPhone app. This killer app is from none other then DJ Bonez. This app is a must-have for DJ Bonez fans and concert-goers. It helps you keep up with DJ Bonez while you’re on the go. The rich features and unique content in this app include: – the latest videos – photos of the band – music samples – blog posts and latest news – find out about concerts near you – engage with other fans across Facebook and iLike – post … Continue reading DJ Bonez on iPhone

Elefant Tracks

The Herd and Koolism

Jim Steps

We have done a post about this concert already (here), but it was such a long time ago that we thought we would refresh your memory about this one. The Herd are rolling through town for their last headline show in over a year.  It’s been a crazy 12 months, complete with top ten charting album, ARIA nomination, J Award for Best Video (2020), AIR Awards for Best independent Artist and Best Hip Hop album. Plus their national tour for Summerland was the biggest tour in their history. This year was going to be the R & R year with … Continue reading The Herd and Koolism

Obese Records

POWPOW – Muph & Pluto + DJ Bonez, Illy

Jim Steps

Get set for POWPOW. On Sunday July 12 get set to rock your socks off at the first installment of the Broken Panda SnowZone parties, aptly named POWPOW! Muph & Plutonic feat. DJ Bonez, headline the show with Illy launching, his debut album Long Story Short, we also have supports from DJ Dust & Mylestone. This show will be asure way to warm up from the freezing cold snow!! Get there! Tickerts are available from Freeride, Mt Buller and online  here. Continue reading POWPOW – Muph & Pluto + DJ Bonez, Illy

Amphead

Level Headed – The Spice Of Life

Jim Steps

Last night in the Riverland of South Australia, Level Headed lauched his first solo album, The Spice Of Life. Since leaving the group Train Of Thought in 2005, moving to teach physical education at Glossop High School, ensured that no music would be made for a while. The only rhymes that were spat over the next year or so were battles while on lunchtime yard duty with students, and a track made with a year ten student. Due to their common interest in education, Level Headed had a strong connection with Melbourne MC Reason. He appeared on his 2006 album … Continue reading Level Headed – The Spice Of Life

Obese Records

Hyjak N Torcha + Illy

Jim Steps

If your in Sydney why not check out a huge night of aussie hip hop at the Annandale Hotel. We see Hyjack N Torcha have their official album launch for Uregrettable, and also Illy for his debut release Long Story Short. If that wasn’t enough to get you jucies flowing the Obese crew have thrown Skryptcha in to the mix, with tickets only $12 this is a must. In other Obese news you can check out a reviewon the Muph and Plutonic gig that was recently held at the Hi Fi Bar, here. (via Clubsguide) Continue reading Hyjak N Torcha + Illy

Hydrofunk Records, Illusive Sounds

Pez – Solo Tour

Jim Steps

It’s been a big year for Pez and it seems it’s about to get a whole lot bigger. Pez will be hitting the road this August & September for his first headlining national outing – the Mind of My Own National Tour. With over 30 dates booked across the nation,  supported by Melbournian, Seth Sentry, rhyme partner 360, DJ Matik and Hailey Cramer, this will be a show not to miss. Tickets are on sale now! Continue reading Pez – Solo Tour

Amphead, Pang Productions

MATA & MUST – Paradox Of Minds

Jim Steps

After recently supporting Ghostface Killah at the Espy, Mata & Must are set to set the stage on fire, for their highly anticipated album launch. Founding their own label Pang Productions in 2003, and celebrating their tenth release, this duo has a lot to be proud of. Mata & Must (along with DJ Bogues) launch their long-awaited CD Paradox Of Minds, Friday July 31 at Revolver Upstairs. The guys bring a huge supporting line-up including Raven, Geko, Fluent Form, Discourse, Maggot Mouf & Dekoda, No Name Nathan and Paypercutts. Their debut album Paradox Of Minds was completely self-produced and is out now … Continue reading MATA & MUST – Paradox Of Minds

Illusive Sounds

Bliss N Eso back home

Jim Steps

Bliss N Eso are back home after an amazing sold out tour, but as the lads have admitted that “there is no rest for the wicked”. The guys will have a week off and it will be back to work, we hear that a documentary could be in the pipeline, amongst other things. If you would like to read some reviews of the Flying Colours Tour, check here at FasterLouder. You can also peep some cool photos, like the above shot by badjonni. On a side note, it seems that Bliss N Eso now have over 2000 followers on Twitter. … Continue reading Bliss N Eso back home

Elefant Tracks

Urthboy – Ready To Go

Jim Steps

The next release available from the Elefant Traks stable is off Urthboy’s forthcoming album Spitshine, which is scheduled to drop August 14; the second single Ready to Go has just hit the radio waves (Home & Hosed JJJ, June 29) and will be released digitally on July 17. The track features Nat Dunn and according to Urthboy’s twitter, the lads are filming the video shoot for the film clip later tonight. Be sure to head over to Urthies website to grab yourself a free copy of the lead single, Hellsong. An interesting video has also been released, showing the making … Continue reading Urthboy – Ready To Go

Golden Era Records, Major

Hilltop Hoods – Most Searched

Jim Steps

I was surprised to see a familiar picture on the ninemsn website today, as you can see above, the Hilltop Hoods are one of the most searched (once again shattering The Black Eyed Peas glory) . I’m not sure if this is done by search stats or if it is a paid advertisement. Could this be one of the advantages of having a major label distribute for you? Continue reading Hilltop Hoods – Most Searched

The Opposition

BRIGGS – The Gospel According To Briggs

Jim Steps

Before even releasing any ‘official’ music Briggs has been getting plenty of attention around his hometown of Melbourne. Veteran Melbourne MC, Reason has had Briggs at the top of his helper list for the past 2 years.  This multi talented artist with all the street hype of a bootleg Underbelly DVD is ready to knock walls down. He has recently released his debut EP Homemade Bombs with the assistance from Jaytee (Hazard Productions), 76 (Stronghorn Studios) and Trials (Funkoars) to much acclaim. Having completed The Hangover tour with the Funkoars, performing tracks from Homemade Bombs, he’s already back in the … Continue reading BRIGGS – The Gospel According To Briggs

Uncategorized

FIFTY IN FIVE – Research Review

Jim Steps

I found this interesting article written by a PhD student, Sally Hawkins, from Southern Cross University, NSW Australia. Sally is researching and writing on the regulation of political music in the digital environment. The article examines many of the political themes involved in the narrative of the new Hilltop Hoods song, Fifty In Five. The article title “Song Of The Moment – Fifty In Five” gives the reader an intresting perspective on the song and it’s concepts, if nothing else. Below is a little extract from the article, if you’d like to read more you can here. The sheer volume … Continue reading FIFTY IN FIVE – Research Review

Red Tape Entertainment, Shogun

THE OPTIMEN – The Out Of Money Experience

Jim Steps

The Optimen are back in the building with a brand new album! ‘The Out of Money Experience’, is on its way and is due for release on July 31st on Red Tape Entertainment, distributed through Shogun Dist. The album features guest appearances by some of Australia’s most respected, including the likes of Lazy Grey, Pure Product, The Archetypes (Clinic and Proclaim) and Tommy Ill. We also hear whispers of verses by two international rap industry icons! We will provide more information on this closer to the release date. Continue reading THE OPTIMEN – The Out Of Money Experience

Invada

KOOLISM – Umu

Jim Steps

After a three year hiatus, DJ/ producer Danielsan, and MC Hau are back with hip hop act Koolism’s fifth album. It’s titled Umu (pron. Oo-moo). Hau explains that “Umu” is a Tongan word for an underground oven – a cooking technique that is practiced throughout the South Pacific. “It’s a long and tiring process in which to prepare and to cook food slowly and thoroughly, but it’s results are rewarding and enjoyed by all who feast on it. That’s what I feel this album is like. A lot of time, money, heart and soul went into making this album, in … Continue reading KOOLISM – Umu