Author: Jim Steps

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Justice & Kaos – Home IndVasian 2

Jim Steps

Write, record and release a song each week for 30 weeks. Sounds like an ambitious project, right? Not quite as ambitious as doing it for a 2nd time. After taking a couple of years to recover from self-inflicted, deadline-driven, marathon studio sessions that resembled scenes from Saw, Justice & Kaos return for the sequel to 2011’s highly successful Home indVasian series. Recognising the changing way in which people seek out and consume music, the original series saw J&K release new tunes weekly for over half a year online, yielding 230,000+ track plays, downloads & YouTube views. As far as sequels … Continue reading Justice & Kaos – Home IndVasian 2

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Thundamentals – Smiles Don’t Lie Tour

Jim Steps

Blues Mountains via Newtown hip hop trio Thundamentals continue to flip the concepts of what hip hop is supposed to be with new single Smiles Don’t Lie from their upcoming, as-yet-untitled, third album, proudly announcing their first and only headline tour for 2013 – taking in Sprung Festival and FBi’s 10th Birthday celebrations – to bring the new music to fans. Already added to rotation on triple j, debuting at #5 on the iTunes Hip Hop Charts, and an unashamed love letter, Smiles Don’t Lie would not have been an obvious single choice for the boys – MCs Tuka and Jeswon and … Continue reading Thundamentals – Smiles Don’t Lie Tour

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Ngaiire – Lamentations Tour

Jim Steps

In the first three weeks of release (and in some cases, before) Ngaiire’s Lamentations has been announced as feature album on Sydney’s Eastside Radio and 2SER FM, South Australia’s Radio Adelaide, Melbourne’s 3RRR, PBS and SYN, DIG Australia, 2 BOB Radio and Radio Goolgarri, as well as landing feature album prominence on AIR, and garnering on-air support from triple j.  Now, the Sydney via Papua New Guinea artist announces the album tour proper, expanding on her previous two single tours; riding a wave of support for her brilliant debut album. The highly anticipated July 12 release of Ngaiire’s debut album … Continue reading Ngaiire – Lamentations Tour

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Mr. Ruckman – The Born Again Humanist

Jim Steps

Emerging triumphantly from where his debut signed off, The Born-Again Humanist shows a ‘re-born’ artist expressing new and developed ideas and values. Born-Again not in the traditional religious sense, but in fact the contrary, with evolution and humanism being the underlying theme throughout. Mr. Ruckman presents lyrics of a profound nature and skilful caliber, complimenting the raw production of local musicians to acclaimed hip-hop producers Simplex and Jacob Giles. From writing eloquently on controversial subjects to exploring human nature, Mr. Ruckman breaks free of conventional hip-hop topics and speaks on the importance of knowledge, freedom of speech, secularism, reason and forward thinking. … Continue reading Mr. Ruckman – The Born Again Humanist

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April77 Creative – The Australian Weekend A Plus Feature Article

Jim Steps

Last week April77 Creative was featured in The Australian’s Weekend A Plus section. The feature focuses on their work in the local Hip Hop scene and includes interviews with Obese Records and Nick Lupi from Spit Syndicate. For anyone that missed the printed version last week the article has now been published on The Australian’s website – Click here to read it online! Disclaimer From April77 Creative: “I think Public Enemy has made some incredible music in last 15 years, and we are inspired by a lot of great album covers for US artists… not all views expressed in the … Continue reading April77 Creative – The Australian Weekend A Plus Feature Article

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Mantra – ‘Telling Scenes’ Track By Track

Jim Steps

Following on from radio anthem Loudmouth, Melbourne rapper Mantra has dropped the emotionally heavy Break Tradition – the second single from his forthcoming album, Telling Scenes. Due for release in September, Telling Scenes is an album in the most creative sense: not just a collection of songs, but an experience that takes its listener on a journey. As one part of this journey, Break Tradition represents a side of Mantra very close to his heart. Using dexterous rhymes to unfold stark and literal narratives, Mantra delves into the cycle of violence that sees the endless chain of one person passing their abuse on … Continue reading Mantra – ‘Telling Scenes’ Track By Track

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Rap City 2013

Jim Steps

Since inception in 2010, Rap City has brought a mix of the hottest Hip Hop talent to one stage, in a unique format, multi-billed event that is much more than the average Hip Hop show. Bringing some of Hip Hop’s best to Australia in previous years, high-profile artists such as GhostfaceKillah, DOOM, The Beatnuts, DJ Premier, Chino XL, Masta Ace & Edo.G w/ Marco Polo have been showcased to sold out venues across the country. This year we welcome back to Australia, legendary Brooklyn emcee, Talib Kweli, and introduce lyrical shaman signed to Stones Throw Records, Homeboy Sandman & New Orleans … Continue reading Rap City 2013

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Red Bull Curates x HOME Nightclub

Jim Steps

In the true spirit of ‘giving wings’ to people and ideas, Red Bull have teamed up with Ironlak and four of the best street artists in Australia, to give Sydney’s HOME nightclub a makeover. As of this past Sunday night, Lister, Shida, Vans the Omega and Sofles have been locked into the club. For five nights they will turn HOME into their temporary home, eating, sleeping, relaxing, living and painting the internal walls of the nightclub. HOME opened in November, 1998 in Darling Harbour, as Sydney’s first custom built ‘super club’. Almost 15 years on, the venue has seen better … Continue reading Red Bull Curates x HOME Nightclub

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Koolta – All I Need’s A Heartbeat

Jim Steps

Fresh from his first headline national tour, Adelaide’s MC/Producer Koolta (2011 Hilltop Hoods Initiative Winner/2012 JJJ Unearthed Parklife Winner) has teamed up once again with DJ PT for the release of their second mixtape All I Need’s A Heartbeart. 2013 has been a busy year for the pair thus far with a heavy touring schedule for the last six months. Now back in the studio Koolta has been honing his craft and pushing his song writing skills to exciting and diverse places. This release is a collection of ten brand new songs plus three remixes from Koolta’s debut album The … Continue reading Koolta – All I Need’s A Heartbeat

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Allday – Soon I’ll Be In Cali 2

Jim Steps

Allday’s latest mixtape Soon I’ll Be In Cali 2 dropped recently to massive online buzz, with tens of thousands of downloads and streams so far. The latest in a string of highlights for the prolific artist and performer, it features 16 tracks that are peaking Allday’s legion of fans. Having forgone a pro basketball career to pursue music, 2013 has been epic. Allday’s first real single So Good scored #91 in the triple j Hottest 100, and an amazing crowd flocked to his sets at festivals including Big Day Out, Pushover, St Kilda Festival, Groovin’ The Moo Bunbury, and Come Together. Meanwhile … Continue reading Allday – Soon I’ll Be In Cali 2

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Must Volkoff – Honeymoon On Mars

Jim Steps

The prequel to White Russian, available now as a name your price download. Musty’s production album White Russian has just came back from mastering in the US. As a prelude to the album he’s dropped a free instrumental EP. A psychedelic collection of beats from the Vostok floor. Honeymoon On Mars is the tale of a hapless crew of astronauts who embark on a doomed mission to the Red Planet. Stay tuned for the White Russian release date and lineup coming soon. Download  ||  Pang Productions  ||  Facebook Continue reading Must Volkoff – Honeymoon On Mars

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Flu aka Fluent Form – Flu Season

Jim Steps

Flu aka Fluent Form is the A-grade emcee, and what he has produced with new album Flu Season is no less than top-shelf hip hop. As Fluent Form has matured, so too has his music.  With a certain bravery, his new material contains more sensitivity both tonally and lyrically than displayed on previous albums Word Merchant (2011) and The Furnace (2009). Known in the past for his aggressive execution, the Melbourne emcee has redefined his stylistic approach in the hope that “it gives the listener an opportunity to digest everything I’m saying.” Guests on the album include Geko, Pang Production’s One Sixth, … Continue reading Flu aka Fluent Form – Flu Season

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Force – Force [Produced by Zarkov]

Jim Steps

Melbourne born and bred and raised on a diet of traditional hip hop both local and abroad, Force has been steadily building as an artist since his 2009 debut album Clouded, which featured Maundz, Hunter (RIP), A-Diction and more. From there it was evident that a respect for the art form reigned true. It’s now 2013 and whilst nothing has changed in the respect for the pioneers, the sound Force is bringing certainly has. After forming Down For The Count Records and releasing a slew of crew products, Force has now teamed up with Jackie Onassis producer Zarkov (Raph) to … Continue reading Force – Force [Produced by Zarkov]

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Bam Bam – Bags Packed feat. Allday Official Music Video

Jim Steps

What exactly is left to say about Bam Bam?! It’s been a big few years from one of Melbourne’s most respected Hip Hop stars. With a resume that includes supporting his best mate 360 on his national sold out Flying Tour.  Amassing over 30,000 downloads of his mix tapes, playing a slew of festival spots and earning over 20,000 fans on Facebook you’d certainly be forgiven for thinking he’d be satisfied and ready to put his feet up!! Actually, there’s a lot left to say and as far as Bam Bam is concerned this is really only the beginning. With … Continue reading Bam Bam – Bags Packed feat. Allday Official Music Video

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Rdio presents Sampology’s New AV ‘Stimulation’ Tour

Jim Steps

Globally recognised as one of the best Audio Visual DJs of our time, Brisbane native Sampology returns with an Rdio presented Australasia tour in support of Dancehall Queen, his forthcoming single with DJ Butcher, featuring Grammy Award winning vocalist Beenie Man. To kick off the series of gigs, Sampology and Air Asia are flying two lucky people to Bali to catch the AV prodigy play alongside John Legend. The #Stimulation2013 Instagram competition begins August 7 and ends August 13. In addition to the grand prize, there are 7 daily prizes consisting of a double pass to Sampology’s Stimulation show. For competition … Continue reading Rdio presents Sampology’s New AV ‘Stimulation’ Tour

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Remi Kolawole – Saggin

Jim Steps

Hot off the heels of his tribute to days off and drinks with the homies, Sangria, 22-year-old Melbourne hip hop artist REMi has dropped the second cut off his F.Y.G: Act 1 Mixtape, Saggin’ produced via serial collaborators Sensible J and Dutch and accompanied by a super suave black + white video ode to the oldschool R&B and Soul clips of yore. A smooth joyride through Remi’s influences, musical and otherwise, F.Y.G: Act 1 finds the REMi acting up over an eclectic mix of famous jams (Gangstarr, Janet Jackson) and an impressive set of original tracks (Sangria’s upcoming single Saggin‘ & last year’s acclaimed single Ape) all produced by … Continue reading Remi Kolawole – Saggin

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Mind Over Matter – Somebody’s Love

Jim Steps

Shock Records are thrilled to announce the signing of Sydney hip hop duo Mind Over Matter to their imprint label Permanent Records. Mind Over Matter are: Willow AKA Rowan Lockyer and Smiles AKA Martin Brown. After meeting as year 7 classmates in the school yard at St Pius X College, the duo began practicing their freestyle skills together and have been putting in the hard yards ever since touring with the likes of Bliss N Eso, 360, Pez and Drapht and releasing two LPs. Renowned for their narrative wit, smooth moves and dynamic live shows, Willow and Smiles have recently … Continue reading Mind Over Matter – Somebody’s Love

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Thundamentals – Smiles Don’t Lie

Jim Steps

Everybody’s favourite Blue Mountains crew Thundamentals have released a new single. Available from iTunes now, the single, entitled Smiles Don’t Lie was snapped up by triple j within hours of its delivery, and added to high rotation. There has also been an announcement for a Smiles Don’t Lie single tour. “For me, ‘Smiles Don’t Lie’ is a nostalgic, heartfelt song which celebrates many of the things I appreciate about the fairer sex, and my girlfriend in particular. I feel like the song really captures that daydream-like quality of yearning for a loved one when you aren’t in their presence. My motivation … Continue reading Thundamentals – Smiles Don’t Lie

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The Daylight Robbery (TDR)

Jim Steps

The Daylight Robbery (TDR) was formed in 2010 to be the live band for NZ’s premiere hip-hop artist David Dallas. From here TDR would venture out on their own to write, record and release their own music- The debut self-titled EP in 2013. TDR are brothers Chris on the keys and Ron on the drums with bassist extraordinaire Sale. TDR have just released their self-titled EP as a name your price download. The album features Jordache, Heydon Hohaia, Lui Silk, David Dallas, PNC and more. 1. Intro 2. Interrupt feat. Jordache 3. Rollercoaster feat. Jordache, Heydon Hohaia 4. Wild Turkey … Continue reading The Daylight Robbery (TDR)

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Ben Iota – Born ‘Free’

Jim Steps

Ben Iota (formerly known as Bornski of Adroit Effusive/Common Cause) and Matchless Gift (Butterthief) proudly presents Born ‘Free’. Lyrically inspired by Ben Iota’s recent studies, travels and experiences living in a developing country, alongside the manifest production of Matchless Gift, this release explores the theme of freedom, or lack there of. Ben Iota has recently released the video for More Than Just Words featuring Visionz, Motion, Mesha and Social Change. The video is filmed and edited by Maintain from Labrat productions. The production by Matchless Gift is his finest work to date, demonstrating his grasp on both Western and Eastern musical forms, … Continue reading Ben Iota – Born ‘Free’

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Suburban Dark – Second Front

Jim Steps

Suburban Dark’s colossal LP Second Front has just been released through Big Village Records. The first single Skeletonne featuring Thundamentals’ Jeswon has already been making an impact online and on radio, setting the tone for the brand new release. Rinsed on Triple j and playlisted on FBi Radio, Skeletonne was initially featured for 6 weeks on Triple j new music website for free download, with the video clip premiered on Home and Hosed.. And on the week leading up to the album release, FBi Radio 94.5 has already made Second Front ‘Album of the Week’. Second Front has a diverse … Continue reading Suburban Dark – Second Front

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P.R – “We Will Make It” feat. Cise Star & Blu

Jim Steps

Australian music producer P.R releases his brand new single We Will Make It feat. Cise Star & Blu! The single is lifted from the upcoming EP titled Moment In Time and will be available via Cult Classic Records on August 26, 2013. The upcoming EP Moment In Time features guest appearances from Blu, Skyzoo, Cise Star, Substantial, Alphamama & more. Moment In Time will be available for free download soon. Download  ||  Facebook   ||  Twitter Continue reading P.R – “We Will Make It” feat. Cise Star & Blu

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Stateovmind – Better Than Postcards

Jim Steps

Stateovmind returns with his new EP Better Than Postcards (BTP), the follow up to his well-received debut Something for Nothing. BTP quite literally picks up where his debut left off, as only days after finishing his first EP, Stateovmind took off backpacking around Europe much like many other first time travelling Australians. While away, Stateovmind linked up with European based beatmakers and emcee’s, gathered some beats, collaborated with some great artists and had many unforgettable experiences. 4 months and 14 countries later, the new 8-track EP is the final result, mixing descriptive language, a booming soundscape and hypnotic harmonies. The lead … Continue reading Stateovmind – Better Than Postcards

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Raashan Ahmad – Ceremony

Jim Steps

Raashan Ahmad is an MC with a thriving career as a solo artist and front man for the live hip-hop group Mission/Crown City Rockers. Raashan has had music featured in Movies, Video Games and multiple shows on MTV and VH1. Raashan’s albums The Push and the groundbreaking For What You’ve Lost garnered worldwide attention and earned him the devoted admiration of fans as he has toured feverishly throughout North America, Europe, Japan, Australia, and Brazil. Raashan Ahmad is known for his intimate performance style where he bares all and let’s the audience in on a journey into hip hop, soul, … Continue reading Raashan Ahmad – Ceremony

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XT – the evolution EP

Jim Steps

XT is a solo MC hailing from Adelaide now based on the Gold Coast. XT has developed a unique style as an independent artist in the local Hip Hop scene. His debut record The Introduction EP was released on September 21st of last year. The evolution EP is the follow up to that release and features Boi Blue and Codeine Green. You can pick up XT – the evolution EP as a now name your price download now by following the link here. Download  ||  Facebook Continue reading XT – the evolution EP

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SkankMC – I’m Only Hugh, Man…

Jim Steps

Hugh Winterflood, aka SkankMC, grew up and lives in Alice Springs, a place that often makes the news for the wrong reasons. It’s a complicated and confronting town, but bordered by the majestic MacDonnell Ranges and with the ancient ghost gum-lined dry Todd River snaking through its centre, it’s also devastatingly beautiful. To the rest of the country Alice Springs is ‘The Alice’, but you’d never hear a local call it that. Alice is Alice, and as SkankMC raps in his track Skank N Flim Flam, “it’s the centre of creation”. Alice has influenced his style immensely, so much so … Continue reading SkankMC – I’m Only Hugh, Man…

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Context & Jimmy Flipshyt – The Shadows EP

Jim Steps

Context & Jimmy Flipshyt are pleased to announce the release of their first music video from The Shadows EP… The song is titled Down and follows a classic hip hop vibe with simple yet effective visual edits. Context is a Canberra based rapper whose previous releases include The Dusty Track Mixtape and The Monkey Bars EP, his high energy live shows and his strong song writing skills make him a stand out in the growing Canberra hip hop scene. He has supported major artists such as; Rahzel, Dialectrix and Evil Eddie on the back of his 2012 release and has many more … Continue reading Context & Jimmy Flipshyt – The Shadows EP

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Word Adelaide & Pulling Strings Presents Freestyle MC Competition The Language of War

Jim Steps

An epic contest is looming as MCs from around Australia vie to take out Word Adelaide’s Freestyle MC Competition this August. The event boasts more than $12,000 in cash and prizes, making it the largest open competition of its type in the southern hemisphere. MCs will compete in acapella, beatbox and instrumental sections across flyweight, middleweight and heavyweight divisions. Heats in Adelaide’s central, northern and southern suburbs will be held for flyweight division entrants, with successful competitors to progress to the competition final. More than $500 in cash and prizes is up for grabs among flyweight division MCs, who must … Continue reading Word Adelaide & Pulling Strings Presents Freestyle MC Competition The Language of War

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The Son – Issue #2 Comic + Free Remix Download of ‘All I Know’ feat. 360

Jim Steps

The Son is the brainchild of one of Sydney’s favourite DJs under a different alias, giving him an outlet to create brand new music that lives in a not to distant future through an accompanying comic. Set in the year of 2027 where corporations control everyone through a data cloud world called Evo, the comic follows the adventures of protagonist Cal as he patches into Evo embodying the character The Son. Each track released by The Son is accompanied with an official comic as the story of Evo unfolds. Music and comic lovers alike will also have the opportunity to see each … Continue reading The Son – Issue #2 Comic + Free Remix Download of ‘All I Know’ feat. 360