Author: Jim Steps

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Nostalgia – A Retrospective Exhibition

Jim Steps

“Nostalgia”, a show to celebrate the good ol’ days of cartoons and action figures. Hosted by The Kid with performances from: Koolta, Maintain x Admin, Foreign Correspondence feat. DJ Chaps, Dropt At Birth (DAB) plus DJ’s Antrax and Echo. The usual broad range of artwork will also be on display, giving a glimpse into the childish minds of: Alex Gilchrist, Christina Georgiou, Dabman, Dan Adams and more. Alex Gilchrist and Luke Trevorrow will also be showing off their skills on the night with a live aerosol art demonstration. There’ll also be a giant ‘Guess Who?’ competition for punters to re-live the family … Continue reading Nostalgia – A Retrospective Exhibition

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Full Tote Odds – Place Your Bets

Jim Steps

Featuring members Levelheaded, Slats, Eslev, Ross Read and DJ Hacksaw, Adelaide Hills hip hop collective Full Tote Odds have announced they will release their debut album Place Your Bets through Obese Records on Tuesday, 16 November 2012. With two already highly rotated and successful singles Southern Wind and What’s Going Down, the release of Place Your Bets is destined to ensure Full Tote Odds receive recognition as premier talents in the world of Australian hip hop. The new album documents an evolution and marks the group’s arrival at a destination of musical dexterity that has given them the ability to … Continue reading Full Tote Odds – Place Your Bets

allaussie hip hop exclusive, Nostalgia Entertainment

Trumps – 7inSeven Vol. 1 – A Week’s A Long Time In Music!

Jim Steps

Seven days. Seven beats. Seven songs to be written and recorded. A Week’s A Long Time In Music is the first instalment in a series of solo EPs by Trumps of Grifters Inc. As a precursor to the upcoming Grifters Inc release Where Were You When The Fun Stopped?. 7inSeven Vol. 1 is the first official release we’ve had from the Grifters Inc camp in three years. Featuring production from Trace (Dynamic Methods), Amayze, Realizm and Marko Gal (Tandem Run), the EP showcases Trumps’ ability to switch between a variety of styles and approaches seamlessly. The short turnaround time left no … Continue reading Trumps – 7inSeven Vol. 1 – A Week’s A Long Time In Music!

allaussie hip hop exclusive, Gaga Music

Ishu – Way To Go feat. Mighty Joe

Jim Steps

A killer flow from California’s Mighty Joe, paired with Ishu’s big beats and sample trickery, Way To Go is the first peek at the new album Hand Made, due for release in November, 2012. Produced after they met in Melbourne and worked on the MoneyKat album release, the track discusses the topic of which direction to take in life, with conscious lyrics and driving hip hop beat. An apt topic for the duo, who met when Mighty Joe was travelling from his native land of the USA, not long after Ishu’s debut LP A World In Progress which was written whilst travelling … Continue reading Ishu – Way To Go feat. Mighty Joe

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Kendrick Lamar – First Australian Tour

Jim Steps

Ushering in a new era of lyrical excellence, Kendrick Lamar is the genius MC who, on the eve of releasing his major label debut, announces his first Australian tour presented by Niche Productions. Kendrick Lamar (born June 17, 1987), is from Compton, California and is currently signed to Top Dawg, (Dr Dre’s) Aftermath and Interscope/Universal. A member of hip hop supergroup Black Hippy, along with fellow West Coast rappers and label mates Jay Rock, Schoolboy Q and Ab-Soul, Lamar first gained major attention after the release of his fourth mixtape, Overly Dedicated in 2010. The following year he released his first … Continue reading Kendrick Lamar – First Australian Tour

allaussie hip hop exclusive, allaussie hip hop style, Independent

Tycotic – The Weed Song

Jim Steps

Since the release of his collaborative project The People Vs Tycotic (2006), which received spins from triple j and featured guest vocals from names like Phrase, Spit Syndicate and Torcha, Tycotic has become an unstoppable force in the scene, with his punchline heavy rhyme style and rock-solid all terrain flow. With a reputation for delivering an electric live show, Tycotic has toured Australia and landed support slots for the likes of Tech N9ne, Bone Thugs n Harmony, Bliss n Eso, 360, Drapht, Illy and Kerser, just to name a few. 2008 saw Tycotic release Conversation Domination distributed through MGM, and soon after embarked … Continue reading Tycotic – The Weed Song

allaussie hip hop exclusive, Formula Recordz

DeathStarrs – Immortal (Prod. Suffa)

Jim Steps

Proving they’re not single trick ponies, Immortal is the guitar fueled emotional new song from DeathStarrs – a melodramatic masterpiece that comes in the wake of winning the triple j Unearthed Hilltop Hoods Remix Competition. As a collaboration with Hilltop Hoods producer Suffa MC, Immortal is the definitive ‘then till now’ ballad – the all consuming quest for artists trying to achieve immortality through music. Immortal is the first single for the duo, taken from an upcoming LP currently in development, slated for release in early 2013 through their own Formula Recordz label. The second single Take It Or Leave, … Continue reading DeathStarrs – Immortal (Prod. Suffa)

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Slackjaw – Eat A Rat 4: Still Hungry

Jim Steps

Slackjaw is an unadulterated entertainer. At the age of 17 he took out Perth’s premier battle competition, Open Mic Combat. His hunger for the microphone was hard to miss, appearing at the revered Hyde Park Mondays with his endless freestyles and memorable live performances. Fast forward to 2006, to the release of Eat A Rat 1, the first part of his infamous mixtape series. The mixtapes were based around the beats he grew up on, and from here Slackjaw developed a cult following in his home town of Fremantle. On the search for inspirational beats, Slackjaw turned to local producers Rob … Continue reading Slackjaw – Eat A Rat 4: Still Hungry

allaussie hip hop exclusive, Obese Records

Premier: Spit Syndicate – Beauty In The Bricks Film Clip + Tour Details

Jim Steps

Jump on your pushie and tour around Sydney with Spit Syndicate in the video for their great new tune Beauty In The Bricks. Produced by Adit from Horrorshow (who’s definitely left his touch on the track with its soulful vibe).  Beauty In The Bricks is the first taste of Spit Syndicate’s third album Sunday Gentlemen which will be out next year. “We are first and foremost lyricists – that said, we don’t take ourselves too seriously, I guess. But we take song writing and hip-hop very seriously.”- Nick Lupi You can catch the Sydney duo at the following shows: Thurs 25 October – Transit Bar, … Continue reading Premier: Spit Syndicate – Beauty In The Bricks Film Clip + Tour Details

allaussie hip hop exclusive, Big Village Records, Uncategorized

Exclusive: Rapaport on FBi Radio

Jim Steps

Rapaport is one the most creatively diverse MCs in Australia and co-label manager of Big Village. For the last 8 years Rapaport has contributed extensively to the Sydney hip hop/ arts scene in various groups and artistic projects as an MC, manager, musician and producer. Rapaport is a founding member of Loose Change with Ellesquire and P Major, and guitarist and front man of live band The Phonies, who released their debut EP Keeping It Fake in 2007. He is also creator and director of Hip Hop theatre, game show Sketch The Rhyme, which is a 12 piece live show of MCs, visual artists and band, who have performed at Edinburgh Fringe Fest 2011, … Continue reading Exclusive: Rapaport on FBi Radio

Big Village Records

P. Smurf – Smurf Village

Jim Steps

As a founding member of Daily Meds, Reverse Polarities, Big Village and Sketch the Rhyme, P.Smurf has been mastering his craft for over 8 years. He has now decided to present audiences with his first solo effort in the form of the Smurf Village mixtape. P.Smurf’s rapid flows, work ethic and easy going personality have made him one of the most recognisable artists in the Sydney hip hop scene. P.Smurf’s persona is relatable yet avoids becoming shallow allowing him to swing easily between comedy, satire and political themes. ‘Smurf Village‘ features a myriad of guests from Sydney’s hip hop community and serves as a … Continue reading P. Smurf – Smurf Village

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J. Mac – The Wake Up Call

Jim Steps

Long overdue but well worth the wait, up & coming Melbourne MC, J-Mac has been honing his craft for years, whether it be onstage with Tranquil Artillery & The Aphilliates or on the street in any cipher he steps to, the man loves to rap! And its evident on his first solo offering – The Wake Up Call. A 7 track EP recorded by Must Volkoff, featuring production from Must Volkoff himself, Trem One, Vince Van Go, Engineer & cuts from Secondhand DJ’s – Rellik & Meta4. J.Mac displays a sharp style combined with witty punchlines and effortless flow, flexing from … Continue reading J. Mac – The Wake Up Call

allaussie hip hop exclusive, Crookneck

B.V.A – Portrait Of A Monster

Jim Steps

B.V.A is an Adelaide based artist who has been part of the Australian hip hop scene for an inordinate amount of time. In the late 90’s he started his group Mnemonic Ascent with DJ Ransom & Raph Boogie (Melb). They later went on to start the independent record label Crookneck which released a slew of quality records. As a rapper he has guested on many records over the years and as a producer he has had the pleasure of collaborating with an extensive list of the who’s who of Australian hip hop. Portrait Of A Monster is the 1st single taken from the … Continue reading B.V.A – Portrait Of A Monster

allaussie hip hop exclusive, Born Fresh

Put The Work In – Mr. Hill and Rahjconkas

Jim Steps

Amidst the continued stair-climb by Brisbane collective Born Fresh to set a foundation for quality local hiphop in the city; Mr Hill and Rahjconkas release Put The Work In, the first single from their forthcoming sophomore album Dead End Street. 2012 has been a busy year for the duo, following the successful reception of their debut LP The Feedback, with tours, guest appearances and collaborations presenting themselves consistently. Since January, the two have toured with label-mate Seven, 360, Seth Sentry, Illy and the Funkoars as well as supporting US successes Atmosphere and Evidence and locals Thundamentals, Urthboy and Spit Syndicate. … Continue reading Put The Work In – Mr. Hill and Rahjconkas

allaussie hip hop exclusive, Obese Records

The Silent Titan – Outer Circle Movements

Jim Steps

The Silent Titan comes forth with his second solo production record since his debut, For The Rest of My Days dropped worldwide in September, 2011. Travel, movement, time, space, speculation, nostalgia, and observation; These everyday circumstances are the themes highlighted on this record.  The Silent Titan aka Tom Charuk is a producer from Australia working consistently behind the boards to develop a worldwide following through his hip-hop roots.Soulful, hard hitting, sample heavy production, seamlessly intertwined with live instrumentation, synthesis, and an array of talented vocalists, makes this release a monumental benchmark in  The Silent Titan’s ever expanding portfolio. Always providing originality with … Continue reading The Silent Titan – Outer Circle Movements

allaussie hip hop exclusive, Elefant Traks

Urthboy – Smokey’s Haunt (Out Now)

Jim Steps

Urthboy is at his peak, weaving tales of the city with his past and present; celebrating life with a collection of songs balanced by the tension of light and darkness. From the vibrancy of ‘Knee Length Socks’ to the emotional weight of ‘Hey Dianne’, Smokey’s Haunt gets under your skin; it should be experienced whole, with songs segued by the shadows and atmosphere they were created in. This is more than a rap record. Hermitude and Countbounce co-produced the entire album together—the first time they’ve joined forces. The chemistry was electric; studio sessions were intense, sparked by limited time together … Continue reading Urthboy – Smokey’s Haunt (Out Now)

allaussie hip hop exclusive, I Forget Sorry!, Permanent Records

Young & Dumb feat. Bertie Blackman

Jim Steps

Chance Waters is set to burst back onto the Australian music scene with his sophomore record Infinity, due out November 2, 2012 (Permanent Records/Shock). His debut album Inkstains saw him crowned a triple j unearthed featured artist and touring the country regularly, both as a headline act and in support of Australian mainstays such as Bliss N Eso, Illy, Drapht, Pez & 360, and international heavy-weights including Method Man & Redman, DJ Premier and The Beatnuts. On the back of an enormously successful lead single Maybe Tomorrow which saw high rotation on triple j, an international theme song sync on National … Continue reading Young & Dumb feat. Bertie Blackman

allaussie hip hop exclusive, Independent1 Comment

Nix – The Nixtape

Jim Steps

Nix was born in Broken Hill, raised in North-West Sydney, & currently resides in Canberra. His love for hip-hop developed during his early teenage years from the moment he first heard Ghostface Killah’s opening verse on Bring Da Ruckus. Nix presents his debut mixtape titled The Nixtape, featuring artwork from Jim Mahfood (worked with Ziggy Marley, MF Grimm, Felt, Kevin Smith), and guest appearances from Percee P, Illmaculate, Miss Mich, Dubulay, LHA, Losty, Tycotic and Miss M. You can grab The Nixtape for free download here. Nix One  ||  Facebook  ||  Twitter  ||  Bandcamp Continue reading Nix – The Nixtape

allaussie hip hop exclusive, Big Village Records

Tuka – Die A Happy Man feat. Jane Tyrrell

Jim Steps

Feedback Loop’s second single Die A Happy Man featuring The Herd’s Jane Tyrrell is the calm before the storm. A charming, nostalgic head-nodder in the vein of Portishead, it’s had fans champing at the bit for more of the creative MC’s clever wordplay and lyrical patterns.  After the instant impact at radio of the single  Just To Feel Wanted, Thundamentals MC Tuka launches his second solo album Feedback Loop this November with select shows in Sydney, Melbourne and hometown Katoomba. Not afraid to lean on all of his influences, mix them up and present something completely new, Just To Feel Wanted’s catchy, almost Gnarls Barkely … Continue reading Tuka – Die A Happy Man feat. Jane Tyrrell

allaussie hip hop exclusive, Big Village Records

Kit Complete – Some Beats My Friends Like

Jim Steps

The Reverse Polarities beatmaker Kit Complete has been working on his first solo release for several years now and after hearing the bangers on this beat tape were pretty sure not just Kit Complete’s friends will like these beats. With crisp dums, soulful samples and a knack for getting your head nodding ‘Some Beats My Friends Like‘ is a remarkable effort from one of Big Village’s most talented beatmakers. Don’t sleep! Download ‘Some Beats My Friends Like‘ here. Facebook  ||  Bandcamp  ||  Big Village Continue reading Kit Complete – Some Beats My Friends Like

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Ponch The Dutch & Jimmy Flipshyt – Sometimes…

Jim Steps

MC and Producer duo Ponch the Dutch & Jimmy Flipshyt have set out to stick the knife into the increasingly pop-focused hip hop currently being thrashed about the country. The debut digital single titled Sometimes… features 2 tracks and instrumentals of both tracks. The first track Sometimes… will take you on a ride through Ponch’s twisted mind enforced with a rabid anger while Don’t Step takes it back to the street – on the bully tip. You can grab the digital album from Bandcamp for a ‘name your price’ fee here. Also available is The Jimmy Flipshyt Beat Tape, a collection of beats for those … Continue reading Ponch The Dutch & Jimmy Flipshyt – Sometimes…

allaussie hip hop exclusive, Broken Tooth Entertainment

Fraksha – My Way

Jim Steps

Earning his stripes in the UK’s underground live circuit, Fraksha has proven himself to be one of the UK’s finest MC’s. Having shared the stage with artists like Skinnyman, Kano, Klashnekoff & Blak Twang as a founding member of the UK outfit Nine High, Fraksha spent time honing his craft and sold out two mixtapes, a testament to his tenure in the UK scene.   Opting to move to the greener pastures of Australia in 2006, after a previous visit in 2002/03, Fraksha hit the ground running, joining Aria Award winning Bliss N Eso on their sold out Get Loose … Continue reading Fraksha – My Way

allaussie hip hop exclusive, SBX

Adelaide: West Coast Showcase feat. Optamus, Mr Grevis, Bitter Belief & K21

Jim Steps

After a short absence from touring, he’s back on the road, we’ve got the Downsyde and SBX general himself headlining the upcoming show with his solo project Optamus, backing him up is Obese Records latest distro signee launching his debut album The Sampler – Mr Grevis!!! No stranger to Adelaide after extensive touring with Drapht, is Bitter Belief, he’ll be dropping tracks off his last mixtape The Tourguide and also drop some sneak peaks from the up coming album The Gallery, which is set to do some big things. Holding down the decks for nearly everybody on this night, is … Continue reading Adelaide: West Coast Showcase feat. Optamus, Mr Grevis, Bitter Belief & K21

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I Want My Name Back – “The Sugarhill Gang” Documentary Review

Jim Steps

I Want My Name Back is Roger Paradiso’s documentary about hip hop pioneers The Sugarhill Gang. Introducing the world to hip hop over 30 years ago, I Want My Name Back delves into the meteoric rise of The Sugarhill Gang. Through its chance beginnings in New Jersey to the subsequent struggles that crew members, Wonder Mike (Michael Wright) and Master Gee (Gary O’Brien) faced as they battled their own label and the legal system which stripped them of their identities and their rightful legacies. I Want My Name Back is more than a ‘behind the music’/’where are they now?’ look at The Sugarhill … Continue reading I Want My Name Back – “The Sugarhill Gang” Documentary Review

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Bliss N Eso To Headline Red Bull X-Fighters Oct 6th In Sydney (Win Tickets)

Jim Steps

The eyes of the action sports world turn to Australia as Red Bull X-Fighters returns to Sydney Harbour on Cockatoo Island on Saturday, 6 October, with local Sydney trio Bliss n Eso taking stage as the headline entertainment. The Red Bull X-Fighters World Tour pits the best freestyle motocross (FMX) riders from around the globe in a competition of skill and progression as they vie for the richest purse in the history of the sport. From the glittering beaches of Dubai, to the homeland of freestyle motocross in the Southern California foothills, to the history-steeped Neuschwanstein Castle of Germany, the … Continue reading Bliss N Eso To Headline Red Bull X-Fighters Oct 6th In Sydney (Win Tickets)

allaussie hip hop exclusive, Obese Distribution, Unknowho Records

Dialect & Despair – New Testament feat. Total Eclipse

Jim Steps

From their upcoming second album Self Evident comes Dialect & Despair’s lead single New Testament, produced by Despair, with cuts by Total Eclipse (The X-Ecutioners), and performed by Dialect. The track sets the tone for the whole record; with its emphasis on sharp lyricism, and supreme production. “Music/Hip Hop is not limited to what’s popular or current, it is very much a feeling. So we are making records for our generation of Hip Hop fans to be appreciated in any era, whilst pushing the art forward.” -Dialect Thematically, the album focuses on the cultural experience of Hip Hop, and speaks on … Continue reading Dialect & Despair – New Testament feat. Total Eclipse

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Omniscence – Raw Factor 2.0

Jim Steps

The first single in 16 years from NC’s Omniscence, the MC who brought you Amazin’, Touch Y’all, The Funky One Liner EP and more, before having his debut album The Raw Factor shelved by EastWest/Elektra Records. It’s been over 16 years since we’ve seen a new release from the North Carolina emcee. Australian producer Debonair P mixed and produced the record. This release is a Limited 7″ vinyl release with only 300 copies available – 150 on white vinyl, 150 on transparent blue vinyl.) All orders come with a free digital single of the release (including instrumental versions which are … Continue reading Omniscence – Raw Factor 2.0

allaussie hip hop exclusive, Independent, Palace Records

B-Don & Mizi – Ok, so..

Jim Steps

Palace Records proudly presents B-Don & Mizi, an exciting breath of fresh air into underground Hip Hop from Sydney. On the verge of releasing both individual solo projects and a joint LP,the guys have already performed together for a extenive list of international artists whilst establishing their own label and studio, Studio B & Palace Records. In association with Telemizion and allaussiehiphop.com, B-Don & Mizi are excited to present the first video in a mixtape series to be released in the coming months ‘Ok, so..‘ This track is B-Don & Mizi getting back to basics, doing what they love to do… … Continue reading B-Don & Mizi – Ok, so..

allaussie hip hop exclusive, Independent

Kings Gambit – The Gambit EP

Jim Steps

Kings Gambit is an independent MC hailing from Melbourne, having just released The Gambit EP. Featuring 6 raw tracks with production from Creed Birch, Eddy Extract, Dazastah, Chris Labs & Normalz, this ‘name your price‘ digital album is well worth the pick up. Stoned Cutters handle the all the cuts on the EP, with additional guitar by Eden Telea and James Gray (One Of A Million). Hard copies of the EP are available, you can pick up one of those where payment is for shipping costs only. You can grab one of those form the Kings Gambit Bandcamp page here. Kings Gambit  || … Continue reading Kings Gambit – The Gambit EP

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Hunter: For The Record – The life and rhymes of an Australian Hip Hop pioneer

Jim Steps

Robert Hunter died a pioneer of a musical genre, young father, digital communicator, ex drug and alcohol abuser and ultimately a terminal cancer patient. At 35 his time on this earth was in danger of being cruelly cut short. With a digital camera in hand, for Hunter cancer would become the lens through which life suddenly came sharply into focus. A year after his passing Periscope Pictures release Hunter: For The Record, a documentary journey that takes us deep into the psyche of an Australian sub-culture, and into the mind of one its greatest pioneers. The ‘largest ever crowd-funded project … Continue reading Hunter: For The Record – The life and rhymes of an Australian Hip Hop pioneer