Mantra – Loudmouth

Melbourne-based rapper Mantra is thrilled to announce that he has signed with Ten To Two Records – the team behind records from Xavier Rudd & Seth Sentry this past year – ahead of the release of his new single Loudmouth this Friday May 3, 2013. As one of Australia’s most crucial new talents, ‘your favourite rapper’s favourite rapper’ Mantra is standing on solid ground with five years of touring, two full length releases and a triple j feature album (2011’s Speaking Volumes) already under his belt. Kicking off his career as a producer before being encouraged to pick up a mic, Mantra … Continue reading Mantra – Loudmouth

Ta-ku – Dowhatyoulove

Ta-ku has been one of your fav producers over the last year so we’re more then happy to announce the release of Ta-ku’s album Dowhatyoulove on Jakarta Records. Also coming soon is the corresponding 10″ EP Lovewhatyoudo feat. Blu and some exclusive bonus tracks, this is expected to ship June 25th. Ta-ku, The Red Bull Music Academy alumni quickly captured the world’s attention and with the amount of releases he has clocked up for labels like Brownswood, HW&W, Project Mooncircle as well as collaborations with Chet Faker and remixes for Hermitude and Snakadaktal, Ta-ku looks set to continue with a crackling schedule … Continue reading Ta-ku – Dowhatyoulove

Jimmy Flipshyt & Context – The Shadows

Beat Basement Records is proud to present The Shadows, a collaboration between Canberra based MC Context and Cairns producer Jimmy Flipshyt. Context and Jimmy Flipshyt have been working hard over the last 6 months piecing together their debut collaboration EP, The Shadows. The EP weighs in at 7 tracks in total and follows a classic boom bap style with smooth production/cuts by Jimmy and Swift plus on point delivery by Context. The Shadows is now available as a digital download or a limited edition CD. All CD purchases include a sticker and an instant digital download. Beat Basement, making noise in 2013! Beat … Continue reading Jimmy Flipshyt & Context – The Shadows

Tu P – Two Flags

Tu P, the hip-hop artist with an MD, launched his brand new album at the Scorcher Festival in Brisbane on April 28th 2013. The inspiration for the music comes from Tu P’s interesting background and follows his unlikely path to hip-hop music. Tu P is a proud Australian with Vietnamese roots. The son of refugees, a doctor, writer and performer, Tu P’s music mixes influences and genres to buoy lyrics that tell the story of his unique background and experience. His musical journey began on a trip to Vietnam to discover his roots that his Vietnamese parents were forced to … Continue reading Tu P – Two Flags

Mr Hill & Rahjconkas: Back It Up

May 2013 sees Brisbane locals Mr Hill & Rahjconkas release their sophomore album Dead End Street. In the space of one year they have firmly made a place for themselves in the industry and gained respect and accolades from genre veterans. Since the release of lead single in October 2012 Put The Work In popularity for this young duo has gained increasingly. Being chosen by Triple j unearthed to play at Brisbane’s hip hop festival Sprung, saw the boys perform on a major platform with overwhelming support. The two are planning to hit the road in July on their own headline … Continue reading Mr Hill & Rahjconkas: Back It Up

Citizen Kay – Yes! EP

On the back of his first addition to rotation on Triple j, Citizen Kay releases the video (directed by Nic Vevers) for the triumphant debut single Yes! from his forthcoming EP of the same name. The release is accompanied by tour dates around the country which kicked off April 28th with a slot at Groovin’ the Moo in Canberra and a May residency at Sydney’s Upstairs Beresford. A respected member of the Canberra hip-hop scene, Kay has been writing, producing, recording, collaborating and honing his craft for the last five years. His first taste of notable attention was when triple j … Continue reading Citizen Kay – Yes! EP

Sampology vs Major Lazer vs Rocky

Barely back on ground at home after his North American shows, Sampology announces a brand new tour of DJ dates Australia-wide kicking off in Perth next Wednesday! Followed by AV show dates in New Zealand and his first Asian dates in Hong Kong and Seoul! If you were sitting under a rock last month, or you were at some place with no internet, you might’ve missed Sampology’s unofficial music video for Major Lazer’s ‘Bumaye’. Join the other 80,000 or so that have viewed Sampology  and check it out below. Sampology has also put together an exclusive mix for The Ripe … Continue reading Sampology vs Major Lazer vs Rocky

Raven & Myk Reid: Searching For Soulz

This is the team that never was. Raven: The Cartelian Sergeant & Myk Reid: The Second Lieutenant. Amidst this viral flood of “swagger”, confusing hi-hats, false characters and self indulgence, Searching For Soulz is hip hop purity. Raw, honest and lyrical.  Since the days of being told off by Raven’s mum for swearing too much this team has come a long way. This is grown man rap. Raven needs little introduction to fans of this art form. After his successful sophomore album Ravenous 20Ten and a short term hiatus for the arrival of his first born The Crate Cartel main-stay returns with the humanistic … Continue reading Raven & Myk Reid: Searching For Soulz

Interview: The Tongue – Government, Gerald & Gangsterism

Surrender To Victory sees The Tongue coming into his own as artist and collaborator, articulating a positive vision beyond the confines of modern local hip hop. From the opening track the listener can hear this development. We catch up with The Tongue, fresh off the back of the announcement of his Surrender To Victory Tour yesterday.  aahh: You’ve talked about one of your goal’s for the new album, Surrender to Victory was to be a lot more positive and uplifting. Why was that decision made? The Tongue: It was just the kind of mind-set I was in really. I don’t delve into it … Continue reading Interview: The Tongue – Government, Gerald & Gangsterism

Sarm: Self Titled Debut Album, Out Now!

Presenting the self-titled debut album from Sarm of the acclaimed Sydney duo That’s Them. Featuring guest spots from undisputed kings Kerser, Rates, Fraksha, Tornts, Dialectrix and Rinse (Bingethinkers), with production by Nebs, the album burns its way across your ears the same way the intense orange of the 6 panel digipack sizzles across your retina. Never one for the same old humdrum, Sarm contrasts the sharp grime style of Fraksha with the mellow flow of Dialectrix, and the snappy bravado of tracks like I’ll Abuse You For Fun with the devastatingly honest When You Hear This. Out now through LookUp & Obese Distribution, Sarm … Continue reading Sarm: Self Titled Debut Album, Out Now!

Ciecmate & Maggot Mouf are Known Associates

For over a year these 2 contemporaries have locked themselves in the studio once a week to diligently shape and craft a new offering, Ashes To Dust. Ciecmate & Maggot Mouf trade verses back and forth, bar-for-bar in an epic team effort that interlocks prose and sonic aesthetics seamlessly. The joint delivery puts forth a tag-team approach reminiscent of a classic hip hop style that has not yet permeated Australia’s often individually focused scene. The insane turntable prowess of DJ No Name Nathan (2 x ACT DMC Champion) stitches the release together, officially making Known Associates a triple threat. The production … Continue reading Ciecmate & Maggot Mouf are Known Associates

Rates – Destroy & Rebuild

Much could be said about Rates… an artist, a musician, a good humble guy, or a raging lunatic… either way, he is fast making an impression on the rap scene. Older brother to one of Australia’s most promising and talented artists Kerser and best mate to Jay Dee. Rates is well known for describing this lifestyle and often giving good advice to kids and people in the same situation. This fact is evident on I Rap Because, simply stating why he chose this life and provoking quite alot of thought along the way. Rates has toured all over the country … Continue reading Rates – Destroy & Rebuild

Everyday – Equality

Everyday is an Adelaide emcee that was raised in a home where music was always being played, and with fond memories of staying up til the early hours of the morning with the entire household singing and dancing to “Saturday night jukebox”, it came naturally when he decided to start making his own music. Picking up a set of sticks, Everyday’s first musical adventure started as a drummer and songwriter, playing along side collaborator Tomorrow in a hardcore band, where he also had his first taste of being up on stage, a taste that would grow in the years to come. … Continue reading Everyday – Equality

Mute x Roleo – Ticket

A prime example of what happens when two crazy people come together to create at Big Village HQ. Roleoʼs driving Afro/Jungle style beat meets eccentric ragga style flow, screaming and chanting exaltations to life. Fans will recognise Muteʼs melodic style and conscious lyrics from his collaboration with Verbaleyes, Lingua Franca which was one of the stand out tracks on the Big Village compilation Big Things Volume Two and was added to Triple j rotation in 2012. But the Mute x Roleo story goes back to their collaboration Forever Breaks on Big Things Volume One which was named as FBI’s album of the week and sparked … Continue reading Mute x Roleo – Ticket

In Amsterdam – Omar Musa

Omar Musa is a Malaysian-Australian rapper and poet from Queanbeyan, Australia. He is the former winner of the Australian Poetry Slam and the Indian Ocean Poetry Slam. He has released three hip hop albums, two poetry books (including the recently released Parang) and appeared on ABC’s Q&A. He is currently working on a play, Bonegatherer, to be staged in 2014. He is part of international hip hop group MoneyKat and his debut novel “Here Come the Dogs will be published by Penguin Australia in 2014. Omar will also be performing at TEDx, held at the Sydney Opera House. Official  ||  Twitter … Continue reading In Amsterdam – Omar Musa

Fundamental Elements – The Homecoming EP

One of the freshest acts out of Brisbane have emerged from the studio with their 2013 EP, The Homecoming. The 5-track project picks up where the pair left off, following off from their 2008 EP Living Secrets, providing that same grounded sound with a Boom Bap theme for which the duo are synonymous but with a noticeable growth on wax work. Like they never fell off, they’re back on the play button. Please welcome back the Fundamental Elements and pump the volume! This latest effort contains production from Vegas Aces’ Cam Bluff, Species and Pleura and track cuts from special guest, Johnny … Continue reading Fundamental Elements – The Homecoming EP

Big Words – Big Words Vol.1

Big Words are rapidly making a name for themselves as one of the rawest, most  exciting live Hip-hop outfits in Melbourne. But don’t let the tag fool you, they are far from being just another generic Hip Hop act. Their sound is diverse, adding a different dimension to their sound with every listen.  Favouring free styling, Big Words are known to sample elements of Funk, Jazz, Blues, Reggae, Rock and Soul into their heavily textured sound, finding their inspiration from within these genres and making them their own. Big Words music gives a fresh voice to the youth of today with their … Continue reading Big Words – Big Words Vol.1

Dialectrix – Go

Cold Light Of Day is the title of Dialectrix’s new album. Like Audio Projectile before it, the production is entirely handled by Plutonic Lab, with cuts by DJ 2Buck. After a wildly successful EP campaign, with large thanks to fan-support, DTrix’s Satellite was distributed on both vinyl and CD, and received high rotation on triple j with its lead single Stop. The new album, dropping May 24th, is a transcendental piece of work. A meticulously detailed, enthralling, and unique listen from start to finish. A limited edition lyrics booklet will be included with all physical albums, and pre-ordered signed copies will be … Continue reading Dialectrix – Go

Kerser & Rates: We Here Now Regional Tour

Following the success of Kerser’s No Rest For The Sickest Tour earlier this year, the infamous emcee hits the road for the second time in 2013 due to popular demand, accompanied by brother Rates and hype man Jay Dee. The Kerser and Rates – We Here Now Regional Tour kicks off on the 5th of June in NSW, the tour will make its way around regional Australia throughout June and July. On top of Kerser and Rates having just released their single We Here Now together (now available on iTunes), Rates is also due to release his debut album Rebuild & Destroy later … Continue reading Kerser & Rates: We Here Now Regional Tour

The Great Gatsby – OST

Drawing on his unique and unrivalled position in popular culture, Jay Z (with collaborator and the film’s executive music consultant Jeymes Samuel) has worked with Luhrmann and his team on the project over the past two years, translating the Jazz Age sensibility of F. Scott Fitzgerald’s novel into the musical equivalents of our own times, through the blending of hip-hop, traditional jazz and other contemporary musical textures. Luhrmann stated, “F. Scott Fitzgerald’s novel is peppered with contemporary music references specific to the story’s setting of 1922. While we acknowledge, as Fitzgerald phrased it, ‘the Jazz Age,’ and this is the … Continue reading The Great Gatsby – OST

Karsniogenics presents new signing: Sussone – The Corax Type

Karsniogenics is mighty proud to welcome the latest addition to the K artist roster – Sussone ‘The Corax Type’. Karsniogenics have had their eye on this guy for some time now, and we’re sure you’ll be feline’ his style just as much as they did. Hailing from Brisbane’s west line city of Ipswich, Sussone has been busy working hard at perfecting his craft behind the local hip hop scene for many years now. Since taking pen to pad for the first time in his teens, the 28 year old is ready to break out of the shadows and let people … Continue reading Karsniogenics presents new signing: Sussone – The Corax Type

Words Eye View – Gotta Know

Words Eye View is a Hip Hop trio from Canberra, ACT which consist of brothers, Flipadeck and Hayds, and long-time friend Brett Super. The group formed in 2005 after meeting at a local emcee battle comp. They are currently working on their debut release titled Elevation. Words Eye View present a brand new promo track titled Gotta Know. The track available for free download below is produced by Hayd for Smithgrind Entertainment, mixed and mastered by Ben Kramp for Earthshake Audio Productions. The video clip is directed by Words Eye View, shot and edited by Dane One. You can pick up Gotta Know, … Continue reading Words Eye View – Gotta Know

Ellesquire – The Messtape

Tuka and Big Village records present a now polished collection of songs which you may have seen pop up on my Tuka’s soundcloud page, youtube channel or heard on various radio appearances over the last 12 months. These have been fleshed out, re-recorded, mixed, mastered and spliced together with brand new unreleased songs to form The Messtape. The Messtape features 13 tracks including the Let’s Do It (Remix) feat. Billie McCarthy. The Messtape is available as a free download. Mixed by Simon Cohen. Additional vocals on Don’t Fall In Love & Lets Do It (Remix) by Inés. Lets Do It … Continue reading Ellesquire – The Messtape

In Photos: G-Shock 30th Anniversary Bash

Last week G-Shock Australia kicked off its 30th Anniversary Celebration at the Prince Ballroom in Melbourne’s St Kilda. Bliss N Eso, DJ Krush, Yo Mafia & N’fa Jones hit the stage in a private concert for VIP guests.  The venue was decked out with limited G-Shock watches and a collection of watches dating back to 1983. G-Shock also announced its first collaboration for the Australian market with local Hip-hop artists Bliss N Eso. You can find out more about this upcoming limited edition project by checking out our recent interview with the Marketing Manager of Casio Timepiece here.  *Photos are shot exclusively … Continue reading In Photos: G-Shock 30th Anniversary Bash

Interview: G-Shock 30th Anniversary Bash

Last week G-Shock Australia kicked off its 30th Anniversary Celebration at the Prince Ballroom in Melbourne’s St Kilda. Bliss N Eso, DJ Krush and Yo Mafia hit the stage in a private concert for VIP guests. The venue was decked out with limited G-Shock watches and a collection of watches dating back to 1983. G-Shock also announced its first collaboration for the Australian market with local Hip-hop artists Bliss N Eso.  We catch up with Bruno, Marketing Manager for Casio Timepiece, as we discuss 30 successful years in the industry.  aahh: What does an anniversary such as this, 30 years in the … Continue reading Interview: G-Shock 30th Anniversary Bash

Kadyelle – The Theory Of Everything

Touted as being one of the most skillful females in the scene right now after her solid debut release Earthworthy in 2010 and The One Nighter mixtape in 2011. Kadyelle has supported and toured with such acts as Sage Francis, Ozi Batla, M-Phazes, Phrase, Illy, Spit Syndicate, The Tongue, Class A, Optamus, Muph & Plutonic, Seth Sentry plus many more.  Her newest LP The Theory of Everything features Ozi Batla, Thorts, Optamus, Dazastah, Hunter, Porsah Laine, Rachael Berry, Soma, Miss Karleena, Miss.She.ill, Rob Shaker and production from Rahjconkas, The Digital Assassin, Admin Beats and Ren Riz. The Theory of Everything is available now for a ‘name … Continue reading Kadyelle – The Theory Of Everything

“Artist Management: What It Means Today”

MusicNSW, in partnership with the Association Of Artist Managers (AAM), is proud to present our latest free workshop: “Artist Management: What It Means Today”, held at 6.30pm on Tuesday 7 May at The Basement. For professional musicians, a skillful artist manager is a must. A good manager will nurture clients’ talent, negotiate business deals, and build from the ground up to create viable, long-term careers. With several of our top acts between them, four of Australia’s leading managers will come together to share expertise, discuss current industry trends, and look at what it means to be a manager in 2013 – … Continue reading “Artist Management: What It Means Today”

B.V.A. – Answers Loss Question Love

deNorthwode has been DJ’ing & producing beats for close to 20 years. deNorthwode is more than just a party dj. He also runs the Crookneck lab an underground studio in the eastern suburbs of Adelaide that produces quality hip hop (check it out in the the book “Behind the Beat”). He owns Elysium Lounge & plays there along with the very best dj’s & musicians Adelaide has to offer. He has played extensively all over Australia. What sets him apart from most DJ’s is a combination of traditional turntable finesse, original and current routines, incredible energy & selfless respect for … Continue reading B.V.A. – Answers Loss Question Love

Vinyl Villains – Hacksaw & Debate

Vinyl Villains consist of Train Of Thought members Hacksaw & Debate. Hacksaw has been honing his skills on the decks since the mid 90’s and Debate started producing beats around the same time. Both represent the production company Train Of Thought Productions. The concept behind the Vinyl Villains is Debate will provide all the production and Hacksaw will provide all the cuts, inviting artists from around Australia to spit/mc over the tracks they create and occasionally Debate will grace the mic. Artists the Villains have been involved with for either production and/or cuts include: Hilltop Hoods, Funkoars, After Hours, Pagan Elypsis, Mase … Continue reading Vinyl Villains – Hacksaw & Debate

Ribongia – Play My Hits

Ribongias (Antonio Rosselli) music is an exploded technical drawing for the ears. Referencing a vast array of pop culture mediums, his sounds are collected and layered until, like light fragmenting through a crystal prism, they enter the aural sphere; chaos ensues. The lead single off of Ribongia’s EP of the same name Play My Hits sees the Sydney’s finest Italian musical import launching headlong into the dark heart of Beats, with a twisted melange of raw bass, chopped and screwed vocals, sparkling synths, and chunky beats, all with that signature Ribongia sense of barely controlled mayhem. This is music made to … Continue reading Ribongia – Play My Hits