Tag: Hip Hop

Golden Era Records

The Funkoars – 2011 Knock Off Party + Comp To Win Tickets

Jim Steps

2011 is almost over so to celebrate The Funkoars are putting on the biggest after work Knock Off Party of the year! After their stand-out performance at Sprung Festival, The Funkoars are back to officially launch their ARIA Chart topping new album The Quickening along with an all-star cast of some of the best Hip-Hop artists Australia has to offer!! These are two knock off parties you do NOT want to miss out on! Check out the full dates below and be sure to enter the competition below to win a double passes to both shows. 2011 Knock Off Party … Continue reading The Funkoars – 2011 Knock Off Party + Comp To Win Tickets

allaussie hip hop exclusive, Train Of Thought Productions

Vinyl Villains – Back In Action (Remix)

Jim Steps

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 attended Blackwood High and shared a passion for Hip Hop which has never waned.  In Early 2000 Debate approached Hacksaw to join his group then called Exhilation the group would eventually consist of 5 members and become known as Train Of Thought. In The Mid 2000’s members of Train Of Thought decided to pursue different interests in life but Hacksaw & Debate kept doing their thing and … Continue reading Vinyl Villains – Back In Action (Remix)

allaussie hip hop exclusive, Soulmate Records1 Comment

360 – Boys Like You Tour

Jim Steps

Enigmatic, straight-talking 360 is taking his contentious live show to the masses come February and March 2012 on the back of his addictive new single Boys Like You. And not a moment too soon. The Boys Like You Tour picks up where the sold out national Falling & Flying album tour left off. Boasting twelve big shows to give fans another tasty dose of the pumped up 360 party. Once again, it’s not just capital cities feeling the love, limited regional centres will also get a look into 360’s high-energy world. Six’s crew will join him in these live conquests and … Continue reading 360 – Boys Like You Tour

Obese Records

Mantra – Voodoo Music Official Video

Jim Steps

In contrast to the lyrical introspection prominent in revered first single Got Me Wrong (featuring Parvyn Kaur Singh) (Triple J’s most requested song in the week following its release), Voodoo Music is essentially a celebration of Mantra’s aptitude for wordplay and metaphor. Crediting the production genius of young Melbourne wiz-kid Abstrakt with cuts from DJ Wasabi, Voodoo Music is characterized by its rupturing bass and pan flute-esk synths bringing Mantra’s audaciously swaggering flow to new heights. ‘One of the albums most bangin’ beats for sure. Produced by young buck Abztrakt, this track is all about the flow. I got really … Continue reading Mantra – Voodoo Music Official Video

Elefant Tracks

Hermitude – HyperParadise

Jim Steps

Hermitude soar to new heights on their fourth album HyperParadise out February 3rd 2012. It follows the astonishing success of lead single Speak of The Devil, the dancefloor gem thrashed by Australian radio; whose infectious video clip won the 2011 triple j J Award for Australian Music Video of the Year. HyperParadise is Hermitude hitting the bullseye of their artistic vision, the most perfectly representative record showing their grasp of future beats, electronica and hip hop. It’s not just their meticulousness in production and musicianship, it’s the passion and love they have for instrumental electronic music that sets them so far … Continue reading Hermitude – HyperParadise

Big Village Records

True Vibenation drops their second single ‘No More’

Jim Steps

It’s been a hectic few weeks since Sydney outfit True Vibenation released their debut album The Sunshower Phenomenon. The album was named as Triple J Hip Hop Show ‘Album of the Week’ and has received great airplay across the country on stations including Triple J, FBI, RTR FM and 3RRR. The music video for their first single Work, Work, Work feat, Alphamama has had numerous plays on ABC TV’s Rage and has clocked over 5000 views on YouTube. On the back of considerable hype as well as praise from industry insiders True Vibenation’s second single No More was quickly snapped up for … Continue reading True Vibenation drops their second single ‘No More’

Independent

Blades – Future

Jim Steps

Newcastle hip hop band Blades welcome the release of their new single, Future. Combining an electric mix of drum and bass, dub-step and electro beats against a hip hop canvas, the trio comprising of Kid Lyrical, Wizadry & Likewyse partner the track with anthem-inspiring rhymes to create the perfect party jam. After establishing a fan base and funding their own trip to perform in Hamburg, Switerland and the Glastonbury Festival in 2008, Blades have managed to create a global sound by retaining an unmistakable Australian grounding in their music. Having already been received well by radio, Future is sure to … Continue reading Blades – Future

Big Village Records

Ellesquire – On The Prowl Official Video

Jim Steps

Ellesquire blends humorous, self deprecating lyrics with more traditional hip hop style braggadocio battle raps while exploring topics from reflections on life and heart break to visions for his future. But not one to confine himself to just rapping Ellesquire also shows some singing talent handling hooks with a clear ear for melody. Ready is a 17-track collection of songs produced entirely by beatmaker/jazz musician extraordinaire P Major, featuring sample heavy, lo-fi beats alongside soulful, eloquent rhymes with guest spots by P.Smurf, Tenth Dan & Rapaport and cuts by Sam Z. On The Prowl is the lead single from Ellesquire’s debut album … Continue reading Ellesquire – On The Prowl Official Video

Independent

Stateovmind – Something For Nothing EP

Jim Steps

Short, crisp and delicious are three words that can describe the Debut EP from Canberra’s own Stateovmind. This five track offering serves the listener up a mouth watering selection of clever, poetic and potent wordplay. With classic and fresh home-style flavours which range from the traditional to the more modern and personal. All the while simmering amongst a sound-scape of handpicked drum soaked bass bubbling beats. Delivered by some of Australia’s premier beatsmiths including M-Phazes. Coming from the isolated, forgotten and often criticised Canberra has given Stateovmind the time and space to develop a unique style of home-grown hip hop. Despite … Continue reading Stateovmind – Something For Nothing EP

Uncategorized

Hilltop Hoods Initiative is Back Again!

Jim Steps

The 2012 Hilltop Hoods Initiative is now open for applications. The Hilltop Hoods Initiative is a $10,000 grant funded by Hilltop Hoods and APRA to help emerginglocal Hip Hop artists to manufacture, market and release an album. In past years the grant was restricted to South Australian residents but since 2009 the guys have made the grant available to applicants Australia-wide. In addition to the $10,000 in funding, the winner will receive legal advice courtesy of David Vodika and Media Arts Lawyers which can be used for general legal or specific career advice, plus a Shure Microphone prize pack. To … Continue reading Hilltop Hoods Initiative is Back Again!

allaussie hip hop exclusive, Independent

Tom Showtime: The Bullet Train feat N’Fa Jones – EP3013

Jim Steps

Introducing Tom Showtime, a man of many guises. Although appearing to the overt eye as a DJ, this talent brimming character is also labeled producer, café owner, saxophonist and gramophone enthusiast. From Be-Bop to Breakbeat, Tom’s passion for music is paralleled only to his tenacious enjoyment of watermelon, coffee and cricket. Tom began collecting and spinning records in London in early 2000, indubitably motivated by the collection of English house DJ’s and producers sharing his house. After several years, he returned home to Melbourne to release The Showtime EP’; a head nodding Trip Hop odyssey showcasing original horn lines and … Continue reading Tom Showtime: The Bullet Train feat N’Fa Jones – EP3013

allaussie hip hop exclusive

Mark B & Dialect – Fresh Wild Fly & Bold (Theory 77 Turntable Death-Mix)

Jim Steps

Theory 77 remixes Mark B & Dialect’s recent single Fresh, Wild, Fly & Bold; a tribute to old-skool Hip-Hop pioneers The Cold Crush Brothers.  We caught up with Mark B earlier today to get the lowdown on the new Fresh Wild Fly & Bold remix, check that out below. aahh: What was the reasoning behind your choice of producer on the new Fresh Wild Fly & Bold remix? Mark B: I’ve never been a fan of remixes so when I first looked at the idea of remixing the song I knew we had to come with something totally different to the original version we made. … Continue reading Mark B & Dialect – Fresh Wild Fly & Bold (Theory 77 Turntable Death-Mix)

allaussie hip hop exclusive1 Comment

N’fa Jones: New single ‘Wayooy’ feat. Roots Manuva & M-Phazes

Jim Steps

N’fa Jones frontman of genre bending local hip hop collaboration 1200 Techniques is back on Australian shores with a new EP in hand, Babylondon. You would have seen him already, with recent collaborations on Drapht’s Bali Party, taken from the AIR and ARIA Award winning album Life Of Riley. As well as with 360 on a deeper album cut Hope You Don’t Mind from the AIR Award winning album Falling & Flying. N’fa’s not just back to Party Party Party, he also brought some almighty tunes home with him and has just dropped his brand new single Wayooy, featuring stellar collaborations with Roots … Continue reading N’fa Jones: New single ‘Wayooy’ feat. Roots Manuva & M-Phazes

Elefant Tracks1 Comment

The Herd announce A Thousand Lives – New tour & video

Jim Steps

The Herd get set for an action packed 2012 with the announcement of a cross country stampede and the release of video for their third single, A Thousand Lives. A Thousand Lives’ nostalgic narrative sees The Herd at their story-telling best. The uplifting track is taken from the critically adored fifth album Future Shade. The new video is a ‘to camera’ piece utilising a projector to juxtapose the members’ previous lives. The video announcement coincides with announcement of the A Thousand Lives Tour, which takes place in March/April 2012 (see below for dates). This tour the hip hop pioneers will bring something … Continue reading The Herd announce A Thousand Lives – New tour & video

Myspherical Entertainment

Eloquor – Human Condition Video Clip

Jim Steps

Eloquor thrives as a storyteller, his tracks tell of both hardship and resilience, leaving behind a lingering sense of realistic optimism. Produced by Simplex, Human Condition explores the notion of attempting to reach a common ground based on the inherit similarities of all human beings. The sentiments strewn through Eloquors rhymes promote dignity and the importance of living life by your own design. One of the most persevering, hard-working emcees in the game; Eloquor has earned his stripes performing alongside industry heavyweights such as Pegz, Briggs, and the Hilltop Hoods. Thematically Eloquor delves into some of the most pressing issues humanity … Continue reading Eloquor – Human Condition Video Clip

allaussie hip hop exclusive, Independent

The Forked Road Album Launch

Jim Steps

Hilltop Hoods initiative winner Koolta has recently released a free mixtape (digital and physical) titled The Forked Road –  Presented and mixed by DJ PT. The release is a preview of what’s to come from this talented emcee and producer.  The Forked Road launch will be held this weekend in Adelaide Saturday Dec 1 at The Jade Monkey, everyone that rolls through the door will also get a copy of the mixtape! Performing on the night: Koolta and DJ PT  The Funky Scum Rumour  Allday  Gabriella Hyde  Hosted by Mase and Mattic $5 entry – Doors open @ 9pm Giveaways throughout night by GTNBZY and … Continue reading The Forked Road Album Launch

allaussie hip hop exclusive

Purpose – If The City Had A Voice Pt. 3

Jim Steps

After experiencing large underground success with If the City Had A Voice Pt. 2, touring the country twice and spending countless hours in the studio, Purpose rounds out the year by presenting the 3rd installment of his mixtape series. If the City Had A Voice pt. 3 is out now available here. It features 14 tracks from the Adelaide MC/producer and is mixed by DJ Hacksaw once again, showcasing the growing on track chemistry they have developed in such a short space of time. It also features Prime & Motive of Pagen Elypsis and production from Purpose himself, Rob Shaker, Answer & Debate. The full LP Where It Starts is slated to be released … Continue reading Purpose – If The City Had A Voice Pt. 3

Independent

Purpose – The Secret/One Last Stop

Jim Steps

After experiencing large underground success with If the City Had A Voice Pt. 2, touring the country twice and spending countless hours in the studio, Purpose rounds out the year by presenting the 3rd installment of his mixtape series. If the City Had A Voice pt. 3 will be released as a free download this Wednesday, November 30th. It features 14 tracks from the Adelaide MC/producer and is mixed by DJ Hacksaw once again, showcasing the growing on track chemistry they have developed in such a short space of time. It also features Prime & Motive of Pagen Elypsis and production … Continue reading Purpose – The Secret/One Last Stop

allaussie hip hop exclusive, allaussie hip hop interviews1 Comment

Interview: Prime – Good Morning, Good Lord, Good God!

Jim Steps

Good Morning. A simple greeting to signal the beginning of a new day. An invitation to wake the f**k up. A fitting introduction to Prime. Like the hazy light of dawn sneaking through the clouds over Hindmarsh Square. Prime’s unheralded arrival on the Australian hip-hop landscape has cast subtle but welcome shadows over a fan base hungry for a new approach. Some listeners might have caught a glimpse of the Adelaide emcee through his work with Pagen Elypsis, a Triple J Unearthed-winning six-piece whose minor hit One Way Ticket rattled radio speakers throughout 2010.  Others may recall Prime from his early but successful days on the … Continue reading Interview: Prime – Good Morning, Good Lord, Good God!

allaussie hip hop exclusive, Golden Era Records

The Funkoars – Adelaide Saturday Night

Jim Steps

Don’t miss out on the last stop of The Quickening Launch Tour at the Thebarton Theatre in Adelaide! Support for the night will be provided by Vents & Adfu, Ciecmate, Mase & Mattic and K21. Known for having one of the most dangerous shows in the business, The Funkoars will be performing an all-new live show incorporating songs from The Quickening as well as their claaaassic material that forged them one of the biggest cult followings in the country. Special guests Hilltop Hoods have also just announced that they will be joining The Funkoars on stage for a couple songs! Tickets available … Continue reading The Funkoars – Adelaide Saturday Night

allaussie hip hop exclusive, Obese Records

Reason – Window Of Time Video Clip

Jim Steps

Reason’s Window of Time is the final solo effort of his pioneering career, a true testament to his twenty plus years of dedication to Australian hip hop and reflective of his journey thus far. Window of Time, in essence, is intended to open minds and expose its listener to a mélange of historical, situational and currently pressing themes. Reason, both a school teacher and youth workshop facilitator, takes actualities to words with the intention of inspiring positive action. The album’s conceptual roots are of a worldly emphasis in contrast to the artists previous releases that were more indicative of his local scene. … Continue reading Reason – Window Of Time Video Clip

Double Or Nothing Records, Independent

Purpose – I Know You Don’t Love Me

Jim Steps

Adelaide producer / emcee and Pagen Elypsis member, Purpose has been building momentum to his début solo effort with his cracking If The City Had A Voice mixtape series. Late November will see If The City Had A Voice Pt. 3 drop for free release and  is mixed by fellow South Australian DJ Hacksaw. Artists that feature on If The City Had A Voice Pt. 3 include fellow PE members Prime and Motive, with production by Purpose, Answer, Rob Shaker (WA) and Cam Bluff (QLD). Purpose has put out 6 releases both as a solo artist and as an integral part of group efforts. His growth both in and out of the studio over the past few years has been impressive. This mixtape will serve as a … Continue reading Purpose – I Know You Don’t Love Me

allaussie hip hop exclusive, allaussie hip hop interviews

Vents – Marked For An ARIA

Jim Steps

Congratulations go out to Golden Era Records artist Vents with news that his album Marked For Death snagged an ARIA nomination for ‘Best Urban Album’. Vents sophomore release Marked for Death was produced by Trials from The Funkoars, with the album featuring Golden Era label mates Hilltop Hoods, and Sesta from The Funkoars. Also big congratulations to Trials who not only produced Vents’ – Marked For Death but also primarily produced 7 time ARIA nominee Drapht’s – The Life Of Riley album, including the track, Rapunzel which was also nominated for Single Of The Year. We catch up with the man of the moment, Vents as he prepares to grace the official red carpet at the 2011 ARIA awards, or at least check it out on TV.  aahh: … Continue reading Vents – Marked For An ARIA

allaussie hip hop exclusive, Elefant Tracks

Hermitude – Speak Of The Devil: Receives J-Award Video Nomination

Jim Steps

Hermitude have established their reputation for brilliant studio productions with an engaging and innovative live show – incorporating a confident, almost effortless musicianship with a deft grasp of technology. Playing with underground hip hop artists and electronic acts from all over the world.   In 2007 they released the Rare Sightings EP before embarking on their third album, Threads in 2008. Hermitude’s sound progressed into more electronic territory, embracing instrumental hip hop’s electronic relative ‘future beats’. Artists such as Glitch Mob and DJ Krush started dropping Hermitude songs in live sets. The first single on their fourth record dropped in … Continue reading Hermitude – Speak Of The Devil: Receives J-Award Video Nomination

allaussie hip hop exclusive, Grindin'3 Comments

Exclusive: Sky’high Interview

Jim Steps

Sky’high is Australia’s most compelling hip hop artist yet who displays a raw and aggressive style born from the gutters of Sydney. Tough as nails from a glance but catch a glimpse of that disarming smile and you get a hint there’s a lot more to this character than meets the eye. Sky’high drops another taste from her upcoming Forever Sky High EP. P-Money provides the killer Don Dada beat for Sky to rip apart with raw lyrics and that signature Sydney flow. aahh: Your first ‘official’ track ‘Look At Me Now’ has gained a lot of attention, with spins on Triple … Continue reading Exclusive: Sky’high Interview

allaussie hip hop exclusive, Born Fresh

Mr Hill & Rahjconkas – Warning Signs

Jim Steps

Mr Hill has emerged as a solo artist after starting his MC career with band Publik Relation which included (now) MC Seven. The two parted ways and the music has been getting better and better from both artists who still remain close friends. In early 2010 Mr Hill released a self titled demo, with mostly jacked beats. One collaboration was with Brisbane producer group Desmond Cheese, the track Saw The Signs struck a cord with the group and the three decided to make an entire collaboration album called The Island, which dropped earlier in the year.  Since the release of The Island, Mr Hill … Continue reading Mr Hill & Rahjconkas – Warning Signs

allaussie hip hop exclusive3 Comments

DJ PT Presents: Koolta The Forked Road

Jim Steps

In the lead up to his debut album, this year’s Hilltop Hoods initiative winner has decided to give listeners a small taste of what’s to come. Today marks the release of The Forked Road – a free mix (digital and physical) from the Adelaide MC/Producer, Koolta and mixed by DJ PT. Your just about to release a new mixtape titled The Forked Road, where you’ve teamed up with DJ PT. Tell us a little bit about this project in how it came about? Koolta: PT is my main man! I’ve known PT since high school, he’s always been my DJ – … Continue reading DJ PT Presents: Koolta The Forked Road

allaussie hip hop exclusive, Obese Records

The End Of An Era: Reason retires.

Jim Steps

Reason – an indisputable forefather of the Australian hip hop scene as we know it today; has announced his retirement after releasing Window of Time on November 4th. Though he is not short of qualities, perhaps Jason Shulman AKA Reason’s strongest virtue is his ability to bring people together. Since the very early stages of his career in hip hop Rea’ –as he’s affectionately known, was uniting crews nation-wide, a sure-fire keystone to the strength and productivity of the genre today. Whether a veteran of the culture or newbie –none can claim a knowledge of Australian hip hop history without … Continue reading The End Of An Era: Reason retires.

allaussie hip hop exclusive

LHA – This Is Your Life

Jim Steps

In just over a week, Sydney-based hip hop duo, LHA, hit the stage at the Gaelic Club for the official launch of their debut album, Split Decision. It’s the first time the outfit will be playing with a full live band that includes drums, trumpet and renowned sax player, Jason Bruer, who has played with BB King. With fellow Sydney locals, Five Coffees, Charmers, DJ Dlect, 2Deep helping out with proceedings, the night is sure to be full of smooth flows and the tightest beats Sydney has to offer.  The latest single from Split Decision, This Is Your Life, is … Continue reading LHA – This Is Your Life

allaussie hip hop exclusive

Full Tote Odds – Southern Wind

Jim Steps

Full Tote Odds are the latest in a long line of successful hip hop artists produced by the Adelaide Hills. The first single from their forthcoming album Place Your Bets, Southern Wind is a heartfelt hip hop ballad layered with rich piano, splashes of live drums and twists of strings and guitar. Echoing through the tale of a fractured, flawed relationship is an aching, bittersweet refrain sung by the sultry Taylor Jones. The progress of an inevitable decline and vicious decay of something that was once so beautiful into a blurred, bleak disfunction is captured expertly by MCs Slats, Levelheaded and … Continue reading Full Tote Odds – Southern Wind