Tag: Mantra

allaussie hip hop exclusive, Independent

MoneyKat – ‘Nothing Is Safe feat. Candice Monique’ Video Clip

Jim Steps

MoneyKat is a full blooded album- political, personal and poetic. The debut album from international duo MoneyKat, comprising Omar Musa from Australia and Mighty Joe from California, it spans a diverse range of musical styles and ideas. With production from New Zealand’s Fire and Ice (Scribe, David Dallas), Australian producer Ishu, Mercury prize winning producer Lotek (Roots Manuva, Speech Debelle), Californian producer Count and US rock veteran Geoff Stanfield (Black Lab, Sun Kil Moon), this is an international album with rich sonic texture. The palate of sounds ranges from reggae Nothing is Safe to classic soul-sampled hip hop Each Footstep, … Continue reading MoneyKat – ‘Nothing Is Safe feat. Candice Monique’ Video Clip

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MoneyKat – High Stakes feat. Mantra (Prod. Ishu)

Jim Steps

MoneyKat is an international hip hop duo comprising Omar Musa (Australia) and Mighty Joe (USA). After being sporadic collaborators for years, a highly successful tour in Indonesia spurred them into creating MoneyKat, a group intent on bring their soulful, personal, political and poetic style to ears and minds. With contrasting accents, styles and tones, they are a dynamic musical partnership. Their debut album MoneyKat, recorded in the USA and Australia, will be released March 9, 2012 through Obese Distribution. The first taste of the album comes in the form of the track High Stakes feat. Mantra with production from Ishu.  Facebook … Continue reading MoneyKat – High Stakes feat. Mantra (Prod. Ishu)

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Raise The Roof 3

Jim Steps

The Espy is pleased to announce that it is once again opening its doors up to a night of all local hip hop. Raise The Roof 3 picks up from where 2 left off, a colossal lineup showcasing the finest in established and emerging local hip hop. The first two instalments of Raise The Roof were a raging success, volume 3 is shaping up to be bigger then ever.  Featuring Pez, Mantra, Thundamentals, AJ, Acumen, Sky’high, M-Phazes, Slap 618, DJ Flagrant’s Aussie Hip Hop video show and direct from the UK Shorty Blitz with more TBA. Raise The Roof 3 will be held at the Esplanade Hotel, Feb … Continue reading Raise The Roof 3

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Push Over 2012

Jim Steps

Victoria’s longest-running all ages live music festival Push Over returns to Melbourne’s Abbotsford Convent on Monday 12th March with a killer line-up of upcoming Aussie talent including the freshest young Victorian acts, some of the country’s most fast and furious hardcore and metal bands and a full arena of hip hop including Mantra & 360.  Firing thriller beats across four sound stages will be: Parkway Drive, 360, Tonight Alive, Yacht Club DJs, Alpine, Dangerous!, Snakadaktal, Mantra, Redcoats, Eagle and The Worm, Glass Towers, 8 Bit Love, Northlane, Skyway, Hands Like Houses, Mindset, Hallower, This Town A Forest, Awaken I Am, and … Continue reading Push Over 2012

allaussie hip hop exclusive, Obese Records

Mantra 2011 Wrap Up

Jim Steps

2011 was an unheralded year for Mantra, your favourite rapper’s favourite rapper – as he’s widely known. Mantra had been lighting a fire under the genre as we know it with the release of his much talked about second solo album Speaking Volumes in September.  After supporting Drapht on his Life of Riley National Tour and performing at the Come Together festival at Luna Park in Sydney earlier this year, Mantra was readying fans for what was to come… The album’s first single Got Me Wrong feat. Parvyn Kaur Singh received high rotation on triple j, and was their most requested song during … Continue reading Mantra 2011 Wrap Up

Obese Records

M-Phazes 2011 Wrap Up

Jim Steps

M-Phazes, serial multi-tasker and our biggest international export, had a jam-packed ’11 touring, collaborating and producing some of the freshest sounds permeating our atmosphere. July 1st saw Phazes team up with dexterous US word-slinger Emilio Rojas to release self-titled album Phaze One. The two forged album over two years of to-ing and flowing across the Pacific, the LP features guest vocals from Illy, Mela Machinko (Pharoahe Monch and Jean Grae), and Mateo. Phaze One supported Wu Tang Clan on their Australian tour in early August. As well as his heavy involvement in a large portion of this year’s Australian hip hop releases … Continue reading M-Phazes 2011 Wrap Up

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

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

allaussie hip hop exclusive, Myspherical Entertainment

Breach Whisper Syntax: In Good Company – All Part Of The Plan feat. Mantra

Jim Steps

In Good Company three distinctly unique individuals fusing their respective styles together to produce a hybrid self-titled LP. Consisting of Syntax, Breach and Whisper, the dynamic trio are seasoned word-slingers with a partiality for wordplay, stunning punch lines and sonic storytelling. Featuring an assortment of impressive vocal contributors including Eloquor, Mantra, Ginger Van Es, Boltz and Skyzoo (USA) and additional production highlights from heavyweights M-Phazes, Jase, J Smith & Dutch, and Joe Lewis, IGC’s dynamic fusion of mindsets and themes of exploration have surfaced with brilliance and retrospect. The first single The Road, produced by Whisper, is an electronic bounce filled anthem … Continue reading Breach Whisper Syntax: In Good Company – All Part Of The Plan feat. Mantra

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Myspherical Entertainment presents: Eloquor and In Good Company (Dual Album Launch with special guests)

Jim Steps

With two full-length LPs under his belt, the ethically outspoken emcee has spent much of 2011 slamming hype duties on the Pegz ‘Bombs Away Tour’ still managing to bring his new EP Human Condition to life. Eloquor’s live show demonstrates why he shares the stage with Australia’s finest. Syntax, Breach and Whisper are In Good Company. The dynamic trio are seasoned word-slingers with a partiality for wordplay, stunning punch lines and sonic storytelling. Having recently performed on the VIC leg of the Mantra ‘Speaking Volumes Tour’, IGC return to the stage with their hyped full length show. Also joining the line … Continue reading Myspherical Entertainment presents: Eloquor and In Good Company (Dual Album Launch with special guests)

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Homegrown 2 – Adelaide (Oct. 21)

Jim Steps

HQ’s celebration of the local hip hop scene returns with a line up featuring some of Australia’s finest. The event will also see the return to Adelaide for hip hop legends Def Wish Cast. Def Wish Cast return with the banger Dun Proppa, the first single from their upcoming album Evolution Machine. Also featuring on the night are Sydney’s Horrorshow, and Adelaide’s Dialect & Despair. The Tongue, who is currently on his national The Sextape tour will also be in Adelaide to share his sexual secrets on stage. Jjoining this already massive line up is none other than your rappers favourite rapper Mantra, who … Continue reading Homegrown 2 – Adelaide (Oct. 21)

allaussie hip hop exclusive, Myspherical Entertainment

In Good Company – Syntax / Breach / Whisper – (Out Today) *Win A Copy*

Jim Steps

In Good Company. Three distinctly unique individuals fusing their respective styles together to produce a hybrid self-titled LP. Consisting of Syntax, Breach and Whisper, the dynamic trio are seasoned word-slingers with a partiality for wordplay, stunning punch lines and sonic storytelling. Featuring an assortment of impressive vocal contributors including Eloquor, Mantra, Ginger Van Es, Boltz and Skyzoo (USA) and additional production highlights from heavyweights M-Phazes, Jase, J Smith & Dutch, and Joe Lewis, IGC’s dynamic fusion of mindsets and themes of exploration have surfaced with brilliance and retrospect. All Part of the Plan feat. Mantra produced by Whisper, takes a cynical look at big business and political agenda, whilst Peter Pan produced by J Smith and Dutch, … Continue reading In Good Company – Syntax / Breach / Whisper – (Out Today) *Win A Copy*

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Ellesquire – Album Launch

Jim Steps

Since the release of his debut album Ready in August, Ellesquire has been creating quite a buzz. Receiving positive reviews and feedback from street press, radio, magazines & blogs nation wide. The album was FBi Radio ‘Sunsets Album Of The Week’ and it’s single On The Prowl was added to full rotation on Triple J. On The Prowl has been the most requested song twice on Triple J’s Super Request, Reached number 9 on the iTunes Hip Hop/ Rap charts and has clocked over 30 000 views on youtube within a month of it’s release. Stemming from the albums success, Ellesquire has … Continue reading Ellesquire – Album Launch

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In Good Company – Self Titled LP

Jim Steps

In Good Company. Three distinctly unique individuals fusing their respective styles together to produce a hybrid self-titled LP. Consisting of Syntax, Breach and Whisper, the dynamic trio are seasoned word-slingers with a partiality for wordplay, stunning punch lines and sonic storytelling. Featuring an assortment of impressive vocal contributors including Eloquor, Mantra, Ginger Van Es, Boltz and Skyzoo (USA) and additional production highlights from heavyweights M-Phazes, Jase, J Smith & Dutch, and Joe Lewis, IGC’s dynamic fusion of mindsets and themes of exploration have surfaced with brilliance and retrospect. All Part of the Plan feat. Mantra produced by Whisper, takes a … Continue reading In Good Company – Self Titled LP

allaussie hip hop exclusive, Rappertag

Rapper Tag # 40 – Jeremedy (Grey Ghost)

Jim Steps

Jeremedy is the space age rhythm-poet known for his work as frontman of Melbourne’s Electronica Rock-Hop crew The Melodics. He is also known for his high energy guest spots with various rappers including Mantra and 360. He’s latest project is Grey Ghost.  He is also a sort after graphic artist, creating high quality art for music. Grey Ghost aka Ghosty Grey aka Art Ghostfunkle is a space age rhythm-poet from Melbourne town. Mixing Punk, New Wave & Hip-Hop his Debut EP (tentatively titled The Life & Times Of Ghosty Grey) is due for physical, digital & spiritual release soon. The first … Continue reading Rapper Tag # 40 – Jeremedy (Grey Ghost)

allaussie hip hop exclusive, Obese Records, Rappertag

Mantra – Speaking Volumes

Jim Steps

Obese Records’ latest family member has been blazing a name for himself since 2005. From his early work with the group Equills and local Melbourne outfit Illzilla (fronting the group on their debut EP and Wasteland full length), Mantra’s captivating flow and intelligent lyrical connections continue to elevate his status as one of Australia’s most talented MCs as touted by both artists and fans. Mantra gives us an exclusive sneak peek at Self-Destruct featuring Promoe, a track off his upcoming album Speaking Volumes, out September 9th. Shot by: Ginger Van Es for Macula Productions Edited by: Romy Handley for Macula Productions … Continue reading Mantra – Speaking Volumes

allaussie hip hop exclusive, Other Tongues

Class A serves new single featuring Ishu

Jim Steps

Having dropped her exciting debut album Me, Me, Me and Him: The Secret Life of a Receptionist last year, Melbourne MC Class A is back and shows no sign of slowing down as she reveals new single Never featuring Ishu. Her last record saw her collaborating with Aussie hip hop heroes M-Phazes, BVA, Urban Monk and Doc Felix, which gained loads of local buzz and saw her truly cement her position within the Australian hip hop scene. She’s shared the stage with the likes of Dilated Peoples, Jean Grae, Talib Kweli, Gift of Gab (Blackalicious) and J-Live, as well as national … Continue reading Class A serves new single featuring Ishu

allaussie hip hop exclusive, Obese Records

Mantra announces upcoming album title

Jim Steps

Mantra has wrapped up in the studio for his next release entitled Speaking Volumes. The album will feature a seasoned array of contributors including M-Phazes, Illy and Urthboy. ‘It’s a far more musical album, an album of songs, as opposed to “rap” songs. I also collaborated with a lot more guest vocalists, and worked more closely with the producers to get the sound I was after.’ – Mantra Stay tuned for more exclusive Mantra news! Continue reading Mantra announces upcoming album title

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Sprung Festival (Brisbane)

Jim Steps

Following the success of Sydney’s Come Together earlier this year, Brisbane is set to host the all-Australian hip hop festival Sprung in October.  Clockwork Entertainment are bringing the largest, all Aussie Hip Hop lineup to ever hit Brisbane. The Festival is an all ages gig and will be held at Brisbane’s 8000 capacity Riverstage venue on October 15. For its inaugural showing, festival organisers have managed to nab Drapht, The Funkoars, Illy, Pez & 360, Phrase, M-Phazes, Resin Dogs, Joelistics, Lowrider, Mantra, Diafrix, Lazy Grey and Pure Product. Along with the main stage, Sprung is also putting on a second stage to host 8 finalists from the Real Talk Battle … Continue reading Sprung Festival (Brisbane)

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Come Together Fest – Limited Tickets available!

Jim Steps

There are only a limited number of tickets remaining for this years all Australian Hip Hop Come Together Fest. Come Together will be headliner Drapht’s only Sydney appearance and with a brand new, fully live show in tow, Drapht is set to showcase tracks from his amazing No 1 ARIA chart topping album Life Of Riley as well as all the faves from his previous releases. Joined by special guests Urthboy, Illy, M-phazes, Muph & Plutonic, The Tongue, Mantra plus Triple J unearthed winners Daily Meds, this years Come Together is a smorgasbord of the best of up and coming Australian … Continue reading Come Together Fest – Limited Tickets available!

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Can You Dig It? In Good Company, Matte Blac, T-Bar & more!

Jim Steps

Head on down to The Workers Club for Can You Dig It? Hip Hop Showcase in Melbourne this Thursday night. Featuring: In Good Company (Whisper. Syntax, Breach), Matte Blac, Vintage Seed & T-Bar. This is going to be a massive night, so head down for some of the freshest hip hop in Melbourne. In Good Company Bluntly, each an accomplished recording artist in their own right, four Melbourne musicians have joined forces to create a free downloadable album for a clambering fast paced audience that is slowly becoming apathetic to the notion of the local music industry. Each with years … Continue reading Can You Dig It? In Good Company, Matte Blac, T-Bar & more!

allaussie hip hop exclusive, Elefant Tracks, Obese Records

Drapth to headline Come Together 2011 feat. Mantra, The Tongue, Muph & Pluto, Urthboy, Illy & M-Phazes

Jim Steps

After seven years of providing a distinctly domestic soundtrack to June long weekend, Come Together keeps its focus on showcasing the best of homegrown talent with an exciting new twist for its eighth incarnation. Come Together returns in 2011, for one day only on Saturday June 11th. We’ve revamped, refreshed, recharged, renovated and are ready to roll out the musical movers and shakers with an all Australian hip hop line-up set to have the Big Top jumping. Lining up front and center & fresh from nailing down the highest ranked hip hop single at number 12 on the Triple J … Continue reading Drapth to headline Come Together 2011 feat. Mantra, The Tongue, Muph & Pluto, Urthboy, Illy & M-Phazes

allaussie hip hop exclusive, Obese Records

Pegz – Drama (April 8th, pre-order now!)

Jim Steps

Rising from a self-imposed hiatus, one of Australian hip hop’s hardest hitting artists returns to the recording fold with his brand new album Drama. With rhymes like ransom letters, the latest is an unrelenting, no-holds barred assault on politics, global issues, Australian life and hip hop. Like the unmistakable voice, Pegz is never one to hold back with the fire, all while maintaining a humorous streak of clever lyricism and biting commentary. From the opening calling card of Capital P to the Brazilian-influenced flavour of the first single Bombs Away, Drama continues the legacy of the Capricorn Cat by pouring … Continue reading Pegz – Drama (April 8th, pre-order now!)

allaussie hip hop exclusive, The Ayems

Drapht – The Life of Riley: Drops April 1 + Download ‘On & On’ for FREE

Jim Steps

Triple J, Drapht,The Ayems Records and Fidelity Corporation are incredibly proud and happy to announce the release of Drapht’s new studio album The Life of Riley, as well as the tour to launch said album around the nation. It’s been a long time coming and a hell of a process but we assure you, The Life of Riley has been worth the wait. To quote the man himself, “Never in my life have I put so much time and energy into one single thing. Mentally, the making of this album broke me and drove me to the brink of insanity … Continue reading Drapht – The Life of Riley: Drops April 1 + Download ‘On & On’ for FREE

Sony Music, The Ayems

Drapht – The Life Of Riley (Drops April 1st) + Tour announcement

Jim Steps

Triple J, Drapht, The Ayems Records and Fidelity Corporation are incredibly proud and happy to announce the release of Drapht’s new studio album The Life of Riley, as well as the tour to launch said album around the nation. It’s been a long time coming and a hell of a process but we assure you, The Life of Riley will be worth the wait.  To quote the man himself, “Never in my life have I put so much time and energy into one single thing. Mentally, the making of this album broke me and drove me to the brink of insanity … Continue reading Drapht – The Life Of Riley (Drops April 1st) + Tour announcement

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2010 Look-Back Series #3: Mixed Alliance

Jim Steps

Born and raised on the busy streets of Burn City, Matte Blac and Paddy G have fused a passion for Hip Hop and Funk Rhythms and together have formed Mixed Alliance. By blending these two music genres, they have created a unique take on the Hip Hop sound you may be use to. From humble beginnings as early as 2000, Mixed Alliance have transformed from a four man crew to the current duo. Constantly crafting their sound, and perfecting each and every rhyme, their aim is to make each song special shown through a love for Funk, Soul and Hip … Continue reading 2010 Look-Back Series #3: Mixed Alliance

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Ishu presents the new single “World Domination feat. Elf Tranzporter”

Jim Steps

Following the successful release of his album A World in Progress and single Progress feat. Mantra, Ishu is releasing a second single titled World Domination feat. Elf Tranzporter. An up-tempo hip hop tune driven by regal horns and dramatic strings, with the highly skilled veteran Elf Tranzporter on the mic. Elf Tranzporter, well known for his politically charged lyricism both solo and as part of the Melbourne hip hop outfit Combat Wombat, delves into events and ethical issues in the pharmaceutical industry and conniving corporate takeover strategies. Much like the rest of the album, World Domination feat. Elf Tranzporter was … Continue reading Ishu presents the new single “World Domination feat. Elf Tranzporter”

LookUP Records

Bingethinkers – Where Are They Now… (Feb 11th) (Preview Tracks Up)

Jim Steps

Over the past half-decade, Bingethinkers have built their reputation as one of Sydney’s most dynamic hip hop outfits- electrifying audiences with their remarkable live show. The group is comprised of MC Rinse on the mic, DJ 2Buck (Dialectrix, Gully Platoon) on the decks (and beats) and producers Aeon (a member of Sydney rock/electronica act Decoder Ring) and PSYKEone on the beats. This combination of high energy, boom bap production and razor sharp lyrics create an unmatched collection of individual talent sharing a single ethos. Following up from the release of their ShelfLife Mixtape (2007), Bingethinkers formed LookUP with fellow Sydneysiders … Continue reading Bingethinkers – Where Are They Now… (Feb 11th) (Preview Tracks Up)

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Red Fox Records: City Wide Krew – Garden State EP

Jim Steps

From the hills of Mt Hotham to the streets of Melbourne City; from a sold out show with the Funkoars to your best mates backyard; from party raps to lyrical wisdom, City Wide Krew are about to become the one hip hop group you wished you’d heard of first. Originally a duo consisting of Fusion MC and Sammy Rocswell, City Wide Krew (aptly named, due to Fusion’s home in Melbourne and Rocswell residence in Geelong) overcame geographical distance through a mutual love of listening to and making hip hop music. Long trips down the Geelong freeway become rigueur de jour … Continue reading Red Fox Records: City Wide Krew – Garden State EP

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Hip Hop Flood Relief – Briggs, M-Phazes and more!

Jim Steps

Hip Hop Flood Relief with Pharoahe Monch and Boogie Blind, this Friday night at The Corner Hotel. It’s been a devastating week for Queenslanders, so New York and local Hip Hop artists have rallied together with Mistrust Music to raise money for the flood victims. Just recently on our shores, Pharoahe Monch is back with his mind blowing technical skills and lyrical mastery. Joining him is Boogie Blind from the legendary X-Ecutioners plus a host of Aussie talent. More acts to be announced soon! Pharoahe Monch, Boogie Blind, Promoe (Looptroop), Briggs, Tourettes & Young Lean, Mantra, Prequel, Thief & Wolfgram … Continue reading Hip Hop Flood Relief – Briggs, M-Phazes and more!