Tag: Mantra

Foreign Dub, Vitamin Records

Ishu presents an amazing debut album: A World In Progress

Jim Steps

Back in 2008, Ishu garnered praise for the smooth, organic dub/reggae/dancehall flavours and laid-back vocals of his debut EP. Seven tracks which documented his time in Melbourne before heading abroad. Fast-forward two years later and he’s switching it up. A broadened sound palette has him charting new musical territory, using hiphop and electronic beats as his canvas. Culture-mashing boom-bap in a similar vein to local favourites Hermitude and with hints of big influences like Madlib, Hi-Tek and Bonobo, Ishu is now ready to unleash his debut album, A World In Progress. Citing his environment as the main influence of his … Continue reading Ishu presents an amazing debut album: A World In Progress

allaussie hip hop exclusive, Foreign Dub

Ishu presents the new single ‘Progress feat. Mantra’ [A World In Progress – Out Today]

Jim Steps

Citing his environment as the main influence of his music, it’s no surprise that Sydney-born hip-hop producer Ishu has returned to Australia with a bag full of fresh ideas and a new vision, after travelling throughout Europe and Asia in 2009. Collecting samples and field recordings along the way; Ishu found inspiration in every country he visited, immersing himself in local culture and sketching beats for his forthcoming album release. Now at his new home in Melbourne, it’s time to bring these rough drafts to life. ISHU presents the new single ‘Progress feat. Mantra’ Back in 2008, Ishu had garnered … Continue reading Ishu presents the new single ‘Progress feat. Mantra’ [A World In Progress – Out Today]

allaussie hip hop exclusive, Elefant Tracks, Obese Records1 Comment

allaussie spotlight on: DJ Wasabi

Jim Steps

To Australian hip-hop, dnb and dubstep heads, DJ Wasabi needs no introduction. The 25-year old turntablist, DJ, producer and youth mentor has amassed quite a reputation and following throughout his 13 years behind the decks. Long considered one of the pioneers of the Melbourne urban scene, Wasabi holds down three separate weekly club residencies, national tours, youth mentor programs and is the head engineer at Tetris Sound Studios in Brunswick. Wasabi’s much sought after DJ skills have landed him gigs djing for Kool Kieth earlier this year and supports for Redman & Method Man, Jean Grae, Talib Kwali, Scribe, DJ … Continue reading allaussie spotlight on: DJ Wasabi

allaussie hip hop exclusive, Obese Records

Obese Records Block Party Rewards Interstaters!

Jim Steps

With the excitement of this year’s 10th Anniversary Block Party still fresh, we are happy to announce that all of those making the trek down to Melbourne from around the country will be rewarded for their efforts. If you are travelling to Melbourne for the show, be sure to stop by the Obese Records Retail Store in Prahran with your boarding pass/itinerary, photo ID and Block Party ticket to score yourself a limited Block Party pack* that includes rare posters, stickers and other promotional material from Obese Records and Ironlak. *packs are limited and will be available from Thursday 7th … Continue reading Obese Records Block Party Rewards Interstaters!

allaussie hip hop exclusive, Born Fresh

Seven – Self Titled EP (September 10)

Jim Steps

Off the back of Seven’s success, winning the Triple J unearthed M-Phazes competition and being placed on the Triple J 2010 Hitlist, Born Fresh Records brings Australia a massive EP fresh from the beaches of the Gold Coast. The EP includes 6 exclusive full length tracks, featuring the vocal talents of such new-age Australian Icons as Michael Tomlinson (Yves Klein Blue), Joyride (Spit Syndicate) and Claire Walters. The EP’s first single Pray exhibits smooth, laid back production with a flowing piano line, accompanied by a catchy hook & adlibs from Michael Tomlinson of the Brisbane band Yves Klein Blue. Produced … Continue reading Seven – Self Titled EP (September 10)

Obese Records

Spit Syndicate – Starry Eyed Video

Jim Steps

The video for Starry Eyed. From the acclaimed new Spit Syndicate album Exile. Out now from Obese Records. The clip is directed by Artifact Digital, the incredibly talented crew that are behind the Jess Harlen, Gully Platoon, Illy, Ozi Batla, Dialectrix, Horrorshow, Mantra film clips..they’ve done a whole lot of crazy shit before, check out their website here. Behind the scenes at the Starry Eyed video shoot. Continue reading Spit Syndicate – Starry Eyed Video

allaussie hip hop exclusive, Obese Records

Obese Records – Block Party 2010 (10 Year Anniversary)

Jim Steps

This year Obese Records proudly announces a very special 10th anniversary edition of Block Party. Inviting you back to the place where it all began, this hometown show will landmark a celebration of over 70 releases as well as the labels many successes during its 10 year reign within Australia’s flourishing music industry. In addition to the ARIA Awards, the Gold and Platinum albums, Obese Records has pushed Australian hip hop into the mainstream music conscience. Block Party 2010: Obese Records 10th Anniversary will feature live performances from Mantra, Dialectrix, M-Phazes, Illy, Spit Syndicate, Pegz, Bias B, Skryptcha plus many … Continue reading Obese Records – Block Party 2010 (10 Year Anniversary)

allaussie hip hop exclusive, Obese Records

M-Phazes – Good Gracious album launch tour

Jim Steps

On March 27th in Melbourne’s Espy Gershwin Room, Australia’s #1 Hip-Hop producer M-Phazes brought together some of Australia’s finest emcee’s and performers to help him launch his debut album Good Gracious and allaussie hip hop were lucky enough to be there. Drapht, Phrase, Pegz, Illy, Muph with Candice Monique, Mantra, 13th Son, Dialectrix, Delta, Nine High, Haunts, a full band, mini choir and even a marching band made up the 35+ crew performing as part of M-Phazes unforgettable show! Catch M-Phazes from August through September 2010 on his official Good Gracious album launch tour – This is one not to … Continue reading M-Phazes – Good Gracious album launch tour

allaussie hip hop exclusive, Obese Records

M-Phazes – Good Gracious National Tour

Jim Steps

Presented by: ITSOFFICIAL.COM.AU After spending two long years crafting his masterpiece, M-Phazes released his debut album Good Gracious to critical acclaim, debuting at #20 on the Aria charts and #1 on the independent AIR charts. M-Phazes has proven himself a production force to be reckoned with having produced tracks on almost every major Australian release in the last few years (Bliss N Eso, Phrase, Drapht etc) and landing placements with a who’s who of the US music industry (Pharoahe Monch, Amerie, M.O.P. etc). Now Australia’s number #1 Hip-Hop export is set to embark upon his first ever, national tour and … Continue reading M-Phazes – Good Gracious National Tour

allaussie hip hop exclusive, Born Fresh

Crate Creeps – Its About That Time Sampler – July 9th

Jim Steps

Crate Creeps – Its About That Time out through Born Fresh Records July 9th featuring: Suffa MC (Hilltop Hoods), Trials (The Funkoars), Pure Product, Mantra, Tommy Illfigga, DJ Adfu, Rhyme Asylum (UK), Mata n Must, The Optimen, Kings Koneted, Rezadent, Verbal Kent (Chicago), Terntable Jediz, Thundamentals, Rakaa Iriscience (Dilated Peoples), Robby Balboa & Haunts (Choose Mics), Clinic & Proclaim (The Archetypes), Pie Emc3e, Adverse, Ill-legitamate Crew (Canada), Yuin Huzami (The Coalition Crew) & Rainman. BAM! Continue reading Crate Creeps – Its About That Time Sampler – July 9th

allaussie hip hop exclusive, Born Fresh, MGM

The Crate Creeps – Its About That Time – July 9th 2010 Release – Guestlist finally announced!

Jim Steps

All tracks mixed by Crate Creeps at The Bloody Abbetoir All vocals recorded at The Bloody Abbetoir unless stated All cuts by DJ Butcher unless stated Mastered by Ricardo Guiterrez at the Grandmasters NYC Distributed By MGM Track Listing: 1. Introduction Ft. Suffa MC (Hilltop Hoods) Produced by Crate Creeps Vocals recorded by Suffa 2. Time Trials Ft. Trials (The Funkoars) Produced by Dj Butcher Vocals mixed and recorded by Dj Adfu at Sniper Spot Studios 3. Walk On By Ft. Pure Product Written by Fourth Degree, Marvel and Tendancee Produced by Tommy Illfigga Bass by Max Voltage 4. Jeans … Continue reading The Crate Creeps – Its About That Time – July 9th 2010 Release – Guestlist finally announced!

allaussie hip hop exclusive

In Good Company – Whisper, A-Diction, Syntax

Jim Steps

It’s time to give you the heads up on a FREE LP that A-Diction, Syntax and Whisper are putting out next week. The LP will be available for free download and the guys are also pressing up 1000 hard copies. So what is 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 of industry experience behind them, In Good Company sets the … Continue reading In Good Company – Whisper, A-Diction, Syntax

allaussie hip hop exclusive, Obese Records

Mantra – Power Of The Spoken album launch

Jim Steps

With a successful touring run supporting Urthboy already in motion (Sneakquel Tour – Adelaide leg gig review here), acclaimed Melbourne emcee Mantra is gearing up for his hometown launch show on the 28 May. Celebrating the release of his Triple J featured, debut full length album Power of the Spoken, Mantra will take to the East Brunswick Club with DJ Wasabi. Mata & Must and Class A have been lined up as supports for the evening. Tickets are $18. The show is shaping up to be a killer, with  Mantra and Wasabi putting together a one-off set featuring visuals, special … Continue reading Mantra – Power Of The Spoken album launch

allaussie hip hop exclusive, allaussie hip hop reviews, Elefant Tracks

Urthboy – The Sneakquel Tour (Adelaide Leg Review)

Jim Steps

Elefant Traks giant Urthboy, Jane Tyrell and Elgusto (Hermitude) hit Adelaide last weekend, bringing an in your face, energetic live show that had the punters out of control.  Joining Urthboy on The Sneakquel Tour this time round is Melbourne emcee and lyrical magician Mantra. Local lads Mase and Mattic kicked the night off, warming up the crowd early on. It was then on to Koolta who performed tracks of the recently released Deportation EP, both groups were well received by the eager crowd. You could tell that the atmosphere was hyped, a real sense of excitement hung in the air. … Continue reading Urthboy – The Sneakquel Tour (Adelaide Leg Review)

allaussie hip hop exclusive, allaussie hip hop reviews1 Comment

M-Phazes – Good Gracious album review

Jim Steps

M-Phazes has quickly established himself as one of the country’s top producers. After 2 years of nights locked away, computers humming, beats banging and unhealthy dietary intakes (not confirmed), a masterpiece has emerged. Good Gracious is the heavily anticipated debut album from lauded Gold Coast beat-maker M-Phazes.  This 15 track LP features appearances from some of Australia’s most respected hip hop artists including Drapht, Mantra, Dialectrix, Pegz, Delta, Muph and Plutonic, Phrase, Spit Syndicate, Forthwrite, Bliss N Eso, NFA, Illy, 13th Son and Nine High……we could easily stop there. Good Gracious is concofinay of hip hop styles riding under the … Continue reading M-Phazes – Good Gracious album review

allaussie hip hop exclusive

Mantra’s Power Of The Spoken Triple J’s feature album

Jim Steps

Mantra’s debut album, Power of the Spoken, is driven by the importance of the verbalized thought; a way to paint ideas, thoughts, and opinions in its most effective form. In the opening title track, he breaks down the very word “mantra” as a concept- chanted and recited through history as “phonetic outreach” and distilled here as an introduction to his own; “spoken word as a weapon.” Power of the Spoken is an electric hip hop album that isn’t afraid to embrace worldly elements. From the mystical Eastern influences of the title track to the multi-lingual and piano-based Fall Guy, the … Continue reading Mantra’s Power Of The Spoken Triple J’s feature album

Obese Records

Mantra debuts new single/video from Power Of The Spoken

Jim Steps

Obese Records’ exciting new signing Mantra has released the first single and video from his highly anticipated debut album. The M-Phazes produced track, I Hereby Stand, is the album’s right hook, the telling of Mantra’s coming of age and laying a gauntlet to his future. The video accompaniment for the track was shot and directed by The Artifact (Gully Platoon, Dialectrix) and features the no-nonsense attitude Mantra embodies; gritty, hard-hitting, and to the point. Links to both audio and Myspace can be seen below. Mantra will soon head out as featured support for Urthboy’s upcoming tour and will appear at … Continue reading Mantra debuts new single/video from Power Of The Spoken

allaussie hip hop exclusive, Elefant Tracks

The Sneakquel Tour with special guest Mantra

Jim Steps

In the name of late nights and lost mornings, Urthboy is coming to your town on the Sneakquel Tour throughout April and May 2010. Nominated for this year’s Australian Music Prize (one of the only artists nominated twice) Urthboy is joined on stage by the incandescent Jane Tyrrell and DJ/producer Elgusto. Their Spitshine Tour in Oct/Nov 2009 was a huge success playing to over 10,000 people. After successfully navigating their way through the Australian Summer Festival collision course, the time for a headline tour with visuals, dance moves and new tunes has come. In support is gun-lyricist Mantra, whose debut … Continue reading The Sneakquel Tour with special guest Mantra

allaussie hip hop exclusive, Obese Records1 Comment

M-Phazes & Gully Platoon Double Album Launch Melbourne

Jim Steps

Bringing you one of Australian hip hop’s most anticipated nights, M-Phazes & Gully Platoon will launch their respective debut albums in a show that will boast an unprecedented array of guest appearances from some of the biggest names in the genre. Slated for March 27th at the Espy’s Gershwin Room, M-Phazes will launch his debut album, Good Gracious (named the Triple J ‘Feature Album’), featuring on-stage performances by Drapht, Phrase, Muph & Plutonic (w/ Candice Monique), Pegz, Illy, Delta, Dialectrix, Nine High, Mantra, 13th Son plus some very special guests. Gully Platoon (Pegz, Dialectrix, Joe New & DJ 2Buck) will … Continue reading M-Phazes & Gully Platoon Double Album Launch Melbourne

Obese Records

Mantra – Power of the Spoken (March 26)

Jim Steps

Through his early work with Equills and acclaimed Melbourne outfit Illzilla, Mantra has been blazing a name for himself since 2005. Boasting a captivating flow and intelligent lyrical work, Mantra has risen in status to become one of Australia’s most respected MCs, as touted by artists and fans alike. His debut album, Power of the Spoken, is driven by the importance of the verbalized thought; a way to paint ideas, thoughts, and opinions in its most effective form. In the opening title track, he breaks down the very word “mantra” as a concept- chanted and recited through history as “phonetic … Continue reading Mantra – Power of the Spoken (March 26)

allaussie hip hop exclusive, Coalmine Records

Brooklyn Bridge – Bekay feat. Masta Ace (Prod. by M-Phazes)

Jim Steps

Australian producer M-Phazes is set to drop an absolute banger in the form of his production album Good Gracious. It will feature some of Australia’s top emcees including Drapht, Bliss N Eso, Phrase, Illy, Pegz, Muph n Plutonic, Delta, Solo, Spit Syndicate, Dialectrix, Mantra, Nfa, Nine High, Forthwrite (360 n Pez), 13th Son and Haunts. Good Gracious will be out on February 26 through Obese Records (check the previous post we did regarding this release here). If your not already excited, then here’s something to wet your appetite. M-Phazes recently produced a track for US emcee Bekay feat. Masta Ace. … Continue reading Brooklyn Bridge – Bekay feat. Masta Ace (Prod. by M-Phazes)

allaussie hip hop exclusive

Bigger Than Hip Hop Radio Show Interview

Jim Steps

We recently spoke to Pete and Paul over at the Bigger Than Hip Hop Show on Melbourne’s SYN 90.7FM. If you haven’t heard of this show, don’t sleep for much longer. It airs live Wednesday nights, 9 – 10pm, across the city as well as the Mornington Peninsula & Geelong. These guys have only recently started the show and already have delivered some huge nights of hip hop, live to your radio. Recent shows included some top interviews, including the likes of Solo from Horrorshow, Jes Won from Thundamentals, plus a host of DJ specials, and a shit load of … Continue reading Bigger Than Hip Hop Radio Show Interview

allaussie hip hop exclusive, Obese Records

M-Phazes New Album Artwork

Jim Steps

M-Phazes will be once again bringing the bangers when he drops his new album titled ‘Good Gracious’ on February 26 of this year. M-Phazes has worked with a whole heap of hip hop artists on this one, including: Drapht, Bliss N Eso, Phrase, Illy, Pegz, Muph n Plutonic, Delta, Solo, Spit Syndicate, Dialectrix, Mantra, Nfa, Nine High, Forthwrite (360 n Pez), 13th Son and Haunts. This will surely be on of the top albums of 2010, we know it’s early but we have faith! You can check out the artwork for the album above and then head to M-Phazes Myspace … Continue reading M-Phazes New Album Artwork

allaussie hip hop exclusive1 Comment

M-Phazes – Good Gracious! New Album (Feb 26)

Jim Steps

M-Phazes is the perfect example of a diamond in the rough.  Born and raised in the Gold Coast of Australia and relatively isolated from Hip-Hop culture, M-Phazes has carved a strong niche for himself that has allowed his production to be heard on a global scale. Drawing inspiration from legendary producers such as Battlecat, Pete Rock and the late J-Dilla, M-Phazes has has formulated his own sound over the years that can be defined by soulful melodies coupled with loose, smacking drums. Landing his first U.S. placement in 2005 on Supastition’s “Chain Letters”, M-Phazes has been on a steady climb and … Continue reading M-Phazes – Good Gracious! New Album (Feb 26)

Independent1 Comment

Crate Creeps (DJ Butcher & Tommy Illfigga) Video

Jim Steps

DJ Butcher & Tommy Illfigga bring us a new sneak peek look at the latest Crate Creeps happenings with a vid posted on YouTube recently. The new album will feature artists from around the world including, Rakaa Iriscience (Dilated Peoples), Rhyme Asylum, Mantra (Aus), Trials (Funkoars), Pure Product, Mata & Must, Pagen Elypsis, Rainman & Yuin Huzami, Eloquence and Truths, Clinic & Proclaim, Kings Konnekted, Rezadent and The Optimen. This album will be massive, both these guys are hugely talented, so expect some good things. Continue reading Crate Creeps (DJ Butcher & Tommy Illfigga) Video

Obese Records

Thundamentals – National Wake Up Tour

Jim Steps

NSW hip-hop collective Thundamentals have embarked on their first national headlining tour in support of their recently released full length, Sleeping On Your Style! After successful runs supporting Astronomy Class and shows on the Obese Records Block Party Tour, Thundamentals will cross the country hitting major cities and regional locations on a trek dubbed the Wake Up Tour! The tour kicked off in Sydney on October 30th with an eclectic lineup featuring the improvisational comedy/hip hop troupe Sketch The Rhyme. The tour will see the group perform live alongside labelmate Mantra on select dates and will wrap up in Perth … Continue reading Thundamentals – National Wake Up Tour

Obese Records

Thundamentals – Wake Up Tour!

Jim Steps

NSW hip-hop collective Thundamentals have announced their first national headlining tour in support of their recently released full length, Sleeping On Your Style! After successful runs supporting Astronomy Class and shows on the current Obese Records Block Party Tour, Thundamentals will cross the country hitting major cities and regional locations on a trek dubbed the Wake Up Tour! The tour kicks off in Sydney on October 30 at The Gaelic Club with an eclectic lineup featuring the improvisational comedy/hip hop troupe Sketch The Rhyme. The tour will see the group perform live alongside labelmates Mantra and Coalition Crew (sets not … Continue reading Thundamentals – Wake Up Tour!

Obese Records, Uncategorized

Chasm & Vida-Sunshyne

Jim Steps

Chasm & Vida-Sunshyne have released the new video for the song Where Did We Go Wrong. Directed by the Artifact Collective (Dialectrix, Astronomy Class, Gully Platoon), the video features the song’s plotline played out in reverse as both Chasm & Vida-Sunshyne share the story in real time. You can now check out the video below. The song is the first released from the much anticipated sophomore full length album from acclaimed Sydney producer Chasm, who has teamed up with Melbourne-based singer Vida-Sunshyne for the collaborative soul/reggae/hip hop album Move. Featuring guest spots from UK artist Million Dan, Damajah, and Mantra, … Continue reading Chasm & Vida-Sunshyne

Uncategorized

Mantra and Krew at the Grovedale

Jim Steps

GDH Events and the Melbourne International Arts Festival present another great night of hip hop featuring – Mantra & DJ Wasabi, Ramallah Underground (Palestine), CityWideKrew and Wydawake. Catch The gig will be held on Saturday the 24th of October at the Grovedale Hotel. Doors open at 9.30pm.  ( The time they should open for hip hop gigs, not 8pm). Tix $15 available from the Grovedale Hotel or live and direct from one of the CityWideKrew!! Continue reading Mantra and Krew at the Grovedale

Obese Records

Mantra added to the Obese Block Party Tour 2009

Jim Steps

Obese Records’ latest family member is a late addition to the already spectacular lineup of performers at this year’s Block Party Tour. Mantra, has been confirmed to perform at the Melbourne, Brisbane, and Sydney legs of the tour joining Drapht, Muph & Plutonic, and Gully Platoon in those cities. The following Block Party dates will now include Mantra as a performing artist: Friday, October 9th – Sydney, NSW @ The Metro Drapht • Muph & Plutonic • Gully Platoon • Hyjak N Torcha • Spit Syndicate • Illy • Thundamentals • Skryptcha • Mantra Friday, October 16th – Brisbane, QLD … Continue reading Mantra added to the Obese Block Party Tour 2009