Stolen Records Gala Ball

Returning after a sellout show last year during last year’s Save FBi, Sydney’s hip hop community is banding together and donning their finest to bring you the Stolen Records Gala Ball. Hosted by FBi’s own Shantan Wantan Ichiban, dust off your tux and grab a date, we promise a night you won’t forget. It all goes down on Friday July 16 @ Gaelic Theater Performing: Koolism Thundamentals Ozi Batla The Optimen (QLD) Daily Meds Phatchance Feat. Coptic Soldier Katalyst (DJ SET) and more to be announced. $12 supporters / $17 non supporters / $22 on the door. All proceeds go … Continue reading Stolen Records Gala Ball

Ozi Batla – Wild Colonial (Joey Smiles Review and Interview)

As a veteran member of some legendary groups, Ozi Batla has already mastered raps over The Herd’s accordion and guitar-layered live instrumentation, the reggae influenced beats of Astronomy Class and some futuristic trip-hop feature spots – but Wild Colonial is much more personal than anything he’s done before and listeners’ preconceptions will be challenged over the diverse soundscape of the record, which is sure to cement him as one of the finest wordsmiths in Australia both in terms of lyrical content and his exceptional delivery and control over the mic. The concept behind the album becomes clear when listening to … Continue reading Ozi Batla – Wild Colonial (Joey Smiles Review and Interview)

Ozi Batla – Wild Colonial (2010)

Here it people, for a very limited time we are streaming Ozi Batla’s long awaited debut solo album, Wild Colonial – out May 14 on Elefant Traks. There will also be a deluxe edition out with a second disc containing instrumental versions of each track (available via iTunes). Pre order your physical copy through JB Hi-Fi and you will receive a signed version of Wild Colonial, you can do that here. Mark down the release date today! At long last, Elefant Traks is pleased to introduce the debut solo record from Ozi Batla – Wild Colonial. The most personal record … Continue reading Ozi Batla – Wild Colonial (2010)

allaussie hip hop Interview with Ozi Batla

We catch up with Elefant Traks emcee Ozi Batla to chat about his upcoming debut solo LP Wild Colonial (May 14). Wild Colonial is the title of your upcoming debut solo LP, dropping next month on Elefant Traks. It’s a great sounding title, whats the concept behind it? “Wild Colonial” is from the old Irish/Australian folk song “Wild Colonial Boy” about the legendary bushranger and his fight with the authorities. It captures the rebelliousness of how I like my hip hop. The colonial is me, not just of this country but also of hip hop – so the “Wild” relates … Continue reading allaussie hip hop Interview with Ozi Batla

Ozi Batla – New track Put It On Wax from Wild Colonial

At long last Ozi Batla is releasing a solo record! The first single is the throwback head nodder Put it on Wax produced by Sandro and featuring DJ Bonez. Put it on Wax is taken from the scorching debut album Wild Colonial, out May 14 on Elefant Traks. Sandro’s production revolves around a boom-bap aesthetic – his funk is back to the future; it’s psychedelic and unexpected. Ozi Batla is arguably in the finest form of his career. This is the first taste of an album that is going to take people by surprise. You can check out more on … Continue reading Ozi Batla – New track Put It On Wax from Wild Colonial

LookUp presents Re-Up 2

The 2nd Annual ReUP Festival returns…one massive day of hip hop performances, battles and assorted goodness. Full line up includes: Thundamentals, Def Wish Cast, Dialextrix, That’s Them, Swarmy, Class A & Nikkita, Dialy Meds. LC Beats plus Rivals beatbox session. Two-Up hosted by Ozi Batla. DJ’s PSYKEone, Ology, 2Buck and Mathmatics Battles: Beatfighter beatmakers battle Black Book marker battle Feeding Time emcee battle Hosted by DJ Mathmatics and Scott Burns. This will all happen on Anzac Day, April 25. Tickets onsale tomorrow. (March 16) In other LookUp related news, last Friday Scott Burns stated that “If the Dragons win tonight, … Continue reading LookUp presents Re-Up 2

mdusu – new album + free mixtape

Hailing from Hobart – Australia’s southern-most capital city, mdusu (pronounced muh-DOO-soo) is one of Tasmania’s premier hip hop artists. Since his first live performance as an emcee in 2003, the MC/producer has built himself a reputation Australia-wide for quality recordings and raucous live shows, a feat which is all the more remarkable considering the isolation of his home town. In just a few short years, he has performed alongside acts such as De La Soul, Jurassic 5, Jungle Brothers, Z-Trip, Swollen Members, The Herd, Drapht, Funkoars, Muph & Plutonic etc. and can even lay claim to having shared a stage … Continue reading mdusu – new album + free mixtape

Debut solo from Ozi Batla – Wild Colonial (2010)

Ozi Batla is one of Australia’s best known emcees, fronting both The Herd and Astronomy Class. He is best known for penning anthemic tunes such as “77%”, “Starship Troopers” and “A Bright Tomorrow”, sharing credits on “We Can’t Hear You”, “Only 19” and the early Australian hip hop breakthrough “Scallops” in 2003. Renowned for his often politically charged lyrics, he also been involved outside music, through direct activism, fundraising and conducting hip hop workshops for disadvantaged youths in the outback and inner cities. Far from a one-dimensional emcee, his vocal range is as evident live as on record. He is … Continue reading Debut solo from Ozi Batla – Wild Colonial (2010)

Chasm + Vida Sunshyne ‘Move’ Album Launch Reminder

He is Chasm, Sydney-based producer-extraordinaire she is Melbourne-by-way-of-Ghana’s Vida-Sunshyne. Together they are an electric collaboration of musical talent; one half behind the boards, creating the template for a limitless sonic foundation. The other, centre stage; creating the connection between performer and listener. Come celebrate the launch of their album Move which traverses the global spectrum of Soul, Reggae and Hip Hop raising the bar for Australian music. Featuring Ozi Batla, Damajah, DJ‘s El Squire, Prince Valium & Sir Robbo. Hosted by Kween G (KillaQueenz). This Friday November 27 @ Melt. 12 Kellett Street, 10pm until the break of dawn. $15 … Continue reading Chasm + Vida Sunshyne ‘Move’ Album Launch Reminder

Ozi Batla – Paul Kelly Tribute Video

Over his thirty year career Paul Kelly has released nearly twenty albums that have inspired generations of Australian musicians. His amazing back catalogue will be celebrated over two nights at the Forum Theatre in Melbourne with a host of local singers offering their interpretations of some of his classic songs. Here’s the list of vocalists who performed: Missy Higgins, John Butler, Paul Dempsey, Katy Steele, Bob Evans, Ozi Batla, Dan Kelly, Clare Bowditch, Jae Laffer, Adalita, Dan Sultan and Megan Washington. Ozi Batla performed two songs on the night, Sydney From a 727 and Careless. YouTube has a video clip … Continue reading Ozi Batla – Paul Kelly Tribute Video

Chasm + Vida Sunshyne ‘Move’ Album Launch

He is Chasm, Sydney-based producer-extraordinaire she is Melbourne-by-way-of-Ghana’s Vida-Sunshyne. Together they are an electric collaboration of musical talent; one half behind the boards, creating the template for a limitless sonic foundation. The other, centre stage; creating the connection between performer and listener. Come celebrate the launch of their album Move which traverses the global spectrum of Soul, Reggae and Hip Hop raising the bar for Australian music. Featuring Ozi Batla, Damajah, DJ‘s El Squire, Prince Valium & Sir Robbo Hosted by Kween G (KillaQueenz) The Details: Friday November 27 @ Melt 12 Kellett Street 10pm until the break of dawn, … Continue reading Chasm + Vida Sunshyne ‘Move’ Album Launch

Astronomy Class – Pursuit Of Happiness Tour

Astronomy Class – Pursuit of Happiness Tour – Supported by Chasm & Vida-Sunshyne Astronomy Class are back, bringing their unique brand of reggae-infused hip hop to the masses as they get set to embark on the Pursuit of Happiness Tour. Fresh from the release of their second album, Pursuit of Happiness & J Award nomination for Australian Music Video of the Year. Ozi Batla, Chasm & Sir Robbo will bring in the summer, with their infectious live show. Their shows will take in the east-coast and be supported by Chasm & Vida-Sunshyne, one the most anticipated collaborations of the year … Continue reading Astronomy Class – Pursuit Of Happiness Tour

Ozi Batla Vs Young Libral (Triple J Hack)

The Herd have officially pulled out of the Coal To Coast Festival after a shit storm of criticism. Ozi Batla appeared on Triple J’s Hack this afternoon defending The Herds position on pulling out of the festival. The band were scheduled to headline the event near Mackay tonight but pulled out at the last minute due to conflicting interests with the coal industry sponsors. How can a band/group come under fire for trying to spread their message to a larger audience. Having grown up in a mining town, I have seen first hand the negative effects that mining has not … Continue reading Ozi Batla Vs Young Libral (Triple J Hack)

(International Year Of) ASTRONOMY CLASS – Exit Strategy

Marking the International Year Of Astronomy with style: hip hop group Astronomy Class release their second album. The album sees producers Sir Robbo and Chasm build on their signature reggae-blessed hip-hop, brought to life so magically on their 2006 debut, Exit Strategy, while dipping deeper into the sweet soul of Motown’s yesteryear. Ozi Batla makes a welcome return to the mic, brimming with confidence following The Herd’s AIR and J Award winning, ARIA top ten album, Summerland. He delivers his own lyrical stamp on the trials and tribulations of modern life, crafting a sharp-witted and layered listen. John Maddox (bass) … Continue reading (International Year Of) ASTRONOMY CLASS – Exit Strategy