Rainman Fire In The Belly (10 Year Anniversary Deluxe Digital Version)

Mention Rainman amongst the initiated and the respect attributed to his name is palatable. Recognised nationally as one of Queensland’s finest, Rainman’s list of collaborations, support slots and guest appearances reads like a who’s who of local hip hop. The Herd’s Urthboy said it well: “destined to become a positive and very listenable force… with laidback but self-assured flows and a gift for hooks and phrases. One of Brisbane’s best-kept secrets”. He’s been a feature artist on triple j’s Hip Hop Show and played alongside everyone from Grandmaster Flash (USA), Ice Cube (USA) and Jungle Brothers (USA) through to The … Continue reading Rainman Fire In The Belly (10 Year Anniversary Deluxe Digital Version)

Fun Not Fame Mixtape Vol. 3

As the new year slowly kicks in, it is time once again for VC Clothing and Clockwork Records to bring you another instalment of the Fun Not Fame Mixtape – the 3rd volume to be precise! After the first 2 installments of the series heavily featured VC and Clockwork affiliated artists, they are now sharing the love and opening the 3rd volume up to the public to submit their own tracks, with 5 winners to be chosen to feature on the mixtape, along with some of the dopest MC’s from around Australia. Past releases have already featured heavyweights in the scene … Continue reading Fun Not Fame Mixtape Vol. 3

Calski – Eyes And Ears EP

Eyes and Ears marks MC/producer Calski’s second release on LookUP Records with distribution via Obese Records. It follows his 2012 debut Love Drive Commission that nabbed him an album of the week feature on triple j’s hip hop show and saw him tour nationally. Playing shows alongside diverse artists from Joelistics, Diafrix, Spit Syndicate and Dialectrix to local collaborator Rainman, picking up praise from triple j’s Dave Ruby Howe for his ‘smooth as hell’ production on the last artist’s release. One of the most progressive producers in the country, Calski shifts gears seamlessly from smooth soul to rugged boom bap … Continue reading Calski – Eyes And Ears EP

Fun Not Fame Mixtape Vol. 2

Brisbane’s Clockwork Records & Velvet Couch Clothing are proud to release the Fun Not Fame Mixtape Vol 2 featuring a massive lineup of local and international artists. The mixtape is released nationally via free download from VC Clothing.  The huge lineup consists of local artists such as Tommy Illfigga, Dwizofoz, Rainman, Kel Timmons & Yuni Huzami, Fundamental Elements, Kryptamistik, Def Man Walking, Dunn D & many more, as well as US underground heavyweight Diabolic. VC Clothing  || Clockwork Records  ||  CR Twitter Continue reading Fun Not Fame Mixtape Vol. 2

Calski – Love Drive Omissions [B-Sides]

Calski started writing loops on software and MCing in early 1998 before buying my first MPC 2000xl in 2004. Handling production for Impossible Odds, Rainman, Shawn Lov, Bingethinkers and more. Calski rocks the MPC at bboy jams and comps all over Brisbane, representing with Elements Collective. Calski won the 2010 Q Song Hip-Hop/ Urban Award for his production on Soul Of The Troubadour performed by Impossible Odds. Calski – Love Drive Omissions – B-Sides, are tracks that were cut from Calski’s debut album Love Drive Commission. Pay what you want for it, every little bit will go towards the next album. … Continue reading Calski – Love Drive Omissions [B-Sides]

Urthboy – Knee Length Socks

Urthboy presents the second single form his upcoming LP Smokey’s Haunt, titled Knee Length Socks. The track is an ode to being out of place; of 90s britpop’s weird influence on Urthboy’s songwriting and ultimately about his love of hip hop. The track was sent out to all ‘Urthlings‘ as an exclusive preview before it’s premiere on triple j. The bold first single, Naïve Bravado featuring Daniel Merriweather, has seen some heavy support at radio and was named iTunes Single Of The Week—raking in over 30,000 downloads in under a week, and quickly spiking to #1 most added (all indie) track … Continue reading Urthboy – Knee Length Socks

Rainman National Urthboy Supports & Praise For “Bigger Pictures”

It’s been a massive few months for Rainman since the release of his sophomore album Bigger Pictures, but following on from his own national album launch shows he’s just announced that he’ll be joining Urthboy for shows on his Naïve Bravado Tour. Including a four star album review in The Australian, the announcement follows on from a string of critical acclaim for Bigger Pictures, and praise across the board. Urthboy Naive Bravado Tour featuring Daniel Merriweather, Rainman appearing at the following dates: Friday August 31st @ Evelyn, Melbourne with Yung Warriors Friday September 14th @ the Northern, Byron Bay with The Last Kinection Saturday September … Continue reading Rainman National Urthboy Supports & Praise For “Bigger Pictures”

Urthboy – Smokey’s Haunt

Urthboy has announced his much anticipated fourth album will be titled Smokey’s Haunt and is set for release on October 12. The bold first single, Naïve Bravado featuring Daniel Merriweather, has seen some heavy support at radio and was named iTunes Single Of The Week—raking in over 30,000 downloads in under a week, and quickly spiking to #1 most added (all indie) track at radio. Although Hermitude and Count Bounce have been exclusive producers of all previous Urthboy material, Smokey’s Haunt is the first album where they’ve co-produced the entire album. The chemistry between all parties was electric, resulting in … Continue reading Urthboy – Smokey’s Haunt

Interview: Jake Biz – Commercial Hell

It’s been many years in the brewing, now finally Brisbane underground hip hop legend Jake Biz’s debut album Commercial Hell is ready for the tasting. Riding off the back of his highly successful debut single, Deuce Deuce, Commercial Hell dropped through Karsniogenics and Obese Records Distribution. aahh: Your new LP Commercial Hell is out now. The album art and the title to the album both seem to be inspired by Run DMC’s album Raising Hell. Explain to us the concept behind that? Jake Biz: The title track itself wasn’t at all inspired by Run DMC, though the overall concept certainly was. I’m an enormous Run DMC fan, as is most my … Continue reading Interview: Jake Biz – Commercial Hell

Dialectrix Competition

Back to tear up the stage in 2012 is Sydney’s finest Dialectrix. Fresh off the release of his soul laden, technologically themed single New Generation, Dialectrix is hitting the road to showcase his heralded flow and uniquely kinetic live experience. Dialectrix is a veteran on the mic whose live show comprises high energy party anthems mixed with thoughtful social criticisms. The live wire word smith is hitting stages as part of his New Generation East coast tour. Dialectrix will be starting with hometown Sydney’s Annandale Hotel tonight with supporting performances by Ellesquire, Calski and Rainman with DJ sets by Ology. D-Trix will also visit Melbourne’s Laundry on Saturday May 5th, supported by local acts including Fluent … Continue reading Dialectrix Competition

Dialectrix – New Generation Tour

Back to tear up the stage in 2012 is Sydney’s finest Dialectrix. Fresh off the release of his soul laden, technologically themed single New Generation, Dialectrix is hitting the road to showcase his heralded flow and uniquely kinetic live experience. Dialectrix is a veteran on the mic whose live show comprises high energy party anthems mixed with thoughtful social criticisms. The live wire word smith is hitting stages as part of his New Generation East coast tour. Dialectrix will be starting with hometown Sydney’s Annandale Hotel on Friday, 27 April with supporting performances by Ellesquire, Calski and Rainman with DJ sets … Continue reading Dialectrix – New Generation Tour

Rainman – Bigger Pictures

Mention Rainman amongst the initiated and the respect attributed to his name is palpable. Recognised nationally as one of Queensland’s finest, Rainman’s list of collaborations, support slots and guest appearances reads like a who’s who of Australian hip hop. Rainman is poised to drop his second album Bigger Pictures, in stores Friday 4 May through Obese distribution. The album sees Sammsonite (The Optimen) return for the lion’s share of the production but also features some of Australia’s finest beat – smiths including the APRA and AIR Award winning, ARIA nominated Count Bounce (TZU/Urthboy), DJ Bonez, Mangohig (Sietta), Chasm (Astronomy Class), … Continue reading Rainman – Bigger Pictures

Rainman Announces ‘Darlin’ & National Launch Dates

Mention Rainman amongst the initiated and the respect attributed to his name is palatable. Recognised nationally as one of Queensland’s finest, Rainman’s list of collaborations, support slots and guest appearances reads like a who’s who of local hip hop. Rainman is poised to drop his second album Bigger Pictures, in stores Friday 4 May through Obese Distribution. The album sees Sammsonite return for the lion’s share of the production but also features some of Australia’s finest beat – smiths including the APRA and AIR Award winning, ARIA nominated Count Bounce, DJ Bonez, Mangohig (Sietta), Chasm, Cam Bluff and Calski. Guest MCs … Continue reading Rainman Announces ‘Darlin’ & National Launch Dates

Calski – Love Drive Commission

Calski first started producing jams in 1998, and has since worked with the likes of Impossible Odds, Rainman, Shawn Lov, Binge Thinkers and more. It is not uncommon to find Calski rocking his MPC at b-boy jams and comps all over Brisbane, representing with Elements Collective. Set to release his debut production album entitled Love Drive Commission through Obese Distribution next month, Calski describes the album as ‘sonically diverse’ with tinges of West Coast smooth, Detroit inspired grit, and New York drums. The LP will feature spots from Dialectrix, Rainman, Tommy Illfigga, DJ Butcher, Rinse and DJ 2Buck among others. Love Drive … Continue reading Calski – Love Drive Commission

Rainman – Darlin’ feat. Calski

Billed as ‘a watershed in local hip hop’, Rainman (Ray Bourne) has attracted some hefty praise since releasing his debut album Fire in the Belly. Rainman has been hailed as ‘Queensland’s best kept secret’ with ‘an eloquence for song-writing rarely seen in hip hop’. Descriptions of Rainman’s music are consistently praiseworthy. Rainman has appeared as a feature artist on the triple j Hip Hop Show and in Stealth Magazine/CD. His music was selected for the Rhythm and Poetry DVD – a documentary detailing the evolution of local hip hop.  Rainman has toured Australia’s major cities and regularly performs locally in … Continue reading Rainman – Darlin’ feat. Calski

Fun Raiser at The Step Inn – QLD Flood Relief Gig [Tonight!!!]

In an effort to lift the spirits of those affected by the recent floods in QLD, Elefant Traks CEO and all round good guy Urthboy will be headlining a Flood Fun Raiser on Thursday 3rd February at the Step Inn. Supporting him and Jane Tyrell will be Vegas Aces, Mr Hill & Desmond Cheese, with DJ Katch and DJ Butcher, hosted by Rainman. Its Donation entry so give generously, with all the proceeds of the night going to the Premiers Flood Relief Appeal. The Step Inn is also donating $1 from every beer or spirit sold so drink up (responsibly) for … Continue reading Fun Raiser at The Step Inn – QLD Flood Relief Gig [Tonight!!!]

Bingethinkers: New LP in 2011 + (Free DL)

Over the last 5 years, The Binge have built a reputation as one of thes most formidable live acts on the Sydney scene. Comprising MC Rinse on the mic, DJ 2Buck on the decks and producers Aeon and PSYKEone on the beats, this combination of unstoppable energy, boom bap beats and razor sharp lyrics has seen many a Hip Hop throwdown go down – ya heard? Back in 2007, Bingethinkers released their mixtape Shelf Life – standing out from the crowd by bringing all the beatmaking and production in-house and featuring guests such as Rainman, 13th Son, Scott Burns, Immune … Continue reading Bingethinkers: New LP in 2011 + (Free DL)

Rainman – Can’t See You (Feat. Laneous, Prod. by Chasm): FREE DOWNLOAD

Billed as ‘a watershed in local hip hop’, Rainman (Ray Bourne) has attracted some hefty praise since releasing his debut album Fire in the Belly. Rainman has been hailed as Queensland’s best kept secret with an eloquence for song-writing rarely seen in hip hop. Descriptions of Rainman’s music are consistently praiseworthy – what we have here is hip hop that is honest, thoughtful and fun. Rainman has appeared as a feature artist on the Triple J Hip Hop Show and now allaussie hip hop. His music was selected for the Rhythm and Poetry DVD – a documentary detailing the evolution … Continue reading Rainman – Can’t See You (Feat. Laneous, Prod. by Chasm): FREE DOWNLOAD

allaussie spotlight on: Cam Bluff

If you haven’t heard the name Cam Bluff of late, then you surely haven’t been paying enough attention. 2010 has seen Cam Bluff produce some of this years most impressive beats with no intention of slowing the pace. We take a deeper look into the past, present and future of this amazing producer. Past Cam Bluff born (18/02/1989) grew up in Kwazulu Natal (South Africa). Cam was always surrounded by music and heavily influenced by the country’s culture and people. He was constantly surrounded by music having both an aunt and grandma who were both music teachers. He was always … Continue reading allaussie spotlight on: Cam Bluff

The Optimen ‘The Out of Money Experience’ Album Launch with Rainman, Vegas Aces and Special Guests

Brisbane Sounds is pleased to announce the next showcase in their series of spin off events to showcase Brisbane’s diverse music artists. The Brisbane Sounds Hip-Hop showcase will take place at the Hi-Fi in West End on Saturday 9 October and will offer a tasty selection of Brisbane’s finest Aussie hip-hop artists that includes the amazing crew The Optimen launching The Out of Money Experience, the esteemed talents of Rainman and fresh newcomers Vegas Aces as well as more guest DJ’s that are yet to be announced. The Optimen The Optimen or The OPees to their friends have quickly become … Continue reading The Optimen ‘The Out of Money Experience’ Album Launch with Rainman, Vegas Aces and Special Guests

Ozi Batla – Wild Colonial Tour (a little reminder…)

Ozi Batla, frontman for The Herd is venturing out on his first solo tour in support of his debut record Wild Colonial, starting this Friday! Already heavily featured on triple j, Rage, Video Hits and Channel [V], Ozi steps out on stage backed by Sandro, who produced the entire Wild Colonial album. One of the most lauded and loved emcees in Australia, Ozi Batla has led The Herd and Astronomy Class on multiple National tours and performances at all the major festivals. Most recently he wowed the sold-out crowds at Before Too Long: Paul Kelly Tribute shows at the Forum … Continue reading Ozi Batla – Wild Colonial Tour (a little reminder…)

‘The Out Of Brisbane Experience’ Tour – The Optimen

Following on from the shining release of their sophomore album The Out Of Money Experience in April, Brisbane’s The Optimen are hitting the road this July/August and taking their tunes to the nation on the official album launch. A five-year sojourn that culminated in one of Australia’s finest-hip hop releases this year, The Out Of Money Experience has been robustly received. The Optimen are getting ready to blast off on the long awaited Album Launch Tour. Taking in the East-Coast and Adelaide (Sorry Perth, we owe you!), The Optimen are taking to the road, bringing brand new tunes from The … Continue reading ‘The Out Of Brisbane Experience’ Tour – The Optimen

Triple Album Launch – Crate Creeps – Crate Cartel – Jake Biz

Off the back of the success of Geko’s Crate Cartel Radio (in stores now) which features the likes of Maundz, Fluent Form, Raven, Jake Biz & Bigfoot, Bias B, Fatty Phew & Luke Mac, Kings Konekted, Ciecmate and Aectix, Geko will make his travels up to Brisbane to release the album along side fellow Crate Cartalians Maundz, Raven and Fluent Form. Alongside the already massive line-up, the production duo The Crate Creeps (DJ Butcher & Tommy Illfigga), off the back of there eagerly awaited album release – July 9th, will be releasing there album with an EXTREMELY live show incorporating … Continue reading Triple Album Launch – Crate Creeps – Crate Cartel – Jake Biz

Ozi Batla – Wild Colonial Tour

Ozi Batla, frontman for The Herd is venturing out on his first solo tour in support of his debut record Wild Colonial. Already heavily featured on triple j, Rage, Video Hits and Channel [V], Ozi steps out on stage backed by Sandro, who produced the entire Wild Colonial album. One of the most lauded and loved emcees in Australia, Ozi Batla has led The Herd and Astronomy Class on multiple National tours and performances at all the major festivals. Most recently he wowed the sold-out crowds at Before Too Long: Paul Kelly Tribute shows at the Forum in Melbourne. Expect … Continue reading Ozi Batla – Wild Colonial Tour

Muph & Plutonic Headline HiFi Birthday Bash

Iconic live music venue The HiFi are celebrating their birthday in June and have lined up Muph & Plutonic to headline shows at both their Melbourne and Brisbane locations. After touring the nation as part of this year’s Groovin’ The Moo festival, Muph & Plutonic will hit the HiFi June 11th in Melbourne before heading to Brisbane June 12th. Labelmates Chasm & Vida-Sunshyne will feature at the Melbourne show while Jess Harlen will perform at both dates. The Optimen and Rainman will feature in Brisbane with more to be announced shortly for Melbourne. Tickets for both shows are on sale … Continue reading Muph & Plutonic Headline HiFi Birthday Bash

The Optimen – 80’s Babies

Though the title might sound like a desperate plea for help in these trying times of economic uncertainty or, more predictably, the old as the ages cliché of the starving artist, The Out Of Money Experience is really anything but. This much-anticipated sophomore album by The Optimen (The OPees to their friends – and they can take all the friends they can get) is the result of work: hard work. The sort of work that keeps you up late at night and makes you late for the next day’s “working for the man”. And it shows. The three original members … Continue reading The Optimen – 80’s Babies

Decked Out TV

There has been a few changes to the line up schedule for Decked Out TV. Due to a lack of funding, they guys have decided to run 3 live shows instead of 5, and put all our headline act’s on the 3. On the last show we saw Mystro headline with the Indigenous Intrudaz. Below you can check out some of the Decked Out TV highlights plus the promo vid. The next show penciled in for April 9, will feature some of Queensland’s finest. On the line up we have DJ Sanchez (SA), PJ, Pure Product, Sneaky T, Rainman and … Continue reading Decked Out TV

The Optimen Update – The Out of Money Experience (April 10)

It’s been awhile since we first heard about The Optimen’s next project, The Out Of Money Experience and finally after all this waiting, the guys have locked in a release date. April 10 will be the day The Optimen unleash The Out Of Money Experience on the nation with a few tracks floating around already (Myspace and free download),  things are sounding large. Here’s what the guys at Red Tape had to say about the whole affair. We got some good news here at Red Tape! From the people who brought you Boomtown and The Red Tape Renegades, The Optimen’s … Continue reading The Optimen Update – The Out of Money Experience (April 10)

allaussie hip hop’s spotlight on: DJ Butcher

DJ Butcher (born Alexander Steffan – 31/10/1987) is a long-time producer hailing from Beenleigh in Queensland Australia. Starting his hip hop career in 2000 in his parents garage freestyling with the likes of Toddy Montana and Truths he quickly equipped himself with a set of turntables, a computer and a stack of records. Through the early years, DJ Butcher had a knack for chopping breaks and samples from dusty records and inserting them into his own beats, giving him the nickname “The Butcher”. As time flew by the name stuck and now as a respected deejay he has honed the … Continue reading allaussie hip hop’s spotlight on: DJ Butcher

Block Party Tour 2009 – Full Lineups

The final lineup for the 2009 Obese Records Block Party has been revealed. Along with headliners Drapht, Muph & Plutonic, and the newly formed Gully Platoon, the tour will feature Illy (on all dates), Thundamentals (on most) and a rotating schedule of artists including Hyjak N Torcha, Spit Syndicate, Coalition Crew, Skryptcha, Bias B, and Reason alongside one-off performances from Urthboy, Horrorshow, Hunter, Rainman, Cross Bred Mongrels, Beats Working and many more. The tour’s homecoming in Melbourne will feature an extensive 10-artist extravaganza to cap off the run before heading off for its curtain call in Hobart. The tour kicks … Continue reading Block Party Tour 2009 – Full Lineups