10/07/08
Idem - Beat Journey
Idem is set to releases his debut solo album of 37 instrumental hip hop tracks produced with the MPC-2000. His previous production includes Trem's '1992', Raise's 'The Essence' and half of Prowla's first album.
K21 - The Greenhouse
Adelaide's music maestro K21 introduces the Greenhouse stable with a dynamic self produced release.'The Greenhouse' is a solid 18 track debut featuring some of the best upcoming talent the festival state has to offer including Evolve, Realizm, Koolta and including special guests such as Headlock and Tommy Illfigga.
This release is strictly limited. K21 is set to make moves so get on board with 'The Greenhouse' before it's too late.
4/07/08
Regal - The Mack
Taken from his critically lauded album "Loop Dreams" (Unique Records / Basement Digs, 2007), Regal drops another satisfying batch of tunes, with this, his latest 12" single - "The Mack".
Featuring versatile remixes of the title-track by Flevans (Tru-Thoughts / Jack To Phono) & Lack Of Afro (Freestyle) and a brooding remix of "Keep On" by Sydney’s edseven (Straight Up Rec’s), this single is a great showcase for the range of rythyms ‘n’ styles that encompass Regal’s sound right about now.
Flevans kicks off the remixes with a dynamite 3-stage re-work, which builds a lovely tension early-on, before releasing a kick-ass groove and then crazy wild drums ‘n’ percussion for the finale… An amazing track in itself and more-so considering the The Mack’s original layout. A stunning Job!
Lack of Afro goes for the Clavichord jugular & strips down The Mack to a back-alley stand-off, with a crunchy drum-break & minimal arrangements. No glamour here, just raw street-cred.
Edseven represents the local presence on this 12", taking the already dreamy ‘n’ groovy "Keep On" (also from "Loop Dreams") and going deeper with added layers of low-slung bass and fat drums. Snippets of musical landscapes poke through, ala DJ Krush, which results in a heavy addition to the downtempo cannon. Smokin’ Beats for 3am B-Boys.
Included here too, is the radio edit of Regal’s original version of "The Mack". Still kickin’-ass, this is a killer Blaxploitation groove - tho’ more a theme for a movie-to-be, rather than a cheesy homage. Funky as Hell, "The Mack" oozes class & delivers the goods.
Featuring versatile remixes of the title-track by Flevans (Tru-Thoughts / Jack To Phono) & Lack Of Afro (Freestyle) and a brooding remix of "Keep On" by Sydney’s edseven (Straight Up Rec’s), this single is a great showcase for the range of rythyms ‘n’ styles that encompass Regal’s sound right about now.
Flevans kicks off the remixes with a dynamite 3-stage re-work, which builds a lovely tension early-on, before releasing a kick-ass groove and then crazy wild drums ‘n’ percussion for the finale… An amazing track in itself and more-so considering the The Mack’s original layout. A stunning Job!
Lack of Afro goes for the Clavichord jugular & strips down The Mack to a back-alley stand-off, with a crunchy drum-break & minimal arrangements. No glamour here, just raw street-cred.
Edseven represents the local presence on this 12", taking the already dreamy ‘n’ groovy "Keep On" (also from "Loop Dreams") and going deeper with added layers of low-slung bass and fat drums. Snippets of musical landscapes poke through, ala DJ Krush, which results in a heavy addition to the downtempo cannon. Smokin’ Beats for 3am B-Boys.
Included here too, is the radio edit of Regal’s original version of "The Mack". Still kickin’-ass, this is a killer Blaxploitation groove - tho’ more a theme for a movie-to-be, rather than a cheesy homage. Funky as Hell, "The Mack" oozes class & delivers the goods.
Two Toes - Cooking With Caustic
What began as a humble side-project quickly spawned a cohesive hip hop outfit swiftly moving toward a debut album. The result, Two Toes 'Cooking with Caustic', an MC/ Producer duo stamping its name in the Australian hip hop scene with an accomplished sound seething with originality.
Comprising of MC Joe New (Former Down Under Beats Crew MC/ 2004 JJJ Unearthed winners) and producer Caustic Yoda (Ex BlindHoarse) the pair harbor a collective experience yielding a distinctively unique sound seldom found in domestic hip hop.
Set on the back drop of a slick sonic landscape 'Cooking With Caustic' covers a wholesome range of content spanning a vast spectrum of concepts and subject matter. From the murderously sharp delivery on Gotta get to the nostalgic B ball sentiment of Pro ball, MC Joe New proves himself as a thoughtful and multi-faceted lyricist, his deeper moments showing a personal and introspective endeavor through religion, death and youth violence with the confronting sincerity found on the self depreciative Confession time.
'Cooking With Caustic' is a bold display of honesty and diversity as Caustic Yoda verges from pulsing club anthems of Bomb raps and the thick funk riff's of Mountaineers through to the dark jazz fusions of Vigilante and the broodingly epic Nature of the beats. Unveiling a musical maturity, Caustic Yoda places a strong emphasis on live instrumentation while lending a unique interpretation on traditional sampling.
A strictly local affair 'Cooking With Caustic' places Blue Mountain hip hop pioneers and up-and-comers under the microscope featuring a stellar performance by the Thundamentals on Jack in the box, a gritty appearance by Dialectrix on Nature of the beats and introducing local mountains spitter Host Manifest on the hypnotic Passengers with tasty cuts and turn-tablism supplied by the one and only Dj Morgs (Thundamentals).
Two Toes are a sure hit for any Australian hip hop fan equipped with a dynamic live show that incorporates live bass and percussion Two Toes are hitting the road and touring in the near future.
Two Toes album 'Cooking with Caustic' is out July 10 distributed through Obese Records.
Comprising of MC Joe New (Former Down Under Beats Crew MC/ 2004 JJJ Unearthed winners) and producer Caustic Yoda (Ex BlindHoarse) the pair harbor a collective experience yielding a distinctively unique sound seldom found in domestic hip hop.
Set on the back drop of a slick sonic landscape 'Cooking With Caustic' covers a wholesome range of content spanning a vast spectrum of concepts and subject matter. From the murderously sharp delivery on Gotta get to the nostalgic B ball sentiment of Pro ball, MC Joe New proves himself as a thoughtful and multi-faceted lyricist, his deeper moments showing a personal and introspective endeavor through religion, death and youth violence with the confronting sincerity found on the self depreciative Confession time.
'Cooking With Caustic' is a bold display of honesty and diversity as Caustic Yoda verges from pulsing club anthems of Bomb raps and the thick funk riff's of Mountaineers through to the dark jazz fusions of Vigilante and the broodingly epic Nature of the beats. Unveiling a musical maturity, Caustic Yoda places a strong emphasis on live instrumentation while lending a unique interpretation on traditional sampling.
A strictly local affair 'Cooking With Caustic' places Blue Mountain hip hop pioneers and up-and-comers under the microscope featuring a stellar performance by the Thundamentals on Jack in the box, a gritty appearance by Dialectrix on Nature of the beats and introducing local mountains spitter Host Manifest on the hypnotic Passengers with tasty cuts and turn-tablism supplied by the one and only Dj Morgs (Thundamentals).
Two Toes are a sure hit for any Australian hip hop fan equipped with a dynamic live show that incorporates live bass and percussion Two Toes are hitting the road and touring in the near future.
Two Toes album 'Cooking with Caustic' is out July 10 distributed through Obese Records.
Tomahawk - A Bitch Named Hip Hop
The long awaited solo debut from Tomahawk of Clandestien is almost here! Entirely produced by Dazastah of Downsyde, who has also assembled the album into a continuous mix, and heavily featuring Layla and Porsah Laine, A Bitch Named Hip Hop is an album unlike any other.
Like the finest aged cognac, A Bitch Named Hip Hop has been brewed from a mere droplet of thought by artist Tomahawk and has matured into the most superior conceptual album Australia has earwitnessed to date, a record that will quench the thirst of the most refined hip hop drinker. A big call I know, but this album is different. She’s special...
Tomahawk, one third of Perth’s underground kings Clandestien, has chosen to uniquely personify hip hop as a woman - the multifaceted goddess - The Bitch. Each track paints a picture of the love-hate relationship this artist has with his art form. As Tomahawk schizophrenically describes in “Introducing”, “this is an album of Me verses Me verses She verses Me”. Sometimes the album is so intense, one can’t help but wonder if he also has a few underlying issues with his opposite sex!
Even if the listener misses the concept, at face value the lyrical intensity holds its own. Passionate and dark, Tomahawk’s verses are clear and cut through Dazastah’s fat production like a knife in the heart of the listener. One moment you’re shocked, then driven to empathy, then astounded by the artistic linguistics he displays.
“Right or Wrong” shows true lyrical and rhythmical genius. Its foundation is a sampled song with full vocal, which Tomahawk uses to anchor every line, creating a multidimensional listening platform. If this has been done before, I’d like to hear it. This track raises more than a few bars in hip hop creation. While most layer over a pre-produced beat – this track was chosen for each word and created wholly to enforce the concept. Genius.
“Dear Hip Hop” stands out for its gut wrenching combination of rhyme and music. SBX/Downsyde production mastermind Dazastah produces his finest here, dynamically creating every sound to peak so high it almost hurts to listen to the track. It’s no surprise he has been donned Lord Dazastah. “Sith Lord” gives a good example of his Jedi powers as the listener feels the force of his versatile production techniques.
Two femme fatales, Layla and Porsah Laine, collaborate with Tomahawk throughout the album, adding dimensions to Ms Hop. Layla shows why she’s the queen of Australian hip hop as she personifies The Bitch in her features here. Best shown in “Love to Love You” when she spits memorable lines as ‘ I’ll mother your kids and keep track of em all’ and “Come, I’ll get you thinking more, the Empress of the Talks, pinkie sworn to bring you forth”. While Porsah Laine shows her diversity with operatic vocals in “Dear Hip Hop”, the soulful “Cry Me A River”, the sexy “At The Strippers” and adds femme vox and back ups to “Introducing” and “I Know You’ve Tried”.
A Bitch Named Hip Hop encapsulates every mood and description that can be attributed to a woman: sexy, dark, emotionally unstable, nurturing and scary to name a few. Tomahawk has risen from his tomb, and as if turning water to wine he transforms his art into something that can be savoured by every palate as he earns his place as Dark Lord of Australian Hip Hop.
Features a 12-page booklet of original illustrations by Tomahawk.
3/07/08
M-Phazes
Obese Records is very excited to announce M-Phazes as the newest addition to their roster. Steadily building a significant reputation in the underground of US Hip-Hop, M-Phazes has supplied beats for releases by CL Smooth, Royce Da 5' 9", Elzhi, Freeway, Termanology, Sean Price, Nature, Othello, Wordsworth & Skyzoo. His contribution to Australian hip hop is undeniable, with production for artists like Bliss n Eso, Spit Syndicate, Pegz, Drapht and Phrase.
Muph & Plutonic - And Then Tomorrow Came
‘…And Then Tomorrow Came’ is the highly anticipated 3rd full length album from acclaimed Melbourne hip hop duo Muph & Plutonic.Through the release of two landmark albums, ‘Hunger Pains’ and ‘Silence The Sirens’, along with relentless touring throughout Australia, the duo have risen to stand at the absolute pinnacle of this swiftly evolving industry. ‘…And Then Tomorrow Came’ cements this position with a maturity previously unheard on any Australian hip hop release.
Already vaunted as “the Aussie Hip-Hop king of down-tempo, head-nodding rhythm” (JMag), Plutonic Lab’s first class production on this album soars to impressive new theights. Live instrumentation radiates warmth throughout the album by way of an all-star three piece horn section, Plutonic himself on bass, keys and drums plus the addition of critically renowned DJ Bonez to the group compliments the organic sound. As testament to this versatility, guest vocalists include Australian rock icon Pete Lawler, jazz legend Paul Williamson and soul songstress Jess Harlen.
Muph’s deeply conscious approach to songwriting draws inspiration from the struggles and releases, the ebbs and flows of everyday life. He delivers his lyrics with a relaxed flow and natural tone, at once a friend in conversation and an artist in full flight. His lyrical content on ‘And Then Tomorrow Came’ is insightful, often humorous, observational and introspective, laying bare the bones of his experiences in love and pain, substance abuse and redemption.
A video to the second single ‘Beautiful Ugly’ is set to hit screens in the near future.
Muph & Plutonic will take ‘…And Then Tomorrow Came’ on a 30 date nationwide tour throughout August, September and October 2008.
The Symphony Project - Cut Up & Drive
In terms of Australian hip hop history it's fair to say DJ Next and DJ Sum-1 have paid their dues.
From rocking house parties at the age of 12 on belt drive akai turntables and a Michael Jackson record, to 3 times straight SA DMC champ and 2 times national DMC runner-up, to founding member of Hilltop Hoods, to rocking London clubs, DJ Next has always left his mark.
From buying Next's old turntable when he got a new one, to performing with Next around the country as the 'B.E.A.T.S' crew ( Basic Experimental Arrangement of Turntablist Symphonies ), to twice being crowned the Australian and New Zealand champion and battling/performing in London and Europe, DJ Sum-1 has never stopped.
More than 10 years since the release of their groundbreaking ‘Symphony Project’ mixtape series, Next and Sum-1 have reunited to bring you the next installment - 'Cut Up & Drive'.
'Cut Up & Drive' is more than just another mixtape. It's more like an album in disguise. It includes everything from previously unreleased Australian hip hop artist exclusives, to crunkin' dirty south base, to New York's upcoming finest, to the Symphony Project's very own productions, remixes and all out pure turntablist mashups..
Add to this the skills that only years in the game can bring, and you have 'Cut Up & Drive'. An eclectic, yet seamlessly mixed assortment of tracks showcasing the skills of both MCs and DJs alike.
From rocking house parties at the age of 12 on belt drive akai turntables and a Michael Jackson record, to 3 times straight SA DMC champ and 2 times national DMC runner-up, to founding member of Hilltop Hoods, to rocking London clubs, DJ Next has always left his mark.
From buying Next's old turntable when he got a new one, to performing with Next around the country as the 'B.E.A.T.S' crew ( Basic Experimental Arrangement of Turntablist Symphonies ), to twice being crowned the Australian and New Zealand champion and battling/performing in London and Europe, DJ Sum-1 has never stopped.
More than 10 years since the release of their groundbreaking ‘Symphony Project’ mixtape series, Next and Sum-1 have reunited to bring you the next installment - 'Cut Up & Drive'.
'Cut Up & Drive' is more than just another mixtape. It's more like an album in disguise. It includes everything from previously unreleased Australian hip hop artist exclusives, to crunkin' dirty south base, to New York's upcoming finest, to the Symphony Project's very own productions, remixes and all out pure turntablist mashups..
Add to this the skills that only years in the game can bring, and you have 'Cut Up & Drive'. An eclectic, yet seamlessly mixed assortment of tracks showcasing the skills of both MCs and DJs alike.
28/06/08
Parklife 08
As the sun begins to break through the winter clouds and the temperature starts to rise, so does the anticipation among the true party crowd as they gear up for the event that will kick off the summer festival calendar in truly unforgettable style: PARKLIFE.
From small beginnings in 2000, PARKLIFE has evolved into a national institution renowned for delivering cutting-edge line-ups of incredible talent from around the globe. In 2007, the PARKLIFE National Tour proved to be the standout success of the calendar year, showcasing what many regarded as one of the most diverse, eclectic and ground-breaking line-ups ever assembled to a combined crowd of over 100,000 people across the country.
Now in its ninth year, PARKLIFE is as much an Australian icon as the eucalyptus trees under which it was first staged, and once again in 2008 will be bringing an unrivalled array of fresh and experienced international live acts and dj’s to Adelaide, Melbourne, Perth, Brisbane and Sydney.
Parklife is a world of its own.
Horrorshow
Elefant Traks would like to welcome to newest addition to the fold - Horrorshow.
Made up of twenty year old inner west sydneysiders Adit (beats) and Solo (vocals), Horrorshow's debut album is titled The Grey Space and will be coming out August 16.
The funny thing is, Elefant Traks were never planning to put out a release around that time as the schedule was completely full. Perhaps that’s the best way of introducing Horrrorshow – a group that demands your attention with a heartfelt offering that showcases honest lyricism and rich production at a level that is unexpectedly mature.
Made up of twenty year old inner west sydneysiders Adit (beats) and Solo (vocals), Horrorshow's debut album is titled The Grey Space and will be coming out August 16.
The funny thing is, Elefant Traks were never planning to put out a release around that time as the schedule was completely full. Perhaps that’s the best way of introducing Horrrorshow – a group that demands your attention with a heartfelt offering that showcases honest lyricism and rich production at a level that is unexpectedly mature.
Pure Product - Keep An Eye Out
Pure Product's "Keep An Eye Out" from their debut record "Eviction Notice" out on 28 June, 2008 on Red Tape Entertainment / Shogun Distribution. Track produced by Sammsonite of the Optimen.
Director / Editor - Jeremy Harrison
Cinematographers - Adam Harmer & Michael O'Halloran
Director / Editor - Jeremy Harrison
Cinematographers - Adam Harmer & Michael O'Halloran
19/06/08
DJ Jodes - Oz Breaks
The mix wil be uploaded to a temporary site and after the link expires, that's it. So if you're reading this, I suggest you download the mix asap because it won't be around for long, and it won't be available for sale. Jodes only made a handful of hard copies that have been given out to friends, DJs and musis fans in Sydney.
Categories:
Aus,
Free Download,
Funk,
Jazz,
Soul
The Tongue - Redux: The Mixtape
Also check out Nikkita's mixtape on the same page. She's a fresh Sydney MC who has collaborated with Hyjack, Kye and Def Wish.
Categories:
Aus,
Free Download,
Hip Hop
A Devil Amongst The Tailors - Learning to Swim
They may have just found the HMAS Sydney, but there is something a whole lot more exciting lurking in Adelaide’s water. A Devil Amongst The Tailors latest offering ‘Learning to Swim’ is a devilish mixture of lyrical wit, tight production and good old Aussie know how.
Formed in 2004, ADATT are beyond treading the waters of Australian hip hop. Accomplished performers, their live shows are a blend of MPC sampling, bass lines and freestyle vocals. Immersing themselves in the Adelaide scene, ADATT have supported international acts People Under the Stairs, Loop Troop and local legends True Live as well as being regulars at the Rhino Room’s now infamous hip hop nights.
Unafraid to spin the story straight, ADATT released the ‘Straight From The Underground’ EP in 2006 to praises of Triple J’s Unearthed Crew and community radio across the country. After 12 months of steady studio time on the foreshore of Adelaide’s Brighton beach, ADATT have delivered a debut album that is as divergent as the Adelaide seasons.
The first single dropping off the album ‘The Good, the Bad & the Ugly’ is a combination of infectious beats, a stuck-in-your-head chorus and tales of an endless summer. Driven by tight brass, this one is a genuine hip hop anthem.
It may be the middle of winter, but ‘Summertime’ is a track that will warm your heart as you travel the streets, beaches and backyards of Adelaide. An opus to growing up in the city of churches, ‘Summertime’ melds the most laid back of beats with infectious acoustic guitar and rhymes that will remind you of home.
Songstress Emma Jones joins the boys on seven tracks adding the deftest of vocals to ‘Western Lullaby’ and ‘Waiting for Sunshine’. It is a combination that establishes ADATT as a group that has matured musically and now stands them apart as not only a hip hop crew, but as a musical entity.
A Devil Amongst The Tailors say the sun never sets on the lucky ones; well the sun is just rising for this young crew. ‘Learning to Swim’ could easily be the postcard of an endless summer. Picture the boys on stage with a Tijuana mariachi band, sipping margaritas and wielding microphones. Add a lover’s heartache and all of a sudden you’re Learning to Swim.
Formed in 2004, ADATT are beyond treading the waters of Australian hip hop. Accomplished performers, their live shows are a blend of MPC sampling, bass lines and freestyle vocals. Immersing themselves in the Adelaide scene, ADATT have supported international acts People Under the Stairs, Loop Troop and local legends True Live as well as being regulars at the Rhino Room’s now infamous hip hop nights.
Unafraid to spin the story straight, ADATT released the ‘Straight From The Underground’ EP in 2006 to praises of Triple J’s Unearthed Crew and community radio across the country. After 12 months of steady studio time on the foreshore of Adelaide’s Brighton beach, ADATT have delivered a debut album that is as divergent as the Adelaide seasons.
The first single dropping off the album ‘The Good, the Bad & the Ugly’ is a combination of infectious beats, a stuck-in-your-head chorus and tales of an endless summer. Driven by tight brass, this one is a genuine hip hop anthem.
It may be the middle of winter, but ‘Summertime’ is a track that will warm your heart as you travel the streets, beaches and backyards of Adelaide. An opus to growing up in the city of churches, ‘Summertime’ melds the most laid back of beats with infectious acoustic guitar and rhymes that will remind you of home.
Songstress Emma Jones joins the boys on seven tracks adding the deftest of vocals to ‘Western Lullaby’ and ‘Waiting for Sunshine’. It is a combination that establishes ADATT as a group that has matured musically and now stands them apart as not only a hip hop crew, but as a musical entity.
A Devil Amongst The Tailors say the sun never sets on the lucky ones; well the sun is just rising for this young crew. ‘Learning to Swim’ could easily be the postcard of an endless summer. Picture the boys on stage with a Tijuana mariachi band, sipping margaritas and wielding microphones. Add a lover’s heartache and all of a sudden you’re Learning to Swim.
