Note to Self: Real Talent Lives On |
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Photo by IG: notso_lil_kim
In an age where music-streaming apps such as Spotify and Apple Music, reign supreme, and artists have to consistently tour to make any money off this rap thing, milestones and anniversaries are to be celebrated.
This year, Aussie hip hop veterans Horrorshow celebrated 10 years of their debut album, The Grey Space, an album that was written during their high school years. To celebrate they announced a 16-date national tour, which had mostly sold out in the first month of release and is only months after a national tour of their latest album Bardo State at the end of last year.
Each state’s shows were supported by local acts and Perth fans were treated to the sounds of Hyclass and Child’s Play. Both well respected acts within the local scene.
Hyclass’ name has been popping up on nearly every show bill lately with the femcee deciding to channel her energies solely on music and is seemingly reaping the benefits. With support from her brother, and another established local rapper, Strictly DT, the duo got the crowd warmed up with tracks from Hyclass’ 2015 I NEED U EP, as well as some impromptu verses from DT.
The straight bars set was followed by an audio-visual set from Child’s Play. The group included emcee Cruz of Koi Child fame and producer Henry Kissinger. Kissinger provided the beats, Cruz provided the esoteric raps, along with the dulcet tones of a man on a saxophone. The sound of a saxophone just makes everything that more lovely and dreamy. This was all juxtaposed against the distorted and enigmatic projector vision.
Read more here.
This year, Aussie hip hop veterans Horrorshow celebrated 10 years of their debut album, The Grey Space, an album that was written during their high school years. To celebrate they announced a 16-date national tour, which had mostly sold out in the first month of release and is only months after a national tour of their latest album Bardo State at the end of last year.
Each state’s shows were supported by local acts and Perth fans were treated to the sounds of Hyclass and Child’s Play. Both well respected acts within the local scene.
Hyclass’ name has been popping up on nearly every show bill lately with the femcee deciding to channel her energies solely on music and is seemingly reaping the benefits. With support from her brother, and another established local rapper, Strictly DT, the duo got the crowd warmed up with tracks from Hyclass’ 2015 I NEED U EP, as well as some impromptu verses from DT.
The straight bars set was followed by an audio-visual set from Child’s Play. The group included emcee Cruz of Koi Child fame and producer Henry Kissinger. Kissinger provided the beats, Cruz provided the esoteric raps, along with the dulcet tones of a man on a saxophone. The sound of a saxophone just makes everything that more lovely and dreamy. This was all juxtaposed against the distorted and enigmatic projector vision.
Read more here.
Hell Hath No Fury Like Helen
In a scene that’s dominated by the patriarchy and saturated with male artists, it is always exciting to hear of a female rapper coming up. Helen Earth is an emcee from Brisbane, a state not particularly known for a wealth of Hip Hop artists but a region that is having more pop up in recent times.
They say a picture paints a thousand words so let me try for you, the album cover art is reminiscent of Hades, and consists of, I’m assuming, Helen Earth, surrounded by the burning heat of the sun, powerfully electrifying a dark orb with the fires of hell beneath her. Couple that with the album title Hell Hath No Fury and a track listing including tracks such as Nuke Em With The Nucleus, Rappers Suck and Fuck This & Up Yours, I knew I was in for a ferocious listen.
Read more here.
They say a picture paints a thousand words so let me try for you, the album cover art is reminiscent of Hades, and consists of, I’m assuming, Helen Earth, surrounded by the burning heat of the sun, powerfully electrifying a dark orb with the fires of hell beneath her. Couple that with the album title Hell Hath No Fury and a track listing including tracks such as Nuke Em With The Nucleus, Rappers Suck and Fuck This & Up Yours, I knew I was in for a ferocious listen.
Read more here.
The Wolf returns with an audiovisual delight.
Peanut Butter Wolf is a man who needs no introduction. The founder of Stones Throw Records, label home to artists such as J Dilla, Madlib, Knxwledge and Guilty Simpson, is a keen curator of Hip Hop music and everything in between.
Having spent nearly 30 years as a DJ and producer, PBW is pushing the art of DJing further and challenging himself with a new format, audio visual DJing. Touring this concept for the past couple years now, the format provides an entertaining and sometimes humorous addition to the funky beats. The Late Night Valentine venue provided the perfect space for Peanut Butter Wolf to play his audiovisual set to old and new fans.
Read more here.
Having spent nearly 30 years as a DJ and producer, PBW is pushing the art of DJing further and challenging himself with a new format, audio visual DJing. Touring this concept for the past couple years now, the format provides an entertaining and sometimes humorous addition to the funky beats. The Late Night Valentine venue provided the perfect space for Peanut Butter Wolf to play his audiovisual set to old and new fans.
Read more here.
Thievery Corporation still going strong 20 years on
Mr Lif and Puma on stage with the band.
Having spoken to, Rob Garza, one half of Thievery Corporation, prior to their show at Metro City Thursday 8th, I was excited to see their live show in action with the new album behind them. Thievery’s latest album, The Temple of I & I, pays homage to the dub sounds they are heavily influenced by and introduces new singers to the world stage.
Opening for Thievery was local heterogeneous band POW Negro who brought the right amount of liveliness and swag for a support act. Humbled by the opportunity and aware of the slightly older crowd, frontman/emcee Nelson cheekily asked “I hope you don’t mind me rapping?” I don’t think they did.
Read more here.
Opening for Thievery was local heterogeneous band POW Negro who brought the right amount of liveliness and swag for a support act. Humbled by the opportunity and aware of the slightly older crowd, frontman/emcee Nelson cheekily asked “I hope you don’t mind me rapping?” I don’t think they did.
Read more here.
Vic the Bitter Side Effects Album Launch
Friday night was Vic the Bitter’s Side Affects album launch, an exciting time for the rapper who was releasing his first album in five years. Sadly, earlier in the day, it was learned, that a good friend of the local hip hop community had passed, John Mac. I personally never met him but I had seen him at many, many gigs. A true judge of character is what people say about you when you’re not in the room. This is a man who was loved and will be missed. Friday night at The Boston was dedicated to John Mac, Gosep HK.
Due to the horrible turn of events, one of John’s good friends, Soma was no longer able to perform. His spot was filled by a relatively unknown up and comer, Xavier Vincent, who was performing live for the very first time and at such short notice. Xavier jumped on stage with a gusto that was promising and rapped some interesting verses. But whether it was nerves or lack of practice, part way through the set, he kept forgetting his lyrics. Unfortunately something like that tends to have a domino effect, hopefully it won’t be the last time we see Xavier Vincent.
Read more here.
Due to the horrible turn of events, one of John’s good friends, Soma was no longer able to perform. His spot was filled by a relatively unknown up and comer, Xavier Vincent, who was performing live for the very first time and at such short notice. Xavier jumped on stage with a gusto that was promising and rapped some interesting verses. But whether it was nerves or lack of practice, part way through the set, he kept forgetting his lyrics. Unfortunately something like that tends to have a domino effect, hopefully it won’t be the last time we see Xavier Vincent.
Read more here.
Beat Down X Heats Recap
The annual competition Beat Down has become an institution for producers and beatmakers in the local scene. So much so that this year, in its tenth year, an elimination round was required. 14 of the 24 entrants were put in the Beat Down X heats, which was at The Good Shepherd Friday 8th December. Eight talented souls were immediately put into the finals.
Friday the 8th saw a mixture of known and lesser known local producers come together to throwdown their beats and battle it out for a spot in the final top 16 for the Beat Down X competition on the 30th December at the Rosemount Hotel. There were seven rounds with each beatmaker given a minute and a half to play their three beats. Scene heavyweights; rapper & an OG of Beat Down Adam Crook, rapper/promoter Meng Jones, THE DJ Charlie Bucket & previous Beat Down competitor Sid Pattni were the judges.
Read more here.
Friday the 8th saw a mixture of known and lesser known local producers come together to throwdown their beats and battle it out for a spot in the final top 16 for the Beat Down X competition on the 30th December at the Rosemount Hotel. There were seven rounds with each beatmaker given a minute and a half to play their three beats. Scene heavyweights; rapper & an OG of Beat Down Adam Crook, rapper/promoter Meng Jones, THE DJ Charlie Bucket & previous Beat Down competitor Sid Pattni were the judges.
Read more here.
Horrorshow Cherry Blossom Tour Review
Traditionally a hip hop show consists of the rapper/s and a DJ on turntables. If you were lucky there would a singer to perform some hooks, if there were any. Recently there has been a resurrection of the live show with many hip hop artists favouring live bands over the traditional DJ set up. Not ones to reject the roots of hip hop however, the DJ is still incorporated into the overall performance to provide the cuts normally produced in the studio.
Horrorshow is one such act who have recently taken their live shows to another level by creating what they call an acoustic sound. The same songs and raps from Solo but performed by a full band, including their DJ/producer, Adit, on the bass guitar.
Read more here.
Horrorshow is one such act who have recently taken their live shows to another level by creating what they call an acoustic sound. The same songs and raps from Solo but performed by a full band, including their DJ/producer, Adit, on the bass guitar.
Read more here.
Strictly DT's Leave A Message mixtape launch
Covering the local hip-hop scene for a couple of years now has given me the opportunity to get to know so many local rappers on a personal level. Its also allowed me to witness their growth, not only as an artist but also just as everyday human being. Strictly DT is one such person/artist that I’ve had the honour to witness grow and evolve over the years.
Saturday 11/11 was the celebration of the release of his Leave A Message mixtape. And it was evident the immense growth DT has gone through as an artist in the past couple years. From becoming an independent artist to starting a family to finding his place in the world, his newfound self has come to realisation in his music and performances.
Read more here.
Saturday 11/11 was the celebration of the release of his Leave A Message mixtape. And it was evident the immense growth DT has gone through as an artist in the past couple years. From becoming an independent artist to starting a family to finding his place in the world, his newfound self has come to realisation in his music and performances.
Read more here.
Mad Plant Showcase VI: The Jan Michael Massacre
Mad Fap Entertainment certainly pushes the boundaries when it comes to the status quo of shows. Incorporating music (usually hip hop), comedy and theatrical performance, their events provide opportunities for a wide range of local artists to perform and makes for a very entertaining evening. Friday’s Mad Planet Showcase VI: The Jan Michael Massacre was no different.
Hosted by pseudo-comedian/rapper Ash Woodward with Bace Kadet on the decks, the Mad Fap Battle Roast judges for the night was fan favourite Dezpondent and guest judge Syllabolix rapper Optamus. And despite a couple of sound set up hurdles, the Lost Society Bar provided a fitting venue for the eclectic mix of event attendees.
Read more here.
Hosted by pseudo-comedian/rapper Ash Woodward with Bace Kadet on the decks, the Mad Fap Battle Roast judges for the night was fan favourite Dezpondent and guest judge Syllabolix rapper Optamus. And despite a couple of sound set up hurdles, the Lost Society Bar provided a fitting venue for the eclectic mix of event attendees.
Read more here.
Marksman Lloyd lifts the standard in rap performances
Perth has been spoilt with a wealth of releases so far this year. Beckon, Cortext and Macshane all released mixtapes earlier in the year, Soma released his sophomore album in June, Bitter Belief released another album in collaboration with Rob Shaker, Mr Grevis released his third & final album…. AND… Marksman Lloyd, just last month, after a short hiatus dropped his Portals EP.
The Portals EP is another solid release from the emcee; open, relevant raps with inspiring, uplifting hooks over big hip hop beats, soulful soundscapes and even some dirty south/trap-inspired tracks. The EP also has features from some more nationally recognised rappers, such as Omar Musa and WA’s own Coin Banks.
Friday night saw the official launch of the EP and the crowd was definitely a who’s who of the local scene. There seem to be representatives from most of the local crews: Syllabolix, The Community, F.A.M, The Psyche Ward, Street Life Descendants, Mad Fap…
Granted there was a wide variety represented in the show’s line up, but it was nice to see the support. That definitely set the tone and vibe for the evening.
Read more here.
The Portals EP is another solid release from the emcee; open, relevant raps with inspiring, uplifting hooks over big hip hop beats, soulful soundscapes and even some dirty south/trap-inspired tracks. The EP also has features from some more nationally recognised rappers, such as Omar Musa and WA’s own Coin Banks.
Friday night saw the official launch of the EP and the crowd was definitely a who’s who of the local scene. There seem to be representatives from most of the local crews: Syllabolix, The Community, F.A.M, The Psyche Ward, Street Life Descendants, Mad Fap…
Granted there was a wide variety represented in the show’s line up, but it was nice to see the support. That definitely set the tone and vibe for the evening.
Read more here.
Brandy brings some of the old school flavour back.
Brandy is the poster girl for 90’s R&B. Her music has been sampled by a slew of contemporary producers such as Ta-Ku, Esta, IAMNOBODI and RL Grime. Her sophomore album Never Say Never released in ‘98 won her, her first Grammy. And her style has greatly influenced this new wave of R&B, and hip hop.
2016 is set to be the year of the nostalgic tours with numerous artists of yesteryear touring Australia. Despite the fact her career begun in 1993, 23 years ago, this was also Brandy’s first time to Australia and, Perth. Because of that, there were some old school fans out Friday night at Metro City for the Perth show.
Flanked by two male back up dancers and supported by a drummer and keyboardist, the singer/actress/dancer gave the performance you dream seeing an old school artist. Bursting onto stage with her 2004 Timbaland-produced hit Aphrodisiac lifted the room with its upbeat energy. This was followed by the dance-influenced 2002 hit What About Us? Read more here.
2016 is set to be the year of the nostalgic tours with numerous artists of yesteryear touring Australia. Despite the fact her career begun in 1993, 23 years ago, this was also Brandy’s first time to Australia and, Perth. Because of that, there were some old school fans out Friday night at Metro City for the Perth show.
Flanked by two male back up dancers and supported by a drummer and keyboardist, the singer/actress/dancer gave the performance you dream seeing an old school artist. Bursting onto stage with her 2004 Timbaland-produced hit Aphrodisiac lifted the room with its upbeat energy. This was followed by the dance-influenced 2002 hit What About Us? Read more here.
Dank presents... TORNTS Review
Following the release of his seventh studio album No Compromise, Melbournian rapper Tornts returned to Perth bringing his gritty street style.
A pioneer of Australian hip hop, Tornts has a strong and dedicated following with many lads showing up for Saturday’s show at Babushkas Leederville.
Saturday’s event, hosted by Dank, included an interesting mix of Perth artists with some exciting sets from Macshane with Dazastah and Fdel, Intrusive Thoughts and Kogz with Rob Shaker.
Newcomer DJ Uncle Sam held down the decks between sets with classic hip hop bangers and even had the honour of DJing for Tornts’ closing set.
Read more of the review here. And peep the gig photos here.
A pioneer of Australian hip hop, Tornts has a strong and dedicated following with many lads showing up for Saturday’s show at Babushkas Leederville.
Saturday’s event, hosted by Dank, included an interesting mix of Perth artists with some exciting sets from Macshane with Dazastah and Fdel, Intrusive Thoughts and Kogz with Rob Shaker.
Newcomer DJ Uncle Sam held down the decks between sets with classic hip hop bangers and even had the honour of DJing for Tornts’ closing set.
Read more of the review here. And peep the gig photos here.
Dank presents... JFB (UK DMC DJ)
Following success in 2015, monthly night Dank kicked off 2016 bringing UK DMC Champion JFB to our fine city with an event at The Game Sports Bar. The UK DJ was touring Australia for the second time and came to Perth (again) to show turntablist fans how it’s done.
The first set of the night was Sammy Mc b2b Soho; two local ladies who worked the CDJs. Their set consisted of mainly bass-heavy sounds and trap music. And though there was a small audience during their set, there was a definite vibe in the room and crowd forming on the dance floor. Read more here.
The first set of the night was Sammy Mc b2b Soho; two local ladies who worked the CDJs. Their set consisted of mainly bass-heavy sounds and trap music. And though there was a small audience during their set, there was a definite vibe in the room and crowd forming on the dance floor. Read more here.
Seasta Chani 'Life Sounds Like' Review
Western Australia. The two words conjures up certain connotations and impressions. Safe, sunny beaches is one, 'Dullsville' is another. What normally doesn't come to mind is the hip hop scene, which has only come to forefront somewhat in the last few years, despite the work and presence of local scene legends like Syllabolix and associated members. One such member Layla, is noted for her no holds barred approach, as well as being one of the few female emcees kicking around back in the day, thus inspiring others to enter. 2015 finds Seasta Chani, a fellow female emcee release her debut album Life Sounds Like, which, as expected, covers the diverse life experiences this emcee would face growing up on the West Coast.
Read more of David Coffey's review here.
Read more of David Coffey's review here.
Beat Down 8
Last Saturday was the eight annual Perth beat battle, Beat Down, with a massive 22 local producers entering. Hosted again at Mojo’s Bar Fremantle, the event, which also now has it’s own merchandise (!!), is THE event of the year for the beat culture community in Perth.
The 22 producers who entered were a mixture of the established, a la Sid Pattni, Creed Birch, Boost Hero Man and Rob Shaker, and up-n-comers, a la Kole Beer, Lincon, Mayhills and The Watcher.
Read more here.
The 22 producers who entered were a mixture of the established, a la Sid Pattni, Creed Birch, Boost Hero Man and Rob Shaker, and up-n-comers, a la Kole Beer, Lincon, Mayhills and The Watcher.
Read more here.
Tera 'Belly of tha Beast' Album Review
Starting off with Goals and Dreams, the track primarily consists of a Denzel Washington speech to young actors, setting the tone of the album due to follow. Title track Belly of tha Beast demonstrates the other mindset of Tera, with refrains of 'The beast could be me, the beast could be you' spit in Tera's trademark low growl which occupies the same regions as hip hop legend, Vinnie Paz.
Read more of the review of Tera's Belly of tha Beast here.
Read more of the review of Tera's Belly of tha Beast here.
November Hussle Hussle with F.A.M collective
The November edition of Hussle Hussle was taken over by local collective F.A.M and it was set to be an eventful one, particularly as it was Hyclass’ I NEED U EP launch. The long-awaited EP for the seasoned Perth femcee has been well-received by the local scene and is hopefully just a little taster of what more is to come from Hyclass.
The F.A.M collective consists of Hyclass, singer/beatman Rae, singer Nat Mae and singer/rapper/musician Wallah, and the name FAM is an abbreviation of Family and Music. The collective’s member’s talents are multi faceted with them all rapping, singing and playing some sort of instrument. Read more here.
The F.A.M collective consists of Hyclass, singer/beatman Rae, singer Nat Mae and singer/rapper/musician Wallah, and the name FAM is an abbreviation of Family and Music. The collective’s member’s talents are multi faceted with them all rapping, singing and playing some sort of instrument. Read more here.
Melted Sundae at Ellington Jazz Club
Last night was melted Sundae at Ellington Jazz Club - live hip hop, soul, RnB, a mix of covers and originals by Perth's best up coming artists in the main room at The Ellington Jazz Club - Perth.
The amazing line up included Alex Ford, Creed Birch Music, Hyclass, Sarah Pellicano Music, Silvertongue, Macshane, Rob Delirious, Natalie Mae, all supported by the 7-piece band that are Premiss & The Ruby Horns.
Check out the gig photos here. Review of the night here.
The amazing line up included Alex Ford, Creed Birch Music, Hyclass, Sarah Pellicano Music, Silvertongue, Macshane, Rob Delirious, Natalie Mae, all supported by the 7-piece band that are Premiss & The Ruby Horns.
Check out the gig photos here. Review of the night here.
Maundz Nobody's Business Tour - Perth Show
Last Friday, Maundz kicked off the national tour for his third album Nobody’s Business with an energetic set at Babushka Leederville.
On supports was a great local line up of Intrusive Thoughts, Lower Class Kings, and Azmatik. Local DJ Bace Kadet, who has steadily been making a name for himself, started the night spinning some classic hip hop tunes and played intermittently between sets.
Read more here. Watch some footage of Maundz performing Whiplash here.
On supports was a great local line up of Intrusive Thoughts, Lower Class Kings, and Azmatik. Local DJ Bace Kadet, who has steadily been making a name for himself, started the night spinning some classic hip hop tunes and played intermittently between sets.
Read more here. Watch some footage of Maundz performing Whiplash here.
Mom's Spaghetti Grand Final
Mom’s Spaghetti is THE local rap battle competition hosted by producer/DJ/all round nice guy Rob Shaker, and last Wednesday was the Grand Final, a culmination of nearly two months of events involving 2 rounds and over 30 local rappers.
With the judging panel consisting of Optamus, Dazastah, Mortar, Bitter Belief, MAGGOT MOUF, Kogz, Mat Rafle and Shaker himself, you just knew that the winner of the competition would be of the highest calibre.
Read more here.
With the judging panel consisting of Optamus, Dazastah, Mortar, Bitter Belief, MAGGOT MOUF, Kogz, Mat Rafle and Shaker himself, you just knew that the winner of the competition would be of the highest calibre.
Read more here.