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Q&A with Melbourne's Dstnce
Hi Dstnce, I hope you’re enjoying your holiday. Thanks for taking time out for this interview.
Hey, not a problem. Thanks for having me on.
For Rappfox readers who aren’t familiar with you, tell us a bit about yourself.
I’m a rapper / producer from Melbourne. And more importantly just a fan of hip hop in general.
You recent release Notes from the Undergound EP, which I thoroughly enjoyed. Dope beats and tight rhymes. Tell me about the inspiration for this EP.
Thanks I’m glad you liked it. I was watching a lot of dark TV shows at the time such as A Handmaid's Tale and Black Mirror and wondering I guess what it would be like if something like that happened to Melbourne.
You talk on some deep and scary topics, what are some things you’re seeing happening in society today that fit within the EP’s concept?
Yeah well, there seems to be a bit of a fascination right now across the world with strong man / dictator type leaders. And it just doesn’t seem too far fetched anymore that something like that could happen here. It feels like just a matter of time. Read more of the interview here.
Hey, not a problem. Thanks for having me on.
For Rappfox readers who aren’t familiar with you, tell us a bit about yourself.
I’m a rapper / producer from Melbourne. And more importantly just a fan of hip hop in general.
You recent release Notes from the Undergound EP, which I thoroughly enjoyed. Dope beats and tight rhymes. Tell me about the inspiration for this EP.
Thanks I’m glad you liked it. I was watching a lot of dark TV shows at the time such as A Handmaid's Tale and Black Mirror and wondering I guess what it would be like if something like that happened to Melbourne.
You talk on some deep and scary topics, what are some things you’re seeing happening in society today that fit within the EP’s concept?
Yeah well, there seems to be a bit of a fascination right now across the world with strong man / dictator type leaders. And it just doesn’t seem too far fetched anymore that something like that could happen here. It feels like just a matter of time. Read more of the interview here.
Q&A with Perth Producer Analog
Hi Analog, thanks for taking time out for this interview.
For Rappfox readers, who aren’t familiar with you tell us a bit about yourself.
I was lucky enough to grow up with 90’s Hip Hop and was heavily entrenched in music when OZ Hip Hop really started growing and developing. My brother was making music fairly early on, so we always had other MC’s and producers in and out of our house. I personally didn’t start making music until later on but by that stage I had been in the audio visual industry for close to 6 years. So the combination of growing up with music and music creation as well as a deep understanding of audio my progression in production was quick. Now days it is a constant balance between a young family, a demanding career and a love of music. A true first world problem!
You recently released Against the Grain EP which features a slew of popular Perth artists. Tell me about the inspiration for this project.
I wanted to make a production based EP with not only featured artists but also with Hip Hop based instrumentals. I sample a lot of old Blues, Jazz & Funk in my production which I wanted to sonically resonate through the EP. Read more of the interview here.
For Rappfox readers, who aren’t familiar with you tell us a bit about yourself.
I was lucky enough to grow up with 90’s Hip Hop and was heavily entrenched in music when OZ Hip Hop really started growing and developing. My brother was making music fairly early on, so we always had other MC’s and producers in and out of our house. I personally didn’t start making music until later on but by that stage I had been in the audio visual industry for close to 6 years. So the combination of growing up with music and music creation as well as a deep understanding of audio my progression in production was quick. Now days it is a constant balance between a young family, a demanding career and a love of music. A true first world problem!
You recently released Against the Grain EP which features a slew of popular Perth artists. Tell me about the inspiration for this project.
I wanted to make a production based EP with not only featured artists but also with Hip Hop based instrumentals. I sample a lot of old Blues, Jazz & Funk in my production which I wanted to sonically resonate through the EP. Read more of the interview here.
UK Artist Kaine Drops R&B Jam Off Grid
Introducing Kaine, the singer-songwriter and producer from East London with the feel-good, R&B-funk Summer single Off Grid, out now!
Drawing influences from the likes of Earth, Wind & Fire, ABBA and Aretha Franklin, as well as his East London upbringing, Kaine sets himself apart from the UK Urban scene. He injects rich production value and soulful vocals into his fruitful plethora of inspiration, whilst honing in on his church learnt musicianship.
The upcoming single Off Grid is a true testament to this and highlights Kaine’s unique song-writing ability. Having written, recorded and mastered the track himself, this is the beginning of a very exciting time for the young talent. The single oozes confidence and an undeniable coolness that reflects Kaine as a multi-conventional artist.
Listen to Off Grid here.
Drawing influences from the likes of Earth, Wind & Fire, ABBA and Aretha Franklin, as well as his East London upbringing, Kaine sets himself apart from the UK Urban scene. He injects rich production value and soulful vocals into his fruitful plethora of inspiration, whilst honing in on his church learnt musicianship.
The upcoming single Off Grid is a true testament to this and highlights Kaine’s unique song-writing ability. Having written, recorded and mastered the track himself, this is the beginning of a very exciting time for the young talent. The single oozes confidence and an undeniable coolness that reflects Kaine as a multi-conventional artist.
Listen to Off Grid here.
Q&A with Gav Crossley, BRL Radio Host
Hi Gav, I know you’re a busy man, thanks for taking time out for this interview. So your radio show Beats, Rhymes & Life aka BRL will be celebrating its fifth birthday soon, congratulations! Tell me about the journey you and the show have been on in the past five years.
I guess it begins with a road trip with my fiancé, and she had some torrented Top 500 Hip Hop tracks playing. All the classics, Wu Tang, NAS, Tribe, etc. And on that road trip is where the comeback was launched. While she napped in the car, I dreamt up the return of BRL.
The initial idea was to do the show as limited seasons... like Netflix 10-12 weeks a time. Then the show was instantly pretty popular because of the old heads remembering the name and me dragging in my old scene pals. Timing was also my friend, because the show returned around the time of the final Robert Hunter Cup game, so I covered that and my return was complete.
After that “season” in 2014 (September- December), I brought the show back full time in 2015. Because it had some traction and I found my loved for the genre and the scene again. From there it’s been a slow climb to this anniversary but it feels like it’s been maybe 2-3 years. Time flies....
What inspired you to start the radio show?
The aforementioned road trip. Growing bored of The Caffeine Show (a different show I was doing at the time), and trying to get my life back together. 2014 was an awful year. My radio career was over, as a paid presenter anyway, and things outside of the show were pretty close a disaster. BRL was one of the very few things in my life that made sense. And ever since the show was taken out the back and shot in 2004, I always had a hole where that show was. I needed BRL, always missed it. No matter where I worked and how much I drowned it in commercial radio aspiration and nightclub debauchery. The best thing I’ve ever done on air is this show. Read more here.
I guess it begins with a road trip with my fiancé, and she had some torrented Top 500 Hip Hop tracks playing. All the classics, Wu Tang, NAS, Tribe, etc. And on that road trip is where the comeback was launched. While she napped in the car, I dreamt up the return of BRL.
The initial idea was to do the show as limited seasons... like Netflix 10-12 weeks a time. Then the show was instantly pretty popular because of the old heads remembering the name and me dragging in my old scene pals. Timing was also my friend, because the show returned around the time of the final Robert Hunter Cup game, so I covered that and my return was complete.
After that “season” in 2014 (September- December), I brought the show back full time in 2015. Because it had some traction and I found my loved for the genre and the scene again. From there it’s been a slow climb to this anniversary but it feels like it’s been maybe 2-3 years. Time flies....
What inspired you to start the radio show?
The aforementioned road trip. Growing bored of The Caffeine Show (a different show I was doing at the time), and trying to get my life back together. 2014 was an awful year. My radio career was over, as a paid presenter anyway, and things outside of the show were pretty close a disaster. BRL was one of the very few things in my life that made sense. And ever since the show was taken out the back and shot in 2004, I always had a hole where that show was. I needed BRL, always missed it. No matter where I worked and how much I drowned it in commercial radio aspiration and nightclub debauchery. The best thing I’ve ever done on air is this show. Read more here.
ICYMI: Flimsey Lohan's Good At Nothing Kids
Melbourne’s one of a kind Jazz-Hip Hop quartet Flimsey Lohan is back in the Australian music scene to deliver their second offering for 2019 Good At Nothing Kids available now on all streaming platforms via Alumni Records.
Good At Nothing Kids explores a darker theme, breaking from their signature bright and bold entrance that the collective is known for.
Whilst remaining tongue in cheek the lyrics paint a vivid picture of a strange day, highlighting a rebellious attitude towards the social norms conveyed through lead singer Moom$ effortless flow, over this aggressive - fast paced piece that represents the group really finding their sound.
Listen to the track here.
Good At Nothing Kids explores a darker theme, breaking from their signature bright and bold entrance that the collective is known for.
Whilst remaining tongue in cheek the lyrics paint a vivid picture of a strange day, highlighting a rebellious attitude towards the social norms conveyed through lead singer Moom$ effortless flow, over this aggressive - fast paced piece that represents the group really finding their sound.
Listen to the track here.
Melbourne Hip Hop Artist Dstnce Challenges The Future With ‘Notes From The Underground’ EP
Hailing from Melbourne, emerging rapper/producer Dstnce challenges the future with Notes From The Underground EP.
Unearthing his deepest and darkest thoughts, Dstnce’s EP is influenced by television shows A Handmaid’s Tale and Black Mirror. The EP features artists’ such as DJ Paypercuttz, Goretex and Aye One. Dstnce’s eerie underground EP will have listeners questioning the world as we see it, proposing what life would be like if Melbourne was under the control of an authoritarian regime in the future.
Dstnce is coming up quickly from the underground to make his name in the current Australian musicsphere.
Read more here.
Unearthing his deepest and darkest thoughts, Dstnce’s EP is influenced by television shows A Handmaid’s Tale and Black Mirror. The EP features artists’ such as DJ Paypercuttz, Goretex and Aye One. Dstnce’s eerie underground EP will have listeners questioning the world as we see it, proposing what life would be like if Melbourne was under the control of an authoritarian regime in the future.
Dstnce is coming up quickly from the underground to make his name in the current Australian musicsphere.
Read more here.
Many Reasons To Listen To the New KNOE EP
Perth rapper KNOE has dropped his first piece of music in half a decade, titled Reasons. Reasons is seven tracks long, with smooth beats and intricate lyrics layered over a backdrop of gorgeous New York inspired samples.
Reasons is an expression of KNOE’s artistic struggle done eloquently and rhythmically. There is a running theme throughout the EP, concerning the young rapper’s question of whether of not the path he has chosen, that of making music, is the right one. KNOE felt the external pressures of the music industry when working on campaigns for musicians in the America industry. These were pressures KNOE witnessed other artists struggle with, burdens the artists had to carry in the music industry. This experience consequently put KNOE’s own music aspirations on hold for a year. Thankfully, he resumed creating music, and the pressure and struggle of his artistry was channeled to writing music. The struggle spills across Reasons, and is prominent on the track Ghost which kicks off the EP. “This music is a vessel of my bleeding soul,” KNOE raps.
Read more of the review here.
Reasons is an expression of KNOE’s artistic struggle done eloquently and rhythmically. There is a running theme throughout the EP, concerning the young rapper’s question of whether of not the path he has chosen, that of making music, is the right one. KNOE felt the external pressures of the music industry when working on campaigns for musicians in the America industry. These were pressures KNOE witnessed other artists struggle with, burdens the artists had to carry in the music industry. This experience consequently put KNOE’s own music aspirations on hold for a year. Thankfully, he resumed creating music, and the pressure and struggle of his artistry was channeled to writing music. The struggle spills across Reasons, and is prominent on the track Ghost which kicks off the EP. “This music is a vessel of my bleeding soul,” KNOE raps.
Read more of the review here.
MelloDian MC Interview
Destined For Success: Melo’s That Fellow From The West
"Record Scratch... Freeze Frame"
Voiceover: I guess you’re wondering how I got here in the first place. A young, successful biracial rapper in Australia. Well there’s more to it than meets the eye. This is my story or shall I say his story or perhaps history in the making...
*Opening scene Biracial starts playing*
If Melo’s new project M3lodrama was a movie I imagine that’s how it would start. He is part of a generation of what I call Frogleapers (artists that have bypassed the traditional Aussie Hip Hop route and ventured into international territory, sound wise). You could be mistaken for thinking you’re listening to an established artist the moment his EP begins. There’s a certain maturity to his sound and subject matter which will be explored.
It needs to be acknowledged that the n-word seems out of place in an Australian setting. Some artists can pull off dropping the proverbial n-bomb with finesse but for others the whole experience is cringe worthy. Melo is the former.
Read more here.
Voiceover: I guess you’re wondering how I got here in the first place. A young, successful biracial rapper in Australia. Well there’s more to it than meets the eye. This is my story or shall I say his story or perhaps history in the making...
*Opening scene Biracial starts playing*
If Melo’s new project M3lodrama was a movie I imagine that’s how it would start. He is part of a generation of what I call Frogleapers (artists that have bypassed the traditional Aussie Hip Hop route and ventured into international territory, sound wise). You could be mistaken for thinking you’re listening to an established artist the moment his EP begins. There’s a certain maturity to his sound and subject matter which will be explored.
It needs to be acknowledged that the n-word seems out of place in an Australian setting. Some artists can pull off dropping the proverbial n-bomb with finesse but for others the whole experience is cringe worthy. Melo is the former.
Read more here.
Promoter of the WA DMC DJ Championships 2019
Rappfox is proud to announce that it is the official promoter of the WA DMC DJ Championships 2019.
Heat is set for Sunday 25th August at Universal Bar, Perth. More event info here.
Hosted by Perth's fire MC Macshane and with DJ set performances by Buda and S-Man.
Following the successes of the past two years, Rappfox steps up to become the official promoter, sponsor and organiser of the iconic DJ competition in our fair city Perth.
Last year saw skilled DJ, Midsole, come out of competition retirement to take the crown as WA Champion. Midsole went onto to win the National competition and become Australian Champion. Midsole then competed at the DMC World DJ Championships in London in September 2018 and placed 6th in the world. No easy feat.
OG DJ Junior also come out of retirement to compete in the battle but his skill was no match for Midsole's perfection with Junior placing second. Will Junior be back in 2019?
Heat is set for Sunday 25th August at Universal Bar, Perth. More event info here.
Hosted by Perth's fire MC Macshane and with DJ set performances by Buda and S-Man.
Following the successes of the past two years, Rappfox steps up to become the official promoter, sponsor and organiser of the iconic DJ competition in our fair city Perth.
Last year saw skilled DJ, Midsole, come out of competition retirement to take the crown as WA Champion. Midsole went onto to win the National competition and become Australian Champion. Midsole then competed at the DMC World DJ Championships in London in September 2018 and placed 6th in the world. No easy feat.
OG DJ Junior also come out of retirement to compete in the battle but his skill was no match for Midsole's perfection with Junior placing second. Will Junior be back in 2019?
Local scratch specialist, Bace Kadet was touted to win the 2018 competition following back to back wins in 2016 and 2017, but was sadly beat out by his brother in (tone)arms Midsole.
Despite a busy touring schedule with the Hilltop Hoods, hopefully Bace Kadet will be back this year to reclaim the title, with Midsole a shoe-in at the National competition as the reigning Australian Champion.
As always, there is a solid representation from a number of the passionate, local DJ's who are always in it to win it. And we see a return to the competition from Que, Zeus and Koopz. Will one of these boys be slick enough to creep up to the top spots and show practice makes perfect.
If you're a super class DJ, fill in the entry form here to put yourself forward for the heat. Or email editor@rappfox.com for further information.
In turntables we trust.
Despite a busy touring schedule with the Hilltop Hoods, hopefully Bace Kadet will be back this year to reclaim the title, with Midsole a shoe-in at the National competition as the reigning Australian Champion.
As always, there is a solid representation from a number of the passionate, local DJ's who are always in it to win it. And we see a return to the competition from Que, Zeus and Koopz. Will one of these boys be slick enough to creep up to the top spots and show practice makes perfect.
If you're a super class DJ, fill in the entry form here to put yourself forward for the heat. Or email editor@rappfox.com for further information.
In turntables we trust.
Q&A with DJ Fdel
Fdel with MC Macshane
Hi Fdel, thanks for taking time out for this interview, I know you’re a busy man! I know you’re always DJing across Perth, with lots of entertaining anecdotes on punters, haha. What have you been up to lately?
Just playing my usual residencies (Brisbane Hotel, hadiqa, Goody Twos and Embargo). Still marvelling at the requests people will ask for. S Club 7 was one recently that had me like WTF? Haha. Requested by a guy too. But as a friend reminded me “ain’t no party like a …" haha.
You are once again judging the 2019 WA DMC DJ Championship on Sunday 25th August at Universal Bar, what do you enjoy most about judging the competition?
It's always an honour to be asked to judge a competition like the DMCs. There’s such an awesome history there, its launched some amazing careers and its slowly building back up again in terms of entrants and skill level locally which is great. Last year was epic. Turntablism is such an important and often overlooked element in DJ culture. I really look forward to see what each year and each generation brings. I get inspired by DJ’s that enter this competition.
Read more of the interview here.
Just playing my usual residencies (Brisbane Hotel, hadiqa, Goody Twos and Embargo). Still marvelling at the requests people will ask for. S Club 7 was one recently that had me like WTF? Haha. Requested by a guy too. But as a friend reminded me “ain’t no party like a …" haha.
You are once again judging the 2019 WA DMC DJ Championship on Sunday 25th August at Universal Bar, what do you enjoy most about judging the competition?
It's always an honour to be asked to judge a competition like the DMCs. There’s such an awesome history there, its launched some amazing careers and its slowly building back up again in terms of entrants and skill level locally which is great. Last year was epic. Turntablism is such an important and often overlooked element in DJ culture. I really look forward to see what each year and each generation brings. I get inspired by DJ’s that enter this competition.
Read more of the interview here.
Interview with DJ Que
Hi DJ Que, thanks for taking time out for this interview. For Rappfox readers, who aren’t familiar with you, tell us a bit about yourself. How did you get into DJing?
Chur everyone and wassup Rappfox, lol, it started back in the 90’s for me. I really wanted to learn to play the guitar from my father as he was musically gifted and threw me a hand guide booklet from his era (60’s). There was no YouTube back then so I was like "omg, lol, I gave up straight away hands down like the Oz rugby team last Saturday".
Luckily, my uncle (DJ Demarz) was a very good DJ on the 1’s & 2’s and introduced me to this. It was like an eargasm of how to beat mix funky tunes and scratch. I was blown away back then cause back in those days I use to pinch a lot of his mixtapes back then, lol, and he was like our town's version of DJ Jazzy Jeff for us.
Peep DJ Que's sick lil set teaser and read more of the interview here.
Chur everyone and wassup Rappfox, lol, it started back in the 90’s for me. I really wanted to learn to play the guitar from my father as he was musically gifted and threw me a hand guide booklet from his era (60’s). There was no YouTube back then so I was like "omg, lol, I gave up straight away hands down like the Oz rugby team last Saturday".
Luckily, my uncle (DJ Demarz) was a very good DJ on the 1’s & 2’s and introduced me to this. It was like an eargasm of how to beat mix funky tunes and scratch. I was blown away back then cause back in those days I use to pinch a lot of his mixtapes back then, lol, and he was like our town's version of DJ Jazzy Jeff for us.
Peep DJ Que's sick lil set teaser and read more of the interview here.
ICYMI: Figuero Jones & Black Napoleon Shakey Video
Following the success of Century and Juggathon after being added on MTV Australia’s Call and Response Hip Hop Show, the trailblazing West Australian Hip Hop trio of Figuero Jones, Black Napoleon and ErikiBeatz (K9INES) have released their third music video offering in Shakey, out now.
After the K9INES success of accumulating over 500 thousand Spotify streams from their newly released Gully SZN EP, the bouncy banger that is Shakey is truly brought to life with the assistance of Perth based videographers Sondar Films. The video further displays the trio's versatility but also exhibits a more playful, wavy vibe that will keep heads nodding and bouncing the whole way through.
Read more and check out the video here.
After the K9INES success of accumulating over 500 thousand Spotify streams from their newly released Gully SZN EP, the bouncy banger that is Shakey is truly brought to life with the assistance of Perth based videographers Sondar Films. The video further displays the trio's versatility but also exhibits a more playful, wavy vibe that will keep heads nodding and bouncing the whole way through.
Read more and check out the video here.
Interview with Bace Kadet on 2019 WA DMCs
Yo Bace Kadet, thanks for taking time out of your busy schedule for this interview.
No worries, can’t believe it’s been another year... and here we are again!
We’re excited you’ve re-entered the WA DMC DJ Championships for 2019, every year you’re a strong contender, what’s your thoughts on re-entering this year?
I’m just super keen to jam out on the only dedicated turntablist battle left in WA it’s always a mad vibe seeing what all the DJs have put together over the year!
You’ve been an entrant for a few years now, how have you seen the competition evolve in WA over the past few years?
There’s a lot more people just getting over the nerves and getting involved! 6 people this year! Most we’ve seen in a while.
Read more here and see the teaser video for his 2019 WA DMC set!
No worries, can’t believe it’s been another year... and here we are again!
We’re excited you’ve re-entered the WA DMC DJ Championships for 2019, every year you’re a strong contender, what’s your thoughts on re-entering this year?
I’m just super keen to jam out on the only dedicated turntablist battle left in WA it’s always a mad vibe seeing what all the DJs have put together over the year!
You’ve been an entrant for a few years now, how have you seen the competition evolve in WA over the past few years?
There’s a lot more people just getting over the nerves and getting involved! 6 people this year! Most we’ve seen in a while.
Read more here and see the teaser video for his 2019 WA DMC set!
DJ Zeus Interview
Hi DJ Zeus, thanks for taking time out for this interview.
Hey, thanks for having me on board. It is a pleasure speaking with you.
For Rappfox readers, who aren’t familiar with you, tell us a bit about yourself.
Well, I’m a simple and chill dude living Down Under. I did my high school in Perth and went to UWA. I’ve graduated with 3 different degrees, the highest being a Masters in Neuroscience and I plan to further myself in this field. Apart from that I love sports, music, dance and comedy. Did I mention I’m a DJ? :P
How did you get into DJing?
Ah, this is an interesting question… How I became a DJ was an accident. The story goes like this: I was always interested in the idea of remixing songs. Back then, remixed songs usually had a DJ name as the artist and you’ll often hear “DJ AHHH’ (this dude probably doesn’t exist, bear with me here) at some point in the song similar to DJ Khaled, albeit in a less obnoxious manner. And so, I thought that was what DJing was all about. In my pursuit to be a remixer, I decided to buy a cheap ass controller to learn the ropes of remixing because I thought that’s how remixes were made (don’t ask me how I came to that conclusion... because thinking about it now, I just cringe so hard like wtf was I thinking back then :/). Once I got the controller, I approached someone I knew that was a proper DJ contrary to my idealisation and I asked him about working this thing. He looked me dead in the eye and asked me if I wanted to be a producer or DJ? I was confused about it and he took time to explain the key differences between them and he asked me the same question again. I said I wanted to a DJ. He went into his room, took out a turntable and a 4-channel mixer, chucked it to me and told me “here you go, learn”. Read more here.
Hey, thanks for having me on board. It is a pleasure speaking with you.
For Rappfox readers, who aren’t familiar with you, tell us a bit about yourself.
Well, I’m a simple and chill dude living Down Under. I did my high school in Perth and went to UWA. I’ve graduated with 3 different degrees, the highest being a Masters in Neuroscience and I plan to further myself in this field. Apart from that I love sports, music, dance and comedy. Did I mention I’m a DJ? :P
How did you get into DJing?
Ah, this is an interesting question… How I became a DJ was an accident. The story goes like this: I was always interested in the idea of remixing songs. Back then, remixed songs usually had a DJ name as the artist and you’ll often hear “DJ AHHH’ (this dude probably doesn’t exist, bear with me here) at some point in the song similar to DJ Khaled, albeit in a less obnoxious manner. And so, I thought that was what DJing was all about. In my pursuit to be a remixer, I decided to buy a cheap ass controller to learn the ropes of remixing because I thought that’s how remixes were made (don’t ask me how I came to that conclusion... because thinking about it now, I just cringe so hard like wtf was I thinking back then :/). Once I got the controller, I approached someone I knew that was a proper DJ contrary to my idealisation and I asked him about working this thing. He looked me dead in the eye and asked me if I wanted to be a producer or DJ? I was confused about it and he took time to explain the key differences between them and he asked me the same question again. I said I wanted to a DJ. He went into his room, took out a turntable and a 4-channel mixer, chucked it to me and told me “here you go, learn”. Read more here.
Interview with Mizhap
Hey Mizhap thanks for your time for this interview. For Rappfox readers who aren’t familiar with you, tell us a bit about yourself.
Ah, well… I’m a DJ… mainly. I started when I was 17 and it’s been a huge part of my life since then. I bought my Technics 1200s and 2-channel mixer about a year or so into it and I’ve been hooked ever since. I’ve always just wanted to do something I love, that’s been the goal… I’m extremely lucky and thankful to be able to do what I do for a living - I've been extremely blessed to get a lot of help along the way. I’m just a kid trying to live out my dreams. If you’ve ever seen me around town its probably been bopping on the 1’s and 2’s laying out all types of stuff, from funk, to hip hop, to cool house tracks I’ve found.. or it’s outside the kebab shop at 5am.
How long have you been DJing and how did you get into DJing?
I’ve been DJing for almost about 5 or 6 years now. I was only really doing it on weekends or occasionally back then, in the summertime and whatnot. I took the leap last year and quit my full-time job to fully commit to music and everything I want to do, and just have more time for expanding and for myself, which has been really fundamental for my growth.
Read more here or check out Mizhap's DMC teaser video here.
Ah, well… I’m a DJ… mainly. I started when I was 17 and it’s been a huge part of my life since then. I bought my Technics 1200s and 2-channel mixer about a year or so into it and I’ve been hooked ever since. I’ve always just wanted to do something I love, that’s been the goal… I’m extremely lucky and thankful to be able to do what I do for a living - I've been extremely blessed to get a lot of help along the way. I’m just a kid trying to live out my dreams. If you’ve ever seen me around town its probably been bopping on the 1’s and 2’s laying out all types of stuff, from funk, to hip hop, to cool house tracks I’ve found.. or it’s outside the kebab shop at 5am.
How long have you been DJing and how did you get into DJing?
I’ve been DJing for almost about 5 or 6 years now. I was only really doing it on weekends or occasionally back then, in the summertime and whatnot. I took the leap last year and quit my full-time job to fully commit to music and everything I want to do, and just have more time for expanding and for myself, which has been really fundamental for my growth.
Read more here or check out Mizhap's DMC teaser video here.
Perth's LOKSR & SNORKL Drop Debut Collab Cheesegrater
Perth producers LOKSR and SNORKL are dropping their debut collaborative project Cheesegrater today Wednesday 24th July.
The project is a 6-track EP consisting of instrumental beats covering the wide range of sub-genres within Hip Hop such as boom bap, trap and everything in between.
This is SNORKL's first project under the name having previously collaborated with the more established LOKSR on his recent Dojo2 release.
For those who are not familiar with the homies, they are both artists from Perth, Western Australia. LOKSR is a producer and sound engineer who has a few full project releases including Dojo and Dojo2, plus single tracks with Dr Lekta & Mademelo. SNORKL is a slightly more up-and-coming artist who produces beats as well as raps. Though we're yet to hear him on the mic just yet! Read more here.
The project is a 6-track EP consisting of instrumental beats covering the wide range of sub-genres within Hip Hop such as boom bap, trap and everything in between.
This is SNORKL's first project under the name having previously collaborated with the more established LOKSR on his recent Dojo2 release.
For those who are not familiar with the homies, they are both artists from Perth, Western Australia. LOKSR is a producer and sound engineer who has a few full project releases including Dojo and Dojo2, plus single tracks with Dr Lekta & Mademelo. SNORKL is a slightly more up-and-coming artist who produces beats as well as raps. Though we're yet to hear him on the mic just yet! Read more here.
Track Premiere: REGI FLIH's Feeling Some Way
REGI FLIH is an Australian singer, songwriter and producer who is more than your generic artist, bringing his own unique flavours to the game.
His beats are described as a perfect mix of trap, r&b and soul, paired with his flawless vocals. Lately, REGI has been performing in Australia and Los Angeles in preparation for his debut single release in 2019. This year marked the beginning of the reign of REGI FLIH with his debut single Something For Me being featured on Spotify’s RNB Feels playlist, garnering more than 40k streams on Spotify in its first month.
Read more here.
His beats are described as a perfect mix of trap, r&b and soul, paired with his flawless vocals. Lately, REGI has been performing in Australia and Los Angeles in preparation for his debut single release in 2019. This year marked the beginning of the reign of REGI FLIH with his debut single Something For Me being featured on Spotify’s RNB Feels playlist, garnering more than 40k streams on Spotify in its first month.
Read more here.
Review: Jamahl Ryder's debut album Defy Reality
When the first thing you hear is a didgeridoo and chants in the native Australian tongue get ready for one of two things: Someone wanting to give the impression that their ‘woke’ or an artist staying true to themselves and their Australianness. In the case of Jamahl Ryder the latter is true. His latest project Defy Reality starts off with a chant that sounds like a blessing from an elder to a young man about to embark on a perilous journey through the industry of Hip Hop.
Armed with a paper and a pen Jamahl hits the ground running with Manifesto. The hard-hitting beat is eerily similar to Kanye’s Two Words & Jay-Z’s Public Service Announcement. Jamahl puts his own flavour to the track, makes his presence known and vows to rise through all obstacles as he chooses to live a life on his own terms, ready to die for what he believes in as he lives and breathes his manifesto.
Read more here.
Armed with a paper and a pen Jamahl hits the ground running with Manifesto. The hard-hitting beat is eerily similar to Kanye’s Two Words & Jay-Z’s Public Service Announcement. Jamahl puts his own flavour to the track, makes his presence known and vows to rise through all obstacles as he chooses to live a life on his own terms, ready to die for what he believes in as he lives and breathes his manifesto.
Read more here.
Sydney's HussyKat From Cracking Backs To Crushing Beats
HussyKat is a 24 year old Sydney based chiropractor who is making his way through the music scene. With already lots of followers on Spotify from not only Australia but in the US as well, his music career can only go up from here.
HussyKat’s style was different for me, as this was the first time I had heard any of his songs. The first thing I noticed with It’s Ok Not To Be Ok were some lines such as; “Now it’s really hard to find peace of mind”, it had an almost Middle Eastern feel to it. I think his Baghdad background and Egyptian influences come through in this song. It provides an interesting twist to the music.
His wordplay is really switched on in this song, his flow switches up and keeps it interesting. However, I think simple effects like down pitching or echo on his vocals would have assisted, just to keep the verses not so dry. Overall though a meaningful song, showing people that having flaws are okay or having problems is okay as it’s normal and everyone goes through this. Ironically he is normalising not being so “normal”. Read more here.
HussyKat’s style was different for me, as this was the first time I had heard any of his songs. The first thing I noticed with It’s Ok Not To Be Ok were some lines such as; “Now it’s really hard to find peace of mind”, it had an almost Middle Eastern feel to it. I think his Baghdad background and Egyptian influences come through in this song. It provides an interesting twist to the music.
His wordplay is really switched on in this song, his flow switches up and keeps it interesting. However, I think simple effects like down pitching or echo on his vocals would have assisted, just to keep the verses not so dry. Overall though a meaningful song, showing people that having flaws are okay or having problems is okay as it’s normal and everyone goes through this. Ironically he is normalising not being so “normal”. Read more here.
Interview with the Reigning Australian DMC DJ Champion DJ Midsole
Hey Midsole, thanks for your time for this interview. It’s that time of year again the Australian DMC DJ Championships. You’re the reigning champ. How are you feeling about it all?
Thank you for hitting me up for an interview! I’m super pumped and excited on returning back to the Nationals in Melbourne to defend the Australian DMC title. As always, I’m keen to see what each state has prepared and see what new creative and innovative routines are lined up!
Last year saw you come out of competition retirement and win the WA Championship. How did that feel?
It felt amazing making a return last year. Dusting off the cobwebs wasn’t easy but I’m happy to know that I’ve still got it in me. It was a last minute decision that surprised a lot people but I’m glad it all worked out in the end.
You then went onto win the National Championships against some fierce competition. Were you expecting it? How did you feel on the night after your set?
Honestly, I was just stoked to be back and I didn’t expect the win at all. It was a huge achievement that I’m extremely proud of and I hope that being the first ever Solo Australian DMC Champion to come out of Western Australia has encouraged more DJs in Perth to follow in my footsteps. Read more here.
Thank you for hitting me up for an interview! I’m super pumped and excited on returning back to the Nationals in Melbourne to defend the Australian DMC title. As always, I’m keen to see what each state has prepared and see what new creative and innovative routines are lined up!
Last year saw you come out of competition retirement and win the WA Championship. How did that feel?
It felt amazing making a return last year. Dusting off the cobwebs wasn’t easy but I’m happy to know that I’ve still got it in me. It was a last minute decision that surprised a lot people but I’m glad it all worked out in the end.
You then went onto win the National Championships against some fierce competition. Were you expecting it? How did you feel on the night after your set?
Honestly, I was just stoked to be back and I didn’t expect the win at all. It was a huge achievement that I’m extremely proud of and I hope that being the first ever Solo Australian DMC Champion to come out of Western Australia has encouraged more DJs in Perth to follow in my footsteps. Read more here.
Melbourne Emcee Clue Back With Juicy New Track, Out Tomorrow
Melbourne emcee Clue returns with his pseudo-bravado laden banger, Juice, set to be officially released tomorrow Friday the 19th of July. Juice is just a sip of what’s in store for late 2019 from Clue, with his third EP set to drop late October.
Juice redefines what it means to make comedic music. Walking the fine line between comedy and trap banger, the song goes hard, lyrically a mix between braggadocio rap flexing and his shopping list. Noting that a lot of rappers like to use the terms "Juice" and "Sauce" to explain how fire their tracks are, Clue decided to take a literal approach to these terms, and once again provide us a different angle on Australian rap music.
Read more and listen here.
Juice redefines what it means to make comedic music. Walking the fine line between comedy and trap banger, the song goes hard, lyrically a mix between braggadocio rap flexing and his shopping list. Noting that a lot of rappers like to use the terms "Juice" and "Sauce" to explain how fire their tracks are, Clue decided to take a literal approach to these terms, and once again provide us a different angle on Australian rap music.
Read more and listen here.
Melbourne Hip Hop Artist Carter is back with Understand It
Melbourne-based Hip Hop artist Carter is back in the spotlight with the trap-influenced Understand It via Day Ones Records.
Following the success of his single 100-60 that was premiered via Life Without Andy and Triple J Unearthed, Carter opens up to his growing listenership about his struggles and hardship in meeting societal expectations and how he was able to free himself, achieving happiness and peace.
Understand It explores the theme of self-awareness as he surrounds himself by negativity and making a tough but necessary transition to move beyond it. Listen and read more here.
Following the success of his single 100-60 that was premiered via Life Without Andy and Triple J Unearthed, Carter opens up to his growing listenership about his struggles and hardship in meeting societal expectations and how he was able to free himself, achieving happiness and peace.
Understand It explores the theme of self-awareness as he surrounds himself by negativity and making a tough but necessary transition to move beyond it. Listen and read more here.
Introducing Farai Katiyo... an interview with Atorina Saliba
I’m so curious about you, but there’s little information around. For those who aren't familiar with Farai Katiyo, tell us a bit about yourself. How did you get into rapping?
I was born in Zimbabwe which is a country in the southern part of Africa. I did my high school and university studies in New Zealand before moving to Melbourne, Australia in 2014. I started rapping at the age of 13 (now I am 27). The church I went to at the time, was putting together a concert. They wanted the kids in the church to do something. A guy at our church (who was a rapper) put 7 of us into a group and helped us to write a song to perform at the concert. I haven’t stopped rapping since that day! Although I have only pushed to make it my career in the last 2-3 years.
What inspires you to make music?
Perhaps my mindset is a bit old school, but I believe music should have meaning. It’s good to entertain people but I think artists ought to enrich people ‘s lives as well. I just want to influence and to influence people positively. Every time I hear a hip-hop song that disrespects women, promotes violence, drugs, or pushes people away from God my heart breaks. My love for life and my love for people inspires me to make music.
Read more here.
I was born in Zimbabwe which is a country in the southern part of Africa. I did my high school and university studies in New Zealand before moving to Melbourne, Australia in 2014. I started rapping at the age of 13 (now I am 27). The church I went to at the time, was putting together a concert. They wanted the kids in the church to do something. A guy at our church (who was a rapper) put 7 of us into a group and helped us to write a song to perform at the concert. I haven’t stopped rapping since that day! Although I have only pushed to make it my career in the last 2-3 years.
What inspires you to make music?
Perhaps my mindset is a bit old school, but I believe music should have meaning. It’s good to entertain people but I think artists ought to enrich people ‘s lives as well. I just want to influence and to influence people positively. Every time I hear a hip-hop song that disrespects women, promotes violence, drugs, or pushes people away from God my heart breaks. My love for life and my love for people inspires me to make music.
Read more here.
KNOE Keeps It Real w/ New Single Juice Off Upcoming Reasons EP
Driven by the liberating realisations of his own artistic journey, Perth rapper KNOE releases Juice, a Hip Hop track enriched with soul vibes and humbling lyrics from his upcoming Reasons EP.
Influenced by a rough day, a pack of cigarettes and a few bottles of wine, Juice is about staying true to your moral compass and never changing who you are to appease others. The song explores the enigmatic struggle of being an artist in the modern day and our fixation on success that consequently distorts the reasons for creating.
Read more here.
Influenced by a rough day, a pack of cigarettes and a few bottles of wine, Juice is about staying true to your moral compass and never changing who you are to appease others. The song explores the enigmatic struggle of being an artist in the modern day and our fixation on success that consequently distorts the reasons for creating.
Read more here.
Review: Kause Emcee's Kosmosis EP
Campbelltown Hip Hop artist Kause Emcee has dropped his best EP yet. Kosmosis is five tracks long, beginning with the cautionary Tomorrow (Intro) and ending with a sombre Kause for Concern, Pt II (Full Throttle).
Right from the start, Kause Emcee, 27, lays out his exegesis. Tomorrow appears as a cautionary tale, asking the listener: “Did you really live a life that you couldn’t forget? Would you change anything if you could do it again?” Living your life’s potential isn’t an easily achievable feat. Life is hard, it's complicated, and Kause Emcee understands this. He highlights the reasons why someone down in the dust wouldn’t aim high for their goals: “We’re all caught up with work and have bills to pay. I feel your pain, but how can we not stress? It’s hard to be proud of your progress, stuck in a process, so we slack on dreams.” Read more here.
Right from the start, Kause Emcee, 27, lays out his exegesis. Tomorrow appears as a cautionary tale, asking the listener: “Did you really live a life that you couldn’t forget? Would you change anything if you could do it again?” Living your life’s potential isn’t an easily achievable feat. Life is hard, it's complicated, and Kause Emcee understands this. He highlights the reasons why someone down in the dust wouldn’t aim high for their goals: “We’re all caught up with work and have bills to pay. I feel your pain, but how can we not stress? It’s hard to be proud of your progress, stuck in a process, so we slack on dreams.” Read more here.
Julz West Releases Infectious New Single On My Own
London based singer songwriter Julz West brings out a fresh new track filled with colourful pop sounds and infectious groove titled On My Own.
On My Own is about the benefits of doing things without relying on the help of others. It focuses on the flip side of an empty promise, that experience can grant you knowledge and strength.
Julz says “This track is an embodiment of that, as initially it was supposed to be a feature, but what started off as a demo rap section ended up making the final cut".
Having amassed a following of over 160,000 on social media, 24-year-old Julz West has been steadily growing his fanbase. In the last few years, Julz has been working on writing a whole lot of music and providing backing vocals for other artists such as Ed Sheeran. Now his focus is on cutting through with his artistry and carving an image of his own. Read more here.
On My Own is about the benefits of doing things without relying on the help of others. It focuses on the flip side of an empty promise, that experience can grant you knowledge and strength.
Julz says “This track is an embodiment of that, as initially it was supposed to be a feature, but what started off as a demo rap section ended up making the final cut".
Having amassed a following of over 160,000 on social media, 24-year-old Julz West has been steadily growing his fanbase. In the last few years, Julz has been working on writing a whole lot of music and providing backing vocals for other artists such as Ed Sheeran. Now his focus is on cutting through with his artistry and carving an image of his own. Read more here.
ICYMI: Goodbye W3 WERE HERE
W3 WERE HERE, is a trio made up of Perth artists Alex Ford and Coin Banks and Croatian producer Koolade and recently they have been releasing soulful tracks that toe the thin line between Hip Hop, R&B and Soul.
ICYMI their most recent track is Goodbye is an uplifting jam that also features The WAAPA Gospel Choir and Jordan Anthony.
With a strong chord progression, the track also deviates into an uplifting and joyful segment for the chorus. Read more here.
ICYMI their most recent track is Goodbye is an uplifting jam that also features The WAAPA Gospel Choir and Jordan Anthony.
With a strong chord progression, the track also deviates into an uplifting and joyful segment for the chorus. Read more here.
Rollin' With The Homies Tone Youth
Perth based music collective Tone Youth are back in the spotlight with their new single Rollin’ available June 19th.
The group is composed of 4 individual artists (T$oko who was recently featured on Pile TV’s Get To Know, Robb James, Jimmy Drones, and Chu) with different expertise in music and different cultural backgrounds, who act on the premise of music being one universal language that brings cultures together-- and they do it well.
Rollin' is an energetic track produced by Crooklin, a well known producer from Toronto, Canada who has previously worked with impressive figures such as Jay Rock, Freddie Gibbs and Isaiah Rashad, just to name a few. Read more here.
The group is composed of 4 individual artists (T$oko who was recently featured on Pile TV’s Get To Know, Robb James, Jimmy Drones, and Chu) with different expertise in music and different cultural backgrounds, who act on the premise of music being one universal language that brings cultures together-- and they do it well.
Rollin' is an energetic track produced by Crooklin, a well known producer from Toronto, Canada who has previously worked with impressive figures such as Jay Rock, Freddie Gibbs and Isaiah Rashad, just to name a few. Read more here.
Gully SZN Is Nearly Here!
Following the success of their infectious singles No Sofas, Switch, Juggathon, and Century hitting screens Australia wide after being added to MTV Australia’s rotation, the trailblazing West Australian Hip Hop trio of Figuero Jones, Black Napoleon and ErikiBeatz (K9INES) have announced their highly anticipated collaborative 9 track project ‘Gully SZN’ is scheduled for release Friday, July 5th via Day Ones Records.
As a result of the architects behind the EP Gully SZN being exposed to varying environments, cultures and upbringing from across the world, the K9INES music evolves into a dynamic, hard hitting, rhythmic and progressive sound that represents and displays the cumulative conflicts, frustrations, and grind of having come up from nothing and having to earn your keep.
Gully SZN hopes to shake up and offer something new not only to the growing and emerging Australian Hip Hop landscape, but also to the global hip hop market. K9INES also hopes that the project cements itself as a pillar and foundation of their future releases. Read more here.
As a result of the architects behind the EP Gully SZN being exposed to varying environments, cultures and upbringing from across the world, the K9INES music evolves into a dynamic, hard hitting, rhythmic and progressive sound that represents and displays the cumulative conflicts, frustrations, and grind of having come up from nothing and having to earn your keep.
Gully SZN hopes to shake up and offer something new not only to the growing and emerging Australian Hip Hop landscape, but also to the global hip hop market. K9INES also hopes that the project cements itself as a pillar and foundation of their future releases. Read more here.
Jamahl Ryder Defy Reality Album Launch Party
Jamahl Ryder is a proud Indigenous man of many talents, from acting to rapping, to hosting his own radio show on Noongar Radio with his mate called The Naughty Bros. At the Four5Nine Bar on Saturday 15th June, Jamahl showed not only his skill but also his love of Hip Hop, with his album launch party for Defy Reality.
Walking towards the Four5Nine bar, Jamahl was at the door greeting everyone in the line. After saying hello to him I walked down the stairs and into the venue. Although it was a smaller venue, it was the perfect size for the number of people who were about to arrive.
Once it hit 9:00 pm the host of the evening Optamus from Downsyde was up on stage welcoming everyone and introducing the first act. Read more here.
Walking towards the Four5Nine bar, Jamahl was at the door greeting everyone in the line. After saying hello to him I walked down the stairs and into the venue. Although it was a smaller venue, it was the perfect size for the number of people who were about to arrive.
Once it hit 9:00 pm the host of the evening Optamus from Downsyde was up on stage welcoming everyone and introducing the first act. Read more here.
ONYX is back!
In collaboration New Cross Inn and Upsurge UK are bringing New York rap crew ONYX back to the UK.
Known for their gully rap, the iconic Hip Hop crew ONYX will be performing at the New Cross Inn on Saturday 6th July. With supports from Kid Bookie, Jacky P (DJ of Scarlxrd), VRBL and MARX, the night is sure to be turnt the fuck up.
Discovered by Jam Master Jay in the early 90's, ONYX consisted of Fredro Starr, Sticky Fingaz, Big DS and Sonny Seeza. The group quickly became known for their hardcore/gangsta rap and their energetic performances.
However, in recent times, Fredro Starr and Sticky Fingaz, both successful rappers and actors in their own rights, have kept ONYX alive and continued to tour shows around the globe. Read more here.
Known for their gully rap, the iconic Hip Hop crew ONYX will be performing at the New Cross Inn on Saturday 6th July. With supports from Kid Bookie, Jacky P (DJ of Scarlxrd), VRBL and MARX, the night is sure to be turnt the fuck up.
Discovered by Jam Master Jay in the early 90's, ONYX consisted of Fredro Starr, Sticky Fingaz, Big DS and Sonny Seeza. The group quickly became known for their hardcore/gangsta rap and their energetic performances.
However, in recent times, Fredro Starr and Sticky Fingaz, both successful rappers and actors in their own rights, have kept ONYX alive and continued to tour shows around the globe. Read more here.
Yeah Nah If You Missed This One, You Been Sleepin'
As the headline states, if you missed this one, you been sleeeeepin'.
Perth's rap poster girl Hyclass dropped a fiery new track last week called Yeah Nah and celebrated with a launch party at The Bird. Without being at the party, due to now living on the other side of the globe, the celebration and sets from a mixture of up and coming local artists looked lit.
Hyclass pulls inspiration from her personal life for this staunch belter calling out the haters looking to "catch on the wave" with the infectious and unforgettable hook. Her sassy and straight-out wordplay is overlaid a punchy trap style beat, produced by Accent Beats, with strong chords and a piercing (but in a good way!) flute sound. Read more here.
Perth's rap poster girl Hyclass dropped a fiery new track last week called Yeah Nah and celebrated with a launch party at The Bird. Without being at the party, due to now living on the other side of the globe, the celebration and sets from a mixture of up and coming local artists looked lit.
Hyclass pulls inspiration from her personal life for this staunch belter calling out the haters looking to "catch on the wave" with the infectious and unforgettable hook. Her sassy and straight-out wordplay is overlaid a punchy trap style beat, produced by Accent Beats, with strong chords and a piercing (but in a good way!) flute sound. Read more here.
Hello, This Is An EP You Need To Listen To
Reading about Strictly D.T I knew he was going to have a different style of music. He has a strong cultural background and being born in Seattle, Washington, means he brings a different style to Aussie Hip Hop. His experience really shows in the wordplay in each track. DT has his own style of wordplay where you can hear inspiration from old school Hip Hop rappers like Tech N9ne and the like.
The EP cover artwork is also very unique. The illusion of the typography on the cover is very clever and creative.
The first track of the nine-track EP is the title track, Note to Self. It fades in gently with a flute and maracas or something of the sort. Strictly DT comes in paying homage to his producer Ralph Radical, then kicks up his flow along with the build-up of the beat. I like the concept of this song as he is saying: be careful of your surroundings, look after yourself and know your worth. Read more here.
The EP cover artwork is also very unique. The illusion of the typography on the cover is very clever and creative.
The first track of the nine-track EP is the title track, Note to Self. It fades in gently with a flute and maracas or something of the sort. Strictly DT comes in paying homage to his producer Ralph Radical, then kicks up his flow along with the build-up of the beat. I like the concept of this song as he is saying: be careful of your surroundings, look after yourself and know your worth. Read more here.
Talakai Versus You And Them
Photo by Fletcher Crebert
Newcastle MC Talakai is back with a brand new track in the form of Me You Them Us.
The gritty track tells of Tala’s journey of grinding in the rap game to having found his recent, and deserved, successes.
As the tale of so many musicians, Tala found Them to be unsupportive and maybe even a little disdainful. So of course now with Australian tours under the belt and glowing music reviews, Them want to ride the wave. "So fuck you and fuck him, the bandwagon’s full” spits Tala and you can’t blame him. Read more here.
The gritty track tells of Tala’s journey of grinding in the rap game to having found his recent, and deserved, successes.
As the tale of so many musicians, Tala found Them to be unsupportive and maybe even a little disdainful. So of course now with Australian tours under the belt and glowing music reviews, Them want to ride the wave. "So fuck you and fuck him, the bandwagon’s full” spits Tala and you can’t blame him. Read more here.
Get DUMB with Melbourne-based Rapper Kwasi
Melbourne based rapper Kwasi, 123 Agency and 1800 Tequila are proud to present the most oddly intoxicating Hip Hop show DUMB: A Kwasi Experience at Stay Gold in Melbourne for one night only on June 15th.
Set your sight on a new unparalleled realm as the strangest of experiences and boldest of imaginations take reign at the launch party of Kwasi’s newest single Dumb to be released on the 14th of June. Read more here.
Set your sight on a new unparalleled realm as the strangest of experiences and boldest of imaginations take reign at the launch party of Kwasi’s newest single Dumb to be released on the 14th of June. Read more here.
Hip Hop Originators Remind Us of the Roots of the Culture
It’s hard to believe there was a time in the world before Hip Hop. The music and the culture has infiltrated the globe, and the fashion, the mannerisms and vernacular are now a part of every day culture everywhere.
And whereas nowadays Hip Hop artists are a dime a dozen (no offence rappers/producers), there was a time when Hip Hop was considered a fad. I have a friend who was big into Hip Hop in the 90’s (nearly 30 years old now!) and his Dad told him “this is a fad, you’ll be over it in 5 years time”. I can confirm they’re not.
In terms of Hip Hop OGs, there are two group names synonymous, both groups known for different reasons, but each important to the culture in their own right. Furious Five, along with Grandmaster Flash, were a founding Hip Hop group in the 80s with their DJ, Flash, a pioneer of Hip Hop DJing, cutting, scratching and mixing. The group grew their reputation performing at parties and live shows in New York in the late 1970s and in the 80’s their songs like The Message gained mainstream success. Read more here.
And whereas nowadays Hip Hop artists are a dime a dozen (no offence rappers/producers), there was a time when Hip Hop was considered a fad. I have a friend who was big into Hip Hop in the 90’s (nearly 30 years old now!) and his Dad told him “this is a fad, you’ll be over it in 5 years time”. I can confirm they’re not.
In terms of Hip Hop OGs, there are two group names synonymous, both groups known for different reasons, but each important to the culture in their own right. Furious Five, along with Grandmaster Flash, were a founding Hip Hop group in the 80s with their DJ, Flash, a pioneer of Hip Hop DJing, cutting, scratching and mixing. The group grew their reputation performing at parties and live shows in New York in the late 1970s and in the 80’s their songs like The Message gained mainstream success. Read more here.
Jamahl Ryder Interview
Good Food, Good Music, Good Times at Jam on Rye
Good food and good music. That’s how I would sum up the Jam on Rye Festival. Fortunately the rain held for the festival on Peckham Rye Park on the last Bank Holiday weekend and the sun peeked through the clouds, at times, to shine down on the good vibes.
A family-friendly event with activities, stages and food for all ages; seeing kids throwing bails of hay on their friends, their parents and other festival attendees, really set the scene for what was going to be a lovely day. Cue Bill Withers.
The three stages had an eclectic mix of musical performances. The Balamii stage housed all the DJ’s playing varied selection of music from old school to new school, remixes and in between. Read more here.
A family-friendly event with activities, stages and food for all ages; seeing kids throwing bails of hay on their friends, their parents and other festival attendees, really set the scene for what was going to be a lovely day. Cue Bill Withers.
The three stages had an eclectic mix of musical performances. The Balamii stage housed all the DJ’s playing varied selection of music from old school to new school, remixes and in between. Read more here.
SA Showing Off Their Talent: Q&A With Emcee Conseps On His Album Debut
Hey, how are you going? First, can you tell us a bit about yourself?
Hi. I’m good, thanks for having me. My name’s Jimmy, I rap and produce under the name Conseps. I live in the southern suburbs of Adelaide and I’ve been writing and recording music on and off for over 10 years.
What made you want to become a Hip Hop artist?
I’ve always been a lover of music ever since I can remember. I always loved performing and singing as a kid. When I was a teenager I played in different bands in high school, but it wasn’t until I met my homie Patti that I decided to rap. The production side of hip hop was what really drew me in initially, but now days I mainly focus on song writing.
How did your stage name come about?
In my late teens I rapped under an abbreviated version of my name (JMuz) which I ditched when I met my man Beats. We had a thing going on the production tip and we planned to release an album with other rappers over our beats. I chose Conseps because it worked with Beats and rolled off the tongue. Beats and Conseps presents... we never ended up releasing that project, but Conseps ended up sticking.
Read more here.
Hi. I’m good, thanks for having me. My name’s Jimmy, I rap and produce under the name Conseps. I live in the southern suburbs of Adelaide and I’ve been writing and recording music on and off for over 10 years.
What made you want to become a Hip Hop artist?
I’ve always been a lover of music ever since I can remember. I always loved performing and singing as a kid. When I was a teenager I played in different bands in high school, but it wasn’t until I met my homie Patti that I decided to rap. The production side of hip hop was what really drew me in initially, but now days I mainly focus on song writing.
How did your stage name come about?
In my late teens I rapped under an abbreviated version of my name (JMuz) which I ditched when I met my man Beats. We had a thing going on the production tip and we planned to release an album with other rappers over our beats. I chose Conseps because it worked with Beats and rolled off the tongue. Beats and Conseps presents... we never ended up releasing that project, but Conseps ended up sticking.
Read more here.
Music Review: Kaypee Life EP
Kaypee is an Indigenous Hip Hop artist hailing from Albany, WA. Since popping onto the scene in 2012, Kaypee has been doing some amazing things with his career. After supporting Ty Dolla Sign for his Perth show in 2017, Kaypee was more than ready to get his EP Life in the works and get it out there for his fans.
I initially expected the EP to be full of love songs and heartbreak, perhaps due to the simple cover artwork with red roses. To me roses are connected with romance.
Kaypee touched on a lot of different emotions on the 6-track EP from being in a happy place and in love to a dark place in his own head. It made me think “why did he choose roses?”. But it dawned on me that roses represent the concept of life. They are used or presented at any life event. From the happiest times to the saddest, and you feel those emotions whilst listening to these songs.
The first track Life, well the name speaks for itself, it has many relatable issues. Kaypee talks about getting on with his life, trying to make it in the world and the loss of contact with old friends. The beat is calm and not overpowering, so it allows you to focus and listen to his words. Listening to this song a few times allowed the concept of the EP cover art to resonate with me. Read more here.
I initially expected the EP to be full of love songs and heartbreak, perhaps due to the simple cover artwork with red roses. To me roses are connected with romance.
Kaypee touched on a lot of different emotions on the 6-track EP from being in a happy place and in love to a dark place in his own head. It made me think “why did he choose roses?”. But it dawned on me that roses represent the concept of life. They are used or presented at any life event. From the happiest times to the saddest, and you feel those emotions whilst listening to these songs.
The first track Life, well the name speaks for itself, it has many relatable issues. Kaypee talks about getting on with his life, trying to make it in the world and the loss of contact with old friends. The beat is calm and not overpowering, so it allows you to focus and listen to his words. Listening to this song a few times allowed the concept of the EP cover art to resonate with me. Read more here.
ICYMI: Bluntfield drops Idiocracy, The New Single From His Forthcoming EP
Idiocracy by Perth emcee Bluntfield is a soundtrack to the disturbing world in which we share.
Paying homage to the horror cult classic film They Live, and directed by West Australian artist and director Steve Browne [Marksman Lloyd, Scalphunter]; Bluntfield's latest track laments the current state of world affairs and takes an honest up-front look at humanity.
Specifically, what controlled, patrolled, uninspired and docile drones we are slowly being conditioned into. Idiocracy is the lead single from Bluntfield's forthcoming EP: set for release in Spring this year.
Idiocracy is available NOW via all major platforms & was produced by Rob Shaker. Read more here.
Paying homage to the horror cult classic film They Live, and directed by West Australian artist and director Steve Browne [Marksman Lloyd, Scalphunter]; Bluntfield's latest track laments the current state of world affairs and takes an honest up-front look at humanity.
Specifically, what controlled, patrolled, uninspired and docile drones we are slowly being conditioned into. Idiocracy is the lead single from Bluntfield's forthcoming EP: set for release in Spring this year.
Idiocracy is available NOW via all major platforms & was produced by Rob Shaker. Read more here.
Neo Pitso Continues Where He Left Off As He Releases Monopoly
In anticipation for his sophomore EP release in September 2019, Australian based, South African artist Neo Pitso drops Monopoly today.
The track features a hypnotic sample that sets the scene for a very dope tune that sees Neo venture into uncharted terrain. Known mostly for his infectious flow and multi-syllabic rhyming, on ‘Monopoly’ Neo adopts a rap/sing melody throughout.
The song starts by stating a question fans have been asking for the past 8 months ‘Why The F%@$ Did You Take A Hiatus?’. Although new to some, many fans will remember that this is the same Neo Pitso aka Mr Obsessed With Success, who supported Nas, The Game and many others on their Australian tours. Read more here.
The track features a hypnotic sample that sets the scene for a very dope tune that sees Neo venture into uncharted terrain. Known mostly for his infectious flow and multi-syllabic rhyming, on ‘Monopoly’ Neo adopts a rap/sing melody throughout.
The song starts by stating a question fans have been asking for the past 8 months ‘Why The F%@$ Did You Take A Hiatus?’. Although new to some, many fans will remember that this is the same Neo Pitso aka Mr Obsessed With Success, who supported Nas, The Game and many others on their Australian tours. Read more here.
Penny Purr Purrspectives EP Interview
Hip Hop Pioneers Sugar Hill Gang & The Furious 5 40 years of Rapper's Delight Tour
Hip Hop pioneers Sugar Hill Gang & The Furious 5 are coming to the New Cross Inn, London, for their 40 years of Rapper's Delight Tour.
Sugar Hill Gang are infamous for their 1979 track Rapper's Delight which is credited for introducing Hip Hop music to a mainstream audience.
The Furious 5, consisted of Melle Mel, The Kidd Creole, Keith Cowboy, Mr. Ness/Scorpio and Rahiem who famously MC'd with Hip Hop Dj icon Grandmaster Flash. The group's, who were more commonly known as Grandmaster Flash and The Furious 5, use of turntablism, break-beats, DJing, and conscious lyricism are significant in the early development of Hip Hop culture.
Both groups are considered originators in the genre and culture of Hip Hop and have greatly influenced many Hip Hop artists.
Witness these iconic Hip Hop groups at the New Cross Inn, London, and join in celebrating 40 years of Rapper's Delight on Thursday 30th May. Supports from MC Nelson and Spacepope.
This is a show any true Hip Hop fan doesn't want to miss.
Doors open at 7pm and tickets are only £25! Check out the Facebook page for more information.
Sugar Hill Gang are infamous for their 1979 track Rapper's Delight which is credited for introducing Hip Hop music to a mainstream audience.
The Furious 5, consisted of Melle Mel, The Kidd Creole, Keith Cowboy, Mr. Ness/Scorpio and Rahiem who famously MC'd with Hip Hop Dj icon Grandmaster Flash. The group's, who were more commonly known as Grandmaster Flash and The Furious 5, use of turntablism, break-beats, DJing, and conscious lyricism are significant in the early development of Hip Hop culture.
Both groups are considered originators in the genre and culture of Hip Hop and have greatly influenced many Hip Hop artists.
Witness these iconic Hip Hop groups at the New Cross Inn, London, and join in celebrating 40 years of Rapper's Delight on Thursday 30th May. Supports from MC Nelson and Spacepope.
This is a show any true Hip Hop fan doesn't want to miss.
Doors open at 7pm and tickets are only £25! Check out the Facebook page for more information.
What's The 411: Jasper The Ghost
Name: Jasper The Ghost
Sounds like: New wave sound that is a mash up of Hip Hop and Grime. Party sounds!
Rolls with: OH DAMN CLAN
Career Highlights: Featured on Fully Gassed #3 Australian and New Zealand Grime (24 MC's) which is currently sitting at a cool 66k views.
What’s Next: Going on tour with Shadow and Fraksha plus many more Oz Hip Hop/Grime MC’s for the Apocalypse Australian Tour in August. See more in here for the Perth show.
Show your support:
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Read more here.
Sounds like: New wave sound that is a mash up of Hip Hop and Grime. Party sounds!
Rolls with: OH DAMN CLAN
Career Highlights: Featured on Fully Gassed #3 Australian and New Zealand Grime (24 MC's) which is currently sitting at a cool 66k views.
What’s Next: Going on tour with Shadow and Fraksha plus many more Oz Hip Hop/Grime MC’s for the Apocalypse Australian Tour in August. See more in here for the Perth show.
Show your support:
Read more here.
Strictly DT Note To Self EP Interview
ICYMI: New tracks from Reams
ICYMI Perth rapper Reams has dropped two new tracks in the past couple weeks.
He has always been consistent in dropping tracks on his Soundcloud and the past couple weeks have been no different!
Purple and Charcoal Grey, which the rapper has described on his Soundcloud as "diff[erent] style to the usual just getting them feelers out there".
Read more here.
He has always been consistent in dropping tracks on his Soundcloud and the past couple weeks have been no different!
Purple and Charcoal Grey, which the rapper has described on his Soundcloud as "diff[erent] style to the usual just getting them feelers out there".
Read more here.
ICYMI: C Melo drops Melodrama EP
ICYMI Perth rapper Melo AKA C Melo AKA Melothegreat dropped a 5-track EP on Soundcloud on Friday called Melodrama.
The EP features Perth heavyweight Cortext and up-and-comer Kozo.
The rapper explains the EP as "a sensational dramatic piece with exaggerated characters and exciting events intended to appeal to the emotions." Listen below and read more here.
The EP features Perth heavyweight Cortext and up-and-comer Kozo.
The rapper explains the EP as "a sensational dramatic piece with exaggerated characters and exciting events intended to appeal to the emotions." Listen below and read more here.
Houston Artist TAME Releases Inspiring New Single Geppetto’s Story
Houston multi-talented rapper/producer TAME, The Aspiring Me releases an inspiring retrospective new single Geppetto’s Story.
Dripping with delectable beats and coupled with energetic lyrical flows, Geppetto's Story tells the story of TAME’s journey after releasing his YMLKT project to now. The song is an ode to his growth not only as a musician but as an artist.
Creating a comparison to Pinocchio's creator, Geppetto's Story depicts TAME focusing on carving out his own path so that he may bring his dreams to life.
On the single, TAME said, “I want people to know that I am serious and to not sleep on my art. As the song says, thought I was catching up. I just passed ya by. Hundred percent you know. Claim that you don't you lie.” Read more here.
Dripping with delectable beats and coupled with energetic lyrical flows, Geppetto's Story tells the story of TAME’s journey after releasing his YMLKT project to now. The song is an ode to his growth not only as a musician but as an artist.
Creating a comparison to Pinocchio's creator, Geppetto's Story depicts TAME focusing on carving out his own path so that he may bring his dreams to life.
On the single, TAME said, “I want people to know that I am serious and to not sleep on my art. As the song says, thought I was catching up. I just passed ya by. Hundred percent you know. Claim that you don't you lie.” Read more here.
New Music from Perth Up-And-Comer Tobias
Perth based rapper Tobias shows appreciation to all mothers especially his own with his latest single Mama available now.
The talented new wave artist incorporates a sense of community, friendship and family that is effortlessly displayed in the Mama music video, showcasing both his talent and appreciation for the support he receives whilst pursuing his dream.
Branching out from the regular role of both the producer and artist, Tobias has called upon fellow Perth producer OJC43 to collaborate after a short conversation over social media which has fruitfully paid off and is evident with the energy and effort displayed in the highly anticipated single. Read more here.
The talented new wave artist incorporates a sense of community, friendship and family that is effortlessly displayed in the Mama music video, showcasing both his talent and appreciation for the support he receives whilst pursuing his dream.
Branching out from the regular role of both the producer and artist, Tobias has called upon fellow Perth producer OJC43 to collaborate after a short conversation over social media which has fruitfully paid off and is evident with the energy and effort displayed in the highly anticipated single. Read more here.
New Music: Saltfeend's Balboa EP
The Balboa EP is the second Uncomfortable Beats release from Portland-based DJ and producer Saltfeend.
On this six-track follow up to his 2018 debut, Salt Hop, Saltfeend takes us deep into the sonic and physical environments that shape his homegrown hip hop blend of synths, textures, field recordings, and found sounds.
Each track on the Balboa EP, produced around the West Coast between the Spring seasons of 2018 and 2019, is assembled to evoke a sense of the place that inspired it. The result is a moody aural expedition, infused as always by head-bopping chops and breaks.
Listen to the first single and check out the full EP on a range of platforms here.
On this six-track follow up to his 2018 debut, Salt Hop, Saltfeend takes us deep into the sonic and physical environments that shape his homegrown hip hop blend of synths, textures, field recordings, and found sounds.
Each track on the Balboa EP, produced around the West Coast between the Spring seasons of 2018 and 2019, is assembled to evoke a sense of the place that inspired it. The result is a moody aural expedition, infused as always by head-bopping chops and breaks.
Listen to the first single and check out the full EP on a range of platforms here.
ICYMI: Bluntfield dropped new track Puffin Donuts
ICYMI Bluntfield delivered a blues-infused hip hop jam with “Puffin Donuts” on 4/20. The track features Charlie-Moon Meader on vocals with production by Uncle Sam and Rob Shaker.
Bluntfield's latest release Puffin Donuts sees the further development of his unique sound, along with the incendiary social commentary & dynamic lyrical flow that he showcases with each release.
Puffin Donuts is available NOW via all major platforms! Read more here.
Bluntfield's latest release Puffin Donuts sees the further development of his unique sound, along with the incendiary social commentary & dynamic lyrical flow that he showcases with each release.
Puffin Donuts is available NOW via all major platforms! Read more here.
Eerie & experimental Overlook Hotel is 2nd single from Variations of Ligh
Hip Hop/Soul Trio Variations of Light release the eerie and experimental Overlook Hotel as the second single off their debut album Lunar Beautific.
In complete contrast with their first single Petty Love, which has garnered recent attention and praise from tastemakers across the globe, Overlook Hotel serves as the opposite bookend of the narrative. It’s a darker track that represents the freedom of experimentation and paints the world to suit the soundscape.
Overlook Hotel is about departed family members and channelling their spirits to help with life and creativity. Nelson Dialect’s lyrics cleverly describes his own experiences with the energy of deceased relatives being carried through what he writes and says. Read more here.
In complete contrast with their first single Petty Love, which has garnered recent attention and praise from tastemakers across the globe, Overlook Hotel serves as the opposite bookend of the narrative. It’s a darker track that represents the freedom of experimentation and paints the world to suit the soundscape.
Overlook Hotel is about departed family members and channelling their spirits to help with life and creativity. Nelson Dialect’s lyrics cleverly describes his own experiences with the energy of deceased relatives being carried through what he writes and says. Read more here.
New Music: KICKz by MelloDian MC
Perth rapper / dancer MelloDian MC has released a new track KICKz with producer G!MM!X.
Staying true to his style, the track is a a jazzy boom bap beat with MelloD's esoteric and introspective rhymes.
For those who aren't familiar, MelloDian MC, is a 26-year-old creative dancer and emcee. Soulful with underground energy, MelloD produces lyrical content and visual concepts which mirror his world, and perspectives.
Read more here.
Staying true to his style, the track is a a jazzy boom bap beat with MelloD's esoteric and introspective rhymes.
For those who aren't familiar, MelloDian MC, is a 26-year-old creative dancer and emcee. Soulful with underground energy, MelloD produces lyrical content and visual concepts which mirror his world, and perspectives.
Read more here.
Strictly DT x Ralph Radical Note to Self EP Out Now
Perth rapper/writer/poet, Strictly DT, who is now Melbourne based and Sydney-based producer/dancer Ralph Radical have joined forces
to create a monumental release Note To Self which is available tomorrow May 9th.
The 9 track project explores conscious hip hop on another level with Ralph Radical's lo-fi inspired production and contributions from family members and close friends.
Note To Self is cemented not only as a fantastic body of work but also sentimental and meaningful.
Highlights from the release include the already released singles Parlay and the title track Note To Self setting the listeners earbuds up nicely for the main course that is the full length EP.
Guest features from Perth’s very own Hyclass and vocalist Yaelle Grinberg in How You Live solidify the personalities portrayed by both DT and Radical, a goal and premise behind joining forces to create the project. Read more here.
to create a monumental release Note To Self which is available tomorrow May 9th.
The 9 track project explores conscious hip hop on another level with Ralph Radical's lo-fi inspired production and contributions from family members and close friends.
Note To Self is cemented not only as a fantastic body of work but also sentimental and meaningful.
Highlights from the release include the already released singles Parlay and the title track Note To Self setting the listeners earbuds up nicely for the main course that is the full length EP.
Guest features from Perth’s very own Hyclass and vocalist Yaelle Grinberg in How You Live solidify the personalities portrayed by both DT and Radical, a goal and premise behind joining forces to create the project. Read more here.
Q&A with Perth Artist Bertie Anderson
For Rappfox readers, who aren’t familiar with Bertie Anderson, tell us a bit about yourself. What made you get into music? And in particular R&B music?
I've been into music since childhood. From as early as I can remember, I've been amongst music and performing. My Father (dec.) was a touring performing reggae artist with a band called Brokin Inglish throughout the late 80’s/early 90’s and my Mother was part of the background singers for that band. I was mainly raised around the genres of Reggae, Blues, Gospel, Hip Hop, Rap, Pop and R&B.
R&B obviously stems from the Blues sound but I was drawn to R&B because of the melodies driven by the beat. I love to dance so R&B captured my heart and soul like it was meant to be.
I stumbled across your track Ice Cream on Spotify, which was released in November last year, and instantly liked it. It has a great vibe to it. Tell me about the process of making the track.
The process of creating Ice Cream is quite a funny story. I work with an artist by the name of Arian Anderson (A.J Lyriq) who is also featured on Ice Cream. Together we created the production duo The Andersons under a movement called #GreenTeam Music Australia. In one of our writing sessions I brought along an unfinished beat idea that was literally a 4 bar loop with a drum beat and bass line that I created one day just beat boxing.
We played it over and over and started to write. It was in the peak of summer and in the home studio set up we use, there was no air conditioning at the time. So as we're writing and coming up with ideas I said to Arian “bro, it's crazy hot today I feel like ice cream”. We started to have a conversation about ice cream and as we're talking we're both writing and humming tunes at the same time. Within minutes, I started singing “you got that little ice cream cone” to the melody of the bass line and before you know it we had the hook. The rest came very naturally once we decided it was gonna be a metaphorical song with sexual references. The whole song bar James Elmer's third verse was complete in a matter of an hour. Read more here.
I've been into music since childhood. From as early as I can remember, I've been amongst music and performing. My Father (dec.) was a touring performing reggae artist with a band called Brokin Inglish throughout the late 80’s/early 90’s and my Mother was part of the background singers for that band. I was mainly raised around the genres of Reggae, Blues, Gospel, Hip Hop, Rap, Pop and R&B.
R&B obviously stems from the Blues sound but I was drawn to R&B because of the melodies driven by the beat. I love to dance so R&B captured my heart and soul like it was meant to be.
I stumbled across your track Ice Cream on Spotify, which was released in November last year, and instantly liked it. It has a great vibe to it. Tell me about the process of making the track.
The process of creating Ice Cream is quite a funny story. I work with an artist by the name of Arian Anderson (A.J Lyriq) who is also featured on Ice Cream. Together we created the production duo The Andersons under a movement called #GreenTeam Music Australia. In one of our writing sessions I brought along an unfinished beat idea that was literally a 4 bar loop with a drum beat and bass line that I created one day just beat boxing.
We played it over and over and started to write. It was in the peak of summer and in the home studio set up we use, there was no air conditioning at the time. So as we're writing and coming up with ideas I said to Arian “bro, it's crazy hot today I feel like ice cream”. We started to have a conversation about ice cream and as we're talking we're both writing and humming tunes at the same time. Within minutes, I started singing “you got that little ice cream cone” to the melody of the bass line and before you know it we had the hook. The rest came very naturally once we decided it was gonna be a metaphorical song with sexual references. The whole song bar James Elmer's third verse was complete in a matter of an hour. Read more here.
New Music From KNOE
Perth rapper KNOE is back after a short hiatus with two new singles - Play Love and Ghost - and an EP too. Get excited Hip Hop fans.
For those unfamiliar, KNOE is a rapper inspired by the sample based sounds of New York hip hop and has built a following for his smooth yet vicious presence that finds the pocket of the most audacious instrumentals.
After working with 7 time nominated and Grammy Award winning producer !llmind, KNOE has been building behind the scenes on what can only be described as a sound that will age like fine wine. With Jazz inspired backdrops complimented by swing filled drums and raw but conscious lyrics, KNOE is set to please the ears of 90’s rap nerds and modern day listeners alike.
Play Love is the first single off his soon to be released EP Reasons and features Sambo. It is an upbeat Dilla style groove with more soul than your Nonna's cooking. The song is a modern day love maker that sees KNOE’s raps sit lazily off the swinging snare as Sambo's warm and unique voice sings sweet serenades to your ears. Listen to his two new tracks and read more here.
For those unfamiliar, KNOE is a rapper inspired by the sample based sounds of New York hip hop and has built a following for his smooth yet vicious presence that finds the pocket of the most audacious instrumentals.
After working with 7 time nominated and Grammy Award winning producer !llmind, KNOE has been building behind the scenes on what can only be described as a sound that will age like fine wine. With Jazz inspired backdrops complimented by swing filled drums and raw but conscious lyrics, KNOE is set to please the ears of 90’s rap nerds and modern day listeners alike.
Play Love is the first single off his soon to be released EP Reasons and features Sambo. It is an upbeat Dilla style groove with more soul than your Nonna's cooking. The song is a modern day love maker that sees KNOE’s raps sit lazily off the swinging snare as Sambo's warm and unique voice sings sweet serenades to your ears. Listen to his two new tracks and read more here.
Perth Artist Melo Making Music with Metaphorical Messages
Melo is a young Hip Hop artist from Perth's south of the 63, building the wave for woke rap, filling his music with smoothing metaphorical messages of unity and peace, whilst also providing a woke insight to his perspective of life and the way he interpret and see the world around me.
Heavily influenced by 90's Hip Hop, Melo, started Rapping at the age of 11 and was writing complete songs by age 14. Compelled with original style crossed with a new take on modern reality rap, member of rap collective Racka Chachi, Melo provides a much-needed wake up call for the community by documenting what he has seen around him and what he believes he will see.
He ended 2018 with a hit song called Better Off which topped the Triple J Unearthed charts in the first week, reaching No.1 on the Unearthed Rap charts, as well as 15th in the overall charts.
Melo has started 2019 with a bang, with his new single No Smoke and RNB groove tune Delight ft. Kozo of Monroe (band).
Follow Melo on Instagram and Soundcloud. And check out his two latest tracks here.
Heavily influenced by 90's Hip Hop, Melo, started Rapping at the age of 11 and was writing complete songs by age 14. Compelled with original style crossed with a new take on modern reality rap, member of rap collective Racka Chachi, Melo provides a much-needed wake up call for the community by documenting what he has seen around him and what he believes he will see.
He ended 2018 with a hit song called Better Off which topped the Triple J Unearthed charts in the first week, reaching No.1 on the Unearthed Rap charts, as well as 15th in the overall charts.
Melo has started 2019 with a bang, with his new single No Smoke and RNB groove tune Delight ft. Kozo of Monroe (band).
Follow Melo on Instagram and Soundcloud. And check out his two latest tracks here.
Brandeus Q&A
For Rappfox readers, who aren’t familiar with Brandeus, tell us a bit about yourself.
My name is Brandon Williams, I'm 23 years old and was born in Tamworth NSW but was raised and currently live on the Gold Coast QLD. Coming from a Brazilian background on my mothers side of the family, I had come up with my artist name BRANDEUS (English pronunciation BRAN-DAY-ES) as DEUS means God in Latin, Portuguese and Spanish. I just thought it had a nice ring to it and isn't a common artist name either.
What made you get into music? And in particular R&B music & hip hop?
I remember back when I was in primary school I used to listen to Green Day, Blink 182 and Metallica. I used to watch their live shows on DVD, so by the time I was 12 I had taken up playing guitar and used to watch YouTube tutorials and used the program Guitar Pro to learn.
As I went into high school, all my friends listened to rap music, particularly Eminem, 50 Cent and by 2010 Drake. My love for Hip Hop grew and since 2014, Hip Hop and R&B music has been global with a huge place in the music charts today. So my goal is to blend and vary my style with all music genres that I love, modern and old, Hip Hop and rock.
Your song War has been performing pretty well on Spotify with over 100k streams and really nails that new R&B/trap sound. Tell me about the process of making the track.
When it comes to writing, whatever I am feeling at the time, I come up with a concept first. I initially wrote War in August 2018 and during this time I was living with a lot of anxiety and depression, I felt lonely and at a crossroad or quarter life crisis, not knowing what to do or where to go with my life. Read more here.
My name is Brandon Williams, I'm 23 years old and was born in Tamworth NSW but was raised and currently live on the Gold Coast QLD. Coming from a Brazilian background on my mothers side of the family, I had come up with my artist name BRANDEUS (English pronunciation BRAN-DAY-ES) as DEUS means God in Latin, Portuguese and Spanish. I just thought it had a nice ring to it and isn't a common artist name either.
What made you get into music? And in particular R&B music & hip hop?
I remember back when I was in primary school I used to listen to Green Day, Blink 182 and Metallica. I used to watch their live shows on DVD, so by the time I was 12 I had taken up playing guitar and used to watch YouTube tutorials and used the program Guitar Pro to learn.
As I went into high school, all my friends listened to rap music, particularly Eminem, 50 Cent and by 2010 Drake. My love for Hip Hop grew and since 2014, Hip Hop and R&B music has been global with a huge place in the music charts today. So my goal is to blend and vary my style with all music genres that I love, modern and old, Hip Hop and rock.
Your song War has been performing pretty well on Spotify with over 100k streams and really nails that new R&B/trap sound. Tell me about the process of making the track.
When it comes to writing, whatever I am feeling at the time, I come up with a concept first. I initially wrote War in August 2018 and during this time I was living with a lot of anxiety and depression, I felt lonely and at a crossroad or quarter life crisis, not knowing what to do or where to go with my life. Read more here.
Ms. Lauryn Hill and Gladys Knight to headline Europe’s biggest outdoor jazz festival Love Supreme Festival
The Love Supreme Festival has announced another wave of acts confirmed to perform at this summer’s event, which returns to Glynde Place in East Sussex from July 5th – 7th 2019. Joining a line-up that already boasts the likes of Ms. Lauryn Hill, Gladys Knight, Jamie Cullum, Snarky Puppy, Chick Corea and Kamaal Williams will be some of the standout artists from the UK scene as well as a selection of talent from across the international jazz and soul spectrum.
Now in its 7th year, Love Supreme is Europe’s biggest outdoor jazz festival and, alongside the previously announced acts, will be presenting the likes of Grammy Award-winning Louie Vega, who will perform with his full Elements of Life band following a triumphant Royal Festival Hall performance earlier this year, Parisian electro-swing collective Caravan Palace, fiery New Orleans five piece Tank and the Bangas, Grammy-nominated pianist Christian Sands, soulful Australian quartet The Teskey Brothers, and two acts from the forefront of the thriving Chicago scene; drummer and producer Makaya McCraven, and trumpeter Marquis Hill’s Blacktet.
The festival will also once again showcase a strong contingent of UK acts including the Mercury Prize nominated Gogo Penguin, BBC Sound of 2019 and Brits critics’ choice nominee Mahalia, iconic acid-jazz group Brand New Heavies, multi-instrumentalist Tenderlonius, spiritual jazz group Maisha, Ezra Collective keyboardist Joe Armon-Jones, critically acclaimed vibraphonist Orphy Robinson, who will recreate Van Morrison’s seminal ‘Astral Weeks’ album, Sons of Kemet tuba don Theon Cross and the fast-emerging London-based groups Steam Down and SEED Ensemble. Watch the promotional video below and read more here.
Now in its 7th year, Love Supreme is Europe’s biggest outdoor jazz festival and, alongside the previously announced acts, will be presenting the likes of Grammy Award-winning Louie Vega, who will perform with his full Elements of Life band following a triumphant Royal Festival Hall performance earlier this year, Parisian electro-swing collective Caravan Palace, fiery New Orleans five piece Tank and the Bangas, Grammy-nominated pianist Christian Sands, soulful Australian quartet The Teskey Brothers, and two acts from the forefront of the thriving Chicago scene; drummer and producer Makaya McCraven, and trumpeter Marquis Hill’s Blacktet.
The festival will also once again showcase a strong contingent of UK acts including the Mercury Prize nominated Gogo Penguin, BBC Sound of 2019 and Brits critics’ choice nominee Mahalia, iconic acid-jazz group Brand New Heavies, multi-instrumentalist Tenderlonius, spiritual jazz group Maisha, Ezra Collective keyboardist Joe Armon-Jones, critically acclaimed vibraphonist Orphy Robinson, who will recreate Van Morrison’s seminal ‘Astral Weeks’ album, Sons of Kemet tuba don Theon Cross and the fast-emerging London-based groups Steam Down and SEED Ensemble. Watch the promotional video below and read more here.
Inaugural Three-Day The Ends Festival Kicks Off With Stellar Line Up
The first-ever The Ends Festival makes a splash with a stellar line up to grace the stage at the inaugural three-day festival in Croydon – Kojo Funds, Kojey Radical, A2, Burna Boy, The Compozers, Rachael Anson, Wande Coal, Teni The Entertainer, Juls, Jaz Karis and Croydon FM.
They will play alongside international headliners Nas, Wizkid, Damian “Jr. Gong” Marley and J Balvin at Lloyd Park on 31 May – 02 June. Tickets on sale now at MetropolisMusic.com.
British-born Ghanaian Kojey Radical will bring an explosive show that will immerse you into a dynamic blend of everything from smooth rap to gruff soul to propulsive rock to searing grime, all interjected with pensive moments of spoken word from the poet-turned-musical artist. A2 and Rachael Anson also join Nas, rap royalty De La Soul, grime legend Ghetts and Croydon MC Nadia Rose for Friday’s line-up.
Watch promo video below and read more here.
They will play alongside international headliners Nas, Wizkid, Damian “Jr. Gong” Marley and J Balvin at Lloyd Park on 31 May – 02 June. Tickets on sale now at MetropolisMusic.com.
British-born Ghanaian Kojey Radical will bring an explosive show that will immerse you into a dynamic blend of everything from smooth rap to gruff soul to propulsive rock to searing grime, all interjected with pensive moments of spoken word from the poet-turned-musical artist. A2 and Rachael Anson also join Nas, rap royalty De La Soul, grime legend Ghetts and Croydon MC Nadia Rose for Friday’s line-up.
Watch promo video below and read more here.
What's The 411: Dead Tooth
Name: Dead Tooth
Sounds like: I’m getting a sound and vibe reminiscent of Drapht.
Rolls with: No obvious crew associations but has hyped for fellow Perth rapper Divine.
Career Highlights: His debut EP Falling Through Flaws was just released at the end of February. The title track, which was released 5 months ago, has 371 YouTube views. He also had an interview on BRL to promote his EP.
What’s Next: His debut EP Falling Through Flaws was just released at the end of February so perhaps a show..
Show your support:
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Sounds like: I’m getting a sound and vibe reminiscent of Drapht.
Rolls with: No obvious crew associations but has hyped for fellow Perth rapper Divine.
Career Highlights: His debut EP Falling Through Flaws was just released at the end of February. The title track, which was released 5 months ago, has 371 YouTube views. He also had an interview on BRL to promote his EP.
What’s Next: His debut EP Falling Through Flaws was just released at the end of February so perhaps a show..
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Kelis Headlining Jam On Rye 2019 & Bleecker Burger Leading Street Food
This year's Jam On Rye Festival will be bringing the world renowned superstar Kelis to Peckham her first UK festival performance of 2019.
The queen of RnB will be headlining the festival, performing her numerous international hits such as Milkshake, Trick Me and Millionaire in what is sure to be a show of carnival-esque proportions.
She’ll be joined by none other than founder of Soul II Soul and musical legend Jazzie B. Awarded an OBE for services to music in 2008 Jazzie has a well earned legacy of being one of the most respected musicians in the business, and his performance at Jam On Rye will be one to remember.
Also playing will be soul legend Omar, who having collaborated with the likes of Stevie Wonder and Carleen Anderson, not to mention also receiving an MBE for services to music fits right in to the star studded line up.
Local online radio Balamii will be hosting a stage showcasing local talent, sticking to Jam On Rye’s mission statement of supporting homegrown talent in the area. Also in keeping with this they have partnered with The Brit School – the performing arts college will put a selection of their rising stars on a stage in Tulse hill on the final Thursday of every month until May with the overall winner being awarded a slot at the festival. Read more here.
The queen of RnB will be headlining the festival, performing her numerous international hits such as Milkshake, Trick Me and Millionaire in what is sure to be a show of carnival-esque proportions.
She’ll be joined by none other than founder of Soul II Soul and musical legend Jazzie B. Awarded an OBE for services to music in 2008 Jazzie has a well earned legacy of being one of the most respected musicians in the business, and his performance at Jam On Rye will be one to remember.
Also playing will be soul legend Omar, who having collaborated with the likes of Stevie Wonder and Carleen Anderson, not to mention also receiving an MBE for services to music fits right in to the star studded line up.
Local online radio Balamii will be hosting a stage showcasing local talent, sticking to Jam On Rye’s mission statement of supporting homegrown talent in the area. Also in keeping with this they have partnered with The Brit School – the performing arts college will put a selection of their rising stars on a stage in Tulse hill on the final Thursday of every month until May with the overall winner being awarded a slot at the festival. Read more here.
Neo-Soul Artist Mareshah Releases New Velvety Soulful Single Pursuit
Australian Neo-Soul artist Mareshah showcases her sweet velvety tones and gospel influences in new single Pursuit, a soulful tune off her upcoming EP Unjaded.
Drawn from Mareshah’s personal experiences exploring belief, Pursuit is about her humbling realisations that you don’t need to be perfect to be loved by God, nor do you need to be completely put-together to be worthy.
On the single Mareshah said, “Pursuit celebrates the freedom of knowing you may not have it all together but you are sought-after, valued and known”.
Read more here.
Drawn from Mareshah’s personal experiences exploring belief, Pursuit is about her humbling realisations that you don’t need to be perfect to be loved by God, nor do you need to be completely put-together to be worthy.
On the single Mareshah said, “Pursuit celebrates the freedom of knowing you may not have it all together but you are sought-after, valued and known”.
Read more here.
Hip Hop/Soul Trio Variations of Light Drops Cosmic Visuals for Debut Single Petty Love
Australian Hip Hop/soul trio Variations of Light release a new captivating animated music video to accompany their soulful debut single Petty Love .
As the first single off their upcoming album Lunar Beautific, Petty Love touches on the modern-day love story and how social media has affected our perception of relationships.
The music video was created by Zona Mind and storyboarded alongside Variations of Light’s vocalist, Nelson Dialect. It was inspired by the nostalgia of VHS hand-drawn cartoons, as well as psychedelic videos of the 70’s. Listen below and read more here.
As the first single off their upcoming album Lunar Beautific, Petty Love touches on the modern-day love story and how social media has affected our perception of relationships.
The music video was created by Zona Mind and storyboarded alongside Variations of Light’s vocalist, Nelson Dialect. It was inspired by the nostalgia of VHS hand-drawn cartoons, as well as psychedelic videos of the 70’s. Listen below and read more here.
Ekelle Bares All On Visuals For Her Single Dark Skin & Tattoos
Body positive Canadian rapper Ekelle demands our attention with visuals for her new single Dark Skin & Tattoos.
The video showcases Ekelle and a man, whilst it starts-off as a beautiful love story, Ekelle bares all symbolically and physically to show a deeper meaning behind the video which is dealing with betrayal.
On the video, Ekelle said, “I wanted to do an abstract contract. I wanted to find a symbolic way to show a breakup that would have people in their feels a bit. I chose to do a white room and have 2 lovers with all the joys and hardships of a relationship written all over like they were baring their souls..."... Listen below and read more here.
The video showcases Ekelle and a man, whilst it starts-off as a beautiful love story, Ekelle bares all symbolically and physically to show a deeper meaning behind the video which is dealing with betrayal.
On the video, Ekelle said, “I wanted to do an abstract contract. I wanted to find a symbolic way to show a breakup that would have people in their feels a bit. I chose to do a white room and have 2 lovers with all the joys and hardships of a relationship written all over like they were baring their souls..."... Listen below and read more here.
Sam Hunter Switches It Up With Feel Good Catch Ma Drift
Sydney MC Sam Hunter switches it up with a new vibing feel good single Catch Ma Drift.
The single is something new from the hip hop artist, with funky grooves and dance- worthy beats, the track is about enjoying life and the simple things.
On the single, Hunter said, “Those times when you are swamped, knee deep in work and these social distractions are burning in your mind. Take a breath... Remember it’s all just life, enjoy the time you have and let your hair down....". Listen below and read more here.
The single is something new from the hip hop artist, with funky grooves and dance- worthy beats, the track is about enjoying life and the simple things.
On the single, Hunter said, “Those times when you are swamped, knee deep in work and these social distractions are burning in your mind. Take a breath... Remember it’s all just life, enjoy the time you have and let your hair down....". Listen below and read more here.
Walla C Releases Groovy New Lead Single ‘Daylight’ From New EP
After a long hiatus from an original release, Walla C brings out a fresh new track combining house music, cool percussion and syncopated bass to the dance floor.
‘Daylight’, the lead single from his EP with the same title, is a three-minute house instrumental with sweet catchy melodies based on rhodes and riff synths. It’s a groovy composition with a natural progression and a bass frase that drives the beat.
Listen below and read more here.
‘Daylight’, the lead single from his EP with the same title, is a three-minute house instrumental with sweet catchy melodies based on rhodes and riff synths. It’s a groovy composition with a natural progression and a bass frase that drives the beat.
Listen below and read more here.
What's the 411: Cable
Name: Cable
Sounds like: Linguistics gymnastics. His last track Like I Do had a real Atmosphere vibe.
Rolls with: Has collaborated with Pafekt, Skulka and Muske.
Career Highlights thus far: Like I Do is sitting at a cool 8.8k views on Facebook and 1.3k streams on Soundcloud.
What’s Next: Cable is always on some Hip Hop bill somewhere. He tends to drop single tracks here and there so, likely, another song.
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Sounds like: Linguistics gymnastics. His last track Like I Do had a real Atmosphere vibe.
Rolls with: Has collaborated with Pafekt, Skulka and Muske.
Career Highlights thus far: Like I Do is sitting at a cool 8.8k views on Facebook and 1.3k streams on Soundcloud.
What’s Next: Cable is always on some Hip Hop bill somewhere. He tends to drop single tracks here and there so, likely, another song.
Show your support:
Soundcloud
What's the 411: Greesy
Photo by Samson Makumbe
Name: Greesy
Sounds like: Battle rap bars packaged for Hip Hop beats with big drums/bass and the occasion Trap-style beat.
Rolls with: Has collaborated with Bkame, Jus J, Jose Halftime and Distrackt.
Career Highlights thus far: Released his The Mixed Ape Mixtape on Soundcloud in 2017 which currently has 41.6k streams. His music video for Point Blank, released in 2018, has 7k views. The Greesy name is also popping up on a lot of gig line ups, catch him at After Dark Festival and DJ Yella at Bar1.
What’s Next: Greesy has released two new singles in the past week, Got Me Thinking and When It Rains with Bkame. So hopefully a full album soon.
Show your support:
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Sounds like: Battle rap bars packaged for Hip Hop beats with big drums/bass and the occasion Trap-style beat.
Rolls with: Has collaborated with Bkame, Jus J, Jose Halftime and Distrackt.
Career Highlights thus far: Released his The Mixed Ape Mixtape on Soundcloud in 2017 which currently has 41.6k streams. His music video for Point Blank, released in 2018, has 7k views. The Greesy name is also popping up on a lot of gig line ups, catch him at After Dark Festival and DJ Yella at Bar1.
What’s Next: Greesy has released two new singles in the past week, Got Me Thinking and When It Rains with Bkame. So hopefully a full album soon.
Show your support:
Soundcloud
YouTube
Dizzy Wright Announces Nobody Cares Work Harder Australian Tour
Independent rap mainstay and Still Movin’ CEO Dizzy Wright is bringing his unmatched energy to and throughout Australia this April with his Nobody Cares Work Harder Tour featuring special guest DJ Hoppa.
With the highly anticipated album dropping on March 15th, the tour celebrates the release of his Nobody Cares, Work Harder album which features the talents of Tech N9ne, Eric Bellinger, Mozzy Berner and Curren$y.
Since his debut mixtape The Takeover in 2010, Dizzy has amassed a strong and organic fanbase across five studio albums, four EPs, and a catalogue of mixtapes. His raw vision encompassing morals and self-made nature has earned him tour invites from artists like Logic
and Kid Ink.
Read more about the tour and how to purchase tickets here.
With the highly anticipated album dropping on March 15th, the tour celebrates the release of his Nobody Cares, Work Harder album which features the talents of Tech N9ne, Eric Bellinger, Mozzy Berner and Curren$y.
Since his debut mixtape The Takeover in 2010, Dizzy has amassed a strong and organic fanbase across five studio albums, four EPs, and a catalogue of mixtapes. His raw vision encompassing morals and self-made nature has earned him tour invites from artists like Logic
and Kid Ink.
Read more about the tour and how to purchase tickets here.
Melbourne's Jalmar Releases New Single Damelo
Melbourne based Hip Hop artist Jalmar is back with his new single Damelo, a Latin-Trap infused banger that is set to make waves, available now.
This is Jalmar’s first effort for 2019, which is bound to be a big year after gaining industry recognition in 2018.
Damelo is a perfect example of Jalmar’s capabilities, having infused both Latin and trap with catchy melodies that will take you to the streets of Latin America. The unique diversity of sounds are captured perfectly in this body of work, making Jalmar a force to be reckoned.
Listen to Damelo and read more here.
This is Jalmar’s first effort for 2019, which is bound to be a big year after gaining industry recognition in 2018.
Damelo is a perfect example of Jalmar’s capabilities, having infused both Latin and trap with catchy melodies that will take you to the streets of Latin America. The unique diversity of sounds are captured perfectly in this body of work, making Jalmar a force to be reckoned.
Listen to Damelo and read more here.
Perth artist Alex Parkman New Single King Of The Block Out Now
Perth based artist Alex Parkman kick-starts 2019 in the form of his new anthem King of the Block.
The Zimbabwe-born, 21 year old had a big 2018, making his mark with a string of engaging singles that saw a rapid growth of loyal fans who have been waiting patiently for his next instalment.
Alex Parkman's vibe and spirit are captured within his melody and lyricism almost effortlessly, which was solidified when his single Out Of Touch debuted no.6 on the Triple J Unearthed Hip Hop charts last year and was praised by Triple J Presenter Declan Byrne and Unearthed director Dave Ruby Howe for his high energy and confidence behind a beat.
Check out the music video and read more here.
The Zimbabwe-born, 21 year old had a big 2018, making his mark with a string of engaging singles that saw a rapid growth of loyal fans who have been waiting patiently for his next instalment.
Alex Parkman's vibe and spirit are captured within his melody and lyricism almost effortlessly, which was solidified when his single Out Of Touch debuted no.6 on the Triple J Unearthed Hip Hop charts last year and was praised by Triple J Presenter Declan Byrne and Unearthed director Dave Ruby Howe for his high energy and confidence behind a beat.
Check out the music video and read more here.
ICYMI: Cable - Like I Do
Just before the turning of the clock to 2019, Perth rapper Cable dropped a heartfelt track Like I Do.
The track, which he says he put his heart into, was paired with a film When The Tide Is Out by German filmmaker Xaver Xylophon and makes the track more impactful.
To date, the track has had 8.8k views on Facebook.
Read more and check out the song here.
The track, which he says he put his heart into, was paired with a film When The Tide Is Out by German filmmaker Xaver Xylophon and makes the track more impactful.
To date, the track has had 8.8k views on Facebook.
Read more and check out the song here.
ICYMI: Perth rapper Divine drops WW111
Perth rapper and lyrical beast man Divine dropped a short one minute, 19 seconds clip called WW111 just last week.
And he has come to war with some battle bars!
Also follow the dude on the socials:
Facebook
Instagram
Read more and see the clip here.
And he has come to war with some battle bars!
Also follow the dude on the socials:
Read more and see the clip here.
NJE tackles depression on on emotive new single Ballad for the Broken Hearted
Brisbane Hip Hop artist NJE has released an uplifting single Ballad For The Broken Hearted, produced by RustyBeatz13 from Russia, dedicated to those who are going through depression after heart-break.
Ballad For The Broken Hearted was written by NJE after hearing how much sadness came from a broken heart. Issues such as depression, separation from children, and those going through divorce/break-up triggered NJE to write this song, it’s a voice for those going through it.
On the single, NJE said, “I hope this song is something they can feel and relate to going through their personal struggles and pain. I also wrote this for the youth going through break-ups, some just can't cope as well as others.”
“Depression is a real thing and a lot of people don't know how to speak up and tell people how they REALLY feel. Something as small as asking someone "Are you ok?" can make so much of a difference. The second verse of this song is me rapping to a young heart broken soul, telling them to stay positive and giving them some solid advice from someone who's been there before.”
Read more here.
Ballad For The Broken Hearted was written by NJE after hearing how much sadness came from a broken heart. Issues such as depression, separation from children, and those going through divorce/break-up triggered NJE to write this song, it’s a voice for those going through it.
On the single, NJE said, “I hope this song is something they can feel and relate to going through their personal struggles and pain. I also wrote this for the youth going through break-ups, some just can't cope as well as others.”
“Depression is a real thing and a lot of people don't know how to speak up and tell people how they REALLY feel. Something as small as asking someone "Are you ok?" can make so much of a difference. The second verse of this song is me rapping to a young heart broken soul, telling them to stay positive and giving them some solid advice from someone who's been there before.”
Read more here.
Jinz Moss Channels His UK Tongue-In-Cheek Style in New Single Time
Wellington-based rapper Jinz Moss channels his home-land UK Hip Hop roots, fusing Soul with a dash of Pop on new tongue-in-cheek single Time accompanied by visuals.
Ingeniously creative and both lyrically and visually enthralling Time is about the feeling of loosing time. The single was produced in house with his New Zealand crew Raw Collective.
The music video seamlessly translates his surreal and cheeky lyricism into reality as we loiter in the abstract and outlandish bars in the city of Amsterdam.
Read more here.
Ingeniously creative and both lyrically and visually enthralling Time is about the feeling of loosing time. The single was produced in house with his New Zealand crew Raw Collective.
The music video seamlessly translates his surreal and cheeky lyricism into reality as we loiter in the abstract and outlandish bars in the city of Amsterdam.
Read more here.
"We saw Hip Hop as it was first introduced into the mainstream. Bands were dressed like the Village People".
What up Full Circle. For those unfamiliar with Full Circle, you are Money J and DJ Triple D, two Perth Hip Hop pioneers. Thank you for your time.
Hey here and thank you very much for the interview it really means a lot to us.
First off, why Full Circle as a name?
Full Circle means, “When something comes Full Circle, It completes a cycle, returns to its beginnings”, which for us made sense as we’ve come together 30 years later so completed a cycle and taking our music style back to the foundations of Hip Hop.
You’ve recently released Beat, Rhymes and Basslines, which despite being 30+ years in the game, is really your debut. What inspired you both to make the album?
Triple Dee: A couple of present day Hip Hop types asked me why I wore fat shoe laces. They were basically asking me to show them my Hip Hop. Even though I felt offended I also understood the fact that my decision to quit hip hop in 1993 meant that this generation won’t know that we even existed. That’s our own fault. We can whinge and whine all day long about what we did back then, the history is important don’t get me wrong. Today we’re more interested in what’s happening now in the present. So the inspiration is that we’re getting older but we still want to represent.
Read more of the interview here.
Hey here and thank you very much for the interview it really means a lot to us.
First off, why Full Circle as a name?
Full Circle means, “When something comes Full Circle, It completes a cycle, returns to its beginnings”, which for us made sense as we’ve come together 30 years later so completed a cycle and taking our music style back to the foundations of Hip Hop.
You’ve recently released Beat, Rhymes and Basslines, which despite being 30+ years in the game, is really your debut. What inspired you both to make the album?
Triple Dee: A couple of present day Hip Hop types asked me why I wore fat shoe laces. They were basically asking me to show them my Hip Hop. Even though I felt offended I also understood the fact that my decision to quit hip hop in 1993 meant that this generation won’t know that we even existed. That’s our own fault. We can whinge and whine all day long about what we did back then, the history is important don’t get me wrong. Today we’re more interested in what’s happening now in the present. So the inspiration is that we’re getting older but we still want to represent.
Read more of the interview here.
"I just surrendered to my calling, it’s a spiritual thing though, it's bigger than me."
Hyclass is my favourite Perth rapper. The girl's got flow, style and skill. In the past couple years, she been on her grind after deciding to quit her day job and focus on music full-time. Her efforts have been rewarded though, with countless show and even an award.
Rappfox catches up with the Queen on her huge 2018 and what she's got in the works for the new year.
Happy New Year Hyclass! How has the start of 2019 been treating you so far? Any resolutions?
It’s been awesome, I’ve had some time to rest and have a break, which was well needed but now I’m also trying to get back into it, been a bit hard to re-motivate with the time off but I’m easing into it having done a couple shows, preparing for more & working on new music.
As for resolutions, in all seriousness I’m constantly wanting to change & improve on things so why wait for a new year. Just keep trying!
You had a huge 2018, congratulations, which started with you quitting your day job and focusing on music, what inspired that?
Thank you! I guess, in my heart I always knew I wasn’t living out the life I was meant to be living, which was being creative, helping others and being an artist. But for a long time I just wasn’t ready to break away from my security and also had some fears of pursuing my passion because I didn’t want to be half arsed. Hence why I never really went all out with my music, yeah I put out a couple things over the years, done some shows but I never went for it. But I just surrendered to my calling, it’s a spiritual thing though, it's bigger than me.
Read more of the interview here.
Rappfox catches up with the Queen on her huge 2018 and what she's got in the works for the new year.
Happy New Year Hyclass! How has the start of 2019 been treating you so far? Any resolutions?
It’s been awesome, I’ve had some time to rest and have a break, which was well needed but now I’m also trying to get back into it, been a bit hard to re-motivate with the time off but I’m easing into it having done a couple shows, preparing for more & working on new music.
As for resolutions, in all seriousness I’m constantly wanting to change & improve on things so why wait for a new year. Just keep trying!
You had a huge 2018, congratulations, which started with you quitting your day job and focusing on music, what inspired that?
Thank you! I guess, in my heart I always knew I wasn’t living out the life I was meant to be living, which was being creative, helping others and being an artist. But for a long time I just wasn’t ready to break away from my security and also had some fears of pursuing my passion because I didn’t want to be half arsed. Hence why I never really went all out with my music, yeah I put out a couple things over the years, done some shows but I never went for it. But I just surrendered to my calling, it’s a spiritual thing though, it's bigger than me.
Read more of the interview here.
"...I’m sure you’ve asked me this in previous interviews and one of my answers was my album is coming out this year. This time I mean it..."
For all the WA Hip Hop heads, Rob Shaker needs know introduction but for the uninitiated he is the producer/owner of Shake Down Studios and Shake Down Records, he has produced countless beats for rappers all across Australia and in a previous life toured as WA Hip Hop king Drapht's DJ.
He is also a family man but more recently he's added another career highlight to his belt winning the final ever Beat Down competition.
Rob Shaker, congratulations on winning Beat Down 11, how does it feel?
Hey Kylie, cheers very much! Yeah it’s great to have been a part of such an amazing institution that was the Beat Down over the years and to take the win, especially in the last one is certainly an amazing feeling. Massive shout out to Rae for giving us the Beat Down and making it so successful for 11 years straight.
This is your second win, you won back in 2012, 6 years ago now! How do you think your sound has evolved?
I think the Beat Down and making beats for competitions really evolved my sound early on. Prior to 2012 I was very focused throughout each year on making epic beats for the comp and some years I’d spend over a month preparing beats just for it. Since then I’ve started working in the studio full time and a big part of my job is adapting my sound to what people want to rap or sing to, so I’ve really had to think outside the box and research different sounds that people want. That’s probably led to my beats naturally progressing to be less epic, but also more musical. Also, it’s a lot easier having won a Beat Down previously to just enjoy the composition process instead of over thinking it which I have definitely been guilty of in past years. When you get to the finals a few times and lose it’s certainly something that plays on your mind when making beats, but after you get the gratification of winning it’s easy to just get back into making beats for fun.
Read more of the interview here.
He is also a family man but more recently he's added another career highlight to his belt winning the final ever Beat Down competition.
Rob Shaker, congratulations on winning Beat Down 11, how does it feel?
Hey Kylie, cheers very much! Yeah it’s great to have been a part of such an amazing institution that was the Beat Down over the years and to take the win, especially in the last one is certainly an amazing feeling. Massive shout out to Rae for giving us the Beat Down and making it so successful for 11 years straight.
This is your second win, you won back in 2012, 6 years ago now! How do you think your sound has evolved?
I think the Beat Down and making beats for competitions really evolved my sound early on. Prior to 2012 I was very focused throughout each year on making epic beats for the comp and some years I’d spend over a month preparing beats just for it. Since then I’ve started working in the studio full time and a big part of my job is adapting my sound to what people want to rap or sing to, so I’ve really had to think outside the box and research different sounds that people want. That’s probably led to my beats naturally progressing to be less epic, but also more musical. Also, it’s a lot easier having won a Beat Down previously to just enjoy the composition process instead of over thinking it which I have definitely been guilty of in past years. When you get to the finals a few times and lose it’s certainly something that plays on your mind when making beats, but after you get the gratification of winning it’s easy to just get back into making beats for fun.
Read more of the interview here.
"I think that diversity is what I try to bring to my music..."
KVKA is a Zambian born, New Zealand based rapper who found internet fame back in 2014 with a hip hop/trap track that went viral. It's currently sitting at 1.7 MILLION views on YouTube.
But KVKA is much more than that as he explores new and different styles and is even planning a move to Melbourne, Australia.
You’re currently based in Hamilton New Zealand but you have African heritage, tell us about your background and the man behind the music.
I was born in Zambia to a Major in the army and a Nurse, I’m the baby of the family and have two older siblings a brother and a sister. I moved around a lot twice in Zambia, then to England, Wales and finally settling down in New Zealand.
I think that diversity is what I try to bring to my music, I was raised with Zambian gospel and traditional music, British punk rock, RnB , Grime, Rock, Metal and Hip Hop. And I want to give my listeners that journey.
Also I believe you’re about to make the move to Australia, Melbourne specifically. What’s the drive behind the move?
The same reason everyone goes to a bigger city, the pursuit of happiness.
I love New Zealand but I haven’t been happy here in a long time, I think because of the success of 'Who You' to such a small place, I seemed a lot more successful than I was and in turn got a lot more hate and backlash for my actions growing up, but bigger than that, I want to make my people proud.
Read more of the interview here.
But KVKA is much more than that as he explores new and different styles and is even planning a move to Melbourne, Australia.
You’re currently based in Hamilton New Zealand but you have African heritage, tell us about your background and the man behind the music.
I was born in Zambia to a Major in the army and a Nurse, I’m the baby of the family and have two older siblings a brother and a sister. I moved around a lot twice in Zambia, then to England, Wales and finally settling down in New Zealand.
I think that diversity is what I try to bring to my music, I was raised with Zambian gospel and traditional music, British punk rock, RnB , Grime, Rock, Metal and Hip Hop. And I want to give my listeners that journey.
Also I believe you’re about to make the move to Australia, Melbourne specifically. What’s the drive behind the move?
The same reason everyone goes to a bigger city, the pursuit of happiness.
I love New Zealand but I haven’t been happy here in a long time, I think because of the success of 'Who You' to such a small place, I seemed a lot more successful than I was and in turn got a lot more hate and backlash for my actions growing up, but bigger than that, I want to make my people proud.
Read more of the interview here.
Strictly DT moves to Melbourne: "I’m still mad fresh to this place."
Strictly DT is an old friend of Rappfox and we catch up with him on his move to Burn City.
DT it’s been a minute, how have you been? What have you been up to?
Hey Rappfox long time no see I’ve been great thanks for asking! Still settling into the new city, moved my family into a nice place, organising the house and preparing for a dope 2019
You recently moved to Melbourne to further your career, how has the move been so far?
The move has been exciting but confronting at the same time. Moving over with your partner and newborn son to further your music career is nothing short of crazy! No connects in the scene, leaving a city where I was performing every other week, to not performing at all and starting from scratch. I quit my job to move to a city where I have no job, and leaving my immediate family and friends in the Perth Hip Hop scene to give this a proper go. Jumping into the unknown is the best way to grow and learn. The love, support and trust that my partner and son give me is enough to push through the pressure and just do my best.
How do the Perth Hip Hop & Melbourne Hip Hop scenes compare?
I’m still mad fresh to this place. I’ve only had the opportunity to attend a handful of events so far. But from what I gathered is the population difference. With such a jump in numbers its much easier to experiment and be your authentic self knowing there’s a good chance people will attend. I’ve been to boom bap events, (shout out to Nelson Dialect & Must Volkoff! They threw a great show), Indigenous empowerment events representing Naarm, which is the original Wurundjeri name for Melbourne (so much talent that night, shout out to @Drmngnow - Neil Morris, @RiverBoyofficial and the girl who nearly made me cry with her moving poems, @Laniyuk) I even dragged K21 (also new to Melbourne) to a trap event. With saying that, I’ve also witnessed Perth is at a stage of growth and transition. The last few gigs I’ve done with Hyclass especially, I’ve noticed so many new artists and bands emerging from the scene! Different styles, different sounds, I’m enjoying it. I’m excited to see where Perth goes next.
Read more of the interview here.
DT it’s been a minute, how have you been? What have you been up to?
Hey Rappfox long time no see I’ve been great thanks for asking! Still settling into the new city, moved my family into a nice place, organising the house and preparing for a dope 2019
You recently moved to Melbourne to further your career, how has the move been so far?
The move has been exciting but confronting at the same time. Moving over with your partner and newborn son to further your music career is nothing short of crazy! No connects in the scene, leaving a city where I was performing every other week, to not performing at all and starting from scratch. I quit my job to move to a city where I have no job, and leaving my immediate family and friends in the Perth Hip Hop scene to give this a proper go. Jumping into the unknown is the best way to grow and learn. The love, support and trust that my partner and son give me is enough to push through the pressure and just do my best.
How do the Perth Hip Hop & Melbourne Hip Hop scenes compare?
I’m still mad fresh to this place. I’ve only had the opportunity to attend a handful of events so far. But from what I gathered is the population difference. With such a jump in numbers its much easier to experiment and be your authentic self knowing there’s a good chance people will attend. I’ve been to boom bap events, (shout out to Nelson Dialect & Must Volkoff! They threw a great show), Indigenous empowerment events representing Naarm, which is the original Wurundjeri name for Melbourne (so much talent that night, shout out to @Drmngnow - Neil Morris, @RiverBoyofficial and the girl who nearly made me cry with her moving poems, @Laniyuk) I even dragged K21 (also new to Melbourne) to a trap event. With saying that, I’ve also witnessed Perth is at a stage of growth and transition. The last few gigs I’ve done with Hyclass especially, I’ve noticed so many new artists and bands emerging from the scene! Different styles, different sounds, I’m enjoying it. I’m excited to see where Perth goes next.
Read more of the interview here.
Interview with Perth's DJ Veeness
As far as female DJs go in Perth, DJ Veeness is an OG. She has her finger in many Hip Hop pies including being the Coordinator of the All City Hop Hop show on RTRFM. We chat to Perth's #1 Queen DJ on her career, humble beginnings and what's in store for 2019.
Hi DJ Veeness, thanks for taking time out for this interview.
You are a staple in the Australian Hip Hop scene, how did you get into hip hop and DJing?
The discovery of Hip Hop music came from a young age. Being born and raised in Perth, there was not much exposure to hard core Hip Hop commercially. In the early 90’s, my older sister was going through a stage of listening to Rap music. She had all the tapes including LL Cool J, 2 Live Crew and NWA and I have fond memories of swimming in our pool with the cassette player blasting Me So Horny. My love for this raw, gangsta style of music began and evolved into a passion.
Once I left school, there was an advert looking for DJ’s with a mobile DJ Company. No experience needed! I applied and got the job. I used to rock weddings, parties and events with two Sony CD Discman’s and an extremely basic two channel mixer and PA Speakers. It was fun, but I wanted to really learn the art of DJ’ing on two turntables and vinyl the proper way. I decided to travel to the birth place of Hip Hop, New York, to learn some skills at the newly opened Scratch DJ Academy. The Scratch Academy connected me with legends in the DJ game, with teachers such as the likes of Mr Sinista from the X-Ecutioners, who on the fly would get behind the turntables and kill it with complex scratches, beat juggling and eccentric moves. The rest is history!
What is your favourite thing about DJing?
My favourite thing about DJ’ing is making people happy and the effect I have by playing the music I love. It is a thrill to start with an empty dancefloor and set a mood, creating a vibe. Then you see the crowd starting to feel the music and express themselves. By the end of it, they are begging for one more song. It is very gratifying to see people enjoying themselves and getting feedback that you have made their night.
Read more of the interview here.
Hi DJ Veeness, thanks for taking time out for this interview.
You are a staple in the Australian Hip Hop scene, how did you get into hip hop and DJing?
The discovery of Hip Hop music came from a young age. Being born and raised in Perth, there was not much exposure to hard core Hip Hop commercially. In the early 90’s, my older sister was going through a stage of listening to Rap music. She had all the tapes including LL Cool J, 2 Live Crew and NWA and I have fond memories of swimming in our pool with the cassette player blasting Me So Horny. My love for this raw, gangsta style of music began and evolved into a passion.
Once I left school, there was an advert looking for DJ’s with a mobile DJ Company. No experience needed! I applied and got the job. I used to rock weddings, parties and events with two Sony CD Discman’s and an extremely basic two channel mixer and PA Speakers. It was fun, but I wanted to really learn the art of DJ’ing on two turntables and vinyl the proper way. I decided to travel to the birth place of Hip Hop, New York, to learn some skills at the newly opened Scratch DJ Academy. The Scratch Academy connected me with legends in the DJ game, with teachers such as the likes of Mr Sinista from the X-Ecutioners, who on the fly would get behind the turntables and kill it with complex scratches, beat juggling and eccentric moves. The rest is history!
What is your favourite thing about DJing?
My favourite thing about DJ’ing is making people happy and the effect I have by playing the music I love. It is a thrill to start with an empty dancefloor and set a mood, creating a vibe. Then you see the crowd starting to feel the music and express themselves. By the end of it, they are begging for one more song. It is very gratifying to see people enjoying themselves and getting feedback that you have made their night.
Read more of the interview here.
Rappfox moves to London!
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Happy New Year friends! 🎉
You may or may not be aware but Rappfox has moved to the UK for a short while. I’ll still be covering all that local Perth and Australian music but also excited to cover some of that UK Hip Hop too. I hope you stay with me on this journey and I’ll see you all Down Under real soon... ✌🏽💚 |
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Disco is Spectacular and here to stay: Interview with Norma Jean Wright
Chic with Norma Jean Wright
If you aren’t familiar with the name Chic, then I am certain you would have heard their music. Their funky brand of soulful disco tracks, such as Everybody Dance and Le Freak, are infamous, and have been played for dance floors for over 40 years. Their music has been covered by countless bands, and has been re-used and re-worked in advertising across the globe.
When guitarist Nile Rogers and bassist Bernard Edwards first formed Chic, they employed the skills of a little known vocalist by the name of Norma Jean Wright. Wright had previously sang with the female trio, The Topettes, and later toured with Detroit R&B vocal group, The Spinners.
In 1977, Wright went on to become the band’s lead vocalist, recording the vocals for the band’s self-titled debut album. Her dulcet vocals would become synonymous with the Chic sound carved out by Rogers and Edwards.
“I had no idea that the music would as iconic as it has now become but I definitely felt that the music was just good music and I was motivated."
Read more here.
When guitarist Nile Rogers and bassist Bernard Edwards first formed Chic, they employed the skills of a little known vocalist by the name of Norma Jean Wright. Wright had previously sang with the female trio, The Topettes, and later toured with Detroit R&B vocal group, The Spinners.
In 1977, Wright went on to become the band’s lead vocalist, recording the vocals for the band’s self-titled debut album. Her dulcet vocals would become synonymous with the Chic sound carved out by Rogers and Edwards.
“I had no idea that the music would as iconic as it has now become but I definitely felt that the music was just good music and I was motivated."
Read more here.
Award Winning Canadian Rap Veteran Madchild Announces ‘Still Dope Sick' Australia And New Zealand Tour
Underground hip hop heavy-weight rapper Madchild has announced an Australian and New Zealand Tour for November 2018 kicking-off in Melbourne.
The Canadian beast and one of hip-hop’s longest reigning yet viral artists is no stranger to these shores with a slew of visits and many sold-out shows with his group Swollen Members, Madchild’s fans down under keep demanding more.
The veteran of the rap game is happy to oblige with a plethora of new music, sling of viral hits and an arsenal of hits in the bank to enthral audiences.
Swollen Members saw the rapper surge through the golden era of hip-hop days, and continued to break-through and garner mainstream and award winning success. Working with the likes of Dilated Peoples, Jurassic 5, Talib Kweli, Nelly Furtardo and crossing into the extreme sports video game realm saw their fanbase grow rapidly worldwide.
Admittedly this led Madchild to a dark period of substance abuse, further addictions, the loss of over three million dollars and quite a lot of controversy such as being banned from America at one point, but Shane Bunting (aka Madchild) rose above it all to release his debut solo album Dope Sick which garnered the attention of the whole industry and spoke to many people going through similar times. This led Madchild to change the way he saw life and focusing on positive and uplifting messages to his fans through his music.
Since then he has released several solo albums and EP’s, toured the world and even shot two music videos here in Australia Tom Cruise and The Jackal which have collected over 10million plays on youtube alone.
Madchild will be hitting the West Coast on Friday 16th November with a show at Perth's Amplifier Capitol. Tickets on sale now, link.
The Canadian beast and one of hip-hop’s longest reigning yet viral artists is no stranger to these shores with a slew of visits and many sold-out shows with his group Swollen Members, Madchild’s fans down under keep demanding more.
The veteran of the rap game is happy to oblige with a plethora of new music, sling of viral hits and an arsenal of hits in the bank to enthral audiences.
Swollen Members saw the rapper surge through the golden era of hip-hop days, and continued to break-through and garner mainstream and award winning success. Working with the likes of Dilated Peoples, Jurassic 5, Talib Kweli, Nelly Furtardo and crossing into the extreme sports video game realm saw their fanbase grow rapidly worldwide.
Admittedly this led Madchild to a dark period of substance abuse, further addictions, the loss of over three million dollars and quite a lot of controversy such as being banned from America at one point, but Shane Bunting (aka Madchild) rose above it all to release his debut solo album Dope Sick which garnered the attention of the whole industry and spoke to many people going through similar times. This led Madchild to change the way he saw life and focusing on positive and uplifting messages to his fans through his music.
Since then he has released several solo albums and EP’s, toured the world and even shot two music videos here in Australia Tom Cruise and The Jackal which have collected over 10million plays on youtube alone.
Madchild will be hitting the West Coast on Friday 16th November with a show at Perth's Amplifier Capitol. Tickets on sale now, link.
Critically Acclaimed Sudanese-American Artist Oddisee Returns To Australia
This November and December, critically acclaimed Sudanese-American artist Oddisee (Amir Mohamed) returns to Australia for four live shows accompanied by his band Good Compny, with tour support from American singer/songwriter Olivier St. Louis.
Unfortunately the Perth show won't be with Good Compny, but it's still a show you don't want to miss!
Oddisee's music speaks to the underlying politics of everyday life, especially for the marginalised, tackling issues such as social inequality, racial divides, and the realities and implications of police brutality, all filtered through Oddisse’s speakerknocking hip-hop and soul aesthetics.
A repeat visitor to Australia, over the years Oddisee has built strong relationships within our local music, coffee, hospitality and fashion industries. Having sold-out his last tour here in 2015, and released four well-loved projects since then including Alwasta, The Odd Tape, The Iceberg and Beneath the Surface, his return to our shores looks set to be his biggest Australia shows ever.
Oddisee will be performing in Perth at the Rosemount Hotel on Sunday 2nd December. Tickets are on sale now, link.
Unfortunately the Perth show won't be with Good Compny, but it's still a show you don't want to miss!
Oddisee's music speaks to the underlying politics of everyday life, especially for the marginalised, tackling issues such as social inequality, racial divides, and the realities and implications of police brutality, all filtered through Oddisse’s speakerknocking hip-hop and soul aesthetics.
A repeat visitor to Australia, over the years Oddisee has built strong relationships within our local music, coffee, hospitality and fashion industries. Having sold-out his last tour here in 2015, and released four well-loved projects since then including Alwasta, The Odd Tape, The Iceberg and Beneath the Surface, his return to our shores looks set to be his biggest Australia shows ever.
Oddisee will be performing in Perth at the Rosemount Hotel on Sunday 2nd December. Tickets are on sale now, link.
A 3x DMC Champ & OG Perth DJ is back to fight for the DMC crown
As a partner with the WA DMC DJ Championships, Rappfox is excited to bring to you the 2018 Perth heat following a successful 2017.
In the lead up to tomorrow's event, we spoke to DJ Junior about his return to the DMC competition, how he thinks he has improved in the past 14 years since he won in 2004 and what can we expect from his set.
Hi Junior, we’re all very excited to hear you’re coming back to the DMC DJ Competition in 2018. What drove the decision to come back?
I actually did the mix 2 years ago and then couldn’t be bothered entering. Was happy just mucking about in my studio, since I retired from DJing altogether in 2013. It was the same feeling last year. This year, I mentioned to my wife that I was sick of the mix and didn’t just want a showcase set, so I finally made the commitment to enter the DMCs again. Plus DJ Midsole is the only other 3 x WA DMC Champion so I thought I’d give it a crack and see who gets the 4th title or maybe DJ Bace Kadet will join the threepeat club. Either way it’s gonna be a fun night.
You last won the WA competition in 2004, 14 years ago now, assuming you’ve been practicing in that time. How have you skilled up/improved on previous years?
Yes and no. I love DJing at the clubs, so mixing has always been priority. You can’t bust out a continuous scratch or an intense beat juggle breakdown in a club set. I used to practice in the mid 90s for 4-5 hours a day\7 days a week. Nowadays it’s maybe an hour every few weeks (before my forearm and shoulders start hurting hahaha).
Read more of the interview here.
In the lead up to tomorrow's event, we spoke to DJ Junior about his return to the DMC competition, how he thinks he has improved in the past 14 years since he won in 2004 and what can we expect from his set.
Hi Junior, we’re all very excited to hear you’re coming back to the DMC DJ Competition in 2018. What drove the decision to come back?
I actually did the mix 2 years ago and then couldn’t be bothered entering. Was happy just mucking about in my studio, since I retired from DJing altogether in 2013. It was the same feeling last year. This year, I mentioned to my wife that I was sick of the mix and didn’t just want a showcase set, so I finally made the commitment to enter the DMCs again. Plus DJ Midsole is the only other 3 x WA DMC Champion so I thought I’d give it a crack and see who gets the 4th title or maybe DJ Bace Kadet will join the threepeat club. Either way it’s gonna be a fun night.
You last won the WA competition in 2004, 14 years ago now, assuming you’ve been practicing in that time. How have you skilled up/improved on previous years?
Yes and no. I love DJing at the clubs, so mixing has always been priority. You can’t bust out a continuous scratch or an intense beat juggle breakdown in a club set. I used to practice in the mid 90s for 4-5 hours a day\7 days a week. Nowadays it’s maybe an hour every few weeks (before my forearm and shoulders start hurting hahaha).
Read more of the interview here.
DJ Twist set to bring back some of that old school flavour at DMCs Perth
DJ Twist competing in the 2017 DMC Perth heat
As a partner with the WA DMC DJ Championships, Rappfox is excited to bring to you the 2018 Perth heat following a successful 2017.
In the lead up to this Sunday's event, we spoke to DJ Twist about his love for turntablism and DJing and what he's got in store for us with his set in this year's competition.
DJ Twist, for people who aren’t familiar with you, tell us a bit about yourself. How did you get into DJing?
I got into DJing when one of my best friend's older brother had a pair of belt drive turntables on his couch. We were cutting up some random Michael Jackson tracks but I thought that's pretty cool and the rest has been fun and creative since.
What do you love about turntablism and DJing with vinyl?
What I love about turntablism is an individual's ability to interpret music and sound and recreate something different... it provides a creative outlet for me. I love conceptualizing routines if only in my head at first... some people draw, sing, dance... this is me!
How have the practice sessions been going? What do they entail?
Practise has been good... not as frequent or as consistently as a perfect world might provide but its been good... I usually go to my DJ room with a rough sketch (in my head) or an idea that I can use and see where the music takes me.
Now that I'm a Dad, my son (2) is often there pushing stop and touching things which has helped my beat juggling cause him interfering makes me work harder to maintain rhythm... thank you son! <3
Read more of the interview here.
In the lead up to this Sunday's event, we spoke to DJ Twist about his love for turntablism and DJing and what he's got in store for us with his set in this year's competition.
DJ Twist, for people who aren’t familiar with you, tell us a bit about yourself. How did you get into DJing?
I got into DJing when one of my best friend's older brother had a pair of belt drive turntables on his couch. We were cutting up some random Michael Jackson tracks but I thought that's pretty cool and the rest has been fun and creative since.
What do you love about turntablism and DJing with vinyl?
What I love about turntablism is an individual's ability to interpret music and sound and recreate something different... it provides a creative outlet for me. I love conceptualizing routines if only in my head at first... some people draw, sing, dance... this is me!
How have the practice sessions been going? What do they entail?
Practise has been good... not as frequent or as consistently as a perfect world might provide but its been good... I usually go to my DJ room with a rough sketch (in my head) or an idea that I can use and see where the music takes me.
Now that I'm a Dad, my son (2) is often there pushing stop and touching things which has helped my beat juggling cause him interfering makes me work harder to maintain rhythm... thank you son! <3
Read more of the interview here.
2x WA DMC Champ DJ Bace Kadet ready for this Sunday's battle
Photo by NuShade
As a partner with the WA DMC DJ Championships, Rappfox is excited to bring to you the 2018 Perth heat following a successful 2017.
In the lead up to the competition, we spoke to 2x WA DMC DJ Champ Bace Kadet on competing in the 2018 competition, aiming for the threepeat hat trick and the announcement of the return of 3x WA DMC DJ Champ DJ Midsole to the competition.
Bace, you been practicing hard for this year’s DMC Perth Heat?
Hey Kylie! Super exited for battle season , I’ve been practising heaps! Trying to add in some new elements within my set to show the judges my versatility and risk taking ability!
What does your practice sessions entail?
My practice sessions entail going over my set and refining which ideas work and which don’t, and then expanding from there - I always do my scratch and juggling drills as a warm up and then move onto the technical side of my routine from there!
How do you think you’ve improved/skilled up from last year?
Since last year I’ve been working on my beat juggle patterns and expanding my “vocabulary”. I’ve come to a point where I realised my scratching was at a much higher level than my juggles and I wanted to change this and balance out the skills a little more.
Read more here.
In the lead up to the competition, we spoke to 2x WA DMC DJ Champ Bace Kadet on competing in the 2018 competition, aiming for the threepeat hat trick and the announcement of the return of 3x WA DMC DJ Champ DJ Midsole to the competition.
Bace, you been practicing hard for this year’s DMC Perth Heat?
Hey Kylie! Super exited for battle season , I’ve been practising heaps! Trying to add in some new elements within my set to show the judges my versatility and risk taking ability!
What does your practice sessions entail?
My practice sessions entail going over my set and refining which ideas work and which don’t, and then expanding from there - I always do my scratch and juggling drills as a warm up and then move onto the technical side of my routine from there!
How do you think you’ve improved/skilled up from last year?
Since last year I’ve been working on my beat juggle patterns and expanding my “vocabulary”. I’ve come to a point where I realised my scratching was at a much higher level than my juggles and I wanted to change this and balance out the skills a little more.
Read more here.
Interview with Your Best Friend Jippy
Rappfox interviewed up-and-coming Perth producer, Your Best Friend Jippy, following the release of his mixtape, Beat Mercs. Beat Mercs is a collaborative EP with local rapper Kehali and recevied airplay on RTRFM.
For Rappfox readers who aren’t familiar with Your Best Friend Jippy, tell us a bit about yourself.
I'm 19, from Perth, Australia and I basically make a lot of instrumental sample-based music. By now, I've got a pretty huge discography of beat tapes, remixes, and other Hip Hop-centric projects.
How did you get into producing music?
I've always loved the beats behind groups like A Tribe Called Quest or De La Soul. I've been listening to groups like that since I was in primary school and my music taste just snowballed from there. When I found out the original samples for some of these classic tracks from groups like Slum Village I was instantly hooked into this beat stuff. I got my first hardware for making beats in early 2016 I believe. You can hear a lot of influence in my music from people like Madlib, Dilla, MF DOOM, Knxwledge, Tuamie, and KanKick. I've learnt a lot of different things from artists like these and tried to incorporate these learnings into my own projects. When I heard a beat tape by Tuamie called Rituals I decided to try and make a beat tape and my style has just evolved from there.
Recently you released a dope mixtape, with emcee Kehali, called Beat Mercs, how did you two link?
Me and Kehali met through mutual friends at a party a good few years ago, and later we came up with the idea to do a project with me on beats and him rhyming. He's real nice on the mic and it was just luck that we were both in Perth.
Read more of the interview here.
For Rappfox readers who aren’t familiar with Your Best Friend Jippy, tell us a bit about yourself.
I'm 19, from Perth, Australia and I basically make a lot of instrumental sample-based music. By now, I've got a pretty huge discography of beat tapes, remixes, and other Hip Hop-centric projects.
How did you get into producing music?
I've always loved the beats behind groups like A Tribe Called Quest or De La Soul. I've been listening to groups like that since I was in primary school and my music taste just snowballed from there. When I found out the original samples for some of these classic tracks from groups like Slum Village I was instantly hooked into this beat stuff. I got my first hardware for making beats in early 2016 I believe. You can hear a lot of influence in my music from people like Madlib, Dilla, MF DOOM, Knxwledge, Tuamie, and KanKick. I've learnt a lot of different things from artists like these and tried to incorporate these learnings into my own projects. When I heard a beat tape by Tuamie called Rituals I decided to try and make a beat tape and my style has just evolved from there.
Recently you released a dope mixtape, with emcee Kehali, called Beat Mercs, how did you two link?
Me and Kehali met through mutual friends at a party a good few years ago, and later we came up with the idea to do a project with me on beats and him rhyming. He's real nice on the mic and it was just luck that we were both in Perth.
Read more of the interview here.
Poets Laureate Interview
Rappfox interviews local Hip Hop duo Poets Laureate in the lead up to their album launch party Friday night.
You’ve released your debut album, Dishwashing Deities, what was the inspiration behind the music?
We pull inspiration from so many places whether it be work, our past, the music we listen to, friends, fam and ... ahh... other recreational activities. We really tried to show exactly who we are with this album by just making songs that told all that about us.
The album features a number of local producers, what was the creative process?
Most of the album we would meet with producers running through their catalogue picking what best suited the vibe we were on, or making the best together from scratch. Some of the beats like Come Home by Dazastah and Free My Soul by Uncle Sam got in the studio, we spoke about the direction we wanted and they took it places better than we thought!
Read more of the interview here.
You’ve released your debut album, Dishwashing Deities, what was the inspiration behind the music?
We pull inspiration from so many places whether it be work, our past, the music we listen to, friends, fam and ... ahh... other recreational activities. We really tried to show exactly who we are with this album by just making songs that told all that about us.
The album features a number of local producers, what was the creative process?
Most of the album we would meet with producers running through their catalogue picking what best suited the vibe we were on, or making the best together from scratch. Some of the beats like Come Home by Dazastah and Free My Soul by Uncle Sam got in the studio, we spoke about the direction we wanted and they took it places better than we thought!
Read more of the interview here.
Nelson Dialect & Must Volkoff Magnetism EP Interview
What is it about your musical friendship/relationship that makes you both work so well together? You worked together on White Russian & Aquanaut and now on a full project in Magnetism.
Dialect: I think there’s a mutual understanding and appreciation of what we like and the way we work and communicate. Its always very easy going and we are 9 times out of 10 on the same page with an idea or direction. I love the music he makes and Must lets me do whatever lyrically. It is chemistry.
Bootsy Collins once said “win or lose you cant fight the groove” and I try and use that approach to collaboration. If it’s a struggle or too much compromise then I don’t think it’s meant to be. It should come naturally.
Must: It’s mad cos we’re quite different as people, and in different cities so when we get together it’s always work, but i’m always excited to be doing it. I think we’d been friends for a while before the first collab. There’s obviously a mutual respect there. I rarely need to ask him to do anything differently. I normally know i’m hearing the song live when he’s in the booth cos he rarely needs a second take. That’s a crazy feeling. I think we’re both strong musicians not just a rapper and a beat maker. That’s where the unspoken understanding comes in. Nels comes with songs not just bars and always complements my beats musically. We have the same kind of vision and dedication. We’re both ambitious and fully committed.
The album cover art is, to me, symbolic of all the darkness and dirt that life sometimes attracts and the forces of that attraction (magnetism). What was the idea behind it and what is it meant to represent?
Dialect: I dig that interpretation and really it could mean whatever someone takes from it. I guess the title of the album reflects that chemistry I spoke about between us creatively. Also the concept of Magnetism for me as an album title is speaking on the kind of energy we draw in and attract in our life reflects in your mind state and attitude kind of like Iron filings to a magnet. The mind being the magnet, the filings being these things we observe happening to us or affecting us.
Must: I can’t take credit for the concept. The texture is a blank page from an old family book of recipes. I just wanted something simple that would make a dope sleeve. I think the title track was the first tune we made so it just grew from there. I reckon that’s the best tune we’ve made so far.
Read more of the interview here.
Dialect: I think there’s a mutual understanding and appreciation of what we like and the way we work and communicate. Its always very easy going and we are 9 times out of 10 on the same page with an idea or direction. I love the music he makes and Must lets me do whatever lyrically. It is chemistry.
Bootsy Collins once said “win or lose you cant fight the groove” and I try and use that approach to collaboration. If it’s a struggle or too much compromise then I don’t think it’s meant to be. It should come naturally.
Must: It’s mad cos we’re quite different as people, and in different cities so when we get together it’s always work, but i’m always excited to be doing it. I think we’d been friends for a while before the first collab. There’s obviously a mutual respect there. I rarely need to ask him to do anything differently. I normally know i’m hearing the song live when he’s in the booth cos he rarely needs a second take. That’s a crazy feeling. I think we’re both strong musicians not just a rapper and a beat maker. That’s where the unspoken understanding comes in. Nels comes with songs not just bars and always complements my beats musically. We have the same kind of vision and dedication. We’re both ambitious and fully committed.
The album cover art is, to me, symbolic of all the darkness and dirt that life sometimes attracts and the forces of that attraction (magnetism). What was the idea behind it and what is it meant to represent?
Dialect: I dig that interpretation and really it could mean whatever someone takes from it. I guess the title of the album reflects that chemistry I spoke about between us creatively. Also the concept of Magnetism for me as an album title is speaking on the kind of energy we draw in and attract in our life reflects in your mind state and attitude kind of like Iron filings to a magnet. The mind being the magnet, the filings being these things we observe happening to us or affecting us.
Must: I can’t take credit for the concept. The texture is a blank page from an old family book of recipes. I just wanted something simple that would make a dope sleeve. I think the title track was the first tune we made so it just grew from there. I reckon that’s the best tune we’ve made so far.
Read more of the interview here.
Premiere: 'Never Sleep' - Able8 featuring Manix & Cash KRZMA
Melbourne-based producer Able8 is back with the final release in his Program.03 series.
The track Never Sleep features fellow Melbournian emcee Manix and WA-based emcee Cash KRZMA, and is an electronic-Hip Hop sound odyssey the beatmaker is known for.
Wedged firmly in the Hip Hop world, yet also bouncing between Bass-Music sub genres, Able8's sound is hard to pinpoint, yet also instantly recognizable.
Able8 has released music on UK labels such as Boom Bap Professionals and Millennium Jazz Music, as well as had tracks appearing on countless international beat compilations and albums.
The Program.03 EP artwork is by Ryan Boserio, another Melbourne creative, and is symbolic of zombie life detailed in the song's ras..
The official release date is July 1st and will be celebrated with a launch party at Section 8, Melbourne.
In the meantime listen to our premiere of Never Sleep, see below!
And follow Able8 on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Able8music/
The track Never Sleep features fellow Melbournian emcee Manix and WA-based emcee Cash KRZMA, and is an electronic-Hip Hop sound odyssey the beatmaker is known for.
Wedged firmly in the Hip Hop world, yet also bouncing between Bass-Music sub genres, Able8's sound is hard to pinpoint, yet also instantly recognizable.
Able8 has released music on UK labels such as Boom Bap Professionals and Millennium Jazz Music, as well as had tracks appearing on countless international beat compilations and albums.
The Program.03 EP artwork is by Ryan Boserio, another Melbourne creative, and is symbolic of zombie life detailed in the song's ras..
The official release date is July 1st and will be celebrated with a launch party at Section 8, Melbourne.
In the meantime listen to our premiere of Never Sleep, see below!
And follow Able8 on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Able8music/
Q&A with José Halftime
Photo by #1000dths
For Rappfox readers who aren’t familiar with Jose Halftime, tell us a bit about yourself.
So Jose Halftime, the name, came about around 3 years ago, previously I was under a different name but decided to change it. Jose is my first name and Halftime was inspired from Nas’ Illmatic opening track (Halftime) and I thought it had a good ring to it so I ran with it.
It seems you’ve been rapping for a few years now, what inspired you to start?
I have been writing since 2012, in my last year of high school, I listened to a lot of Aussie rap and New York 90s prior, which gave me the initial interest.
I think the main inspiration was seeing my mate Shadow doing his thing in rap, which made me, pick up the pen and the rest is history.
Your first full release Bonafide in 2016 was a solid debut release. Great beat selection. What was the inspiration behind that mixtape?
My mixtape Bonafide probably contains some of my most technical work, that was inspired a lot by artists Joey Fatts and Curren$y. They were and still are artists I draw a lot of influence from.
Read more here.
So Jose Halftime, the name, came about around 3 years ago, previously I was under a different name but decided to change it. Jose is my first name and Halftime was inspired from Nas’ Illmatic opening track (Halftime) and I thought it had a good ring to it so I ran with it.
It seems you’ve been rapping for a few years now, what inspired you to start?
I have been writing since 2012, in my last year of high school, I listened to a lot of Aussie rap and New York 90s prior, which gave me the initial interest.
I think the main inspiration was seeing my mate Shadow doing his thing in rap, which made me, pick up the pen and the rest is history.
Your first full release Bonafide in 2016 was a solid debut release. Great beat selection. What was the inspiration behind that mixtape?
My mixtape Bonafide probably contains some of my most technical work, that was inspired a lot by artists Joey Fatts and Curren$y. They were and still are artists I draw a lot of influence from.
Read more here.
Note to Self: Real Talent Lives On
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.
Divine & Uncle Sam Interview
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.
Interview with Rob Garza of Thievery Corporation
Photo by Lionel Deluy.
Rappfox chatted to Rob Garza, one half of American electronic music duo, Thievery Corporation, in the lead up to their Australian national tour. Thievery Corporation will be playing Perth this week and Rob spoke about his enjoyment touring Australia, influences on the new album and what else Thievery have been working on.
Hey, how’s it going [Rob]? Thank you for taking time out for this interview.
Sure thing.
So I’m from Perth, Western Australia and you’ll be coming here early next month. You’ve been here a couple times now, what do you love about touring in Australia?
We love the people, we love the vibe, we love just hanging out so its tough getting on an airplane to go back north whenever we’re down there. We always have a really great time with the fans. The fans are great and there’s a lot of love for Thievery [Corporation] down there.
Read more of the interview here.
Hey, how’s it going [Rob]? Thank you for taking time out for this interview.
Sure thing.
So I’m from Perth, Western Australia and you’ll be coming here early next month. You’ve been here a couple times now, what do you love about touring in Australia?
We love the people, we love the vibe, we love just hanging out so its tough getting on an airplane to go back north whenever we’re down there. We always have a really great time with the fans. The fans are great and there’s a lot of love for Thievery [Corporation] down there.
Read more of the interview here.
Black Milk Interview
Rappfox speaks to Detroit rapper/producer Black Milk who has recently been working on a new album FEVER and is touring Australia this month.
In your career, you have worked/associated with some interesting artists J Dilla, Black Thought of The Roots and Jack White of The White Stripes, what inspires your music?
At this point, my life experiences and things happening in the world inspire the content of my music. In terms of sonics, hearing good music from other artists of all genres from today but mostly from the past influence my production.
You have been in the game for sometime, how has your music and style evolved over the past 15+ years?
Sonically, my music has grown because I’ve grown as a producer/musician and as an engineer. I’ve always preferred to learn certain aspects of music, so I can have more control over the outcome, and engineering has been one of those aspects. More specifically, I’d say my sound has continued to evolve in the sense that I continue to experiment with new sounds and add layers, like live instrumentation, and different textures.
Read more here.
To pre-order Black Milk's FEVER album visit here.
For more info on the Low Key Source BBQ Party featuring Black Milk, Hyclass & Rok Riley, visit the Facebook event page here.
And to keep up to date with Black Milk and his music, follow his Facebook page.
In your career, you have worked/associated with some interesting artists J Dilla, Black Thought of The Roots and Jack White of The White Stripes, what inspires your music?
At this point, my life experiences and things happening in the world inspire the content of my music. In terms of sonics, hearing good music from other artists of all genres from today but mostly from the past influence my production.
You have been in the game for sometime, how has your music and style evolved over the past 15+ years?
Sonically, my music has grown because I’ve grown as a producer/musician and as an engineer. I’ve always preferred to learn certain aspects of music, so I can have more control over the outcome, and engineering has been one of those aspects. More specifically, I’d say my sound has continued to evolve in the sense that I continue to experiment with new sounds and add layers, like live instrumentation, and different textures.
Read more here.
To pre-order Black Milk's FEVER album visit here.
For more info on the Low Key Source BBQ Party featuring Black Milk, Hyclass & Rok Riley, visit the Facebook event page here.
And to keep up to date with Black Milk and his music, follow his Facebook page.
Bluntfield Interview
Rappfox had a quick Q&A with Map Fap Entertainment head honcho and local rapper Bluntfield in the lead up to the Fringe Festival showcase, MadFappaMania II. The rapper also talks about his success in 2017 and what he's got in store for 2018.
Hi Bluntfield, thanks for taking time out for this interview.
Hey, thanks for having me!
You had a big year last year, lots of shows, an album release, how are you feeling about 2018?
Yeah last year was awesome in terms of bucket list and goals ticked off that were set at the start of the year, getting to tour and support with some of my personal influential emcees was super inspiring and a taste of what could be with the right hustle. 2018 is looking to be another step up in the right direction, we’ve begun pre-production on the first music video off the upcoming full length album and I’m motivated to put out the best material to date, along with planting seeds in other areas indirect to the music itself.
Read more here.
For MadFappaMania II event info, check out there Facebook page here. Follow Bluntfield's moves on his Facebook page here.
Hi Bluntfield, thanks for taking time out for this interview.
Hey, thanks for having me!
You had a big year last year, lots of shows, an album release, how are you feeling about 2018?
Yeah last year was awesome in terms of bucket list and goals ticked off that were set at the start of the year, getting to tour and support with some of my personal influential emcees was super inspiring and a taste of what could be with the right hustle. 2018 is looking to be another step up in the right direction, we’ve begun pre-production on the first music video off the upcoming full length album and I’m motivated to put out the best material to date, along with planting seeds in other areas indirect to the music itself.
Read more here.
For MadFappaMania II event info, check out there Facebook page here. Follow Bluntfield's moves on his Facebook page here.
Merkules Q&A
Canadian rapper Merkules is hitting our shores for the first time in February/March this year. Known for his freestyle remixes, Merkules is keen to show Australian fans there’s more to his repertoire.
Are you excited to be coming to Australia for the first time?
Australia has always been on my bucket list of places to visit, Not just to come and perform there but just to experience it in general. The only thing I’m not excited about is the 24 hour plane ride there but we’ll survive haha.
How does it feel to be touring on the other side of the world with your music?
It feels amazing, My parents always tell me ‘’You know we haven’t been to half of the places you have with your music and were in our sixties’’. Its crazy to take all of that in but I’m blessed to do so and I’m happy thats become such a big part of my life now. My passports running out of places for stamps haha.
Read more here.
Catch Merkules in first national Australian tour in February/March, depending on your city, this year! Hit the Facebook fan or event page for more details. Tickets on sale now.
Are you excited to be coming to Australia for the first time?
Australia has always been on my bucket list of places to visit, Not just to come and perform there but just to experience it in general. The only thing I’m not excited about is the 24 hour plane ride there but we’ll survive haha.
How does it feel to be touring on the other side of the world with your music?
It feels amazing, My parents always tell me ‘’You know we haven’t been to half of the places you have with your music and were in our sixties’’. Its crazy to take all of that in but I’m blessed to do so and I’m happy thats become such a big part of my life now. My passports running out of places for stamps haha.
Read more here.
Catch Merkules in first national Australian tour in February/March, depending on your city, this year! Hit the Facebook fan or event page for more details. Tickets on sale now.
Interview with Vic the Bitter
Interview with Chris Webby
Recently opinionated, independent American rapper Chris Webby graced our shores on his first Australian tour which featured the Cheez TV hosts.
Rappfox managed to sneak a in Q&A into his busy schedule and learnt about the inspirations behind his fire disses.
What inspired you to start rapping?
I was raised in a household full of music. My dad is a lifelong guitarist, and I grew up being exposed good music every day. I also have always naturally excelled at using the English language. When I discovered rap music back when I was 10 or so, I knew right then and there that it was what I wanted to do for the rest of my life. I studied it, became obsessed with it, practiced every element of it for years. The rest is history.
You’re most popular for your Raw Thoughts tracks, which disses just about everyone worth dissing, what inspired to write and release these tracks?
My songs have always reflected my thoughts. I would often be steered away from the shit talking by my previous manager, because keeping everything positive is an easier route. I’m with new management now, and there will no longer be a filter. The first Raw Thoughts was just me venting about things/people that bother me. After seeing the incredible response, I tailored the sequel to be even more on topic and vicious than it’s predecessor.
Read more here.
Rappfox managed to sneak a in Q&A into his busy schedule and learnt about the inspirations behind his fire disses.
What inspired you to start rapping?
I was raised in a household full of music. My dad is a lifelong guitarist, and I grew up being exposed good music every day. I also have always naturally excelled at using the English language. When I discovered rap music back when I was 10 or so, I knew right then and there that it was what I wanted to do for the rest of my life. I studied it, became obsessed with it, practiced every element of it for years. The rest is history.
You’re most popular for your Raw Thoughts tracks, which disses just about everyone worth dissing, what inspired to write and release these tracks?
My songs have always reflected my thoughts. I would often be steered away from the shit talking by my previous manager, because keeping everything positive is an easier route. I’m with new management now, and there will no longer be a filter. The first Raw Thoughts was just me venting about things/people that bother me. After seeing the incredible response, I tailored the sequel to be even more on topic and vicious than it’s predecessor.
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.
Interview with Brooklyn's DJ Chips
DJ Chips at The Bird, December 2017
Rappfox was lucky enough to interview Brooklyn's DJ Chips - one of the many DJ’s who was present/involved in the Brooklyn block parties when the culture/genre we now call Hip Hop was birthed. Peep the interview below as we talk about Brooklyns founding father DJs, Sound Systems and the evolution of Hip Hop.
I was lucky enough to catch your talk at The Bird in December but for Rappfox’s readers who aren’t familiar with DJ Chips, tell me a bit about yourself.
First, let me thank you for this opportunity to enlighten people about Brooklyn’s founding fathers DJs. Let preface by saying how I got the moniker Chips. It was given to me by this guy name Ray Wiggins who was a football player in my social studies class in high school. He kept calling me “Mr Chips” because I kept getting all the answers right. LOL. It comes from a movie called “Goodbye Mr Chips”. I just took the mister part off later.
I spent most of life growing up in Brooklyn and was always surrounded by music. A lot of my musical tastes come from mom and sister. I later branched out on my own. I also played marching percussion for many years with St Rita’s Brassmen and the NY Skyliners drum and bugle corps, which is a whole other animal by itself. But knowing how to play the drums definitely helped me with DJing. Knowing how to keep the beat is crucial to being a successful DJ. After the Brassmen disbanded I threw myself into DJing.
Read more here.
I was lucky enough to catch your talk at The Bird in December but for Rappfox’s readers who aren’t familiar with DJ Chips, tell me a bit about yourself.
First, let me thank you for this opportunity to enlighten people about Brooklyn’s founding fathers DJs. Let preface by saying how I got the moniker Chips. It was given to me by this guy name Ray Wiggins who was a football player in my social studies class in high school. He kept calling me “Mr Chips” because I kept getting all the answers right. LOL. It comes from a movie called “Goodbye Mr Chips”. I just took the mister part off later.
I spent most of life growing up in Brooklyn and was always surrounded by music. A lot of my musical tastes come from mom and sister. I later branched out on my own. I also played marching percussion for many years with St Rita’s Brassmen and the NY Skyliners drum and bugle corps, which is a whole other animal by itself. But knowing how to play the drums definitely helped me with DJing. Knowing how to keep the beat is crucial to being a successful DJ. After the Brassmen disbanded I threw myself into DJing.
Read more here.
Interview with DJ Allah Mathematics of Wu Tang Clan
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.
Mama Kleio Interview
Interview with Solo from Horrorshow
Bace Kadet Interview
Strictly DT Interview
Rappfox's BRL Interview
Gav from BRL 89.7 very kindly had me on his show a couple of weeks ago. We chatted about Rappfox, the local scene, my hip hop influence and also top 5 hip hop I am feeling at the moment.
Tracks are:
1. Bean Castle - Soma
2. Be Ready - Big Village
3. Look Around - L'Orange feat. Oddisee
4. 2nd Fiddle - Leikeli47
5. Slow That Roll - Dizzee Rascal
Stream the full interview here.
Tracks are:
1. Bean Castle - Soma
2. Be Ready - Big Village
3. Look Around - L'Orange feat. Oddisee
4. 2nd Fiddle - Leikeli47
5. Slow That Roll - Dizzee Rascal
Stream the full interview here.
Marksman Lloyd
Azmatik Interview
Bluntfield Interview
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.
Beckon Interview
Perth producer Laidlaw wins the TFS Beat Battle
Laidlaw, thanks for taking time out for this interview.
Please, it’s my pleasure.
Congratulations you won the TFS beat battle at the Rosemount Hotel couple weekends ago? Tell me about the competition.
Well it’s always good to be involved with these types of events, I love hearing what other local producers have been working on, as well as catching up with mates and meeting new people. I think the standard for events of this sort has been set so high by the legend Rae Tanielu with the annual Beat Down comp that it’s hard for another one to come close. So it was a pretty small field, 8 producers, with everyone playing one track first, then getting matched up in an elimination style format and I was lucky enough to get the nod from the judges in the end to take it out.
Read more of the interview here.
Please, it’s my pleasure.
Congratulations you won the TFS beat battle at the Rosemount Hotel couple weekends ago? Tell me about the competition.
Well it’s always good to be involved with these types of events, I love hearing what other local producers have been working on, as well as catching up with mates and meeting new people. I think the standard for events of this sort has been set so high by the legend Rae Tanielu with the annual Beat Down comp that it’s hard for another one to come close. So it was a pretty small field, 8 producers, with everyone playing one track first, then getting matched up in an elimination style format and I was lucky enough to get the nod from the judges in the end to take it out.
Read more of the interview 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.
Must Volkoff Interview
Rappfox interviewed Must Volkoff on the release of his latest album Aquanaut.
Hi Must, thanks for taking time out for this interview.
Easy.
So you just released Aquanaut, your second production album, what was the inspiration behind this album?
My approach to writing music has always been inspired by albums with a psychedelic feel. Also I’ve been playing Jazz since a very young age and the last few years I’ve realised that I’m a Jazz musician at heart and have been embracing that. These days i see the music i produce as Jazz as much as it is Hip Hop. The idea to make these kind of production albums that play a bit like a mixtape was also heavily inspired by the DJ Louis Slipperz 10 Pound Bag series. Basically I set out to make another production album that could stand up as a sequel to White Russian. I’m real proud of that record and it boosted my career so I put a lot of pressure on myself to make something that would live up to expectations. It was always going to be an aquatic theme. People were telling my beats sounded like some underwater trip so it made sense to go from outer space to the unexplored parts of the Earth.
Read more of the interview here.
Hi Must, thanks for taking time out for this interview.
Easy.
So you just released Aquanaut, your second production album, what was the inspiration behind this album?
My approach to writing music has always been inspired by albums with a psychedelic feel. Also I’ve been playing Jazz since a very young age and the last few years I’ve realised that I’m a Jazz musician at heart and have been embracing that. These days i see the music i produce as Jazz as much as it is Hip Hop. The idea to make these kind of production albums that play a bit like a mixtape was also heavily inspired by the DJ Louis Slipperz 10 Pound Bag series. Basically I set out to make another production album that could stand up as a sequel to White Russian. I’m real proud of that record and it boosted my career so I put a lot of pressure on myself to make something that would live up to expectations. It was always going to be an aquatic theme. People were telling my beats sounded like some underwater trip so it made sense to go from outer space to the unexplored parts of the Earth.
Read more of the interview here.
Rob Shaker & Hau Pocketful EP Interview
You’re both well-established members of the Australian hip hop scene, how did this collaboration EP come about?
Hau: I’ve known Rob for many years and working as the presenter on the triple j Hip Hop Show, I’d obviously play song he was involved in. So that respect was always there. One day, Rob hit me up about whether I’d be interested in working on a song for an album he was putting together. Of course I said “yes”.
Rob then sent me a file of beats. I liked, I think, five of them. I did a demo to those five beats, sent it to him and said, “pick one”. Haha. The beats were so dope and I just love writing, so it was no thing to do that. Rob liked all the demos and suggest we do an EP. I was like, “why the hell not?!”
Rob: I think what instantly struck me about the five demo tracks was that one was clearly the choice for my album due to it’s subject matter and style of the beat, and the other 4 had a very similar feel to them. Playing through them in a row seemed like I was listening to a project so I suggested it and I’m very thankful that Hau was keen too! He’s a king of our scene and someone I’ve respected for many years not just as a musician and his eloquence lyrically and vocally definitely took the ideas to a great place.
Read more here.
Hau: I’ve known Rob for many years and working as the presenter on the triple j Hip Hop Show, I’d obviously play song he was involved in. So that respect was always there. One day, Rob hit me up about whether I’d be interested in working on a song for an album he was putting together. Of course I said “yes”.
Rob then sent me a file of beats. I liked, I think, five of them. I did a demo to those five beats, sent it to him and said, “pick one”. Haha. The beats were so dope and I just love writing, so it was no thing to do that. Rob liked all the demos and suggest we do an EP. I was like, “why the hell not?!”
Rob: I think what instantly struck me about the five demo tracks was that one was clearly the choice for my album due to it’s subject matter and style of the beat, and the other 4 had a very similar feel to them. Playing through them in a row seemed like I was listening to a project so I suggested it and I’m very thankful that Hau was keen too! He’s a king of our scene and someone I’ve respected for many years not just as a musician and his eloquence lyrically and vocally definitely took the ideas to a great place.
Read more here.
Macshane Interview
Interview with Eloquor
Rappfox Q&A's East Coast rapper Eloquor on the release of his latest EP, Lunch.
Congratulations Eloquor on the the release of your fourth LP, Lunch. How does it feel to be 10 years into the game?
Like a proud old fart. Nah just kidding but yeah I love making tracks so why the hell not. I built a recording booth at home so I just smash out tracks and work on beats most nights. Not many people can say they have 4 LPs under their belt, so I’m pleased with my efforts.
10 years is a long time, how have you evolved as an artist over the years?
I kind of started as a weird spiritual rapper trying to uplift the world, now I make whatever I feel like or rap about shit that’s bothering me at the time. Guess I’m not as preachy and righteous as before. Been working on my flows and punch lines a lot more too.
Read more here.
Congratulations Eloquor on the the release of your fourth LP, Lunch. How does it feel to be 10 years into the game?
Like a proud old fart. Nah just kidding but yeah I love making tracks so why the hell not. I built a recording booth at home so I just smash out tracks and work on beats most nights. Not many people can say they have 4 LPs under their belt, so I’m pleased with my efforts.
10 years is a long time, how have you evolved as an artist over the years?
I kind of started as a weird spiritual rapper trying to uplift the world, now I make whatever I feel like or rap about shit that’s bothering me at the time. Guess I’m not as preachy and righteous as before. Been working on my flows and punch lines a lot more too.
Read more here.
The Four Owls Interview
Rappfox chats to Verb T in the lead up to The Four Owls Australian tour.
The Four Owls are finally taking flight to Australia, what are you most looking forward to (other than the shows)?
The shows! Oh right yeah, just meeting hip hop heads from over there, hopefully getting to see and experience some of the beautiful scenery and different parts of the country.
Read more here.
The Four Owls are finally taking flight to Australia, what are you most looking forward to (other than the shows)?
The shows! Oh right yeah, just meeting hip hop heads from over there, hopefully getting to see and experience some of the beautiful scenery and different parts of the country.
Read more here.
Phife Dawg Diabetes Fundraiser
A SPECIAL PERTH SCREENING of BEATS, RHYMES & LIFE: TRAVELS OF A TRIBE CALLED QUEST. A film by Michael Rapaport.
Slingshot & KC Wonder Clothing invites you to…
A special screening and event to honor Phife Dawg and celebrate the music and legacy of A Tribe Called Quest.
Saturday 16th July @ Backlot Studios Cinema
21 Simpson Street, West Perth.
The film screening will be hosted by Optamus from Perth hip-hop crew Downsyde.
Due to the cinema capacity only 50 tickets are available for this special event.
Proceeds will be donated to DiabetesWA in honour of Phife Dawg.
For more info and to buy a ticket to this limited seated event:
Facebook Event Page - https://www.facebook.com/events/1367068846643267/
Online Ticket link – http://atcqmoviewa.eventbrite.co.nz
Slingshot & KC Wonder Clothing invites you to…
A special screening and event to honor Phife Dawg and celebrate the music and legacy of A Tribe Called Quest.
Saturday 16th July @ Backlot Studios Cinema
21 Simpson Street, West Perth.
The film screening will be hosted by Optamus from Perth hip-hop crew Downsyde.
Due to the cinema capacity only 50 tickets are available for this special event.
Proceeds will be donated to DiabetesWA in honour of Phife Dawg.
For more info and to buy a ticket to this limited seated event:
Facebook Event Page - https://www.facebook.com/events/1367068846643267/
Online Ticket link – http://atcqmoviewa.eventbrite.co.nz
Wermonster Interview
Hip hop was born in New York, USA in the late 70’s and has since influenced popular culture unlike any other movement. It has been embraced and reinterpreted across the globe, no more so than Europe.
Wermonster is a Berlin-based producer who dabbles in hip hop. What was your first experience of the culture of hip hop?
Graffiti probably. Music-wise I think I was initially mainly interested in the instrumentals.
I say culture because hip hop is really more than music, but what was your inspiration to make hip hop music?
I liked that hip hop has the ability of feeding itself with other musics. So I could integrate a lot of my musical influences into it and create something new out of it.
Read more of the interview here.
Wermonster is a Berlin-based producer who dabbles in hip hop. What was your first experience of the culture of hip hop?
Graffiti probably. Music-wise I think I was initially mainly interested in the instrumentals.
I say culture because hip hop is really more than music, but what was your inspiration to make hip hop music?
I liked that hip hop has the ability of feeding itself with other musics. So I could integrate a lot of my musical influences into it and create something new out of it.
Read more of the interview 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.
Elements Hip Hop Showcase
Dank is back, after a short hiatus, to give us, along with Richmond St Records, Monty’s HellRazor Store and Muso Mang, a fresh local hip hop showcase, with some of our states finest MC’s, DJ’s, breakdancers and aerosol artists.
Taking place at The Good Shepherd in Leederville, this event is going to be suitable for all hip hop fanatics, no matter what part of the culture/genre you may be in to. ToastFace Grillah sandwiches are going to be available from the bar so you can expect your munchies to be held at bay, whilst hanging in the laneway out front has never been more inviting with a live aerosol art mural being painted live and a pop up streetwear shop manned by the ever uprising Heinous Goods Perth.
On the musical line up is MACSHANE, REAMS, ADVICE, MR SHADOW, LC MCKENZIE, HOME BAKED, JOSE HALFTIME, BACE KADET and UNCLE SAM.
There will also be giveaways on the night including some fresh hip hop Vinyl, streetwear & CD’s.
Tickets $10 from 7pm at the door. No pre-sales. Event is strictly 18+.
Hit the Facebook event page for more info.
Taking place at The Good Shepherd in Leederville, this event is going to be suitable for all hip hop fanatics, no matter what part of the culture/genre you may be in to. ToastFace Grillah sandwiches are going to be available from the bar so you can expect your munchies to be held at bay, whilst hanging in the laneway out front has never been more inviting with a live aerosol art mural being painted live and a pop up streetwear shop manned by the ever uprising Heinous Goods Perth.
On the musical line up is MACSHANE, REAMS, ADVICE, MR SHADOW, LC MCKENZIE, HOME BAKED, JOSE HALFTIME, BACE KADET and UNCLE SAM.
There will also be giveaways on the night including some fresh hip hop Vinyl, streetwear & CD’s.
Tickets $10 from 7pm at the door. No pre-sales. Event is strictly 18+.
Hit the Facebook event page for more info.
Seth Sentry '1969 Campaign Trail' Tour
After the release of the 4th single off his album Strange New Past, Seth Sentry is taking to the road again for another huge national tour this July/August.
Launching his 1969 Campaign to bring hip hop to the Australian public, there is no doubting thatSeth Sentry is the perfect candidate for the job.
Joining Seth on the tour is one of the fastest rising hip hop acts in Australia, REMI, who appears on the track, Nobody Like Me taken from the Strange New Past album.
Although it may not 'Trump' Seth’s record-breaking 50 show tour last year, the 1969 Campaign Trail will be his biggest feat in terms of momentousness. Coming off the back of an AIR Award for ‘Best Hip Hop Release’, an ARIA Award for ‘Best Urban Release’ and appearances at a string of Summer festivals (including Falls Festival), Seth is on a winning streak and isn’t looking to break it any time soon.
Kicking off his 1969 Campaign Trail in Ipswich, QLD, Seth is going to be hitting every state including multiple stops in Western Australia, New South Wales and Victoria. The tour will begin on the 30th of June running all they way until the 13th of August.
FOR TICKETS AND MORE INFO HEAD TO: WWW.SETHSENTRY.COM
Seth Sentry is on a fast track to the top and with his recent acclaimed success, this tour is looking to be one for the ages. So get behind your local MC and show the world how smart you are.
Launching his 1969 Campaign to bring hip hop to the Australian public, there is no doubting thatSeth Sentry is the perfect candidate for the job.
Joining Seth on the tour is one of the fastest rising hip hop acts in Australia, REMI, who appears on the track, Nobody Like Me taken from the Strange New Past album.
Although it may not 'Trump' Seth’s record-breaking 50 show tour last year, the 1969 Campaign Trail will be his biggest feat in terms of momentousness. Coming off the back of an AIR Award for ‘Best Hip Hop Release’, an ARIA Award for ‘Best Urban Release’ and appearances at a string of Summer festivals (including Falls Festival), Seth is on a winning streak and isn’t looking to break it any time soon.
Kicking off his 1969 Campaign Trail in Ipswich, QLD, Seth is going to be hitting every state including multiple stops in Western Australia, New South Wales and Victoria. The tour will begin on the 30th of June running all they way until the 13th of August.
FOR TICKETS AND MORE INFO HEAD TO: WWW.SETHSENTRY.COM
Seth Sentry is on a fast track to the top and with his recent acclaimed success, this tour is looking to be one for the ages. So get behind your local MC and show the world how smart you are.
Mastacraft Interview
Rappfox interviews Adelaide hip hop artist and promoter, Mastacraft, in the lead up to his tour with Canadian rapper Madchild. Mastacraft is no stranger to controversy, but with the release of his debut album, Fuck You Patrick, and a national tour, the artist is moving forward in 2016.
"I have been working on an album called Uppers & Downers for years, literally years, which spawned a single which hit on Nova called Ease The Pain. After so many delays and hardships I put it on the backburner. Then the Xzibit drama went down and well I was attacked from all sides even though nobody knew the real story and chose to believe under investigated media propaganda."
Read more of the interview here. Find out more about the Madchild / Mastacraft Australian tour here.
"I have been working on an album called Uppers & Downers for years, literally years, which spawned a single which hit on Nova called Ease The Pain. After so many delays and hardships I put it on the backburner. Then the Xzibit drama went down and well I was attacked from all sides even though nobody knew the real story and chose to believe under investigated media propaganda."
Read more of the interview here. Find out more about the Madchild / Mastacraft Australian tour here.
Beni Bjah Interview
Rappfox interviews Perth rapper, Beni Bjah.
Beni is about to release his debut album, Survivor. Survivor is also the title-track which is nominated for WAM Song of the Year.
Listen to the rapper chat about working on the album, his inspiration and his family. Survivor is out tomorrow Thursday 7th April.
Purchase the album here > beni-bjah.bandcamp.com/album/survivor
Beni is about to release his debut album, Survivor. Survivor is also the title-track which is nominated for WAM Song of the Year.
Listen to the rapper chat about working on the album, his inspiration and his family. Survivor is out tomorrow Thursday 7th April.
Purchase the album here > beni-bjah.bandcamp.com/album/survivor
Edition 2 of The Fix with L$treet
DJ L$treet blesses us with a Birthday edition of The Fix.
Like last month L$treet tells us his top 5 national and international hip hop tracks.
Once again, L$treet gives us a eclectic mix of tracks that fall under the ever-developing sound of hip hop.
Click here to read L$treet's Top 5 (in no particular order) and keep it locked to Rappfox for all things Perth hip hop.
Like last month L$treet tells us his top 5 national and international hip hop tracks.
Once again, L$treet gives us a eclectic mix of tracks that fall under the ever-developing sound of hip hop.
Click here to read L$treet's Top 5 (in no particular order) and keep it locked to Rappfox for all things Perth hip hop.
Bitter Belief Interview
Average Rap Band Interview
Rappfox interviews duo Average Rap Band about their latest release, El Sol.
"In 1982, Melbourne was a hot bed for electro rap funk fusion. For this LP we drew inspiration from that era. Groups such as The Blokes, Gayle Woodford, Alby and The Bastards."
Read more of the interview here.
Catch Average Rap Band at Mojos Bar Fremantle, Friday April 8th, event info here.
You can also catch them at Babushka Leederville, Saturday 9th April.
Purchase the El Sol EP from Bandcamp here, and follow the guys on the social medias; Facebook, Instagram, Soundcloud.
"In 1982, Melbourne was a hot bed for electro rap funk fusion. For this LP we drew inspiration from that era. Groups such as The Blokes, Gayle Woodford, Alby and The Bastards."
Read more of the interview here.
Catch Average Rap Band at Mojos Bar Fremantle, Friday April 8th, event info here.
You can also catch them at Babushka Leederville, Saturday 9th April.
Purchase the El Sol EP from Bandcamp here, and follow the guys on the social medias; Facebook, Instagram, Soundcloud.
AKD & Deepstar Interview
Rappfox interviews UK-born, New York-based rapper AKD and Perth Australia producer Deepstar.
The up-and-coming duo have just released their album, Universal Language, that features hip hop heavyweights Masta Ace, Sadat X and AG.
"[O]ur story is a testament to the fact that Hip Hop is a Universal Language and brings people together from all over the world" says AKD.
Read the interview here.
Listen to and purchase the album here.
The up-and-coming duo have just released their album, Universal Language, that features hip hop heavyweights Masta Ace, Sadat X and AG.
"[O]ur story is a testament to the fact that Hip Hop is a Universal Language and brings people together from all over the world" says AKD.
Read the interview here.
Listen to and purchase the album here.
Exclusive: Street Dreamers - Wermonster featuring Cash Krzma
Berlin-based producer Wermonster and Perth artist Cash Krzma collaborate in a fresh two-minute alternative hip hop track.
Street Dreamers features Wermonster’s synth-based hip hop sound with old western stylings. The producer takes the listener on an out-of-space journey with his obscure soundscape, using strumming guitar sounds and distorted vocal samples.
Wordsmith Cash Krzma’s rhymes paints the piece. His raps are like gun-slang, continuing the Western theme. Boastfully claiming “lyrics are sweet enuff without the fructose coated prose tuff without the chin jut arms akimbo Conan pose”.
Listen to the abstract track here.
Street Dreamers features Wermonster’s synth-based hip hop sound with old western stylings. The producer takes the listener on an out-of-space journey with his obscure soundscape, using strumming guitar sounds and distorted vocal samples.
Wordsmith Cash Krzma’s rhymes paints the piece. His raps are like gun-slang, continuing the Western theme. Boastfully claiming “lyrics are sweet enuff without the fructose coated prose tuff without the chin jut arms akimbo Conan pose”.
Listen to the abstract track here.
Street Dreamers is the first single off Wermonster’s Katalyst Sessions Volume 2 album. The album also features artists GIL from France, Benny Diction from the UK and Sultan Tunc from Turkey. On Volume 2, the producer again flexes his skills as an adept hip hop producer. Release date: March 30th.
Mugzy Interview
For Rappfox readers, who aren’t familiar with Mugzy, tell us a bit about yourself.
Yeah the name’s Mugzy, I’m 25yrs old, resigned in a place called The Central Coast, which is about 1 hour & a half North of Sydney's CBD.
My brother who is 2 years younger than me introduced me to hip hop music.
When we were kids he had all these burnt CD's of artists such as Eminem, 50 Cent, Busta Rhymes, even the likes of Bow Wow [laughs] and they were on loop constantly playing daily throughout the house.
Read more of the Mugzy interview here.
Yeah the name’s Mugzy, I’m 25yrs old, resigned in a place called The Central Coast, which is about 1 hour & a half North of Sydney's CBD.
My brother who is 2 years younger than me introduced me to hip hop music.
When we were kids he had all these burnt CD's of artists such as Eminem, 50 Cent, Busta Rhymes, even the likes of Bow Wow [laughs] and they were on loop constantly playing daily throughout the house.
Read more of the Mugzy interview here.
DT Interview
Kogz Interview
Rappfox interviews Perth up-and-coming rapper, Kogz.
Kogz is currently working on his sophomore album, Trash Talk, which will be released sometime in March. The rapper says this album is "some of the most personal shit [he's] ever written".
Read the full interview here.
Kogz is currently working on his sophomore album, Trash Talk, which will be released sometime in March. The rapper says this album is "some of the most personal shit [he's] ever written".
Read the full interview here.
Lord Finesse & Large Professor Australian Tour 2016
It was only a couple of weeks ago when a friend of mine said; “I wonder what hip hop acts will come to Perth this year”. And boom here it is, maybe THE hip hop tour of the year, Lord Finesse and Large Professor with Boogie Blind Australia tour.
Both artists - who both rap and produce - were instrumental in the development of the classic 90’s boom bap sound. Lord Finesse’s legacy includes founding the Diggin’ In The Crates (D.I.T.C) crew and discovering rapper Big L (Rest in Peace). Large Professor begun his career in the 80’s producing for Eric B and Rakim and, later discovered Nas.
Matt Van Rooy Presents: Lord Finesse & Large Professor Ft Boogie Blind Australian Tour where the frontman to the legendary Diggin’ In The Crates crew - one of Boogie Down’s royals in Lord Finesse meets the founding member of the original Main Source - Harlem’s biggest in Large Professor. Supported by turntablist DJ Boogie Blind from the cult-classic cut crew The X-Ecutioners, these New York legends are set to put on their first Australian tour hitting four major city centres.
New York’s gulliest hip hop live and up front like you’ve never had so close to the grill - Wednesday, 13 April 2016 – Amplifier – Perth, Australia.
TICKETS – $50.00 + Booking Fee – Go to www.mattvanrooy.com
For more info check out the FB page right HERE
Both artists - who both rap and produce - were instrumental in the development of the classic 90’s boom bap sound. Lord Finesse’s legacy includes founding the Diggin’ In The Crates (D.I.T.C) crew and discovering rapper Big L (Rest in Peace). Large Professor begun his career in the 80’s producing for Eric B and Rakim and, later discovered Nas.
Matt Van Rooy Presents: Lord Finesse & Large Professor Ft Boogie Blind Australian Tour where the frontman to the legendary Diggin’ In The Crates crew - one of Boogie Down’s royals in Lord Finesse meets the founding member of the original Main Source - Harlem’s biggest in Large Professor. Supported by turntablist DJ Boogie Blind from the cult-classic cut crew The X-Ecutioners, these New York legends are set to put on their first Australian tour hitting four major city centres.
New York’s gulliest hip hop live and up front like you’ve never had so close to the grill - Wednesday, 13 April 2016 – Amplifier – Perth, Australia.
TICKETS – $50.00 + Booking Fee – Go to www.mattvanrooy.com
For more info check out the FB page right HERE
Bace Kadet Interview
Rappfox chats to one of Perth's up-and-coming turntablists, Bace Kadet.
Bace Kadet is not only one of the young crew bringing back the art of DJing but he is also a promoter of the monthly Dank night.
2016 is looking promising for Bace Kadet as his name appears on a number of line ups and Dank celebrates its first birthday.
Read more of the interview here.
Bace Kadet is not only one of the young crew bringing back the art of DJing but he is also a promoter of the monthly Dank night.
2016 is looking promising for Bace Kadet as his name appears on a number of line ups and Dank celebrates its first birthday.
Read more of the interview here.
Edition 1 of The Fix with L$treet
Welcome to the first edition of The Fix with Perth DJ, DJ L$treet.
Each month L$treet will tell us his top 5 national and international hip hop tracks. Always a controversial topic!
If you're a true Perth hip hop fan, then you should be familiar with DJ L$street. Not only has he been an integral part of the Perth scene for 15 years, he has also been on supports for nearly every local show.
Click here to read L$treet's Top 5 (in no particular order) and keep it locked to Rappfox for all things Perth hip hop.
Each month L$treet will tell us his top 5 national and international hip hop tracks. Always a controversial topic!
If you're a true Perth hip hop fan, then you should be familiar with DJ L$street. Not only has he been an integral part of the Perth scene for 15 years, he has also been on supports for nearly every local show.
Click here to read L$treet's Top 5 (in no particular order) and keep it locked to Rappfox for all things Perth hip hop.
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.
The Tongue Interview
Rappfox interviews The Tongue in the lead up to his Hard Feelings tour show in Perth.
According to the rapper, "...Hard Feelings is my best album… it’s my fourth album… so I think if you listen to those records you can hear a steady progression."
Read the interview here.
The Tongue is playing Hussle Hussle at Mojos Bar Fremantle next Friday 12th February. $15 pre-sale or $20 on the door. Hit the event page for more info.
According to the rapper, "...Hard Feelings is my best album… it’s my fourth album… so I think if you listen to those records you can hear a steady progression."
Read the interview here.
The Tongue is playing Hussle Hussle at Mojos Bar Fremantle next Friday 12th February. $15 pre-sale or $20 on the door. Hit the event page for more info.
Tornts in Perth Saturday 6th February
Broken Tooth Entertainment rapper Tornts hits Perth this Saturday 6th February at Babushka Leederville on his No Compromise Australian tour.
The Melbourne rapper who has been in the game since 2003 and over 13 years has released five studio albums, dropped No Compromise in September last year which has been receiving positive reviews.
Also produced by the rapper, No Compromise paints a picture of life in Australian from Tornts perspective; a gritty, no holds barred account. Tracks such as Too Tough schools listeners on the way of the streets, pulling inspiration from Tornts’ life events and characters. But it’s not all melancholy with the rapper getting introspective, touching on his baby son and life successes.
Thanks to Dank, Tornts brings his energetic rap show back to Perth to celebrate the release of his fifth studio album. Saturday 6th February 2016 @ Babushkas Leederville. Door sales only $20. Don’t miss this show with one of Australian hip hop’s pioneers. For more info, click the event page.
The Melbourne rapper who has been in the game since 2003 and over 13 years has released five studio albums, dropped No Compromise in September last year which has been receiving positive reviews.
Also produced by the rapper, No Compromise paints a picture of life in Australian from Tornts perspective; a gritty, no holds barred account. Tracks such as Too Tough schools listeners on the way of the streets, pulling inspiration from Tornts’ life events and characters. But it’s not all melancholy with the rapper getting introspective, touching on his baby son and life successes.
Thanks to Dank, Tornts brings his energetic rap show back to Perth to celebrate the release of his fifth studio album. Saturday 6th February 2016 @ Babushkas Leederville. Door sales only $20. Don’t miss this show with one of Australian hip hop’s pioneers. For more info, click the event page.
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.
Interview with Able8 & Cash Krzma
Rappfox interviews producer Able8 and rapper Cash Krzma on the release of Solitary Electric featuring Dot, and asks whether this release is a nod to a collaboration EP.
Listen to the interview here.
And listen to Solitary Electric here and purchase the track here.
Listen to the interview here.
And listen to Solitary Electric here and purchase the track 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.
Tera Interview
Rappfox interviews Perth rapper Tera on the release of his debut album Belly of the Beast and the journey it took to release the album later in his life.
Listen to the interview here.
Purchase his debut album 'Belly of the Beast' here.
Listen to the interview here.
Purchase his debut album 'Belly of the Beast' 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.
A.Saxon Interview
Beat Down 8
Peep the Beat Down 8 photos here.
Shout out to the lord Matsu Photography for lending me his lens.
Beat Down 8 review up soon!
Shout out to the lord Matsu Photography for lending me his lens.
Beat Down 8 review up soon!
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.
Interview with Seasta Chani
Perth femcee Seasta Chani speaks to Rappfox about the release of her debut album and being a full-time mum/musician.
Listen to the audio interview here.
Download her debut album from Bandcamp here.
Listen to the audio interview here.
Download her debut album from Bandcamp 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.
Interview with SMOG
SMOG is Perth rapper Kogz, Melbournian Maggot Mouf, and Perth producers Rob Shaker and Mat Rafle.
Friday 23rd October the boys released their debut album SMOG, which is currently available on iTunes and Bandcamp.
Rappfox interviewed SMOG about the 19-track album.
Read interview here.
Interview with Hyclass
Unless you’ve been sleeping, you would have heard that Perth femcee Hyclass has recently come out of a hiatus to release an EP. The 8-song EP I NEED U features 90’s influenced jams with Hyclass’ soulful flow.
Rappfox interviewed Hyclass on what she’s been up to (other than making throwback music), the release of the EP and what else she’s got on the cards.
Read more here.
Rappfox interviewed Hyclass on what she’s been up to (other than making throwback music), the release of the EP and what else she’s got on the cards.
Read more here.
Jam Baxter Interview
Rappfox for Launch Australia interviews High Focus Records rapper Jam Baxter in the lead up to the Freshly Skeletal Australian Tour.
Freshly Skeletal is the sophomore album of the Dead Players who are Jam Baxter, fellow High Focus Records rapper Dabbla and producer Ghosttown. Jam discusses making the album and why he loves touring Australia. Peep the interview here.
Freshly Skeletal is the sophomore album of the Dead Players who are Jam Baxter, fellow High Focus Records rapper Dabbla and producer Ghosttown. Jam discusses making the album and why he loves touring Australia. Peep the interview here.