Update: Grab it now on iTunes!

The “Australian Hip Hop Supports Canteen” album is one of MC Hunter‘s (RIP) final projects and is due for release on Friday, December 2. It will be available online and in most retail outlets for $24.95, with all proceeds going towards CanTeen, who offer information and support to teenagers suffering from cancer.

Australian Hip Hop Supports Canteen Front Cover

The double CD compilation is packed with value featuring 32 brand new tracks from the likes of Bias B, Downsyde, Drapht, Elefant Traks All Stars, Hilltop Hoods, Hunter, Koolism, Mortarand a whole load more. There’s even a new track from Graphic that some of you are no doubt itching to get your ears on. Tracklisting CD1

1. Dazastah & Porsah Lane – Roll
2. Koolism – Head High
3. Hilltop Hoods – Handmade
4. Hunter & Andrew Mack – My Life
5. Elefant Traks All Stars – Colours (Hermitude, Solo, The Tongue, Ozi Batla  & Urthboy)
6. The Master – Diagnosis
7. Krisdafari – Hold It Down
8. Cartoon Hell – Acid Spitting Mongolian Deathworm
9. Newsense – V for Vendetta
10. Complete & Sever – Huey R
11. LSD & the Missus – Self Destruct
12. Chase – City of Grime
13. Mortar – Oh Lord
14. Aftershock – So This Is Vandalism feat. Intelekt, Smiley & Verdikt
15. Smiley – Imagine feat. The Long March
16. Kadyelle, Thorts, Hunter & Porsah Lane – Feel At Home

Tracklisting CD2

1. Layla – Loves Times Pie Recurring..
2. Hunter, Dazastah & Drapht – When We Were Kids
3. Bias B – In Love With The Music
4. Downsyde – Nothing To Lose
5. Ciecmate – Everybreath (Newsense Remix)
6. G Force – Beast
7. Bitter Belief, Hunter & Creed Birch – Up And Downs
8. Slackjaw & Skank One – 2 Troo Vocalists
9. Rip Snorta Raw – The Show Must Go On
10. BRB – Hard Times
11. Reason – Why Would I Say I Am feat. Axxin the Supernova
12. Defyre – Which Way
13. Graphic – Know Where You’re Goin
14. Brethren – All About The Life feat. BRB
15. Selekt Few – Words
16. Money Kat – Get Yours

Be sure to get your copy and support a great cause!

Drapht - The Life of Riley

The album has been released on Drapht‘s own label, The Ayems which has distribution through Sony Music! That’s a huge step forward after doing his last two albums signed to Obese Records, and no doubt brings a lot more pressure to deliver and a lot of pleasure when you do.

“Never in my life have I put so much time and energy into one single thing. Mentally, the making of this album broke me and drove me to the brink of insanity on so many different occasions, a song wasn’t worthy of the record unless it did so.”

You can grab Drapht's new album The Life of Riley on iTunes now, or go grab it from your local CD store. Also, get out of the house for a while and go catch the man and his abnd on tour all around the country, the details are below.

Update: Word from Drapht is the album hit #1, congrats to EVERYONE envolved in putting that together. HOME RUNS!

triple j, Fidelity Corporation and The Ayems Records present
DRAPHT
The Life of Riley Tour

With special guests Mantra and The Tongue
Tickets on sale Thursday 10th March

• Friday 8th April – Kay Street, Traralgon
  Tickets from www.oztix.com.au, 03 5176 0464
• Saturday 9th April – Bended Elbow, Geelong
  Tickets from www.oztix.com.au, 03 5229 4477
• Sunday 10th April – New Albury Hotel, Albury
  Tickets from www.oztix.com.au, 02 6021 3599
• Thursday 14th April – Kings Beach Tavern, Sunshine Coast
  Tickets from www.oztix.com.au, 07 5491 1366
• Friday 15th April – Hi Fi, Brisbane
  Tickets from www.thenorthern.com.au, 1300 843 434, Kill The Music, Butter Beats, Gooble Warming, Atlantis Music Southport
• Saturday 16th April – Coolangatta Hotel, Coolangatta
  Tickets from www.oztix.com.au, 1300 762 545
• Sunday 17th April – Great Northern, Byron Bay
  Tickets from www.thenorthern.com.au, 02 6685 6454, www.oztix.com.au
• Thursday 21st April – HQ, Adelaide
  Tickets from www.venuetix.com.au, 08 8225 8888
• Friday 22nd April – Billboard, Melbourne
  Tickets from www.ticketek.com.au, www.moshtix.com.au, 03 9639 4000
• Thursday 5th May – Carrington Hotel, Blue Mountains
  Tickets from www.oztix.com.au, 02 4283 3588
• Friday 6th May – Wollongong Uni, Wollongong
  Tickets from Redback Music Wollongong, www.bigtix.com.au, www.oztix.com.au
• Thursday 19th May – Breakers, Geraldton
  Tickets from Geraldton CD, Centre www.heatseeker.com.au
• Friday 20th May – Metro City, Perth
  Tickets from Star Surf Perth & Mandurah, Mills, Planet, www.heatseeker.com.au
• Saturday 21st May – Studio 146, Albany
  Tickets from Southern Sound, Vibes, www.heatseeker.com.au

This is Raven‘s second solo album after his first effort in 2007, Humble Beginnings and his previous efforts with Lost Soulz and his duo with Geko.  Aside from the Guest verses, there’s a total of 9 Raven solo tracks on the album, the best of which would have to be the lead single, Devil’s Advocate & Pusher Man.  Read the press release below for more info or checkout the lead single Devil’s Advocate right now on YouTube and buy the album direct from Crate Cartel or on iTunes.

Raven - Ravenous 2010

RAVEN
Ravenous 20Ten
Available: December 3rd, 2010
Released by: Crate Cartel
Distributed by: Obese Records

Following the success of his debut solo album Humble Beginnings (2008), Raven is back with his sophomore release Ravenous 20Ten. Rising through the underground of Melbourne Hip-Hop as an emcee with the group Lost Soulz, Raven emerged as a lyricist to watch out for. Featuring as a member of the Hungry Humans crew and Crate Cartel Records, he has cemented a name for himself as a well respected artist with vivid lyrical content and strong presence.

Ravenous 20Ten combines traditional Hip-Hop with personal and politically charged topics to create a concept album where Raven observes two worlds; the world that immediately surrounds him and the world that surrounds us all. It is a journey through the different stages of Ravens adult life. Starting with the powerful “Ravenous 20Ten Intro” the emotive soundscape combined with Ravens technical flow demand the listeners? attention which is then held from start to Finish.

On the opening crowd pleasers “Pusher Man” and “Barb Wire (ft. Maundz)” We learn of Ravens love for the raw spirit of hip hop which is ever current in all his music. From here we are taken to the streets of Melbourne on tracks like “Beer Pressure” and “That Attitude” Which summarise the highs and lows of a night out on the town. The vibe changes at this point with Raven being whisked into the daily grind on the moody “Devils Advocate” which delves into the pressure of the corporate world and the sacrifices that are required to survive it. On “I’m an Emcee” and “Fitness” he bounces back to his roots as an emcee in impressive fashion.

On the second half of the album Raven uses his ability to give his detailed perspective on the world. One of the
albums biggest surprises is “The Hermit Song” produced by Brisbane’s latest super-producer Cam Bluff (Vegas Aces). This anthemic banger pays homage to those who quite frankly would rather just stay home! Assisting on the mic are fellow Crate Cartel emcees Fluent Form, Geko and Maundz, Geelong’s Insomniacs Fatty Phew, Luke Mac and Spit, long time affiliate Aetcix and Myk Reid and Adelaide’s Certified Wise member Vents.

Ravenous 20Ten features production from some of Australia’s most sort after producers including Geko, Cam Bluff and WIK plus more. Canadian heavy hitter Engineer (Diabolic, Immortal Technique, Rhyme Asylum) also adds his sound to round out the album. Emotionally driven, this is a story of parties, protests and procrastination! This is Ravenous 20Ten.

Tour dates for Brisbane, Sydney, Canberra, Adelaide, Geelong and Melbourne have been scheduled for early 2011.

Track listing:
01. Ravenous 20Ten Intro
02. Pusher Man
03. Barb Wire (ft. Maundz)
04. Beer Pressure
05. That Attitude
06. Devil’s Advocate
07. I’m An Emcee
08. Fitness
09. My Generation Is (ft. Fluent Form and Geko)
10. The Righteous and The Wretched (ft. Vents)
11. Ravolution
12. The Hermit Song
13. What The Future Holds (ft. Geko and Luke Mac)
14. Final Decision
15. Hush (ft. Aetcix, Luke Mac, Spit, Myk Reid, Geko and Fatty Phew)

Links:
http://www.ravenous20ten.com
http://www.cratecartel.com
http://www.twitter.com/raven20ten

A-Diction - Walkin' Alone

A-DICTION
Walkin’ Alone
Available: August 6th
Distributed by: Obese Records

The name A-Diction says it all; wordplay, cleverness, and an overall obsession with the previous two points.

Born and raised in Melbourne, the duo consists of MCs Breach and Boltz. Breach, the precise wordsmith with focussed flow and witty punchlines, and Boltz, the crooner known for his explosive debut album ‘The Wishlist’, which featured international heavyweight Royce da 5’9” and local producer extraordinaire M-Phazes.

Yet, having released a number of well received works (2005’s ‘To be Announced’ EP; last year’s ‘The Three Year Itch’ mixtape and more recently the ‘In Good Company’ mixtape), the group have never released a full length LP; until now.

Their debut album, ‘Walkin’ Alone’, was painstakingly crafted from the rough and tumble reality of Melbourne life, and is best summarised by the events that led up to its release; it is an album that is bipolar in its thinking, a colourful swatch book of memories and observations that flitters between the lows of poverty and despair, and the highs of friendship and hilarity.

Years in the making, the LP has left no stone unturned when it comes to actively seeking musical collaborators; A-Diction have spared no expense in working with the likes of M-Phazes (Drapht, Bliss N Eso), Jase (Phrase, Daniel Merriweather, Pegz), Whisper (Equills), Lewis One (Twice As Nice) Mules (Hyjak N Torcha, Choose Mics) and enlisted the vocal talents of Vida Sunshyne and Bekah.

Behind the mic they are joined by a broad spectrum of respected and up and coming MC’s with Haunts and G-Force making memorable contributions; in addition Scott Burns, Billy Bunks, Whisper, Raven and Fraksha join A-Diction on a posse cut that is sure to be an instant underground classic. Meanwhile Doc Felix, DJ Mathmatics and DJ Juice provide some world class cutting on the album.

Available nation wide through Obese Records Distribution on August 6th 2010, the album, 4 years in production, reinforces the adage that good things come to those who wait, and clearly demonstrates the power of quality over quantity.

Backed with some impressive artwork by renowned illustrator R. Lyons, ‘Walkin’ Alone’ is a definitive all in one package; a fitting debut for artists with ten times the commercial success, let alone two poetic Melbourne partners in rhyme.

Tracklisting

1. Intro
2. Walkin’ Alone
3. Consistent
4. One Fact
5. Wingman
6. Drop the Beat feat. G-Force & Vida-Sunshyne
7. What We Do
8. Ladies & Gentleman
9. Capital Vices feat. Fraksha, Billy Bunks, Scott Burns, Whisper & Raven
10. Who Can? We Can feat. Haunts of Choose Mics
11. Just You
12. Unbalanced
13. Lost for Words
14. Hold On Prelude
15. Hold On

A-Diction’s new album Walkin’ Alone is available now through JB Hifi or grab it digitally on iTunes.

The album which is completely produced by The Crate Creeps features a diverse range of MC’s, who are not all bound within Australian shores.  Lining up alongside The Crate Creeps are Mantra, Kings Konekted, Suffa of Hilltop Hoods, Trials of The Funkoars, Rakaa Iriscience of Dilated Peoples, Rhyme Asylum and many more.

Crate Creeps - It's About That Time

Tracklisting

1. Introduction ft. Suffa Mc (Hilltop Hoods)
2. Time Trials ft. Trials (The Funkoars)
3. Walk on By ft. Pure Product
4. Jeans, Tee’s and Sneakers Rap ft. Eloquence and Truths
5. Save Your Breath ft. Mantra, DJ Adfu, Tommy Illfigga
6. Divine Right of Kings ft. Rhyme Asylum
7. As the Clock Ticks ft. Mata & Must
8. Loop The Tape Up ft. The Optimen
9. Where Do I Begin ft. Tommy Illfigga
10. Terrorist Medley ft. Kings Konekted & Rezadent
11. Still Gettin Mine ft. Verbal Kent (Chicago)
12. Make The Cut ft. Terntable Jediz
13. Make Mine ft. Thundamentals
14. Its About That Time ft. Rakaa Iriscience (Dilated Peoples), Clinic & Proclaim
15. Brain Is On Vexed ft. Pie Emc3e
16. The Bad Men ft. Robby Balboa & Haunts (Choose Mics)
17. Move Hesitant ft. Adverse (A Dying Breed)
18. Ill-Legit ft. Ill-legitimate Crew
19. Writers ft. Yuin Huzami (The Coalition Crew) & Rainman

You can grab this now from all your JB Hifi’s if they haven’t already sold out, if they have you can order it online from WaterFront Records, because it’s still not available on iTunes.  If you’d like some more info on the Crate Creeps, checkout this interview over at Certified Scribe or stay tuned over the next few days.  You can also get more of an insight into Born Fresh over at All Aussie Hip Hop.

To sum this album up quickly and shortly, there’s not a track on here I wouldn’t play you to try and sell it to you, that says a lot in todays music market.

Stepping up to the plate are Crate Cartel label mates Raven & Fluent Form alongside Luke Mac, Fatty Phew, Bias B, Bigfoot, Jakebizz, Aetcix and Maundz. Judging on previous Crate Cartel productions and the previous work of most of the MC’s on this, it’s a pretty safe bet you’re not going to waste your money, so go get your pre-order on now.

Geko - Crate Cartel Radio

Tracklisting

1. Maundz – Drama
2. Fluent Form, Raven & Geko – Detonate
3. Bigfoot, Jakebizz & Fluent Form – Victory
4. Bias B, Fluent Form & Geko – Waiting
5. Fatty Phew & Luke Mac – Insomnia
6. Raven – The Beast
7. Fluent Form, Raven & Geko – Not Going Out
8. Interval
9. Ciecmate – Are You With Me
10. Fluent Form & Geko – Frontline
11. Kings Konekted – Sniper Soliloquies
12. Aetcix & Geko – Still Hungry
13. Fluent Form & Geko – Memories

This here is a contender for OHH album artwork of the year, simple but effective.  You can also check out the lead video for the album right here, it’s titled Memories and features Fluent Form.

Spit Syndicate-Exile

SPIT SYNDICATE
Exile
Available: May 14th, 2010

Leaving behind the hype and buzz of their ARIA-nominated debut, the long awaited second album from Sydney’s Spit Syndicate is the continuation of the duo’s growth as tastemakers in Australian hip-hop. After a hiatus dotted by real life, touring and overseas travel, Spit Syndicate return with Exile; a rich, progressive sophomore album replete with groove, substance, and the pair’s trademark sleek aesthetic.

Inspired by the clarity of mind borne out of travel, the feeling of suffocation by one’s everyday surroundings and the displacement sometimes required to get right, Exile invites you to a world away from the mundane and uninspired. It pits the listener against the surrounds of comfort and familiarity and supplants it with thrill, excitement, and flirtation; evoking ideas of escape, both physically and mentally.

Nick Lupi (22) and Jimmy Nice (23) have carefully crafted rich, textured songs; catchy melodic lines woven with the lyrical dexterity for which the duo are widely regarded. The pair move seamlessly between self-reflection, triumphant flexing, vivid story-telling, and bleak yet poignant observation, displaying an acute awareness of the road in front of them and the world around them.

The journey is buoyed by the album’s soulful yet ultimately banging production, the bulk of which is handled by Adit (Horrorshow). Adit lends his prodigious talent as the album’s executive producer, resulting in a polished, cohesive body of work: epic yet delicate grooves, live instrumentation and slamming drums. Superproducer M-Phazes also contributes to Exile, as do rising beatsmiths JSquared (Melb) and Cam Bluff (Bris). Guest vocalists are restricted to Spit Syndicate’s One Day family; the freakishly talented Solo, the ever-so-soulful Joyride (Spit Syndicate’s DJ) and the divine Sarah Corry provide layered, warm and sometimes haunting vocals on Exile.

Touted by hip-hop heads and legends alike as a group to watch when they burst onto the scene, Spit Syndicate display a level of growth in Exile which proves that such praise, hype and expectations were not misplaced. Fresh after taking their notoriously high-energy live show around the country on the wildly successful Inside Story national tour with close friends Horrorshow, Spit Syndicate are poised to take the listener into exile.

Track listing

1. Exile
2. Crooks and Crimescenes
3. Showtime (ft. Solo)
4. Exhale
5. Starry-Eyed
6. Pretty Girls Make Graves
7. Kings Only
8. Disruption
9. Table for Two
10. The Creditors (ft. Joyride)
11. Can’t Go Home (ft. Sarah Corry)
12. Contour Lines (ft. Solo)
13. Endgame

Signed pre-orders are available now through JB Hifi and it also comes with a bonus MP3 of a live recording of the track Kings Only recorded April 10th at The Factory. Update: 

Ozi Batla - Put It On wax

OZI BATLA – WILD COLONIAL (MAY 14) Elefant Traks

At long last, the debut solo record from Ozi Batla – Wild Colonial.

The most personal record of Ozi’s career sees him pick apart the pieces and put them back together over the course of 12 songs. Padded with humour and honesty, Wild Colonial reveals the passions of love, life and hip hop culture; as well as loneliness, contradictions and a sense of purpose. Rich in imagery and reflection, songs like ‘Distant Shore’ where the “morning sun might save his life” achieve that great rarity of genuinely moving the listener.

Sandro has a crate-digger’s aesthetic, previously having worked with the likes of Good Buddha and Def Wish Cast among others. His funk is back to the future; beautiful golden era hip hop with a psychedelic demeanour: the perfect setting for Ozi’s lyrics.

DJ Bonez needs no intro, with his trademark impeccable cuts holding shit down, starring on the first single Put it on Wax. A video for which is being created by Artifacts (nominated for a J Award for Australian Music Video of the Year – 2009).

Beautifully packaged, Wild Colonial may be Ozi Batla’s best record in a career dotted with highlights.

Maundz - Mr. Nobody

Track listing:

1. The Real Deal
2. Milk Crates
3. Extra Extra
4. Pink Shirts
5. White Shirts
6. March the 5th (ft. Fluent Form)
7. No Concern
8. Lamens Term (ft. Shawn Lov)
9. Mr Nobody
10. Possibilities (ft. Deece)
11. Game Time (ft. Verbal Kent & Briggs)
12. Agent 99
13. What’s Happnin
14. She’s Gone
15. Lipstick
16. Keyboard Warriors (ft. Nevaless & Fat Ho)
17. The Campaign

MAUNDZ
Mr. Nobody
Available: May 7th
Distributed by: Obese Records

After years of keeping the scene at bay, 2010 will finally see the highly anticipated release of local MC Maundz’s debut LP, Mr. Nobody.

Clichés and tall tales aside, the Melbourne city native breathes the ferocity of a seasoned veteran and is bound to set the benchmark on how hip hop should be.

Since releasing his first two 7” records through Mass MC’s Double Beef Records (2005), the 24-year-old MC has garnered a strong underground following within the country, living up to his reputation as the local scene’s best kept secret.

Featuring a stellar line up of producers from abroad including Vanderslice (US: Sean Price, OuterSpace, Army of the Pharoahs) and Wizard of the UK (Farma G, Task Force, Micall Parknsun), Maundz is joined by neighbouring beasts behind the boards; J-Squared (Illy), Methodz (Brad Strut, Shawn Lov), WIK, B Wiv and Rob Shaker.

With a spread of 16 tracks in total, this ravenous MC holds his own as a destined crown holder within the local hip hop community, spitting effortlessly with conviction and charisma over a volatile package of instrumentals.

Alongside Maundz, guests include Verbal Kent (US), Shawn Lov (US), Fluent Form, Briggs and long time associate Deece.

This album is a must have for any true hip hop head that likes their music brutally honest, humorous and downright gritty to the bone.

Lock your doors. Nobody’s home.

Hunter & DJ Vame-Monster House

Tracklisting:

1. Intro
2. Destined
3. Bring it on Wax
4. Put to the Scimitar
5. Don’t Give a Fuck (Additional vocals by Kelly Hayden)
6. Night out (Additional vocals by Chantal)
7. Say a Prayer
8. Hardcore HipHop
9. Ultrasound (featuring Defyre)
10. Unlikely Pairing (featuring Nick Sweepah)
11. Not What I Am (featuring Dyverse & Intalekt)
12. Monster House (featuring Hunter, Reason, Sinner, Mortar, Axxin the Supernova, Mr Karma, Mistery, Raph, Dazastah, Illergic, Thomas Rock & Layla)
13. Never Trust a Woman (featuring Porsah Laine)
14. Drug Kids (featuring Sinner)
15. Coming Home
16. What I Do Best

All tracks produced by DJ Vame

Update: Hunter & DJ Vame-Monster House is now available on iTunes

production is NUTS! Raps is CRAZY! Full of more ill joints than Michael J Fox, marfucker!

While they may not have been my exact choice of words, i’m sure this is going to be another fine mark on the Australian Hip Hop release timeline just like Boomtown. The Optimen’s album The Out Of Money Experience is due for release sometime in April 10th on Red Tape Entertainment; it was set to be distributed through Shogun Distribution, but now will be handled by Inertia.

You can catch a sample of the album by checking out the free single Firefighters and also checkout their MySpace for some newer tracks, including one featuring Lazy Grey and now you can pre-order the Out of Money Experience at JB-Hifi.

The Optimen-The Out of Money Experience

THE OPTIMEN

The Out of Money Experience

OUT: April 10, 2010

Red Tape Entertainment Distributed exclusively through Inertia

We got some good news here at Red Tape! From the people who brought you Boomtown and The Red Tape Renegades, The Optimen’s long-awaited sophomore album is in the big canvas bag with the dollar sign on it and they’re laughing all the way home from the bank (to keep from crying). The Out of Money Experience is a sonic excursion, a boom-bastic voyage, a sample-based tour-de-force, enriched lyrically by your favourite Boomtown bandits, The OPees.

Yeah, son. Shit is real! The production is bigger and better then ever. The sample chops are more musical and the low-end will leave you all shooken and your innocence tooken.

Of course, the drums are going to slap you in your face and “demand satisfaction”, and the raps will submerge the brain through the engaging consciousness of Kristoff the Russian, Sammsonite and DATS.

Subversive, honest and skillful, the OPees have kept it on a level. The guests are all your favourite rappers (and even some of your less favourite ones!) Tommy Ill, Jehst (UK), Rainman, Lazy Grey, Pure Product, The Archetypes (Clinic and Proclaim), Adverse and Phil the Agony (US).

1. O Shit!
2. Always
3. On the Rocks
4. 80s Babies
5. Firefighters
6. Interlude 1
7. Bigger Better More feat. Tommy Ill
8. Dust feat. Jehst
9. 30 Rock feat. Rainman
10. Something in the Air feat. Lazy Grey and Laneous
11. Interlude 2
12. Pay Cheques
13. Act 1 feat. Pure Product
14. Drop That
15. Number One feat. Adverse
16. Respecognise feat. The Archetypes and Kel
17. On the Rocks (Cam Bluff remix)
18. Number One (remix) feat. Phil The Agony and Adverse

Keep an eye out for more updates!!

Update: You can now pre-order the Out of Money Experience at JB-Hifi
Update: It’s now available on iTunes –

Mantra - Power of The Spoken

MANTRA
Power of the Spoken
Available: March 26th, 2010

Through his early work with Equills and acclaimed Melbourne outfit Illzilla, Mantra has been blazing a name for himself since 2005. Boasting a captivating flow and intelligent lyrical work, Mantra has risen in status to become one of Australia’s most respected MCs, as touted by artists and fans alike.

His debut album, Power of the Spoken, is driven by the importance of the verbalized thought; a way to paint ideas, thoughts, and opinions in its most effective form. In the opening title track, he breaks down the very word “mantra” as a concept- chanted and recited through history as “phonetic outreach” and distilled here as an introduction to his own; “spoken word as a weapon.”

Power of the Spoken is an electric hip hop album that isn’t afraid to embrace worldly elements. From the mystical Eastern influences of the title track to the multi-lingual and piano-based “Fall Guy”, the album features production by Mista Savona, Count Bounce and M-Phazes. The latter of whom produced the album’s first single, “I Hereby Stand”, a stand-out track powered by hard-hitting percussion and razor sharp flow. The track is the album’s right hook, the telling of Mantra’s credentials up to now- the blood and sweat spent on years of playing shows and the tireless work of becoming one of the finest MCs in the country.

In “Mad With It”, Mantra (with guest Jeremedy) takes an ironic jab at a world gone crazy, while in the aforementioned “Fall Guy,” he takes a sombre look at personal vulnerability; someone wracked with anxiety and depression, finding a way to cope through lyrical catharsis. “Perfect Little Island” is a fine example of Mantra’s unique ability to display his vision of the world, backed by brooding bass-heavy beats skittered with tinges of more electronic diversions; a dynamic combination of gritty musical textures and urgent thought.

Like “Perfect Little Island”, the album isn’t about broadcasting a message, but rather exploring the word and the language as the most effective tool for discourse translated by hip hop. Power of the Spoken represents diversity in style linked thematically by a strong belief in what it proclaims. His talent is undeniable and this, the Mantra takeover, resonates with the unquestionable power of the spoken word.

Track listing:

1. Power of the Spoken
2. The Wait
3. Thanks For Tuning In
4. Perfect Little Island
5. I Hereby Stand
6. Flightpath
7. Remember Where You Were
8. Fall Guy
9. Live It Out (ft. Cisco Tavares)
10. Mad With It (ft. Jeremedy)
11. I Wanna Go Home
12. Hip Hop Never Left

Update: Grab Mantra-Power of The Spoken on iTunes!

Good Gracious is easily one of the most anticipated albums being released in 2010 thats lingered form 2009, everyone wants to hear it and everyones going to have a view on how it sounds.  For the first time though they’re probably all going to agree on something, M-Phazes oozes awesome.

M-Phazes-Good Gracious

Track listing

1. For What It’s Worth (ft. Solo)
2. Where’s Elvis? (ft. Drapht)
3. The Freak Show (ft. Mantra)
4. Goodbye Gravity (ft. Muph & Plutonic w/ Candice Monique)
5. Home (ft. Delta)
6. Blind Man (ft. Pegz)
7. Long Winding Road (ft. Spit Syndicate)
8. Music Box (ft. Phrase)
9. The Club Song (ft. Forthwrite)
10. Keep Running (ft. Nfa)
11. Triumph (ft. 13th Son)
12. Walk On Clouds (ft. Bliss N Eso)
13. The Facilitator (ft. Dialectrix)
14. That’s What We On (ft. Nine High)
15. Take It From Me (ft. Illy)

M-PHAZES
Good Gracious
Available: February 26th, 2010

The long awaited debut full length album from acclaimed producer M-Phazes is finally here. Renowned for his ability to craft the perfect beat, his global pedigree is reflected by praise from his peers with an ever-growing list of artists seeking his sound for the backbone to their flow. After two years of countless studio hours, the album is his artistic triumph; a selection of work culled from the best of his production. Enlisting an unmatched collection of Australia’s most respected MCs, this 15-track album elicits a response synonymous with it’s title.

From the album’s opening manifesto “For What It’s Worth” (featuring Solo of Horrorshow), M-Phazes makes his artistic statement clear; ambition armed with his signature contemporary flip on soulful boom-bap music. In the first single “Goodbye Gravity”, M-Phazes’ work is met head on by Muph & Plutonic’s energetic live setting; resulting in a remarkable connection between live instrumentation (bass, keys & guitar with Plutonic Lab on percussion) orchestrated by M-Phazes and Muph’s distinct vocal tone. Highlighted by Melbourne soul singer Candice Monique’s choral hook, “Goodbye Gravity” is a certain achievement on its own.

Having worked with noted artists like chart-topping Amerie (Island Def Jam) and Pharoahe Monch, M-Phazes’ musical influences continue to expand. In the Phrase-featured track “Music Box,” elements of dance, electro, and pop are layered together in perfect harmony, creating the album’s sizzling dance floor anthem. Having received an ARIA win for his work with Bliss N Eso, their collaboration continues in “Walk On Clouds” which will be Bliss N Eso’s only guest feature prior to the release of their next album.

From the humorous (the Drapht-featuring conspiracy theory song “Where’s Elvis?”) to the gritty (“That’s What We On” featuring Nine High) to the soulful (see Illy’s introspective outro “Take It From Me”; a musical masterpiece comprised of live drums, guitar, keys, bass & a mini-choir), rarely does a debut album cover such immense ground in the musical spectrum. Showcasing the ridiculously talented future of Australian hip hop (Mantra in “The Freak Show” and Dialectrix’s spitfire rhymes in “The Facilitator”) alongside some of the biggest names in the business, there is no doubting M-Phazes’ career trajectory as Australia’s #1 merchant of music. Having future work with Kimbra and Bertie Blackman already on the books alongside the release of what some may just call his magnum opus, there are few words as fitting as Good Gracious!

Update: Grab M-Phazes-Good Gracious on iTunes now.

Thundamentals iTunes Live from Sydney will feature live recordings of the following 6 tracks from their recently released album Sleeping On Your Style:

1. I Hip Hop
2. The Mash
3. Serial Illa
4. My Lady
5. Sleeping On your Style
6. Move It Up

Head over to iTunes now and get your copy of Thundamentals-iTunes Live From Sydney which is hopefully not going to be the last live recording we see on iTunes from Australian Hip Hop artist or group.

This Friday the 20th of November will see the re-issue of The Calling, The Hard Road & The Hard Restrung on Golden Era Records with new covers, bonus tracks, all the videos and an interview about each album.

Hilltop Hoods Album Re-Issues

My wallet just cried.

These albums are also available on iTunes with all their bonus tracks, but minus the video clips it seems.  You can grab them here: The Calling, The Hard Road, The Hard Road Restrung .

Able’s new EP Ice Cream Won’t Save You is a must hear release, if you haven’t heard this yet I suggest you get out and have a listen as this is not your normal Australian Hip Hop sound.  There’s a very interesting sound for Hip Hop brewing over here on the west coast of Australia and Able is one of the guys stirring the brew alongside other members of The Community. It’s a sound that i believe is a side effect of Perth having such a diverse electronic musical culture (with a huge helping of breaks & drum n bass),  due to this Able’s production and choice of sound is reminiscent of many different electronic music genres, I even get the feeling his lyrical flow draws influence from hardcore and drum n bass MC’s.

5 tracks, $6.99 on iTunes? In my oppinion that’s a steal, so head to iTunes and grab a copy of Able's new EP Ice Cream Won't Save You today.

Able-Ice Cream Won't Save You

Following on from the release of his debut album Brains. Pizza. Booze in 2008, Perth based emcee/producer Able has been in the studio working solidly on new material. The result comes in the form Ice Cream Won’t Save You, a five track EP. Ice Cream Won’t Save You shows the maturity and development of an artist who continues to push the boundaries in Australian hip-hop.

Title track Ice Cream combines Able’s master story telling delivery alongside guest vocalist Mathas, from The Community. 2009 WAM Song of the Year nominated Animal draws the EP to a close and is Able at his raw, lyrical best, accompanied by live-drums and violin from members of The Typhoons. Ice Cream Won’t Save You will be out online and in stores through Paper Chain, and distributed via Firestarter.

1. Ice Cream
2. Frankenstein
3. Glitch
4. The Nut House
5. Animal

I’ve been following what i now like to call the “ex-Nurcha” crew for a while, buying their CD’s and listening to their work and watched as they did their own thing in a land full of BBQ’s & Beer, Politics and Graffiti taking knowledge in the fact that this is fundamental hip hop, people speaking their mind. Let’s be clear, Australian Hip hop isn’t “skip hop” (sorry guys) anymore, theres an artist for everybody’s tastes. Sometimes you don’t agree with that artists view, but that’s fine it doesn’t mean they’re any less an artist, you can still appreciate their work.

Phatchance is the side of Australian Hip Hop we’re yet to see take hold and I guess we’re about to see how it takes and i couldn’t predict it if I tried. Inkstains is a good album, but I wont be telling any stereo typical hip-hop heads to listen to it, because most of you are too closed minded to give it a chance. If you think you can open yourself up to someone elses introspection and emotion at any cost, then this album is for you. The album was approached conceptually “in essence Inkstains, both as a title and a release is trying to convey the mark that writing has made on my life” (Interview @ Certified Scribe). However it’s really just a young MC’s solo debut album, so allow him to get introspective and take you on an emotional journey while dealing with some personal issues and you’ll enjoy this album.

Tracks like Inkstains show you the Phatchance has the ability to write hits with the best of them, this will be the track you’re waving nodding your head to, no doubt. Other tracks on the album will strike emotional chords, others will just take you on a journey through a time in a young mans life and it’s all done well, but i’m not writing home about it, it’s just a good album.

The packaging is actually killer and that’s a big thing for me because i love jewel cases and have a strong hatred for the digipak. The digipak artwork is amazing and really shows off why people continue to use the digipak over a jewel case because the artistic theme can flow the whole way through packaging.

Another cool part about this release, is it features the 3rd CD in the I Forget, Sorry! bonus cd series. This has been a bonus disc series that has featured in the most recent releases of Mind Over Matter & Coptic Soldier (more of the “ex-Nurcha” Crew). This in itself has been an interesting feature and bonus for people willing to buy the cd, containing some really great tracks.

I was going to sit here riding on how emotional this album was, but then i got another listen and started to get the point of the album and saw past the emotion. You can’t just discount this (or any other for that matter) album on 1 or 2 listens, it’s not fair to the time the artist has put into it, nor should it be judged as 1 tune or half-listened. So grab yourself a copy of Phatchance – Inkstains next week when it comes out or give it a pre-order and give it a serious listen because this lad actually has something to say, but if you’re a closed minded fool, move along… there’s nothing to see here.

In short, after the first listen i didn’t know what i was going to write about, i only liked one track, but a few more listens down and other tracks begun to grow on me. Don’t toss it aside, all i’m saying is give Phatchance a chance.

Phatchance - Inkstains

Inkstains is the debut album from Sydney emcee Phatchance, it is a cohesive, emotive and extremely personal album that promises to smash open any remnants of the perception that Australian hip-hop is a genre with a shelf life. With a progressive sound riding somewhere between iconic Australian group The Hilltop Hoods and indie rockers Death Cab For Cutie, Inkstains ventures into new waters for local hip-hop music. Earnest lyrics and melancholy production thread the album together, interspersed with the same kind of high energy numbers that have pulled the genre from relative obscurity to a mainstay of the Australian live music scene. Inkstains is packed full of production from some of the best beat smiths in the country, including Adit (Horrorshow) and Akouo. California’s DJ Hoppa (Bliss N Eso – Up Jumped the Boogie) also provides production for the album, as do locals Konfuzion, Elgen & One Above.

Inkstains Track Listing

1. Inkstains
2. I Don’t Know – Feat. Sam Mcneill
3. The Catchy Song – Feat. 360, Smiles Again & Joyride
4. Mountain Of Glass
5. Build It Up – Feat. Hr King
6. Leaving The Nest
7. Battlescars
8. Invisible Queen
9. Reflections – Feat. Prime
10. C’est La Vie
11. Angels In My Ears
12. Leaving The Nest (Band Version)

I Forget, Sorry! #3 – I Finished Something

1. It’s Not A Secret
2. Liquid Company
3. Angels In My Ears – Remix
4. Coptic Soldier Boy
5. My Weekend – Feat. DJ Ilz
6. To The Bone
7. Inkstains – Dub Remix

Want to learn more about Phatchance? cop this recent interview over at Certified Scribe with Phatchance.

Want to get a pre-order for Inkstains? head over to JB Hifi Online and pre-order now.

Also over at Keep Moving, they have an interview with Phatchance done in Skype, rather than transcribe they’ve just posted up screenshots of the interview, interesting tactic.

Update: You can now get Phatchance's album Inkstains digitall from iTunes.

Fluent Form - The Furnace

The album production is handled by Crate Cartel’s Geko, with guest verses being supplied by old hats Brad Strut and Ciecmate with some of Melbourne’s best in Mata N Must, 1/6, Maundz, Fatty Phew and crew members Raven and Geko. With a diverse range of production from Geko, Ciecmate, Doc Felix, Must, K21, Methodz, Discourse and WIK joining the fray.

Head to your local JB Hifi and pick up a copy of Fluent Form – The Furnance as it’s currently not available on iTunes (Update: The Furnace is now available via iTunes, so grab it now). Alternatively you can grab the album direct from Crate Cartel.

The Furnace
Available: October 20th
Released by: Crate Cartel
Distributed by: Obese Records

Tracklist:

1. Spit Surgeon
2. Every Step
3. Lead Pipe Languages
4. Loco Motive (ft. Fatty Phew & Maundz)
5. Short Stories
6. The Furnace Cometh
7. Paper Chase Days
8. Take Notice (ft. Brad Strut & Ciecmate)
9. Repent
10. Endless Road
11. Authorized
12. 4 Aces (ft. Mata, Must & 1/6)
13. Capo Regime (ft. Raven & Geko)
14. Bright Lights Dark Shadows

After the success of his independently released debut album Chapters Of Substance, Fluent Form wasted no time in returning to the studio to begin work on his sophomore LP, The Furnace. Across these 14 tracks, Fluent continues to demonstrate his ability as a lyricist to combine concepts with complexity. To add to this release, Fluent has recruited a stellar line-up of guests including veterans Brad Strut and Ciecmate alongside some of Melbourne’s premier talents; Mata N Must, 1/6, Maundz, Fatty Phew and crew members Raven and Geko. With a diverse range of production from Geko, Ciecmate, Doc Felix, Must, K21, Discourse and WIK, this is an album for the heads that like their Hip Hop genuine and honest.

http://www.myspace.com/fluentformmusic
http://www.facebook.com/fluentform

Update: Fluent Form’s new album The Furnace is now available via iTunes, so grab it now

Chasm & Vida-Sunshyne - Move

CHASM & VIDA-SUNSHYNE
Move
Available: October 23rd

Track listing:
01. Lion Up
02. Where Did We Go Wrong? [WATCH VIDEO]
03. Reaching [STREAM]
04. The Highest (feat. Damajah) [STREAM]
05. Don Dada
06. Twinkle Twinkle (feat. Million Dan)
07. For All You Knew
08. Meditations
09. Stress (feat. Damajah)
10. Give Thanks (feat. Mantra)
11. Set Me Free
12. Arguments (feat. Damajah)
13. Move (feat. Damajah)

All tracks writen by V. Borquay except 1, 5, 8, 11.
Tracks 4, 9, 12, 13 writen by V.Borquay e & M.Laverack.
Track 6 writen by S.Kennedy & M.Dunn.
Track 10 writen by V.Borquay e & R.Tremlett.

All tracks produced by: Chasm

Chasm & Vida Sunshyne - Fire In The Building Mixtape (Mixed by DJ Diaz)

DJ Diaz has also put together a mix to promo the album, featuring tracks from Move and a few other recent Obese Records releases, you can grab a copy of the Fire In The Building Mixtape from here and listen to some great new Australian Music.

Update: Now it’s out, you can head over to iTunes and get yourself a copy of Move, by Chasm & Vida Sunshyne

Horroshow - Inside Story

Introducing one of the most rewarding hip hop listens of 2009, Horrorshow’s Inside Story.

Horrorshow bring the energetic optimism and anxiousness of post-school pre-mortgage times to life, with vividly true poetics. The coming to terms with what will ultimately be lifelong memories: from overseas travel and the perspective it provides; to self-realisation and adulthood. The lyrical and musical sophistication defy their youthfulness – but they play it humble – avoiding pretentiousness.

Let’s not get too philosophical on it – Inside Story is hip hop to its bones: but Solo holds notes as comfortably as rhyme flows, and Adit’s production is deep, with lush strings and evocative samples painting the picture.

In a short 18 months they’ve built up a loyal and expanding fanbase – playing Sydney Big Day Out, Groovin the Moo festivals, national tours with Hermitude and Muph & Plutonic as well as taking out Best Album for The Grey Space in Ozhiphop.com’s 2008 awards. They speak directly to young people, but with a mature outlook that has earned the respect of older heads.

Once again, extended ‘One Dayers’ crew Spit Syndicate guest on one track while The Herd’s Jane Tyrrell drops a sweet duet with Solo on another.

Inside Story is the album that positions Horrorshow as one of the picks of a very talented new crop.

If you want to get your pre-order on you can do that over at JBHifi now.

Update: You can now also grab Horrorshow’s new album Inside Story from iTunes.