It’s no secret that Melbourne boutique hip hop label Crate Cartel have been putting out some of the purist hip hop music in Australia for years now. Having the deepest respect for the genre’s roots, the Cartel is conscientiously on point when adhering to age-old principals and legacies.

None demonstrates this dedication to the movement more than Fluent Form, possessing all the background knowledge, experience and sensitivity required. Flu is the A-grade emcee, and what he has produced with new album Flu Season is no less than top-shelf hip hop.

 

As Fluent Form has matured, so too has his music. With a certain bravery, his new material contains more sensitivity both tonally and lyrically than displayed on previous albums Word Merchant (2011) and The Furnace (2009). Known in the past for his aggressive execution, the Melbourne emcee has redefined his stylistic approach in the hope that “it gives the listener an opportunity to digest everything I’m saying.” 

Ever the contrarian, upon every listen Flu’s cryptic word play uncovers truth after truth for those who choose to hear it. Lyrical themes range from braggadocio tracks, displaying wordplay at its very best, to highly creative conceptual tracks, which seek to examine the world outside of first person.

Guests on the album include Geko, Pang Production’s 1/6, Mata & Must, as well as American cohorts One Be Lo and Has-Lo, while production credits go to Must Volkoff, Geko, Discourse and L’Orange.

 

Second track on the album ‘Ironclad’ epitomises Flu’s new formula for writing with its laid back production by Must Volkoff paired with abstract lyricism. The layers of metaphor and double entendre designed to reward ‘true’ Flu fans.

 

With production by Crate Cartel’s Discourse, ‘Synthetic Love’ is a conceptual gem. Taking on the persona of ‘addiction’ in the first verse, Flu explores the subject and its effects often drawing on his own experiences. The second verse sees Fluent Form as himself, changing his thought patterns, using honest reflection as a way of ultimately defeating his nemesis.

 

Perhaps the most personally generous track on the album, ‘Fan Mail’ is written from the perspective of Flu’s inner critic. Melancholic piano samples trademark the production by Geko, perfectly indicative of the desolate subject matter. “You fought the good fight, but it’s time to leave”.

An album for those who appreciate a philosophical outlook and a cryptic unravelling, Flu Season is a masterful piece of work from start to finish.

“My style isn’t exactly the most accessible to the average listener. But I don’t write for them, I write for me firstly, and for the people who know.” – Fluent Form
Watch clip for ‘A Grade’ below:

Release Date: 02.08.2013
Released By: Crate Cartel
Distributed By: Obese Records Distribution

Pre-order Flu Season from JB Hi-Fi here.

After evolving from the former Kade MC to the more matured Mr. Ruckman in the new year of 2013. This insightful rapper has been on hiatus from gigging in preparation of his new record The Born-Again Humanist, a concept album seeing release July 26^th through Obese Records Distribution. Mr. Ruckman is a provocative Sydney emcee who’s been toiling away in the underground for over a decade, generating interest and insight through his passionate music and lively performances.

Mr. Ruckman presents lyrics of a skillful caliber, complimenting the raw production of local musicians to acclaimed hip-hop producers Simplex and Jacob Giles.

Listen to ‘Dark Poet’ on soundcloud below:

Release Date:26.07.2013
Released By: Obese Records Distribution

Purchase The Born Again Humanist from JB Hi-Fi here

Melbourne born and bred and raised on a diet of traditional hip hop both local and abroad, Force has been steadily building as an artist since his 2009 debut album Clouded, which featured Maundz, Hunter (RIP), A-diction and more. From there it was evident that a respect for the art form reigned true.

It’s now 2013 and whilst nothing has changed in the respect for the pioneers, the sound Force is bringing certainly has. After forming Down For The Count Records and releasing a slew of crew products, Force has now teamed up with Jacki Onassisproducer Zarkov (Raph) to release a genre bending album that takes listeners on a journey of effortlessly blended hip hop with an aggressive electronic driven edge. All whilst maintaining the gritty, raw, flow driven style Force has become known for.

Alongside Force the album features some of Australia’s best hip hop artists from the stables of Born Fresh, Crate Cartel, Obese Records, Broken Tooth Entertainment and Down for The Count Records.

Tommy Illfigga, Sparts, Fluent Form, Fraksha, Dialectrix, Sinks, Muph, Mol One, Baptist, Pompei and Deece all join in to deliver a truly unique listening experience.

Listen to ‘Inner Dark’ from Force below:

Release Date: 26.07.13
Released By: Down For The Count Records
Distributed By: Obese Records

Artwork: Chad Mann of Third Half Design
Produced by: Zarkov
Format: Compact Disc and digital (itunes & bandcamp)

Purchase Force now from Soul Clap Records here 
Purchase Force now from JB Hi-Fi here 

Hyjak has returned in 2013, this time with his first solo studio album entitled The Light at the End of the Tunnel.

Not having released anything since 2009 in the form of Hyjak N Torcha‘s Unregrettable, Hyjak has been feeling the pressure of standing on his own two feet as a solo artist. Nevertheless, he returns to the fold more focused and lyrically articulate than ever.

Only a few seconds into the album Hyjak has already laid his cards on the table, dissecting his own faults while simultaneously rising above them. Hyjak‘s most honest autobiographical work to date; The Light at the End of the Tunnel is an emotional roller-coaster ride. With lyrics which paint vivid and evocative pictures, Hyjak recreates past experiences through his lyrics.

With production from a vast assortment of producers, the impressive list includes Ciecmate (Broken Tooth Entertainment), Pokerbeats (Germany), and Jolistics (TZU).

Guest vocalists featured on the album such as P. Smurf (Daily Meds), Hau (Koolism), and Brooklyn native Rock from Heltah Skeltah (Bootcamp Click), emphasize the widespread respect Hyjak has earned over the course of his rap career.

With an excessive amount of music being released in the current industry climate, due to the accessibility of producing software and the rise of the DIY ‘bedroom studio’, Hyjakwanted to give his fans an album which stands out from the rest. With that aim, The Light at the End of the TunnelThe LP was carefully engineered and crafted a large format console, using nothing but world-class analogue and digital gear to create a timeless sound.

Check out the clip for ‘All I Need’ below:

Release Date: 12.07.2013
Released By: Obese Records Distribution

Purchase The Light at the End of the Tunnel now from iTunes here

Purchase The Light at the End of the Tunnel now from JB HI-FI here