From amidst the hard-living, notoriously crime ridden suburbs of Sydney’s outer west, an epitomizing voice has emerged in the form of Kerser.

Since releasing debut LP The Nebulizer only two years ago, Kerser proved himself an unrelenting force to be reckoned with. Despite his rapidly increasing popularity reflected in the charts and on social media, the Campbelltown native continues to be turned away by major radio stations. But the absence of radio play has proven almost irrelevant to Kerser. The unconventional yet democratic nature of his rise to fame has indicated the start of a new model of music business, free from the filtration of radio programmers and the limitations of genre quotas. Kerser The Anomalous has single-handedly created a loop hole in the system, and its working.

 

During the weeks surrounding the release of second album No Rest for the Sickest, Kerser charted at #1 on the national ARIA Urban charts, #1 on the iTunes Hip Hop charts, and #14 on the overall iTunes charts (not to mention the lesser known accolade of ‘Most Stolen Album From JB HiFi’). After a series of tours, festivals, and single releases, in August of 2013 Kerser released his first live tour DVD to an overwhelmingly positive reception debuting at #1 on the National ARIA Charts above P!nk.

 

Now with nowhere to go but forward, Kerser and faithful beatsmith Nebs have polished and perfected their trademark sound in the form of S.C.O.T.

 

“Me and Nebs dead-set think very alike. It took one long conversation to work out the angle we were going to take with this album. Then from there he started cooking up beats and I started writing, and it turned out just as we had both pictured it.”
– Kerser
While lyrically S.C.O.T reaffirms what he’s always been about, Kerser says the new album is also reflective of recent experiences and headspaces spurred by his success.

 

“These days I find myself kind of preaching to the youth a lot more. Letting them know no matter how bad shit gets where you’re at, there is a way out, and I’m proof of this.”
– Kerser

 

In the track titled ‘Scott Vs. Kerser’, the alter-ego and self take opposition. The lyrics tell about Scott pre Kerser fame, and how he hates what Kerser has become, to which Kerser retorts. The Nebs production mirrors the two-tone theme with two contrasting beats mixed skilfully into one.

 

‘The Real Shit’ features Nebs rapping alongside Kerser in a long-awaited vocal collaboration, on a braggadocio track celebrating their successes. The production sees Nebs work his magic on an 80’s style beat, changing it up with modern nuances.

One of Kerser’s personal favourite tracks on the album, ‘Let ‘em Fall Back’ is one for the haters. Over high voltage, upbeat Nebs production, Kerser reminds his critics that their negativity only motivates him to strive harder.

 

While his peers in the industry continue to fall victim to the wavering reliability of profit and exposure from the usual avenues, Kerser has cracked the code. As his presence extends beyond just his music, Kerser has become an icon for hope, resilience and resourcefulness, inspiring hundreds of thousands nationally.

 

Album Release Date: 11.10.2013
Album Released By: Kerser and Nebs Records
Album Distributed By: Obese Records Distribution

Purchase S.C.O.T from:
JB Hi-Fi: http://www.jbhifionline.com.au/music/urban-grooves/s-c-o-t/692787
Sanity:http://www.sanity.com.au/products/2230518/SCOT_SIGNED_COPY
iTunes: https://itunes.apple.com/au/album/s.c.o.t/id721966332
Soul Clap Records: http://www.soulclaprecords.com/kerser-cd-s.c.o.t.html

 

Release Date: 11.10.2013
Released By: Obese Records Distribution

Writers Block is the debut album from emcee/producer Never Settle of the DVS CREW.

Originally completed in 2008, many of the tracks have been re-made or remixed for this 2013 release through Obese Distribution. The album comprises of a collection of the Never Settle‘s best songs recorded in the formative stages of his beat production and lyric writing, giving the album a raw, untainted aesthetic, but with undeniable presence of extreme talent.

The majority of the album was produced and performed by Never Settle, with the exception of two tracks. ‘The Inner Strength’, which features a verse from fellow DVS crew member Quick Smart, and track ‘Numerous Grams’ which was produced by Musk.

The album talks about searching for truth and purpose, about depression, drug and alcohol dependence, mental illness and conspiracy theories. It also talks about overcoming negativity through a love for hip hop and music in general, with a couple of fantasy based story telling tracks thrown in for good measure.

Track List

01. Intro

02. Black Lotus

03. Genisis 2

04. Psychosis remix

05. Never Settle

06. Malice in Wonderland

07. Mind Games

08. The Place

09. The Whole Truth

10. The Inner Strength (feat Quick Smart)

11. Writers Block

12. Lunar

13. Numerous Grams (prod. Musk)

14. Mantra

15. The Message

Listen to ‘Numerous Grams’ by Never Settle on YouTube:

Purchase Writers Block from JB Hi-Fi here.

Purchase Writers Block from Soul Clap Records here.

Purchase Writers Block from iTunes here.

FACEBOOK || YOUTUBE

The third installment of Chasm’s EP series comes in the form of Day Turns to Night.

Taking a very different approach with his production, this EP is unlike any work Chasm has ever put out. With a strong focus on ambient electronic sounds, reflective of a fast approaching Summer, Day Turns to Night is sure to be make it onto a lot a seasonal playlists.

 

The EP features sultry vocals from some of Australia’s best, including Jane Tyrrell (The Herd), Daniel Misfud, Momo (Diafrix) and more.

 

“With this EP I was trying to bring together all my varied musical influences and inject them into my production.” – Chasm

The Day Turns to Night EP is available 11.10.2013 for digital purchase only from iTunes.

Release Date: 11.10.2013
Released By: LookUp Records & Obese Records Distribution

“Calski won’t stop. He is sonically deep, lyrically honest and brutally disciplined. So act like you know and peep the production or check the discography in 15 years and ask yourself how you missed him.” DJ 2Buck

Eyes and Ears is MC/producer Calski‘s second release through Look Up Records. It follows the debut album Love Drive Commission which scored a place as album of the week on triple j’s hip-hop show.

The 5 track EP is a bold blend of social commentary and straight up flexing, addressing issue’s relevant to all Australians and some particular to the national Hip Hop community.

One of the most progressive producers in Australia shifts gears seamlessly from smooth soul to rugged boom bap providing a versatile backdrop for collaborations with Hau (Koolism), Mr. Hill, Kryptimistik, Luka Lesson, 4th (Vegas Aces), One Sixth and DJ Bacon.

Track List:

1.Fire It Up feat Kryptimistyk

2. Formulated feat One Sixth & DJ Bacon

3. It’s My Crib feat. Mr.Hill & 4th of Vegas Aces

4. Lost Or Found feat Luka Lesson

5. Get ‘Em Out feat Hau 

Purchase Eyes and Ears now from iTunes.

FACEBOOK  TWITTER  SOUNDCLOUD

Hailing from Sydney’s West, Fortay is about to take the country by surprise with new album Living Proof is out now through At Large Productions and Obese Distribution. The first single from the album ‘Chasing the Tail’ features the one and only Snoop Dogg AKA Snoop Lion, a friend of Fortay’s. The production is by DJ L.T., Snoop’s long-time tour DJ.

“I’ve been friends with DJ L.T for many years and he introduced me to Snoop” Fortay retells. “We meet up and we did the song in the hotel.”

The concept behind the song ties in with its title, which is also slang for chasing women, something Snoop in particular is infamous for doing. With a smooth vibe provided by L.T’s 70’s tinged beats, Snoop and Fortay glide lyrically, their contrasting styles complimentary.

Another great demonstration of international hip hop, ‘Chasing the Tail’ reinforces Australian rap’s worldwide legitimacy.

Follow Fortay on Facebook

Purchase Living Proof from JB Hi-Fi or iTunes

Hailing from Sydney’s West, Fortay has taken the country by surprise with new album Living Proof  out now through At Large Productions and Obese Distribution.

The first single from the album ‘Chasing the Tail’ features the one and only Snoop Dogg AKA Snoop Lion, a friend of Fortay’s. The production is by DJ L.T., Snoop’s long-time tour DJ.

“I’ve been friends with DJ L.T for many years and he introduced me to Snoop” Fortay retells. “We meet up and we did the song in the hotel.”

The concept behind the song ties in with its title, which is also slang for chasing women, something Snoop in particular is infamous for doing. With a smooth vibe provided by L.T’s 70’s tinged beats, Snoop and Fortay glide lyrically, their contrasting styles complimentary.

Another great demonstration of international hip hop, ‘Chasing the Tail’ reinforces Australian rap’s worldwide legitimacy.

Purchase Living Proof from iTunes or JB Hi-Fi

Fortay Facebook || Fortay Twitter || Fortay Official Website

The 20th of October 2013 was the 2nd year anniversary of the untimely passing of Robert Hunter or ‘Huntz’, a much loved, characterful and prolific Western Australian rapper.

Huntz has since been immortalized, in a documentary by Periscope pictures called ‘Hunter: For the Record’, about his struggle with Neuroendocrine cancer, the support of the hip-hop community, his adoration of his young son Marley, and his endearing love of his art in its purest form.

The DVD is now available for purchase via Obese Records Distribution from
JB Hi-Fi and Soul Clap Records.

On the 4th of October 2013, Hunter‘s final surprisingly soulful album Bring it All Back was also released through Obese Records Distribution. The release comes after a culmination of 2 years of work by friends and family.
Purchase Bring it All Back from JB Hi-Fi, iTunes and Soul Clap Records.

Mr. Grevis, WA’s most affable emcee and most recent inductee into the almighty Sylabollix crew returns with his second album My Escape after the popularity of his debut release The Sampler in 2012. Already receiving triple j airplay for singles ‘So Beautiful’ featuring Joyride and Ness, and ‘The Apology Song’ featuring Drapht, things are looking promising for Mr. Grevis’s sophomore release.

Combining his supreme knack for story-telling with structurally savvy song writing, Grevis has teamed up with fellow SBX cohort Dazastah for the bulk of the album’s production, with additional beats from Cam Bluff and Rob Shaker. Tinged with new-age sounds and live instrumentation to match the array of subjects explored, My Escape reflects the times through Mr. Grevis’ eyes both sonically and lyrically.

With plenty of guest spots from Grevis’ expansive network of industry friends, My Escape features verses from Drapht, Layla, Dazastah, K21, Hons, Sesta, Trials, Apathy, Mortar, Complete, and Optamus, as well as vocal embellishment from Joyride, Ness and Drapht.

An honest and personal track, ‘The Apology Song’, as its title suggests, is a gesture of redemption to a past sweetheart. Dazastah on production created the stripped back acoustic loop from a riff Grevis had hummed him, which sets a melancholy, exposed stage for the hook and raps. Drapht, a man of many talents, sings on the mournful chorus to spine-tingling effect.

Also produced by Dazastah, ‘So Beautiful’ is set apart by its disco strings and heavy synth lines. An ode to newfound positivity, Grevis raps on his perception of the world now that he is happy within himself. Featuring Sydney’s master crooner Joyride, along with WA based newcomer Ness, the track’s infectiously uplifting hook floats over an electronic pulse.

‘Living the Dream’, another gem by produced Dazastah, sees Grevis light heartedly reflecting on the reality that he may never ‘blow up’ and make a lot of money from his music, but it is still healthy to pursue one’s dreams.

Mr. Grevis’s music is ridden with honesty and humour in equal measure. Drawing from his colourful past, the emcee has a lot to offer when it comes to song writing content. From Party track to heartfelt ballad, My Escape truly is one of the most personally generous bodies of work from an Australian hip hop artist to date.

“I’m a reformed ‘bad guy’, a person trying to right my wrongs. I want to educate the youth about using music as outlet rather than taking more destructive roads. I want people to see me not only as a musician, but as a real person. I try to be as open as I can, it’s pretty evident in my public interactions; I am publicly as I am personally, i am who i am and I’m not ashamed to state my opinions” – Mr. Grevis

Track list:

1. Intro
2. Living the Dream
3. Curse of the Kennedys ft. Drapht
4. Still High ft. Dazastah
5. Sex With a Demon ft. Trials
6. Wake Up and Do It Again ft. Hons
7. The Apology Song ft. Drapht
8. Dazastah Strikes ft. Apathy & K21
9. Schizo ft. Layla, Sesta & Mortar
10. Yin and the Yang
11. We Need Order
12. Corporate Wheel ft. Optamus exercise
13. F#@K Tonight
14. Give Lance a Break ft. Complete
15. What Happens When You’re Dead?
16. The Traffic Courtesy Song
17. So Beautiful ft. Joyride & Ness

Release Date: 13.09.2013
Distributed By: Obese Records Distribution

Purchase My Escape from JB Hi-Fi here.

 

Canberra producer Ghosts in the Room returns with his second release in 12 months teaming up with New York artists Ruste Juxx, Block McCloud and Shabaam Sahdeeq for the Barbarians EP (out September 13th).

From the opening track listeners are taken on a journey through the dark streets of Brooklyn with the Barbarians combining street raps with heavy hitting beats.

Featuring guest verses from Australian talents Ras Kass, Fortay and Tornts as well as instrumental tracks, this release is a must have for any hip hop fan.

 

TRACK LISTING:

1. THROUGH THE FLAMES

2. BUCKTOWN

3. GLADIATORS

4. DANGER feat. RAS KASS & FORTAY

Mr. Grevis returns with the second single ‘The Apology Song’ featuring fellow Sylabollix member Drapht, from upcoming album My Escape (out September 13^th).

An honest and personal track, ‘The Apology Song’, as its title suggests, is a gesture of redemption to a past sweetheart.  Some time ago, Grevis made a few bad decisions which lead to serious consequences, his then fiancé, who had already endured infidelities on his part in the past, broke off the engagement. Her decision was at first rejected by a scornful Grevis, but as he came to choose a more dignified path of life, he began to feel guilt and sorrow.

Now the two do not speak, both have moved on in life and in love. But Mr. Grevis has not forgotten the part he played, so this is ‘The Apology Song’.

Dazastah on production created the stripped back acoustic loop from a riff Grevis had hummed him, which sets a melancholy, exposed stage for the hook and raps. Drapht, a man of many talents, sings on the mournful chorus to spine-tingling effect.

“The song’s about an ex I was engaged too who left me when I was in prison. I was pretty rude to her after it all happened and made her feel pretty bad, when really I didn’t deserve her in the first place. Now we never speak and this is just my way of making her feel better about herself, because she never felt good enough and this is my way of saying sorry and making her proud of my lifestyle changes at the same time.” – Mr. Grevis

Single Title: ‘The Apology Song’ featuring Drapht
Single Release Date: 16.08.2013

Purchase ‘The Apology Song’ featuring Drapht from iTunes here.

Album Title: My Escape
Album Release Date: 13.08.2013