CHASM: Night Vision EP
Cat. Number: OBR 094
Format: Digital
Released: 2014
After working together on Chasm’s last album This Is How We Never Die, the two developed a strong collaborative bond. A short while later Blak Twang flew out to Australia to hook up with Chasm again. The result was the Night Vision EP, fresh and full of scope.
The feel of the EP travels from chilled and summery to moody and dark. Imagery is vividly brought to life byBlak Twang, the grimy streets of London materialise through his rhymes.
THUNDAMENTALS: So We Can Remember
Cat. Number: OBR 093
Format: Digital
Released: 2014
Putting a new spin on their much-loved sound, So We Can Remember sees the Thundas embrace modern production elements and song structure to brilliant effect. Rappers in their prime; emcees Tuka and Jeswon are absolute professionals at their craft. The two impress with their trademark mischievous exchange. All beats are produced by DJ Morgz, who has skilfully constructed something wondrous to behold in every track.
CHASM: Day Turns to Night EP
Cat. Number: OBR 092
Format: Digital
Released: 2013
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.
SPIT SYNDICATE: Sunday Gentlemen Deluxe edition
Cat. Number: OBR 091
Format: Digital
Released: 2013
Just before Spit Syndicate headed off on their Money Over Bull$hit Tour – celebrating latest single -‘Amazing’ and its accompanying hella-party film clip – the boys [MCs Nick Lupi and Jimmy Nice, and their good buddy / partner-on-decks Joyride] put out another sweet release for fans of the Double S: a ‘Deluxe’ release of third album Sunday Gentlemen.
M-PHAZES: The Works
Cat. Number: OBR 090
Format: CD / Digital
Released: 2013
M-Phazes has released a compilation album featuring some of his all-time favourite collaborative moments from his back catalogue. This sort after collection of production mastery is aptly entitled The Works.
Boasting pre-released tracks from Talib Kweli, Pharoahe Monch ft. Jill Scott, Slaughterhouse and CL Smooth and more, The Works is an insight to Phazes‘ remarkable knack for networking and establishing musical connections.
CHASM: Smoking Aces EP
Cat. Number: OBR 089
Format: Digital
Released: 2013
Entitled Smoking Aces, the second instalment from the EP series features rising star and triple j Unearthed feature artist Monchichi. With a mish-mash of production styles on offer, Smoking Aces switches between reggae samples, synth leads, and boom bap beats.
DIALECTRIX: The Cold Light Of Day
Cat. Number: OBR 088
Format: CD / Digital
Released: 2013
With production handled entirely by Plutonic Lab, and cuts by DJ 2Buck, masterful Sydney based MC, Dialectrix presents The Cold Light of Day. Lead single ‘New Generation’ heralded the album’s release almost a year prior, and anomalously enjoyed month after month of high rotation on triple j in anticipation. The Cold Light of Day is a transcendent album, that pushes boundaries of genre convention with purpose and conscientiousness.
CHASM: EP01 – Diamond Cuts
Cat. Number: OBR 087
Format: Digital
Released: 2013
Featuring long time collaborators Skryptcha and Rachael Berry. Chasm first worked alongside Skryptcha producing his debut EP ‘Left to Write’. The two then collaborated on the LP The Numbers in 2010, which included hit single ‘Get Mine’ featuring Rachael Berry’s velvety vocals on the hook. Berry and Chasm went on to work on new songs together, which unfortunately never saw the light of day. During a studio session, Skryp heard the unfinished tracks and knew he had to rap over them. Thus the EP came together.
SPIT SYNDICATE: Sunday Gentlemen
Cat. Number: OBR 086
Format: CD / Digital
Released: 2013
Widely touted as one of the most anticipated releases of 2013, Sunday Gentlemen is indicative of an artist’s evolution. Mature, inspiring and undoubtedly Spit Syndicate’s most impressive work to date. Lead single “Beauty in the Bricks” landed in November of 2012. Immediately added to triple j rotation and accompanied by an impressive music video which aired on Channel V, “Beauty in the Bricks” proved an infectious smash. In January of 2013, the second single “Folly” was also snapped up by triple j just days after delivery.
ILLY: Bring It Back
Cat. Number: OBR 085
Format: CD / Digital
Released: 2012
The third studio album from Australian hip hop sensation Illy comes in the form of Bring It Back. Described by the popular emcee as “a heart album”, the LP was not stylistically intended to follow up from its predecessor The Chase. Reflective of the scene behind the genre, Bring it Back is largely a collaborative album, including all manner of vocal and production guests. Bring it Back showcases Illy’s aptitude for engaging penmanship and resonant song formation to flawless effect.
OBESECITY 2: VARIOUS ARTISTS
Cat. Number: OBR 084
Format: CD / Digital
Released: 2012
Obesecity 2 exhibits the extensive sonic landscape now occupied by the Australian hip hop genre. The diversity noted in the subject matter is reflective of age, circumstance and inclination, laid forth by the nation’s most unconventionally outspoken social conscience. Obesecity 2 is not only an ode to its genre-defining predecessor, but a time capsule, which will undoubtedly be prized for its conviction in this age of mass production and impersonal media.
Skryptcha: Mindful
Cat. Number: OBR 083
Format: CD / Digital
Released: 2012
Crafted during the most pivotal years of his life, Mindful takes a considered look at Skryptcha’s unique journey. Expertly handled by illustrious US producer Illmind, a long-time favourite beat-maker of Skryptcha’s, this dynamic emcee-producer synchronicity is evident throughout the albums entirety. Illmind paints the scene while Skryptcha tells the story seamlessly.
Chasm: This Is How We Never Die
Cat. Number: OBR 082
Format: CD / Digital
Released: 2012
True to the quality displayed throughout debut Beyond the Beat Tape (2008), and Move (with Vida Sunshyne, 2010) Chasm proves himself once more as a consummate composer. Joined by USA underground heavyweights AG (Showbiz & AG), Guilty Simpson (Stones Throw), Vast Aire (Def Jux), and Fashawn (One), New Zealand’s Dave Dallas, and Blak Twang (UK). Plus some of Australia’s top lyricists including Solo, Lazy Grey, Delta, Dialectrix and more.
Reason: Window Of Time
Cat. Number: OBR 081
Format: CD / Digital
Released: 2012
Reason’s Window of Time is the final solo effort of his pioneering career, a true testament to his twenty plus years of dedication to Australian hip hop and reflective of his journey thus far. Window of Time, in essence, is intended to open minds and expose its listener to a mélange of historical, situational and currently pressing themes. Reason, both a school teacher and youth workshop facilitator, takes actualities to words with the intention of inspiring positive action.
Mantra: Speaking Volumes
Cat. Number: OBR 080
Format: CD / Digital
Released: 2011
Speaking Volumes exhibits the intricate philosophising idiosyncrasy of Mantra’s rhymes. His vehement lyricism with its tapestry of subject matters is vividly transposed by its musical accompaniment for the album’s entirety. Publicly, yet astutely labeled ‘your favourite rapper’s favourite rapper’, it was no surprise that an inundation of accomplished names stepped forward to contribute. Featuring guest artists, Promoe (Looptroop Rockers, Sweden), Drapht, Urthboy, Illy and many more.
Thundamentals: Foreverlution
Cat. Number: OBR 079
Format: CD / Digital
Released: 2011
Foreverlution is, as the title would suggest, a deliberate blend of timeless organic tones interspersed with more contemporary sounding influences. From the ominously dulcet foghorn that intro’s opening track Holla through the big band enthused bombasticism of Calm In The Chaos, lead single Paint The Town Red and the Parisian swell of Check My Fresh (feat. Vida-Sunshyne), the first half of Foreverlution drips with 1920’s speakeasy soul.
Phaze One: Phaze One
Cat. Number: OBR 078
Format: CD / Digital
Released: 2011
Phaze One is the self-titled debut album from Australia’s production extraordinaire M-Phazes and dexterous US word-slinger Emilio Rojas. A testament to the times, Phaze One was completed prior to the two artists ever physically meeting to work together person. The album features guest vocals from Illy, Mela Machinko (Pharoahe Monch and Jean Grae), and Mateo.
Pegz: Drama
Cat. Number: OBR 077
Format: CD / Digital
Released: 2011
Rising from a self-imposed hiatus, one of Australian hip hop’s hardest hitting artists returns to the recording fold with his brand new album Drama. With rhymes like ransom letters, the latest is an unrelenting, no-holds barred assault on politics, global issues, Australian life and hip hop. Like the unmistakable voice, Pegz is never one to hold back with the fire, all while maintaining a humorous streak of clever lyricism and biting commentary.
Simplex: Audio Biography
Cat. Number: OBR 076
Format: CD / Digital
Released: 2011
Audio Biography is the debut solo album Adelaide Terra Firma member Simplex. Tackling the issues of identity, relationships and careers, Audio Biography highlights significant events in life that all individuals go through. Describing the harsh realities of the real world, Audio Biography gives listeners a glimpse of his life: the clash of wanting to be your own person while battling society’s norms and routines.
Illy: The Chase
Cat. Number: OBR 075
Format: CD / Digital
Released: 2011
Melbourne emcee Illy returns with his anticipated second album, The Chase. Fuelled by the blazing first single “It Can Wait (ft. Owl Eyes)” (#3, #4 most played on Triple J through the first two weeks of October 2010 and added to NOVA nights nationally and across the board in Adelaide, Sydney and Brisbane). The issues covered throughout are as diverse as Illy’s global outlook- from the ups and downs, to personal gain and wealth, to growing up in today’s ever changing world.
Dialectrix: Audio Projectile
Cat. Number: OBR 074
Format: CD / Digital
Released: 2010
Dialectrix, along with Mercury Prize winner Plutonic Lab and prolific Sydney DJ 2buck have taken this historical approach to produce Audio Projectile, the second album from one of Australia’s most talented wordsmiths. The album is the work of collaboration in the truest sense. Aiming to capture the vivid sounds of the classics, Audio Projectile is their enjoyment of the past, distilled with their own unique take on the present and future.
Skryptcha: The Numbers
Cat. Number: OBR 073
Format: CD / Digital
Released: 2010
Sydney MC Skryptcha digs into hip hop’s East Coast influence for direction and tone on his much anticipated debut full length album. Titled The Numbers, this fourteen track outing is an honest and personal expression of Skryptcha’s personality and love for the music wrapped up in that old boom-bap and soul sound. Like those who have made a mark in the past, The Numbers is a glorious mix of deft production work and intelligent lyricism and storytelling.
Spit Syndicate: Exile
Cat. Number: OBR 072
Format: CD / Digital
Released: 2010
Touted by hip-hop legends and heads alike as a group to watch, Spit Syndicate display a level of growth in Exile which proves such praise was not misplaced. For Spit Syndicate, their hard work and talent come hand in hand with having a good time, living the moment, and doing it one day, at a time, all the time. They’ve shared the stage with some of the country’s best; now Nick Lupi and Jimmy Nice step out from the shadows and into the light.
Mantra: Power of the Spoken
Cat. Number: OBR 071
Format: CD / Digital
Released: 2010
Mantra’s debut solo 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.”
M-Phazes: Good Gracious
Cat. Number: OBR 070
Format: CD / Digital
Released: 2010
M-Phazes is renowned for his ability to craft the perfect beat, his global pedigree reflected by praise from his peers with an ever-growing list of artists seeking his sound for the backbone to their flow. Enlisting an unmatched collection of Australia’s most respected MCs (Mantra, Bliss and Eso, 360, Pez, Drapht, Illy, Phrase, and more.), this 15-track album elicits a response synonymous with its title. Good Gracious won an ARIA Award in 2010 for Best Urban Release.
Chasm & Vida Sunshyne: Move
Cat. Number: OBR 069
Format: CD / Digital
Released: 2009
Chasm’s much anticipated sophomore album is a two-hit swing of differentiating moods and incredible vocal prowess.
The electric combination of Chasm & Vida-Sunshyne debuts with Move, an album strong in its reggae and soul roots, blended with perfection by an impeccable production touch.
Thundamentals: Sleeping on your Style
Cat. Number: OBR 068
Format: CD / Digital
Released: 2009
Produced entirely in-house by the group, Sleeping On Your Style is the result of countless hours of passion and an incredible fusion of four musical minds. One of 2009’s most electric and complete albums, it is hip hop by definition but not bound by stylistic sensibilities. DJ Morgs and Tommy Fiasko man the decks for arrangements that venture into electro, dub-step, and reggae flavours while Jeswon and Tuka reign once again with their unmistakable flow.
Gully Platoon: The Great Divide
Cat. Number: OBR 067
Format: CD / Digital
Released: 2009
Forging a brand new path and sound, Gully Platoon features the heralded voice of Pegz alongside new breed MCs Dialectrix and former Down Under Beats co-member Joe New. Titled The Great Divide, the 13 tracks fight the restrictive nature of genres with songs that meld the worlds of old school hip hop with ominous undertones, soulful rhythm & blues, minimalist electronica, and some hard hitting rock.
Hyjak N Torcha: Unregrettable
Cat. Number: OBR 066
Format: CD / Digital
Released: 2009
Five years after the release of their debut album Drastik Measures, Sydney-based duo Hyjak N Torcha make their much anticipated return with Gold Coast producer Mules alongside guest production from the likes of Jase and Jetlag. Across 15 introspective tracks, Unregrettable tackles the demons and issues they’ve battled in nearly half a decade, and with it, they’ve found clarity and musical maturity.
Illy: Long Story Short
Cat. Number: OBR 065
Format: CD / Digital
Released: 2009
Long Story Short, Illy’s first LP is a tale about falling in and out of love with people, places, family, friendship, hip-hop, and travelling the world, a serious hospital scare and the ensuing long road to recovery. All shaped by the unique privilege of growing up Australian. The album’s production credits some of the best hip-hop beat makers in the country, with lyrics that, even when simple in delivery, maintain a complexity of message.
The Coalition Crew: Known Unknowns
Cat. Number: OBR 064
Format: CD / Digital
Released: 2009
Almost four years after their trailblazing debut album hit stores, Coalition Crew are back. Renowned as one of Brisbane’s most dynamic hip hop outfits, the crew unleashed their 2-disc magnum opus, Known Unknowns. Led by master musician and producer Toxic Al, vocal scribe and MC Yuin Huzami, and DMC champion DJ Nikk C, this inspired collection of funk-drenched musical exploits features the trio collaborating with veteran artists including Lazy Grey, New York’s Masta Ace and Wordsworth, and Tommy Illfigga.
Skryptcha: Left to Write
Cat. Number: OBR 063
Format: CD / Digital
Released: 2009
Sydney’s the then 22-year-old MC Skryptcha took the lessons of global travel as the spark that ignited his passion for writing. The result, culled from the soul-lifting nature of crossing borders, is the versatile Chasm produced debut EP Left to Write. In unison with Chasm’s incredible musical knowledge and understanding, this introduction is about discovery.
Dialectrix: Cycles of Survival
Cat. Number: OBR 062
Format: CD / Digital
Released: 2008
Consciously thematic and with words deeply personal, the debut album from Dialectrix is a work both polished and introspective. Having honed his abilities as part of Triple J Unearthed winners Down Under Beats, and as a guest on the 2008 Obese Block Party, the young MC has taken the scene by storm. With production spearheaded by renowned artist and labelmate Chasm, Cycles of Survival is the genre’s return from the sanitised wilderness of café hip hop and bogan rap.
Thundamentals: Thundamentals EP
Cat. Number: OBR 061
Format: CD / Digital
Released: 2008
The release of Thundamentals self-titled debut EP was a significant step for both Obese Records and the Australian Hip Hop scene. The then 4-man crew from the Blue Mountains of NSW, featuring MCs Tuka and Jeswon, DJ Morgs and Tommy Fiasko is successfully gave the scene a refreshing overhaul. Drawing upon a diverse range of musical influences, Thundamentals have created a unique sound which has become is instantly recognisable.
Reason: The Tides are Turning
Cat. Number: OBR 060
Format: CD / Digital
Released: 2008
Never far from social conscience and contemporary issues, Reason’s 2008 EP The Tides Are Turning is a true portrait of an artist with his heart on his sleeve. Simultaneously intelligent & heartfelt, The EP is deeply imbued with Reason’s passion and honesty. Reason has undoubtedly withstood the test of time to stand as in icon of Australian Hip Hop.
Muph & Plutonic: And Then Tomorrow Came
Cat. Number: OBR 059
Format: CD / DoLP
Released: 2008
‘…And Then Tomorrow Came’ is the highly anticipated 3rd full length album from acclaimed Melbourne hip hop duo Muph & Plutonic. Already vaunted as “the Aussie Hip-Hop king of down-tempo, head-nodding rhythm” (JMag), Plutonic Lab’s first class production on this album soars to impressive new heights. Muph’s deeply conscious approach to songwriting draws inspiration from the struggles and releases, the ebbs and flows of everyday life.
Spit Syndicate: Towards The Light
Cat. Number: OBR 058
Format: CD / DoLP
Released: 2008
Accentuated by adventurous flows that smash the monotonous structures too widely heard in today’s Hip Hop, ‘Towards the Light’ takes in the full spectrum of human experience without losing its momentum. From the fists in the air party vibe of ‘Here Today, Gone Tomorrow’ to the intensely introspective ‘On and On’, Spit Syndicate portray a wisdom beyond their years.
Drapht: Brothers Grimm
Cat. Number: OBR 057
Format: CD / DoLP
Released: 2008
Brothers Grimm is the 3rd album from West Australian MC Drapht. Reminiscent of Q-tip with a hypnotic flow as effortless as Grand Puba, he poseses one of the most unique voices in Australian Hip Hop. Following the release of his first album ‘Pale Rider’ at the age of 20, the 2005 release ‘Who Am I’ garnered widespread success on triple j and community radio nationwide. With three seminal albums in five years, Drapht is clearly a force to be reckoned with.
Chasm: Beyond The Beat Tape
Cat. Number: OBR 056
Format: CD / DoLP
Released: 2008
With an already sterling reputation among Australia’s musical underground, Chasm has found critical acclaim and commercial success alongside Sir Robbo as one half of Sydney’s production duo Astronomy Class. Their highly acclaimed 2006 album ‘Exit Strategy’ achieved feature album status on Triple J and sent them on a sold-out nationwide tour. ‘Beyond The Beat Tape’ is a journey through contemporary Australian hip hop at its best.
Chasm: Don’t Let Your Guard Down
Cat. Number: OBR 055
Format: 12″
Released: 2008
With an already sterling reputation among Australia’s musical underground, Chasm has found critical acclaim and commercial success alongside Sir Robbo as one half of Sydney’s production duo Astronomy Class. Their highly acclaimed 2006 album ‘Exit Strategy’ achieved feature album status on Triple J and sent them on a sold-out nationwide tour. This is the first single from Chasm’s debut solo album ‘Beyond The Beat Tape’.
Pegz: Burn City
Cat. Number: OBR 054
Format: CD / DoLP
Released: 2007
Littered with street New York samples, every song is political, insightful and personal with deeply uplifting undertones. Containing anthems like ‘7 Days, 6 Nights’ and ‘No Attachments’, underground classics like ‘Propaganda’ and ‘Block To Block’, the lighter side of ‘Just Married’ and the acute social commentary of the title track ‘Burn City’, this album is a profound and essential statement of our times.
DJ Bonez: Roll Call
Cat. Number: OBR 053
Format: CD / DoLP
Released: 2007
Roll Call is a melting pot of genres from bouncing funk drums to sombre soul piano, thoughtfully interspersed with Bonez’ highly skilled techniques. Never cluttered with over-indulgent strings or horns, Bonez is from the old school discipline of simplicity for production to resonate and space for MCs to breathe. As all great Hip Hop producers will testify, this principle has been the foundation for thousands of classic tracks—no hiding the mess among over produced sequences.
Vents: Hard To Kill
Cat. Number: OBR 052
Format: CD / DoLP
Released: 2007
Vents’ outstanding MC skills are highlighted on his raw and thought provoking 15 track debut album entitled Hard To Kill. Throughout the recording process Vents worked closely with beat extraordinaire Trials (of Funkoars) who has established himself as a producer of great force within Australian hip hop. The result is a powerful combination of Vents’ commanding lyrical talent set against the head snapping, bass heavy soundscape of Trials.
Hilltop Hoods: The Hard Road Restrung
Cat. Number: OBR 051
Format: CD / DoLP
Released: 2007
Aptly titled The Hard Road Restrung, the Hilltop Hoods returned to the studio to re-compose Platinum Platinum selling, #1 album with a special twist. With the assistance of arranger Jamie Messenger, incorporating the Adelaide Symphony Orchestra (ASO), the re-worked album boldly takes the original tracks both musically and creatively to another level.
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