Roshambo

Tha Realness

Footcrab, Footcrab, Footcrab, Footcrab and so on and so forth….

Big news this month is that Headhunter is prepping his debut album as Addison Groove for Modeselektor’s ever reliable and forward-thinking 50 Weapons imprint. Following on from the famed Footcrab track Addison’s album Transistor Rhythm is highly anticipated and I’m making an early call that it will be one of the best of the year. Featuring all unreleased tunes the album will also be available on triple LP coloured vinyl. It’s out Friday March 30. Meet you on the dancefloor for more footcrab madness…

Sonic wizard and experimental beatsmith Christopher Clark returns to Warp for his new album Iradelphic this March. Known for his strange time signatures and sprawling electronics, Clark’s new record will feature Martina Topley-Bird on vocals. In the press release Clark states that the album is “looming, ambiguous, radiant. Glowing, whole, invincible, complete.”

Cambridge duo Commix have been quiet lately but news has just broken that they’re set to release an album of older works written between 2003-2008 entitled Dusted. Rumours have it that this album will clear the cache of old Commix material and signal an end to their D&B sound as they evolve and change. Audio has surfaced of newer Commix material being more in vein of recent Instra:Mental/Boddika work. Dusted will be out early March on Metalheadz.

Scratcha DVA has been at the forefront of cutting edge grime and funk since the genre’s inception and is now finally ready to release his debut album statement. Entitled Pretty Ugly, the LP will showcase his innovative shuffling dancefloor manoeuvres alongside vocal turns from the likes of Fatima, Vikter Duplaix, Zaki and Musinah. It comes courtesy of the always dope Hyperdub label who in turn are set to have a massive 2012 with albums also due from Hype Williams and Cooly G.

Ramp Recordings will be dropping a CD compilation of tunes previously only available on vinyl from its sister label Brainmath. The tracks are circa 2008-2010 from artists such as Airhead, Zomby, Bakongo (aka Roska), Sbtrkt, Untold, James Blake and Brackles. Make sure you snap up a copy on Monday February 27 this year.

Stones Throw has again teamed up with Minimal Wave’s Veronica Vasicka to release Minimal Waves Vol. 2 – an exploration of weird, hard-to-find and obscure synth bands who were recording around the ‘70s and ‘80s. The compilation drops late Feb and will feature a bunch of acts I’ve never heard of but are sure to be excellent – Hard Corps, In Trance 95, Antonym, Class Info, Runis, Geneva Jacuzzi and many more. Expect plenty of cold waves and headtrips.

Looking to local hip-hop, 2012 should be a big year for local artists and Mr Hill & Rahjonkas are leading the charge with their new album The Feedback which is out now through Born Fresh/Obese Records. From Brisbane and Wagga Wagga respectively, the duo have collaborated with the likes of Joyride, Hau, Trials, Phatchance, 4th and Jeswon.

Looking to Canberra, promoters of all good things bass music Treehouse have now officially split from the confines of The Clubhouse and are immediately getting busy. They’ve teamed up with Blahnket to bring the almighty duo of Hudson Mohawke and Ras G to Transit Bar on Thursday March 1. They’re also slanging the wears of glitch badman Ill.Gates from the USA at Trinity Bar on Thursday February 2. Both big shows to add to your social calendar.

Under new control The Clubhouse is continuing to roll on with a slew of great bass music gigs giving local artists a chance to spin their wares. They’ve got Haters from Sydney on Saturday February 4, the J-Nitrous EP launch on Saturday February 11 and a big surprise coming on Friday February 17 from City Kid. Those D&B/dubstep trooper True Jungle Souljahs are going to be taking over The Clubhouse confines on Friday March 2 for a big one too – more on this later.

To hear music from all these artists, releases and much more tune to The Antidote every Tuesday night from 9:30pm on 2XX 98.3FM. Webcats can stream the show at www.2xxfm.org.au .

Tha Realness

Happy new year all! Hope you are all recovered from the holiday period and gearing up for another exciting year of music. So without further ado…

Not sure what Common (or Warner Bros) were thinking releasing his latest album in the dying stages of 2011 but nonetheless The Dreamer/The Believer is out now. Getting a bit of extra press for dissing Drake for being soft (interesting given some of Com’s previous work and collaborations) the new album features a more chiselled and hard-hitting Common. Beats come from a rejuvenated No.ID, so it’s great to see them working together again. Maya Angelou, Nas and John Legend all guest star.

Former Stones Throw artist Roc C seems to have been floating around the indie rap world for a while now, but his latest effort Stoned Genius has him more focused. With production from Lex Luther, Jake One, The Alchemist, Madlib and Oh No, as well as guest slots from Freeway, Termanology, Chali2na, Big Pooh, Guilty Simpson and Blu, it looks like he’s back on track.

Speaking of Blu, dude dropped his 1034th album (it seems!) of 2011 in NoYork. Huge guest list I’m not even going to go into, suffice to say Edan is on there, so that’s dope. Production comes from some of LA’s wonky finest in the likes of Flying Lotus, Samiyan, Dibiase, Daedulus, Exile and Sa-Ra. Madlib’s on there too. Hmmmm I’m interested now…

Bonobo’s Black Sands was one of 2010’s stellar releases and now those nice folks at Ninja Tune are releasing a remixed version of the album. One look at the culprits and I’m down; Lapalux, Cosmin TRG, Floating Points, Arp101, FaltyDL, Mark Pritchard, Machinedrum, Mike Slott, Blue Daisy and Duke Dumont. It’s out Feb 13.

Jacques Greene is fast climbing the ladder and becoming one of my favourite new producers. He’s celebrating this fact by launching a brand new record label called Vase. The first release will be the Concealer EP which features four new productions and collaborations with Ango and Koreless. It’s out late Jan.

Stoney faced Paul Rose aka Scuba started to show a bit of colour in his personality last year with his massive hits Adrenaline and Loss (two of my fave tunes for the year). He’s back with a brand new album Personality on his ever-reliable Hotflush label on Feb 27. It will continue his explorations of this new sound whilst staying mostly to the non 4/4 template.

Julia Holter’s beautiful and experimental opus Tragedy became one of my fave end-of-year discoveries. Not an easy listen, it was one that got under my skin somehow with its subtle ambition. She’s following it up quickly in 2012 with Ekstatis which will continue her explorations of dreamscape-like pop music. Ekstatis is out in March.

Those local Raw City Rukus troublemakers are set to release their brand new debut EP Genesis at the ANU Bar on Feb 10. About a year in the making, and hot on the heels of a number of awesome live performances, the EP looks set to really herald the group as one to watch! Make sure you are there to support them on Feb 10.

Also, keep your eyes and ears peeled for the work of a new producer by the name of Pink Juse (reportedly the work of a renowned local hip-hop producer acting incognito). Check out the new Pink Juse page on Facebook to download a few new exclusives with more tracks set to emerge in 2012. Drink down some of that bubbly purple drank.

To listen to music from all the above and more, tune to The Antidote on 2XX 98.3FM, Tuesday nights from 11:30pm. Stream at www.2xxfm.org.au .

CED NADA aka ROSHAMBO - roshambizzle@yahoo.com.au

Roshambo Tha Realness Columnist Top Ten Albums

Despite the overwhelming amount of fantastic music released in 2011, for my definitive list this year I have chosen not only the albums which stayed on consistent rotation, but also those from artists who pushed the boundaries of sound, style and structure to not only reinvent and revitalise existing templates but also use genre confines to expand and create brand new sonic territory. To me, these artists and records have birthed something entirely new and (in some instances) relaunched my love for certain sounds.

2011 was the year that dubstep ceased to exist as an overarching term to define what was happening in bass music; alternative and popular music both flirted with a range of experimental and gutsy new directions; hip-hop got good (and interesting) again; and house music proved that it is, and will always be, the constant, ever-consistent heart-warming pulse to which our electronic world rotates.

If this were to be a, say, top 20 or 30, you’d also see the likes of Roly Porter, Oneohthrix Point Never, Shlohmo, Samiyam, Zomby, Sepalcure, James Blake, Danny Brown, Desolate, Sully, Africa Hitech, The Weeknd, Andy Stott, Panda Bear, Bnjmn, Robag Wruhme, Tim Hecker, Sandwell District and Lucy. So, being the huge music nerd I am, you can also check out my December column of Tha Realness for a huge list of ‘must hear’ music in 2011 across a range of sounds and styles, all nicely organised for you. Happy listening!

Anyway, here’re my Top 10 albums of 2011. I hope you find them as special and enjoyable as I have this year, and also well into the future.

(To read Roshambo AKA Ced Nada's Top Top Albums of 2010, click here)

10. Clams Casino – Instrumentals/Rainforest EP [Type/Tri Angle]
And then, from out of nowhere, New Jersey’s Clams Casino brought hip-hop back to life with his smudged, distortion heavy, psychedelic slo-mo. His two releases for the year (and productions for the likes of Asap Rocky, Main Attraktionz and Lil B) herald just the beginning for this reclusive genius. Special nod to the Tri Angle label for releasing nothing but amazing and inventive music all year long.

09. Rustie – Glass Swords [Warp]
And then, Glasgow wunderkind Rustie delivered on his early promise by chiselling rave music into a kaleidoscopic wall of hyperkinetic bass ‘n’ rhythm. Glass Swords is pure joyous excess and proved you can make ‘epic’ trance-laden music non-cheesy, and as tough as getting hit with a bagful of nails. Special nod to AraabMuzik for his similar exercise with the excellent Electronic Dream.

08. Kendrick Lamar – Section 80 [Topdawg]
And then, Compton’s Kendrick Lamar brought hard-hitting, intelligent, educated rap music back to the streets. Pure lyricism, rapid fire flows, oodles of personality and black humour, all over a classic collage of dusty breaks, loops and jazz from a team of new producer talent. Special nod also goes to his comrades Ab-Soul, Jay Rock and SchoolboyQ for their excellent full lengths records. Bring on the Black Hippy album in 2012.

07. Kuedo – Severant [Planet Mu]
And then, Jamie Vex’d, moved from out from under the smog, into the clouds and then off the planet entirely with his epic dystopian sci-fi vision Severant. This is cinema-music; equal parts Vangelis and Atlanta trunk-musik, Severant is full of ethereal dream-scapes, shotgun snares and double-time hats guaranteed to shatter the windows of jeeps and slingshot your brain into zero gravity. Special nod to Jamie’s former production partner Roly Porter, for his experimental opus Aftertime showing why he is the yang to Kuedo’s yin.

06. Drake – Take Care [Island/Young Money]
And then, Drake silenced the haters with a classic sophomore album. Chill and honest, Drake opens his brain, heart and mouth and unleashes torrents of blunt truth which will turn you off being famous once and for all. Sonically gorgeous, apathetic bragging has never sounded so jubilant. Special nod to T-Minus for producing some of the dopest hip-hop beats of 2011.

05. Bon Iver – Bon Iver [4AD]
And then, the masterful Mr Vernon expanded his palette with the most beautifully majestic and yet restrained music of 2011. This is intimate music to both lose (and find) yourself in, with new secrets that reveal themselves with each listen. Special nod to James Blake who also made some of the most spacious and beautiful music of the year.

04. LV w/ Josh Idehen – Routes [Keysound]
And then, the London underground came to life with the African riddims of LV and the poetry of Josh Idehen. Channelling funky, grime and house, Routes is sheer percussive bliss and giddy pitch-bent melody. Idehen’s iconic poetry is sliced and fashioned into its own instrument riding the rhythms like the trains that tunnel beneath the city in which this music was born. Special nod to the Keysound label for also dropping the excellent Sully and Damu records in 2011.

03. Instra:Mental – Resolution653 [Nonplus]
And then, Instra:Mental turned their back on the autonomic D&B that they helped create, became obsessed with old hardware, and created a punishing techno cum razor-sharp old school electro record. Sure this is very serious music, but when it’s full of as much tension, funk and cement-heavy drums, I’m sold. Special nod also to Instra:Mental’s Boddika for his exhilarating solo work in 2011 which blew both mind, and speakers, simultaneously.

02. Nicolas Jaar – Space Is Only Noise [Circus Company] PICTURED
And then, the young Chilean delivered one of the most inventive, accomplished, versatile and enjoyable debut records that I can ever remember hearing. This is ‘jaw-drop music’. Full of space and blunted trippy vocals, the album turns a new corner with every tune whilst consistently sounding like a complete musical statement. There’s not a wasted second on this record nor will you ever waste one listening to such brilliant music. Special nod also to Jaar’s remix work for indie artists in 2011, where he even made a Sneaky Sound System tune sound utterly amazing.

01. Machinedrum – Room(s) [Planet Mu]
And then, juke went global. The underground Chicago movement infiltrated bass music in a major way in 2011 and Travis Stewart embraced it head on with Room(s); one of the most incredible records of the last ten years. The drum programming is perfectly complex, the vocal manipulation and sampling gorgeous, and there’s atmosphere in spades. Like Rustie, Stewart happily tips his hat to ‘rave’, oldskool jungle and pop music, as well as melding his passion for classic dance music with the entirely new juke movement to create something fresh and new. An absolutely perfect, beautiful record that is geared towards moving your feet whilst pasting an ear-to-ear grin of pure bliss across your stunned visage. Special nod to Stewart’s self-titled Sepalcure record with Praveen on Hotflush. More essential music that you need in your life.

BMA Magazine Albums of 2011, Machinedrum – Room(s) [Planet Mu]

The underground Chicago juke movement infiltrated bass music in a major way in 2011 and Travis Stewart embraced it head on with Room(s), one of the year’s most beautiful records. The drum programming is perfectly complex, the vocal manipulation and sampling gorgeous and there's atmosphere in spades.

Like Rustie’s record this year, Stewart also happily tips his hat to the ‘rave’ as well as to classic jungle and pop music, melding his passion for classic dance with juke rhythms to create something entirely new. There’s completely awesome and bugged out moments like She Died There which manipulates its vocal sample over subtle dub and psychedelia making for an off-kilter yet entrancing welcome to the world of Room(s).

Stewart also shows incredible restraint, with tunes building layers slowly and delicately underneath its rapid fire percussion. Sometimes he lets the vibes swarm, like midnight ode Lay Me Down or the almost beatless and sweeping album closer Where Did We Go Wrong.

So confident is Room(s) that Stewart is comfortable introducing ideas, only to develop them to the point of euphoria and then disappear completely to be replaced by entirely new motifs; check how the rave piano of Come1 travels into the majestic guitar laden outro that then lifts the tune into the ether. Room(s) is absolutely perfect and as much geared towards moving your feet as it is towards pasting an ear-to-ear grin of pure bliss across your stunned visage.

Tha Realness 2011 Wrap Up

So, it was such a big year for music that I am still trying to get through the backlog of albums I’ve got to listen to and absorb. You’ll be able to check out my Top Ten Albums of the Year on the BMA Magazine website leading up to Christmas, but in the meantime, here’s my list of ‘must-listens’ for 2011. I hope you find something you like to top up your Christmas stockings with.

Hip-Hop

Everything Statik Selektah did (albums with Termanology, Action Bronson, Freddie Gibbs, Bumpy Knuckles and his own solo album), Saigon – The Greatest Story Never Told, Pharaoahe Monch – W.A.R., Ghostpoet – Peanut Butter Blues..., DJ Quik – Book Of David, Cunninlynguists – Oneirology, Roots Manuva – 4everevolution, Young L – As I Float, J Cole – Cole World, Stalley – Lincoln Way Nights, Danny Brown – XXX, Evidence – Cats & Dogs, Katalyst – Deep Impressions, Asap Rocky – Live Love Asap, Freddie Gibbs – Cold Day In Hell, Wale – Ambition, Currensy & The Alchemist – Covert Coup, Murs – Love & Rockets, Jay Rock – Follow Me Home, Raekwon – Shaolin Vs Wu Tang, People Under The Stairs – Highlighter, Schoolboy Q – Setbacks, Ab-Soul – Longterm Mentality, Killer Mike – Pledge, Tyler, The Creator – Goblin. Local hip-hop wrap up coming soon…

House/Techno

Cosmin TRG – Simulat, Roman Flugel – Fatty Folders, John Heckle – Second Sun, Altered Natives – Tenement Yard Pt. 2, Planetary Assault Systems – The Messenger, The Black Dog – Libre Dogma, Omar S – It Can Be Done..., Bnjmn – Plastic World/Black Square, Lucy – Wordplay For Working Bees, Deniz Kurtel – Music Watching Over Me, Tom Trago – Iris, Sandwell District – Feed Forward, Art Department – The Drawing Board, Robag Wruhme – Thora Vukk, Dominik Eulberg – Diorama, DJ Qu – Gymnastics, Surgeon – Breaking The Frame, Prommer + Barck – Alex & The Grizzly, Bruno Pronsato – Lovers Do, Tin Man – Perfume, Deadbeat – Drawn & Quartered, Tevo Howard – Crystal Republic/Pandoras Box, Andy Stott – Passed Me By/We Stay Together, Tiger & Woods – Into The Green, The Field – Looping State Of Mind, Maceo Plex – Life Index, Steffi – Yours & Mine.

Indie/Alternative

The Stepkids – The Stepkids, James Blake – James Blake, Radiohead – The King Of Limbs, Toro Y Moi – Underneath The Pine/Freaking Out, Ducktails – Arcade Dynamics, Minks – By The Hedge, Snowman – Absence, TV On The Radio – Nine Types Of Light, Friendly Fires – Pala, Panda Bear – Tomboy, Gang Gang Dance – Eye Contact, Jamie Woon – Mirrorwriting, Fleet Foxes – Helplessness Blues, Julianna Barwick – The Magic Place, Wild Beasts – Smother, Ford + Lopatin – Channel Pressure, John Maus – We Must Become..., Cant – Dreams Come True, Maria Minerva – Cabaret Cixious, Neon Indian – Era Extraña, Grimes – Halifaxa, Apparat – The Devil Walks, Zola Jesus – Conatus, M83 – Hurry Up, We’re Dreaming, Real Estate – Days.

Electronic/Downtempo

Emptyset – Demiurge, Roly Porter – Aftertime, The Weeknd – House Of Balloons/Thursday, Jonti – Twirligig, Tim Hecker – Ravedeath 1972, Ezekial Honig – Folding In On Itself, Mountains – Air Museum, Com Truise – Galactic Melt, Tropics – Parodia Flare, Patten – Glaqjo Xaacsso, Sun Glitters – Everything Could Be Fine, Walls – Coracle, Boom Bip – Zig Zaj, Ayshay – Warn U, Balam Acab – Wander/Wonder, James Ferraro – Far Side Virtual, Oneohtrix Point Never – Replica, Death In Vegas – Trans Love Energies, Sleep Over – Forever, Seekae – +Dome, Julia Holter – Tragedy.

Bass Music/Dubstep

Sepalcure – Sepalcure, Sully – Carrier, Damu – Unity, Jamie xx + Gil Scott-Heron – We’re New Here, FaltyDL – You Stand Uncertain, Egyptrixx – Bible Eyes, Salva – Complex Housing, Kryptic Minds – Can’t Sleep, Kode9 + Spaceape – Black Sun, Hyetal – Broadcast, Sbtrkt – Sbtrkt, Samiyam – Sam Baker’s Album, Silkie – City Limits Pt 2, Holy Other – With U, Desolate – The Invisible Insurrection, Shlohmo – Bad Vibes, Emika – Emika, Blue Daisy – The Sunday Gift, Modeselektor – Monkeytown, Martyn – Ghost People, Anstam – Dispel Dances, Zomby – Dedication, AraabMuzik – Electronic Dream, Pinch & Shackleton – Pinch & Shackleton, Author – Author.

Tha Realness

It’s getting close to the end of the year and the time to start compiling those damn end of year ‘best albums of the year’ lists. I’ve been working on mine and it’s shaping up nicely. As well as the ‘Top Ten’, I’m also working on a big healthy list of great releases from the year across a number of styles and sounds which might help you check for a few albums you may have missed and help fill your Christmas stockings. Stay tuned!

Back to business though for now, and the new collaboration album from Crate Cartel’s Geko and Aetcix under the name GOATMOB. It’s out now and is a crazy listen! The record is a “result of cathartically unconscious writing, steering clear of contrived attempts to cover particular topics”. While experimental in this sense though, the album has a consistently gritty sound and is heavy on the social criticism. Truly original and consistently engaging, this is proper creative hip-hop music. The album features 1/6, Fatty Phew, Budsa, Raven, Fluent Form and Maundz. Get that!

Hot on the heels of excellent new albums from Phonte and 9th Wonder respectively, the other member of Little Brother, Rapper Big Pooh, has just dropped his sophomore full length album Dirty Pretty Things. Like Phonte, Pooh’s effort is on the smooth tip and features Torae, Focus, Novel, Darien Brockington and more. Production comes from Mass Prod, Nottz, DJ Khalil, Mo Heat and more.

Clipse legend Pusha T has just unveiled his debut solo album proper. Entitled Fear Of God II: Let Us Pray it’s a continuation of his previous mixtape and features a superstar line-up of Diddy, Kanye West, Young Jeezy, Tyler The Creator, Meek Mill, 50 Cent, Pharrell and Rick Ross. As usual, Pusha is a beast on the microphone and lays it down over beats from Rico Beats, Shawty Redd, The VIPs, The Neptunes, Bangladesh, Tha Bizness, Hit-Boy and The Inkredibles.

Danny Brown is one of my hip-hop heroes of 2011. His XXX is close to a Top Ten spot at this stage and his charisma and goonery (new word?) are unparalleled at the moment. He’s teamed up with his mate (and fellow Detroit native) Black Milk for a joint EP entitled Black & Brown. It’s a short but sweet listen of trademark Milk boom bap and stylin’ flows. It’s out now on Fat Beats.

Finally on the hip-hop tip, make sure you grab the new free mixtape albums from Freddie Gibbs and Asap Rocky. Both very different from one other, but both very dope and showcasing the work of two of my favourite new talents from different ends of the hip-hop spectrum.

Finally, if you haven’t got your tickets to Xzibit for his show at The Maram on Wednesday November 30 then you better get crackin’. Illusive, Mudd Promotions and MTV are bringing the West Coast legend to town for a special mid-week show. It’s going to be a big one with support from Canberra’s Raw City Ruckus, Big Dave, Kodak, Buick and D’O and I. See you there!

To hear music from all these releases and much more, tune to The Antidote on 2XX 98.3FM every Tuesday night from 9:30pm or stream at www.2xxfm.org.au.

Roshambo aka Ced Nada
roshambizzle@yahoo.com.au

Tha Realness

The Australian hip-hop community is in mourning after the passing of highly renowned and much loved veteran of the scene Hunter. Hunter died on Thursday October 20 following a long battle with cancer since his diagnosis in 2009. The hip-hop community has been united in an outpouring of grief, support, solidarity and respect for one of Australia’s true hip-hop greats. Passionate, generous, sincere, intelligent and with an unparalleled sense of humour, Hunter was the full package. Since his diagnosis Hunter was outspoken about his illness, recorded ferociously and worked closely with CanTeen to put together a forthcoming compilation to raise awareness and support for children living with cancer. The compilation will feature unreleased tunes from Hilltop Hoods, Drapht, Downsyde, Koolism, Bias B, Hermitude and Hunter himself. For further information on the CanTeen Charity project, images and videos please go to the project website: www.ozhiphopsupportscanteen.com.

Make sure you go pick up all of Hunter’s back catalogue to show your support for the man, his family and the Syllabolix crew. Let’s keep his legacy alive!

Rival MC and DJ Returnagain are Impossible Odds, an Indigenous hip-hop/soul group outta Brisbane. The fellas have just released their debut album Against All Odds. With strong Australian Aboriginal, Tongan and South Sea Island family roots, Rival’s lyrics address not only issues facing his people, but more to the point, Australian society and the global community in general. A vital must listen, one gets the feeling this is not the last we’ll hear from the guys.

Smiles Again from Mind Over Matter has just dropped his new EP How About You Stop Being So Serious & Say Something Funny. The nine tune EP is a fresh take on hip-hop from the artist, littered with sharp satirical lyrics where Smiles takes on personas different from his own to convey his messages. Production credits include DJ Ilz, Drakezilla, Konfuzion, Jon Reichardt and more.

Eloquor has been putting in some serious work of late and is set to release his new EP Human Condition on Wednesday November 9 through Myspherical Entertainment. Enlisting Suffa, Simplex, Frank Dukes, Pokerbeats and Hattori Hanzo, Eloquor has assembled a dream line-up of beat makers and is joined on the mic by 1/6 and Pegz on the tune Mr Personality. Make sure you grab a copy when it drops.

Modeselektor’s 50 Weapons label is fast becoming one of my faves, consistently releasing cutting edge electronic music not bound by genre. The big news is that following the recent Anstam album (which is excellent) they’ve got full lengths planned from Phon.o, Doc Daneeka + Damage and, in massive news, Addison Groove. Addison’s as yet untitled album is due in 2012. Footcrab, footcrab, footcrab...

Lots more album tidbit news as we finish the year and head into 2012 now. Gonjasufi will release a new mini album on Warp called Mu.zz.le early next year. It’s set to be a ten track affair and continue the mind-bending soul he unveiled on his Sufi & The Killer Debut. Nicolas Jaar has followed up his essential Space Is Only Noise album with a new EP through his Clown & Sunset label’s website. It’s called Don’t Break.

To hear music from all these artists and much more, tune to The Antidote every Tuesday night on 2XX 98.3FM from 9:30pm or stream at www.2xxfm.org.au.
 
Roshambo aka Ced Nada
roshambizzle@yahoo.com.au

Tha Realness

First up this month, that local legendary beatbox phenomenon Kodak (one question!) has just dropped his debut Beatbox EP. Six tracks deep, it showcases some crazy routines alongside collaborations with vocalists None Like Joshua, Lesson, Omar Musa, Mighty Joe, L-Fresh The Lion, Hau and myself. A mind-bending introduction to Kodak’s other-planetary talents, make sure you grab a copy to show your support. Hit Kodak up at his website (and online dating service) facebook.com/kodakbeatboxer and tell him you love him.

On Friday November 4, Australian hip-hop legend Reason follows in the footsteps of his good mate Bias B and hangs up his mic, heading into well earned retirement. Released through Obese, Window Of Time will be his final album, marking the end of a truly magnificent career. Reason’s first solo album Solid was one of my first local hip-hop albums and remains a classic to this day. For Window Of Time, Reason has enlisted some of the country’s finest to aid his swan song; featuring the likes of Suffa, Lazy Grey, Bias B, Hau, Dialectrix, Hunter, Lotek, Iron Bradz, AJ, Kye, Mdusu and Rapaport. Production comes from Suffa, Debris, Debate, Seanie B, Mdusu, Simplex, Geko and Wizdm. Make sure to pick up Window Of Time to say your thank you to Reason for his contribution to a scene that he has helped create, build and nurture over the years. Reason, The Realness salutes you sir!

Melbourne native Saki is set to drop his new EP The Silent Son on Friday November 11 with Obese distro. Saki initially made his name in the scene as a DJ and as a producer before joining forces with fellow artists Pato and Arkiv and further nurturing his urge to write. With a famed live show and appearances on the triple j hip-hop show, the six tracker looks set to imprint his name as one to watch.

Statik Selektah is one of hip-hop’s most consistently dope producers, building up a solid resume of dope albums and collaborations with a barrage of brilliant artists. His fourth album Population Control is due this month on Duck Down and looks set to continue his dream run. The collab list is too heavy to list here, suffice to say highlights come in the form of Sean Price, Termanology, Big Krit, Freddie Gibbs, Action Bronson, Bun B, Talib Kweli, Joell Ortiz, Brother Ali, Styles P, Saigon and many, many more. It’s a big one!

Also due this month on Duck Down is the third album from The Away Team. Produced entirely by Khrysis, Scars & Stripes should give this underrated duo more exposure with guest appearances from Evidence, Talib Kweli, Jay Rush, Phonte and Blue Raspberry.

Murs is back with his latest album Love & Rockets through Dame Dash’s DD172 imprint. This time Murs has given  9th Wonder a well deserved rest and teamed up with Ski Beatz who is experiencing a renaissance at the moment following killer work with Currensy. Murs is always worth your time and he’ll certainly tell you so!

Finally this month, do yourself a favour and grab the new album How Do You Do from Mayer Hawthorne coz it’s soulful, smooth as butter and perfect for this ol’ spring weather and may well aid your quests between the sheets.

To hear music from all these releases and much more, tune to The Antidote on 2XX 98.3FM every Tuesday night from 9.30pm (stream at 2xxfm.org.au).

Roshambo aka Ced Nada

roshambizzle@yahoo.com.au

Tha Realness

Lots to get through, but first thing’s first this month, here's a free treat. Ahead of their forthcoming third album due in early 2012, Sydney's Spit Syndicate have offered up a free mixtape entitled Best Intentions Part 1. It's the first in a two-part series and shows the duo dropping knowledge over a range of instrumentals from Monch to The XX. Grab your copy from: here.

The newly formed Down For The Count Records is celebrating its first self-titled full-length release. The crew consists of Dazed, Mol1, Sinks, Sparts and Force. Production comes from Dazed, B Wiv, Chris Labs, Double Digits, Shroomz, Alabama, Bipola, Rotten Produce and Flash Forest. Their aim? Simply to to display their passion, drive and respect for the hip-hop genre. Grab your copies from dftc.bandcamp.com .

Over to the states and a number of big releases that have just touched down. Roc Nation's J Cole has unveiled his Cole World: The Sideline Story which is a smooth listen from start to finish.

Evidence has followed up his dope Weatherman LP with his new album Cats & Dogs through Rhymesayers. The production is first class and comes from DJ Premier, Babu, The Alchemist, Rahki, Sid Roams and Statik Selektah. Ev is a popular dude and calls in his mates Aloe Blacc, Raekwon, Ras Kass, Roc Marciano, Prodigy, Slug, Aesop Rock, Lil Fame, Termanology, Raaka and Krondon on guest duties.

Former Little Brother producer and all-round soul machine, 9th Wonder is back with his latest solo opus The Wonder Years further flexing his beat-making skills. Phonte, Median, Warren G, Erykah Badu, Murs, Kendrick Lamar, Fashawn, Talib Kwlei, Blu, Raekwon, Mac Miller and many more bless the microphone over his soulful sounds.

Speaking of Little Brother, and not to be outdone by his homey 9th, Phonte has also just released his debut solo album following his work with The Foreign Exchange. Charity Starts At Home features beats by Swiff D, 9th Wonder, Khrysis, Stro, Zo, S1 and more.  Guest come in the form of Elzhi, Median, Pharaohe Monch, Evidence and Big K.R.I.T.

Switching styles, R&S are releasing The Pathway To Tiraquon6 from the legendary Space Dimension Controller in mid October.

Staying prolific and dope, R&S have also released details for a label compilation IOTDXI.  Like recent label releases from Hessle and Hotflush, the two-disc compilation will showcase previously released classics on one disc and new unreleased efforts from the likes of Lone, Blawan, Pariah, Bullion, Klaus, Untold, The Chain, Airhead and more on the other. Following his recent album Maddslinky workaholic Zed Bias has just dropped his new album Biasonic Hotsauce and it's a star-studded affair featuring collaborations with Serocee, Dynamite MC, Trim, Jenna G, Toddla T, Mark Pritchard, FaltyDL, Skream and more.  It's out through the ever-reliable Tru Thoughts label.

Machinedrum's Room(s) is still my tip for best album of 2011 so far, but it may well be bettered by the new self-titled Sepalcure album, which is released in November.

The long-awaited Joker album The Vision finally gets its release this November on 4AD.

Finally this month, news from the Hyperdub camp that King Midas Sound will release a remix album of their Without You release that will feature reworks of album tunes from all your favourite artists such as Kuedo, dBridge, Flying Lotus, Mala, Gang Gang Dance, Joel Ford, and more.

To hear music from all these releases and much more, tune to The Antidote on 2XX 98.3FM every Tuesday night from 9:30pm or stream at 2xxfm.org.au

Roshambo aka Ced Nada

roshambizzle@yahoo.com.au

Tha Realness

What is in the water at the moment? There must be something special, as a whole bag of albums have just dropped or are just around the corner from a host of prolific (and popular) local artists.

First up is Babylon from Phrase, his third LP. It is an epic listen, taking influence from rock and psychedelia, and exhibits Phrase’s gutsy and adventurous songwriting ability. Featuring an unlikely cast of guest vocalists including Alex Burnett, Davey Lane, Guineafowl, Jane Doe and Jimmy Barnes, Babylon shows Phrase confident in moving from rapping over loops and breaks into carving out his own fresh individual sound.

Whilst not following the same path as Phrase, those lovable rogues The Funkoars are more content to tread familiar ground whilst sounding no less inspired on their hard hitting fourth album The Quickening. The kids should just love it as they’ve delivered once again. Sesta has stepped up his production game and handles the bulk of the album, while Trials unsurprisingly contributes his share of bangers. They are joined by guest producers Dazastah, Simplex, Debate and the legendary Large Professor. The album also features guest spots from K21, Vents and The Hilltop Hoods. It’s out now on Golden Era.

Out on Friday October 7 is the long awaited debut solo LP from Lyrical Commission’s Trem. A true veteran of the scene, razor-sharp lyricist and skilled producer himself, Trem contributed to the production of the album, and also invited guest producers Beat Butcha, Amazing Maze, Thorotracks, Must, Wik and Prowla to all contribute to the album’s backdrop. Kingz Konekted, Culprit, Brad Strut, Lazy Grey and Q-Unique all appear as guests. Pretty sure I am not alone in being excited for this one.

Also out on Friday October 7 through Obese and Myspherical Entertainment is the debut LP from In Good Company, a collective made up of Whisper, Syntax and Breach. Whisper has also really stepped up his production game, sound-tracking the bulk of the album with a myriad of quality and varied beats. Also on the boards are M-Phazes, Jase, Dutchman & J Smith and Joe Lewis. Guest spots come from Eloquor, Mantra, Ginger Van Es, Boltz and Skyzoo.

Local lad and recent TV superstar, Omar Musa has just unveiled the free MoneyKat mixtape with his good pal Mighty Joe. The Year of the MoneyKat mixtape is the perfect precursor to their forthcoming debut album due in 2012 and showcases their skills, poetry and passion for hip-hop music. Pick up a copy at moneykat.wordpress.com for some of the ‘MoneyKat music’.

Omar also contributes a stellar spoken word piece The Big O to the recent mixtape by Elefant Traks artist The Tongue. The Sextape is Tongue’s third free mixtape and features guests Bias B, Nick Lupi, Seven, Ellesquire, Toe Fu, DJ Skoob and production from Lotek and the legendary Mdusu whose Two Girlfriends is the real highlight. Grab a copy through the Elefant Traks site.
Finally this issue, is the news that West Coast king Xzibit will be touching down in Canberra on Wednesday November 30 as part of his national tour. He’ll be playing at The Maram. Support comes from Raw City Ruckus, Big Dave, Kodak, Buick and D’Opus & myself. Get your tickets early and don’t miss out on the chance to see Mr X to the Z live in Canberra!

To hear music from all these artists and much more, tune to The Antidote on 2XX 98.3FM every Tuesday night from 9:30 – 11pm or stream at 2xxfm.org.au .

Roshambo aka Ced Nada

roshambizzle@yahoo.com.au

Tha Realness

First up this month is the brand new free album from Detroit's Danny Brown. I've been digging his style since hearing his collaborations with Black Milk and the like over the past few years, and his new release XXX was released for free through the ever-dope Fool's Gold imprint. Hard-hitting, smoked-out, profane and psychedelic, Danny is infinitely entertaining and the beats are heavy and neck-cracking. Do yourself a favour and grab your copy at foolsgoldrecs.com/xxx and immerse yourself in his crazy world.

Big news is that Eminem and Lil Wayne have teamed up for a unique gig in Australia. They are performing at a one-time-only gig in Melbourne on Thursday December 1 at Etihad Stadium. Hilltop Hoods are in support as well as two internationals that are yet to be announced. Should be suitably epic and over-the-top in all the right ways. Tickets are on sale now.

I've been digging this Smoke DZA cat from Harlem lately and he's just released his new album Rolling Stoned through IHipHop. He's previously collaborated with dudes like Currensy, Big KRIT, Devin The Dude, Yelawolf, Kendrick Lamar and such. It's on that typically 'weeded' sound but it's smooth and perfect for the spring time, so get on it and vibe out.

Head over to the Planet Mu site to preview sounds from the brand new Kuedo (aka Jamie Vex'd) album Severant and have your ears absolutely blessed. Following on from a couple of stellar EPs, this is his first solo album and the results are sounding astounding. Much like the recent incredible Machinedrum album, Kuedo is exploring new juke riddims, as well as continuing the trend of producers like Lex Luger, AraabMuzik and Shawty Redd. Can't wait for this one, Planet Mu is quite simply owning 2011.

You'll all have heard the beautiful collaboration between James Blake and Bon Iver by now I'm sure. The tune is set to be part of a new six track EP released by Blake on Monday October 10 entitled Enough Thunder. Apart from the aforementioned tune, the EP will also reportedly feature a Joni Mitchell cover. More Blake is always welcome.

Also more than welcome is more material from Andy Stott who is set to follow up his last amazing EP with another new one on Modern Love entitled Stay Together. It looks set to continue his swampy slo mo house, bubblin’ in dub and static. Sounds like my perfect soundtrack. It should be out next month.

Manchester's Damu has been killing it lately, and he's set to unveil his debut album on Blackdown's Keysound label in November. It's called Unity and will continue his work melding house and dubstep on colourful canvases. Alongside Distal, Damu is one of my fav new talents and I am rather excited about this one.

The legendary Scuba has (rightfully) been handpicked to mix the next edition of DJ-Kicks on K7! for October. I don't even really need to say much about this except that it's essential. Peep the list of artists in his exclusive mix: Sigha, Surgeon, dBridge, Badawi, Peverelist, Addison Groove, Roska, Trevino aka Marcus Intalex, Beaumont, Braille, George Fitzgerald, Jon Convex, Marcel Dettman, Mr Beatnik, Boddika, Recloose... DAAAAAAAMN. Bring it.

To hear music from all these releases and much more, make sure you tune to The Antidote every Tuesday nights from 9:30pm on 2XX 98.3FM or stream at www.2xxfm.org.au.

Roshambo aka Ced Nada

roshambizzle@yahoo.com.au

Tha Realness

Damn, another month already and lots of new music coming out as usual to word you up about. 

Tape Death and Mdusu have just dropped the next volume in their producer series, an instrumental release entitled Des Chansons Sur Les Filles. 12 tunes deep, the album celebrates all things “ladies and love”, and is comprised of a mix of ‘60s and ‘70s vinyl sampling, over-saturated live instruments and analogue-treated synths. It sounds fresh and killer and is another notch in an already esteemed belt for these fellas. Check it out at tapedeath.com .

Melbourne based MC/producer Dazed has treated the hip-hop scene to a brand new 7” vinyl piece Rest In Syn through DFTC Records and Head In The Cloud Productions. A real collectors’ item, the limited run features two collaborations with Sydney’s Rise and Grand Arkiteks. All copies include the digital versions and pre-orders receive a DFTC Records compilation CD featuring new tunes from G Force, Sparts, Sinks, Mol1 and Dazed himself.

Everyone’s favourite spitter and quotable-king Apathy (the Alien Tongue!) is back with a brand new LP Honkey Kong. This one crept up on me, but the production line-up is mega, featuring the likes of Premier, Evidence, Muggs, Statik Selektah and Beatminerz. Vinnie Paz, Ill Bill, Celph-Titled, Xzibit, Action Bronown, Reef The Lost Cauze, Esoteric, Eternia and more show up on guest duties.

Also heavy on the production line-up is the latest opus from The Game whose R.E.D album is out now. Game’s always had an ear for dope beats and this time he’s enlisted Dr. Dre, Cool & Dre, Khalil, No. I.D., 1500, Streetrunner, Hit-Boy, Maestro, Boi-1da, Premier and The Neptunes. His records are always guest heavy too and R.E.D. is no exception – Dr. Dre, Kendrick Lamar, Snoop, Tyler The Creator, Lil Wayne, Drake, Rick Ross, Beanie Sigel, Young Jeezy, E-40, Big Boi, Lloyd, Mario, Wale, Chris Brown and Nelly Furtado all make appearances.

On the back of some extreme interweb hype and a brilliant debut album, Canadian R&B group The Weeknd (no extra ‘e’) have just unveiled another free mix-tape album entitled Thursday. Drake shows up on The Zone complimenting his co-sign of the group earlier this year.

On to some other upcoming release news and Daniel Lopatin aka Oneohtrix Point Never will follow up last year’s Returnal with his new LP Replica. Continuing his soundscape and experimental excursions, Replica is reportedly a “song cycle cased around lo-fi audio procured from television advertisement compilations”. Sounds suitably nuts and awesome. The album is out Saturday November 5 through Software.

Also on the more experimental tip is the forthcoming album from Ekoplekz on Bristol’s Punch Drunk. Entitled Intrusive Incidentalz Vol. 1, it’s dropping on vinyl with access to digital download as well on Monday September 19.

Finally this month, San Fran based Frite New collective are releasing a brand new compilation of the work of North American bass music artists entitled Surreal Estate. Compiled by Ana Sia, the compilation traverses a variety of sounds and styles and features a dream line-up of artists such as Sepalcure, XI, DJG, NastyNasty, Salva, Wheez-ie, Distal, Starkey, B. Brava, Eprom and more. It’s out Tuesday October 4.  

To hear music from all these artists, releases and much more, tune to The Antidote on 2XX 98.3FM every Tuesday night from 2130 or stream at www.2xxfm.org.au . 

Tha Realness

So, by the time you read this, the much-anticipated collaboration between Jay-Z and Kanye West, Watch The Throne, will have been released.  Will it meet expectations and conquer the hype?  Time will tell, I guess.  Def Jam has released the album that features appearances from Frank Ocean, Beyonce, Otis Redding and Mr. Hudson.  The production line-up is mega super fantastical, featuring the likes of Kanye, Swizz Beatz, The Neptunes, 88-Keys, Mike Dean, RZA, S1 and more. 

Following on from a hot new EP from Hudson Mohawke, Warp continues its exploration of glitchy beat mayhem with the heavily anticipated full-length album from Glasgow’s Rustie.  Entitled Glass Swords, the record looks set to embrace a giddy mix of bass music sounds and glorious over-the-top psychedelia. You can preview a teaser clip over at the Warp Records site. The album is out Monday October 10.

Out of nowhere Royce Da 5’9 has followed up the Bad Meets Evil collaboration EP with Eminem (aww, they made up!) with a brand new album Success Is Certain.  Didn’t even know this one was dropping to be honest, but it features Kid Vishis, Nottz, Joe Budden and Eminem (yay, they’re friends again!).  Production comes from DJ Premier, Streetrunner, 88-Keys, Mr. Porter and more. It’s out later this month.

For all of those who didn’t cop the free download of Elzhi’s Elmatic, a remake of the Nas classic, Jae B Group have released the album in vinyl and CD format.  Production entirely by Will Sessions, I definitely recommend getting your hands on a copy before they all vamoose.

Hot on the heels of the new Thundamentals record and Big Village compilation, the next in the line of Big Village affiliates, Ellesquire, has unveiled his debut album Ready.   Part of the group Loose Change, who released a very dope free album last year, Ellesquire keeps his smooth over beats from P Major.  You can grab the lead single (and title track) Ready for free from bigvillage.bandcamp.com and check out the full length album out now through Other Tongues distro and Big Village.

The Rinse mix series keeps going from strength to strength and edition 16 looks set to be the biggest yet (and with the most exclusive tunes) courtesy of Hessle Audio’s Ben UFO.  Showcasing a range of sounds and styles, Ben has curated a killer mix featuring the likes of Kassem Mosse, Blawan, Pariah, Dro Carey, Boddika, Joy O, Objekt, 2562, Elgato, Actress, Pangaea, Shackleton and more.  With a track-list from the gods, Rinse 16 is a sure shot.  It’s out Monday September 19, so grab a copy to connect your finger to the pulse of UK bass music.

Marytn’s Great Lengths was my favourite album of 2009.  I still play it every other week.  It’s amazing.  So I pretty much did a sex wee of excitement when I heard that his follow up album Ghost People is set for release on Monday October 10 through Flying Lotus’ Brainfeeder imprint.  Set to be a less personal affair than Great Lengths, the record will continue Martyn’s explorations of house, funk and dubstep.  As the man himself has reportedly said about the record, it’s ‘nothing fancy or flashy... just back to the roots’. Yesssssssssssssssssss.  I want it now.

To hear music from all these artists, releases and much more, tune to The Antidote, every Tuesday nights from 9:30pm on 2XX 98.3FM.  Stream at www.2xxfm.org.au

Roshambo

roshambizzle@yahoo.com.au

Tha Realness

The Tape Death crew have been working hard on the beat scene for the last little while, doing their thing and making some interesting and innovative hip-hop. The crew includes Mdusu, Meg, Hyphae and Illz. They’ve also just released a new project entitled Jackie Onassis which features an emcee by the name of Kai. Check them out at facebook.com/tapedeath and facebook.com/jackieonassis187. As they say, they have an embarrassingly meagre amount of ‘likes’ but the music is still fresh, so head on over and check them out while adding to their ‘like’ tally. Do it!

Former Hilltop Hoods Initiative winner from 2007, Jimblah has just unveiled his debut album Face The Fire. I caught Jimblah live a few years ago and he was very impressive. Produced entirely by the man himself in his home studio, the album features collaborations with LD, Zaleek, Georgia Humphreys and Alex Treuhl. The album will be available from Friday August 5 and is distributed by Obese Records. Support the man and check it out when it drops.

Also out in August is the new album from Brisbane’s Tommy Illfigga. Entitled Walk A Mile, the album comes courtesy of Born Fresh Records with Obese distro. A jack of all trades (emcee, producer, b-boy, beat boxer and graffiti writer) Tommy’s latest album features beats from Trials, One Above and K21 and was recorded in the Adelaide hills. Able to switch styles with ease and versatility, Tommy is one of Australia’s true talents and Walk A Mile should further cement his name as one of the best to do it. Walk A Mile is out Friday August 12.

On the verge of their Australian tour, Wu-Tang Clan are to release yet another clan album. I’m unsure if this is an ‘official’ Wu-Tang release (ala Iron Flag) or just another in the recent line-up of clan collaborative records they’ve been releasing of late. Legendary Weapons is the name and it’s due out through Entertainment One. Apart from Wu-Tang members of course, the album features Jimi Kendrix, Sean Price, Trife, Roc Marciano, M.O.P., AZ, Action Bronson and Termanology. Wonder if we’ll be able to tell Ghostface and Bronson apart! Dope guest line-up!

Been waiting on this one for a while, so it’s great news that Ninja Tune have announced Emika’s debut album is to be released in early October. Following on from a few excellent singles (Drop The Other, Double Edge) the record will continue her explorations of bass, techno and downtempo electronics. Can’t wait!

Planet Mu are set to release the debut album from Tropics in September. Entitled Parodic Flare the record will continue to showcase the sweeping psychedelia explored by Tropics on his excellent EP from earlier this year.

Finally, this month, something a little different. I am absolutely loving the new EP on Hippos In Tanks from Autre Ne Veut. Entitled Body, I am not even sure what to make of the music (or the artwork!) but it’s got me hooked. This is strangely melodic pop music, complete with dubbed out drums, reverb a plenty and a sense of the otherworldly about it. Regardless of genre classification, this is essential stuff. Get on it and jam.

To hear music from all these artists, releases and much more, tune to The Antidote on 2XX 98.3FM every Tuesday night from 9.30pm or stream at www.2xxfm.org.au.

Roshambo

roshambizzle@yahoo.com.au

Tha Realness

Out of the gate this issue, we check in with Fatty Phew who has just dropped his second free mixtape entitled The Best Things in Life are Free Pt. 2. You can download it from fattyphew.com . It features five brand new tunes produced by Alter Ego with DJ Bogues on the ones-n-twos. Guest appearances come from Luke Mac and Spit who features on most tunes.

Also available for free download now is the new EP from Syntax and Mules under the Death Stars moniker. With plenty of humour this self-confessed “razzle dazzle” of an EP is “the ultimate synthesis of rap and nerdish fixations”. Grab yourself a copy now from badmeetsevil.com/deathstars .

The big daddy Roots Manuva is back wit anudda ting this September. His latest LP is called 4everrevolution and comes complete with guest slots from DJ MK, Daddy Kope, Ricky Ranking and newcomer Rokhsan. The album is dropping on the ever-reliable Big Dada imprint.

Everybody’s fave turntable nerd Kid Koala is releasing his latest opus Space Cadet on Ninja Tune in September as an accompaniment to his graphic novel Nufonia Must Fall, which hit shelves many years ago. Each tune apparently coincides with a page of his graphic novel and is meant to be played in accompaniment as you read it. ‘Ding’ – now turn the page. Space Cadet is out on Monday September 19. Nerds unite!

Four Tet has been drafted to mix the next FabricLive59, which will feature a slew of unreleased material from the man himself. Rumours abound at the lengths Mr Tet went to get some of the tunes in the mix (with some artists themselves not even having vinyl copies of the tunes). The mix features tunes from Floating Points, STL, Burial, Villalobos, Persian, Manitoba and much more. It is out Monday September 19.

L-Vis 1990 is set to release his debut LP in September. Entitled Neon Dreams, it will continue his explorations of all things house and bass music. Para One, Julio Bashmore and Teki Latex have contributed co-production duties and vocalists Corey Black, Javeon McCarthy and Samatha Lim lend their voices to the album. L-Vis has stated to press that his aim was to capture the late ‘90s album vibe from artists such as Daft Punk, Chemical Brothers and Basement Jaxx. This one has gotta be big (no Tori Amos).

I’ve been digging the output of Cambridge’s Sully for a couple of years and am excited about his debut record Carrier due shortly on Blackdown’s Keysound label (an imprint synonymous with quality). It’s a short and sweet ten-tracker and builds on his two-step riddims by incorporating the influence of Chicago footwork in a number of tunes. Sounds like my kinda thing. Carrier drops Monday September 12.

Finally this month, Apparat is back with another album called The Devil’s Walk. It’s also out September (big month) and is his solo LP since 2007, although since then he’s collaborated with Modeselektor (Moderat) and with Ellen Allien of course. Should be suitably all over the place in terms of sound and style, but with those trademark beautiful Apparat sonics.
To hear music from all the above artists and much much more, tune to The Antidote on 2XX 98.3FM every Tues night from 9:30pm.

Tha realness

The next release to get local distribution through Obese Records is from Adelaide’s Mase N Mattic. Their album is due out on Friday July 15 and comes to the people with a fresh Suffa co-sign. The guys are joined by DJ Adfu on the wheels of steel and have held down support slots for the ‘Hoods, Drapht, Funkoars, Urthboy and Phrase as well as joining M-Phazes on his Good Gracious tour. Their LP Sound The Horns was recorded in Byron Bay and features production from Trials, Debate and Mattic.

Former Canberran Dekoda has just dropped a new EP of his original hip-hop style. Now relocated to Melbourne, Dekoda continues his obsession of all things grime-y, dirty and downtrodden with this latest release. He is a gentleman however, and is giving the release away to the people for the price of nil. Grab a copy and support at dekodacrodent.bandcamp.com.

Debonaire P from Low Budget has also just released a vinyl LP of remixes he’s put together. Limited to 150 copies at $20 + postage, you had better get cracking before these limited edition wax nuggets are all snapped up.

There’s some long awaited and dope overseas hip-hop touching down at the moment from some of the game’s true legends. Pete Rock has teamed up with Smif-N-Wessun for the Monumental LP. Entirely produced by Pete Rock, the album has dropped on Duck Down and features a dream line-up of Raekwon, Styles P, Sean Price, Memphis Bleek, Rock, Bun B, Freeway, Jahdan Blakkamore, Buckshot, Black Rob and more.

Also just released on Duck Down is the highly anticipated album from your favourite producer’s favourite producer, Black Milk. Milk has teamed up with Sean Price and Guilty Simpson under the Random Axe moniker for a full length of heavy Detroit-style boom-bap.

Sandboxautomatic has made available a number of previously ‘hard to find’ classic releases on CD reissue for those younger heads who missed out on these slices of hip-hop legend. Nice & Smooth’s 1994 self-titled album, D-Nice’s 1990 classic Call Me D-Nice and King Sun’s impossible to find XL album, previously released in 1989. The releases have all been remastered and repackaged.

Over to more bass heavy stylings now, and the news that DJ Diamond is the next on Planet Mu to showcase his 160bpm flex after DJ Nate and DJ Roc. His Flight Muzik LP is due out in August. Modeselektor are prepping the debut full-length release of Cosmin TRG on their 50 Weapons imprint for late August. Cosmin has moved away from his dubstep trappings of late with a series of excellent deeper house and techno explorations.

London bad boy Distance is the next don of bass lined up to mix the Dubstep Allstars Series. His volume eight mix will feature the likes of Cyrus, Vivek, J:Kenzo, Lx One, Kryptic Minds, Tunnige, Distance himself and much more.

And finally this month is the news that Shlohmo is returning with his first LP proper with Bad Vibes on Friends Of Friends. Following on from his excellent Shlomoshun Deluxe EPs, Bad Vibes will further showcase his beautifully melancholic take on downbeat instrumental hip-hop and experimental electronica.

To hear music from all these artists, releases and much more, tune to The Antidote every Tues night from 9.30 – 11pm or stream at 2xxfm.org.au

Roshambo

roshambizzle@yahoo.com.au

Tha Realness

Big tip off this month is that one of my fave producers Zomby is returning with a new album on his new home at the famed 4AD label. Sound like a bit of a weird match? Not so much, as 4AD has been a pushing genre bending and innovative music for a long while now and their signing of Zomby only further cements their willingness to pioneer new styles and explore new angles. Zomby’s new LP Dedication is due out shortly and you can stream the entire album in preview at German online store HHV.

Back on the home front, Melbourne wordsmith Fluent Form is back with his third album Word Merchant on Crate Cartel/Obese Records. Out Friday June 10, the album is jam packed with an array of heavy conceptual tunes, vivid storytelling and plenty of razor sharp Fluent Form lyricism and humour. Produced by Geko, the album features guest raps from the heavyweight ensemble of Lazy Grey, Raven, Maundz, Geko, Fatty Phew, Aetcix, Juse One, Dialectrix, Bigfoot, Ciecmate, Selzy, Jake Biz and Tornts.

Back in the US there’re some anticipated and interesting releases on the horizon from the likes of Vakill (remember his excellent The Darkest Cloud LP from a few years back) who returns with Armour of God through the Chicago Molemen imprint. Produced by Panik, Memo, Jake One and more, the record also features collaborations with Vizion, Juice, Rhymefest, Nino Bless and Crooked I.

Underrated beat magician (and certified workaholic) Count Bass-D is back again, this time teaming up with Boston’s Insight. Both amazing producers and emcees in their own right, they’ve just released The Risk Takers LP which should be suitably nuts. The album features Pacewon and Kool Keith.

Two of the hip-hop scene’s most loved emcees Canibus and Keith Murray have joined forces for the Undergods LP. Their epic titled album In Gods We Trust, Crush Microphones To Dust features Crooked I and Tech9ne alongside production from Shuko, Jake One, Erick Sermon, Bronze Nazereth, Beat Butcha, Da Beatminerz and more.

Jumping back to the UK and more on the funky tip, besides mixing the latest instalment of the Rinse series, super-producer Roska is set to drop a brand new six track EP of original material on the label on Monday July 18. There’s a new video for Jackpot doing the rounds at the moment. Hunt it out.

Soul Jazz Records always produces the goods and this time label owner Stuart Baker and Kevin Martin aka The Bug have curated a brand new compilation entitled Invasion of The Mystereon Killer Sounds in 3-D. The two-disc release compiles exclusive tunes from producers who pay homage to dancehall culture and meld it with other genres.

Finally this month is the news that the don Silkie returns with his second album City Limits: Vol 2 this June. The first instalment made my top ten a few years back and since then Silkie has been churning out a slew of killer EPs. Returning to Mala’s Deep Medi label for the release, the album sees him exercise his knack for more darker styles and features collaborations with Skream, Truth and Von D. It’s going to be ace.
To hear music from all of the above and much much more, tune to The Antidote, every Tuesday night from 9:30pm on 2XX 98.3FM.

Roshambo

roshambizzle@yahoo.com.au

Tha realness

Your favourite rapper's favourite rapper, Elzhi has just done a tribute to your own favourite rapper, Nas, with his homage to the classic Illmatic LP. He isn't the first MC to pay homage to this timeless hip-hop artefact but his original take is sure to up the ante for future tributes.

Bias B has been working hard of late. He released his graffiti tribute album Aerosol Era last year and is now back with Biaslife, his fifth solo album. Released on Wordburner and distributed by Obese Records, Biaslife further cemented Bias as one of this country’s true innovators and dedicated wordsmiths. Joining him are seasoned artists and regular Bias collaborators like Lazy Grey, Len One, Bigfoot and Ciecmate, alongside the much-hyped (and deservedly so) talent of Fluent Form, Maundz and Eloquor. Production mastery comes from Lazy Grey, DJ Bonez, Doc Felix, The Statesmen, Aux One, Geko and Discourse.

Hot on the heels of the debut LP from Briggs, the Hoods’ Golden Era imprint brings the sophomore record by Vents to the table. Entitled Marked For Death, Vents continues both his run of Steven Segal album titles and working with Trials on the production boards. Sesta and Hilltop Hoods turn up on guest duties and DJ Adfu supplies the wax manipulation on the cut.

Syllabolix heavyweights Hunter and Mortar have teamed up for Fear and Loathing. During the making of the album, both artists have undergone life changing afflictions and been battling serious illness. Fuelled by their passion for hip-hop and the desire to create and share their music and message, they have brought Fear and Loathing to the table - an album chronicling their epic journey. Joining Hunter and Mortar on the album are fellow SBX stalwarts Dazastah, Optamus, Layla and Graphic. Hilltop Hoods also show up on Bat Country and the album is produced by Mortar.

Heading overseas and there's some noteworthy new releases worth checking out. Edo.G is back with his new solo LP A Face In The Crowd on Envision. He is joined by Bishop Lamont, Slaine, Def Jef, Chali 2na and more. Production comes from a dream line up of DJ Premier, Statik Selektah, M-Phazes, Explicit One and Young Cee.

Mr. Smooooooth himself, aka J. Rawls has just released his The Hip-Hop Affect album on Greenstreets. Rawls always brings the soul on the beats and he is joined by Oh No, Diamond D, Kev Brown, Sadat X, Rhymefest, Fat Jon, El Da Sensei, Edo. G, Casual and many more.

Old school heads will remember the long lost album from Large Professor and Neek The Exotic. Well, seemingly out of nowhere, they are back with Still On The Hustle, a new album on Distrolord. Large Pro produces the record, alongside beats from Marco Polo and Lord Finesse. One of my favourites, Joell Ortiz also turns up on the guest tip.

Moving to the more leftfield side of things is the upcoming album from New Jersey based Memory Tapes. His new album is entitled Player Piano and is due out on Carpark Records in July.

Finally this month is the news that UK bass music producer Sbtrkt is set release his self titled debut album through the ever reliable Young Turks on Tuesday June 28.

To hear music from all these artists, releases and much more, tune to 2XX 98.3FM's THE ANTIDOTE every Tues night from 9:30pm or stream at www.2xxfm.org.au.

Roshambo

roshambizzle@yahoo.com.au

Tha realness

First up, it's only right that we say RIP to Gerard Smith from the phenomenal TV On The Radio. Gerard has sadly succumbed to his battle with cancer after only very recently being diagnosed. He will surely be missed. TV On The Radio have just released another brilliant album, Nine Types of Light. I recommend picking it up and honouring Smith's legend.

After a stellar debut record on the always-reliable Stones Throw, MED has returned with a new album Bang Ya Head 3: Special Edition. Unsure of the significance of the title, or why he is no longer on Stones Throw (anyone know?), but the producer line-up is enough to keep me hyped. Waajeed, Exile, J-Rocc, Madlib, Oddisee, The Alchemist and Diabiase all contribute productions.

Also on the hip-hop tip, Atmosphere, Del and Blu have all just released brand new albums to the world, further proving that they are three of the hardest working names in hip-hop. Del has generously included two previously unreleased or hard to find albums along with his brand newy, so you get three for the price of one!

Hot on the heels of Hotflush who recently dropped the awesome Back & 4th double disc compilation which showcased brand new tunes alongside previously released classics, the equally dope Hessle Audio label has announced their debut compilation 116 & Rising. The label run and curated by the dream team of Ben UFO, Ramadanman and Pangaea have their finger on the pulse of bass music and have assembled a ridiculously dope line-up for the new tune disc with the likes of Elgato, Untold, Blawan, Addison Groove, Randomer, Cosmin TRG, D1 and Joe all appearing alongside Pearson Sound and Pangaea themselves. The compilation is out Monday May 16.

Bristol label Immerse has released some quality music of late and are keeping the run hot with the next release for Russian producer Kontext. His upcoming two disc collection collates a number of his older works for Immerse alongside brand new tunes and remixes. Should be a great introduction to his sound for all those who are unfamiliar with his work. The release is out Monday May 16.
I’ve been a fan of Deadbeat for a while now but without having any of his full length releases (they are always out of stock when I go looking for them!). Thankfully, he’s got a new record entitled Drawn & Quartered due out on his own label Blkrtz in June. Having always flirted with more experimental dub and bass music, Deadbeat has of late moved towards more main room vibes with a few singles and remixes, but the album will apparently have him back in his comfort zone of deep atmospherics and heavy subs.

Finally this month we move to Flying Lotus’ ever-prolific Brainfeeder label which seems to be dropping an EP new release every couple of weeks these days from the jazz excursions of Austin Peralta (yes, Stacey’s son!) to the heavy sonics of Mono/Poly. Following up the latest album on the label from Mathewdavid is the new album from LA based producer Samiyam. He’ll deliver Sam Baker’s Album in June, which will continue to showcase his trademark sluggish hip-hop psychedelia.

To hear music from all these releases and much much more, tune to The Antidote on 2XX 98.3FM every Tues night from 9:30pm or stream at http://www.2xxfm.org.au.

ROSHAMBO

roshambizzle@yahoo.com.au

Tha realness

First up this month is the debut full length from Collarbones, a duo who live in separate cities, but through the wonders of modern technology have combined their talents on Iconography out now on Two Bright Lakes. The fellas obviously share a vision, as the album has a wonderful cohesion of sound and ideas, taking influence from a myriad of styles to create a wholly unique and individual sound. Iconography is a record that commands your attention and repeated listens. It's out now!
There is definitely something magical bubbling in the Australian electronica scene at the moment, as along with the aforementioned Collarbones, comes the return of Sydney trio Seekae with their second LP +Dome on Rice Is Nice/Pop Frenzy. From the first few seconds, it is clear that +Dome is going to be something special, guitars building into a wash of distortion and reverb before the stop-start fractured rhythms emerge and take hold.

Designed to work perfectly as a headphone listening experience, there are also selections that will do damage on the right dancefloor. One of the best records I’ve heard this year, no doubt. You need this record.
Repping Melbourne town, Declan Kelly aka Dream Kit has just dropped his debut EP Future Tense via Two Bright Lakes. A real multi-talent, Kelly is a DJ, sound designer, broadcaster and producer and his sound takes in influence from bass music, Detroit techno and downbeat electronic hip-hop.

For those wanting their sounds a little sweeter and loved-up, the debut record from Melbourne duo Oscar + Martin should hit all the right chords. Having recently supported Caribou and Four Tet, their debut LP For You is out now again through the busy Two Bright Lakes label. Full of vulnerable melodies, r'n'b laden hooks and cut-n-paste fuzzy tape loop samples, these fellas have dipped into their love of various genres to create their own set of tunes about youth, love and the power of moving on.

Releasing their final album this April is four-piece Snowman. Absence is released through Dot Dash and has been designed as a swan-song of sorts, "a parting gift...a hometown farewell kiss" according to the band. The album is wrapped up in the story of two lovers, one of whom passes away, while the other tries to communicate with the other’s ghost. Sound interesting? You don't even know the half! This is an intricately crafted, beautifully melancholy record and a perfect note for Snowman to go out on. Not for the feint of heart mind you, it is dark and brooding but electrifying music that defies any sort of genre classification. I'm hooked on it and will likely be so for a long while yet.
Finally this month, is the sophomore album from New York's Cold Cave. For all those missing that industrial warehouse vibe of the 80s (they would probably hate me writing that) then Cherish The Light Years will be your new best friend. This is that Cure, Sixousie & The Banshees, New Order type shit for the ‘now’, full of pulsing electronic, layers and layers of distortion and 'sunglasses at night' style Joy Division vocals steez. Equal parts throwback and fresh vision, this is great stuff.

To hear music from all the above and much, much more, tune to The Antidote on 2XX 98.3FM every Tues night from 9:30pm.

Roshambo

roshambizzle@yahoo.com.au

Tha realness

First up this month is the first official solo LP from Broken Tooth Entertainment label head honcho Ciecmate. Game Over is released on Monday April 18 with Obese distro and is 100% pure Ciecmate. With his label now 18 releases deep, Ciecmate is a true veteran of the scene of pushing cutting-edge independent hip-hop music to the people, but with Game Over he moves into the spotlight with his own unique personal vision. It’s dark and heavy, but there is light amongst the shade with tunes like Every Breath showing Ciecmate’s love for life despite its misgivings. Highly original and absolutely essential, cop Game Over when it drops. The album also features appearances from Maggot Mouf, Bias B and Diem.

Hot on the heels of his collaboration record with DJ Muggs, Non-Phixion’s Ill Bill is back at it again with another album, this time with Jedi Mind Tricks goon Vinnie Paz (who in turn recently released his own solo LP). Do these dudes ever rest? Ill Bill and Vinnie Paz’ new album Heavy Metal Kings is due out in May and features collaborations with Reef The Lost Cauze, Sabac Red, Crypt The Warchild, Q-Unique and Slaine. Expect heavy beats from the likes of C-Lance, Grand Finale, Gem Crates, Sicknature, Shuko, DJ Muggs and Ill Bill himself.

Following on from star turns for labels like 2nd Drop, Keysound, Hemlock and Soul Jazz, producer trio LV have announced their debut album Routes which will drop on Keysound in May. Comprised of all previously unreleased tunes, Routes is 100% pure London music and features the vocals of Joshua Idehen.

Following on from a killer EP for Planet Mu, juke and ghetto house pioneer Chrissy Murderbot is set to unleash his third full length album Women’s Studies next month. Pushing the tempo up into the 160bpm range, Murderbot chops samples frenetically to create pure dancefloor mayhem. This is music to get stupid to, plain and simple, and features vocal contributions from MC Zulu, Rubi Dan, Coool Dundee, Johnny Moog and Popeye. Chicago juke legend DJ Spinn also pops up on single Bussin Down.
Youngsta is set to deliver the next mix album for the famed Rinse station/imprint on Monday May 23. You’ll recall that he was involved in the I Love Dubstep compilation a few years ago and is now back again with a deep, dark selection of dubstep’s more minimal side. Showcasing a bunch of new and exclusive tracks, alongside some scene classics, expect tunes from Distance, Kryptic Minds, DJ Madd and Icicle.

Speaking of Icicle, the d’n’b/dubstep producer delivers his debut album Under The Ice through Shogun Audio this month on Monday April 25. The album sees Icicle expanding his sound to include influences from classic house and techno. Guest appearances and collaborations come from Robert Owens, SP:MC, Proxima and DRS.
Finally this month is the news that Surgeon is set to return to the full length format with his latest release Breaking The Fame. Hot on the heels of his Fabric mix, the album has no set release date, but word is it will arrive on Surgeon’s own Dynamic Tension label and will comprise all new material.

To hear from these releases and much more, tune to The Antidote on 2XX 98.3FM every Tuesday night from 9:30pm.

Roshambo

roshambizzle@yahoo.com.au

Tha Realness

Well, I am pretty excited that the latest LP from the legendary Pharoahe Monch is just around the corner.  His new record is entitled W.A.R. (We Are Renegades) and comes to us courtesy of the also legendary Duck Down label.  Early reviews have been mixed, but I’m looking forward to it nonetheless.  Beats come from Exile, Marco Polo, M-Phazes, Mike Loe, Diamond D, Samiyam and Fyre Dept.  Monch has enlisted a wide range of collaborators and all reports are that as a result the album is very soulful. The album is out early April.  Bring it on.

I’ve been banging the new albums by Raekwon, Strong Arm Steady and Saigon lately.  All are impressive and I’m especially digging the sound (predominately provided by Just Blaze ) on Saigon’s The Greatest Story Never Told.  For an album that was delayed for about 5 years, the production is typified by Just Blaze “in his prime”. Saigon holds his own and shows us why he is one of the most underrated in the hip-hop game.  Well worth your time, this one!  
Drapht is set to release his latest album The Life of Riley through his own label The Ayems (with Sony distro) on Friday April 1.  The album features appearances from Briggs, Trials, Mantra and Urthboy and the smash hit single Rapunzel.

Obese head-honcho Pegz returns on Friday April 8 from a self-imposed hiatus with his latest full length Drama.  Full of his trademark lyricism and unrelenting honesty, expect more of that Melb city boom-bap from the master with a killer line up of beats assembled from the likes of M-Phazes, Jase, Chasm, Ta-Ku, Simplex and Plutonic Lab.  Obese family members Dialectrix, Jimmy Nice, Mantra, Joe New and Illy all pop up on the guest list, while the beautiful voice of Jess Harlen is also a welcome addition to the record.

Anyone who has fallen in love with the amazing single Night Air from Jamie Woon (with Burial on co-production) will be excited to know his debut LP Mirrorwriting is due Monday April 11 on Cadent Songs. A possible contender for one of the albums of the year, if the earlier singles indicate anything.  Time will tell!  
Over to the consistently fresh Planet Mu label now, and hot on the heels of the amazing new FaltyDL album is the latest output from Boxcutter.   The Dissolve is out early April, and showcases his continuing explorations of psychedelic riddims, dubstep and hazy hip-hop.

Finally, a few tidbits to put on your music-radar.  Out of nowhere, Burial, Four Tet and Thom Yorke have announced a new two-tune collaborative 12” is on the horizon on Four Tet’s Text label. Pre-orders are selling out all over the web, so get busy and happy hunting for that one.
London’s Deadboy, one of my fave producers of 2010, is back with a new three-track single of the always dope Numbers label in April.  It’s called the Here EP and the snippets are sounding freeeeeeesh.

And I gotta send a shout-out to my mans Jem and Bummy for putting me on to Tyler, The Creator and his Odd Future cohorts. Can’t wait for the new Tyler LP!

To hear music from all the above and much much more, tune to The Antidote every Tues night from 9:30 – 11pm on 2XX 98.3FM.  

Roshambo

Tha realness

First up this month is the new LP from Thundamental ’s producer Tommy Fiasko under his new guise, The Silent Titan . For The Rest of My Days is released on Friday March 11 with distro from Obese Records and finds the Blue Mountains producer drawing on his many influences, including DJ Premier , Black Milk , J.Dilla and fellow Blue Mountains representatives Hermitude . With lashings of classic hip-hop, soul, jazz and a hint of psychedelia, For The Rest… is loosely based on the ‘beat-tape’ style format and is predominately composed of instrumental works. Vocal collaborations are few but impressive and come from Stones Throw Records Oh No and MED , Prince Po ( Organised Konfusion ) and Jase Excell . Full of atmosphere and beauty, this is music to transport you and move your soul. Fiasko is a tremendous producer and this release is sure to place his name up there with the likes of M-Phazes , Plutonic Lab and his many influences. Get this!

Former Canberran and Broken Tooth member Maggot Mouf has teamed up with another former Canberra resident No Name Nath (aka DJ Nathan ) to bring you a new mixtape entitled Meat N 2Veg . Mixed together under the influence, the release features a bunch of exclusives from Mouf with beats from Sammy Scissors , Lost One , Carrot Gold (whaddup Nick!) and Mizari . Guest verses come from Dekoda , Gutz , Little Southwik , Eski , Plarks , Lostone and Booza B . Hit up www.myspace.com/maggotmoufmusic for more info.

Jumping overseas, Raekwon is set to follow up his acclaimed OB4CL2 with Shaolin Vs Wu-Tang on his own label Ice H20 this month. With a guest list longer than an Alaskan winter, the album features all the usual Wu suspects, plus appearances from Estelle , Busta Rhymes , Jim Hones , Nas , Rick Ross , Black Thought , Lloyd Banks and Raheem DeVaughn .

Boston emcee Reks is back again with his latest full length Rhythmatic Eternal King Supreme through Brick . An all-star producer line-up has been assembled for the underrated lyricist with the likes of DJ Premier , Pete Rock , Fizzy Womack , Alchemist , Statik Selektah , Nottz , Hi-Tek , Sha Money and Grind Music all contributing soundtracks. Styles P , Termanology , Freeway and Lil Fame all drop by for guest slots. Can’t wait to hear the album as Reks never disappoints.

Over to the UK and Bristol’s bass music aficionado Hyetal is set to release his debut album Broadcast through the ever-dope Black Acre label. Featuring the amazing Phoenix the album will further showcase his drunken synth style over ten tunes. Having previously released tracks on Soul Motive , Reduction , Format and Punch Drunk and collaborating with Shortstuff , Peverelist , Baobinga and Julio Bashmore , the time is right for Hyetal to step solo into the spotlight. Can’t wait for the album! It is out officially on Monday May 2 .

Finally this month, brilliant news that Mark Pritchard and Steve Spacek aka Africa Hitech will release their new LP 93 Million Miles on Monday May 9 through the legendary Warp . The album follows two previous EPs under the Hitech moniker. Amazing single Out In The Street is out now and wallops along at a 160bpm Juke style and the rest of the album should follow suit, pushing boundaries and representing the many facets of modern bass music.

To hear music from all of the above and much more, tune to The Antidote on 2XX 98.3FM every Tuesday night from 9.30 – 11pm or stream at www.2xxfm.org.au .

Tha realness

So, did you hear Radiohead have a new album out? Ha! It seems the wonderful wide world of the interwebs has gone crazy with Radiohead fever ahead of the initial digital release of their new (eighth) studio album The King Of Limbs . Bagged myself a copy and listening as I type… on first listen sounding very nice, as expected. Head online to catch a barrage of further opinion and comment on this one.

There’s a nice little batch of fresh new US hip-hop on the horizon from some of my faves. Firstly Strong Arm Steady are following up their Stones Throw release of last year with a new full length on Talib Kweli ’s Blacksmith label. Arms & Hammers features production from Blaqthoven , Khalil , Nottz , Terrace Martin , Madlib , 1500 and Jellyroll . All the usual west coast suspects show up to help out – I’m talking the likes of Chace Infinite , Planet Asia and The Game . Also poppin’ up on the release are legends like Krs-One , Too Short and Kweli himself.

After floating around in label hell, poor Saigon is finally getting a release for his much delayed The Greatest Story Never Told through Suburban Noize . I think the record has been finished for at least 3-4 years! Regardless, it is finally dropping and boasts production from Just Blaze , Kanye West and Red Spyda . The guest list is never ending and features appearances from Fatman Scoop , Q-Tip , Jay-Z , Swizz Beatz , Devin The Dude , Black Thought , Bun B , Faith Evans and many more.

On the more leftfield tips is the debut album Outmind from Matthewdavid on Flying Lotus ’ in form Brainfeeder label. Due Monday April 18 , the record features collaborations with Flying Lotus, Niki Randa , Blank Blue and Dog Bite . The California resident’s music could never be described as immediate, and much like his label boss FlyLo, it takes repeated listens to really let the subtle nuances of his textured sound sink in. Really looking forward to the release and what proves to be another forward-thinking slice of future music from Brainfeeder.

On a similar tip is the much touted duo Hype Williams (no, not the video director!) whose forthcoming album One Nation through the elusive (and always fresh) Hippos In Tanks label. The duo released couple of awesomely otherworldly lo-fi electronica releases last year taking influence as much from a vast multitude of genres as what is going on inside their own heads! Not much is known about them but One Nation promises to be another evocative trip into their unique world.

Finally, this month, is one of my most anticipated full length albums for 2011. Following a multitude of bass driven excursions across a variety of tempos Instra:Mental are set to drop their first artist album proper in April. Resolution 653 will continue the duo’s extensive mining of the territory that exists between d‘n’b, dubstep and techno. According to press release info on the record, the album will further showcase the duo’s “flexibility, with bits of juke and acid thrown into the mix and tempos falling anywhere between 120 and 140bpm.” Can I get a hell yeah!

To hear music from all of these releases and much more tune to The Antidote on 2XX 98.3FM every Tues day night from 9:30pm for the best in all your fave genres.

Tha realness

Obese Records are gearing up for a mammoth 2011 and the first cab off the rank is Terra Firm’s Simplex who is set to deliver his debut solo LP Audio Biography on Friday Feb 18. Promising to be a hard-hitting exhibition of the Adelaide sound pioneered by the Certified Wise crew, the album is also an extremely personal affair for the hip-hop veteran. Produced entirely by Simplex himself, the record melds a classic hip-hop sound with modern flourishes, consistently weaving in a subtle rebellious streak to the bulk of its lyrical content. The record features appearances from Delta, Ranto Bokgon, Candice Monique and Motions.

LA’s Daedelus has been representing the beat scene for many years and is both a true veteran of the scene and a certified workaholic. He’s back again, this time with a fresh new LP on Ninja Tune entitled Bespoke. Never one to conform to any one style, Daedelus is happy to flirt with eccentricity and simply be himself. He’s teamed up with a diverse range of vocalists for the album including Busdriver, Bilal and Inara George. The album is out Monday April 11.

Hamburg’s Stimming has reportedly channelled a difficult period of in his life into his music to produce his upcoming second LP Liquorice. The head of Diynamic Music has moved away from his usual 4/4 style to create something fresh and unique, heavily based on field recordings and explorations of a more experimental style of electronic music. The record’s title is apparently a hint that, like the sweet liquorice itself, the album’s style “may not be for everybody”. Personally, I’m intrigued – and as his Reflections LP was one of my faves for 2009 I’m looking forward to whatever Stimming brings to the table. The album is out in March.

Those Slaughterhouse goons are back at it again following their dope self-titled LP from a few years back. Their new EP is out shortly and features an incredible line-up of producers on board – Mr. Porter, M-Phazes, Black Milk, Grind Music and Frequency. Dres from Black Sheep is on there too, as are the entire LOX crew. It doesn’t get any better than that. Can’t wait to get a copy.

London duo Kryptic Minds will drop their second LP Can’t Sleep in April. Their debut effort One Of Us narrowly missed out on my top ten of 2009 and was a deep, dark, sub-heavy bass music odyssey on Loefah’s amazing Swamp81 label. For Can’t Sleep they’ve jumped over to the Black Box label and have apparently maintained the wintery sound of their debut but also take in influences from Detroit techno and even Portishead! Definitely put this release on your radar for 2011.

On the poppier end of the bass music spectrum, the debut record from Katy B is just around the corner. With a voice that’s everywhere at the moment, crossing genres from r‘n’b, funky and dubstep, On A Mission could be a record that blows up across the globe and continues dubstep’s flirtation with the charts. Show-wise, the newly refurbished ANU Bar plays host to Melbourne’s Raven on Saturday March 19. Illy is also scheduled to drop into the bar on Friday April 8. Keep your eye on BMA for more details on both shows.

To hear music from all these releases and more, tune to The Antidote on 2XX 98.3FM every Tuesday night from 9:30 – 11pm.

ROSHAMBO - roshambizzle@yahoo.com.au

Tha Realness

My favourite MC is back once again! Ghostface has returned on Def Jam for his latest LP Apollo Kids. The album features the usual all star Wu guest list plus other dope associates such as The Game, Busta Rhymes, Joell Ortiz,Black Thought, Fabolous, Jim Jones and Redman. Never one to pick wack beats, Ghost has enlisted Jake One,Grind Music, Pete Rock, Anthony Acid and Scram Jones, alongside some new jacks Shroom, Frank Dukes,Chino Maurice and Big Mizza. Haven’t heard it yet, but by jove you know I’m more excited than Big Kev at a buffet (RIP homey!).

Everyone else’s favourite MC is also back. Sir Talib Kwelireturns this month with Gutter Rainbows (weird title hey?). Apparently the album is getting distro only to independent stores and features Sean Price, Kendra Ross, Blaq Toven, Jean Grae and Chace Infinite. Beats supplied by M-Phazes, 88-Keys, Marco Polo, Shuko,Ski, Nick Speed, Oh No, Khrysis and S1.

Sydney’sBingethinkers are set to release their long awaited debut full length LP Where Are They Now on Friday February 11through LookUp. I’ve been looking forward to this one for a while now. Rinse, 2Buck and Aeon have combined their talents and unified their minds to fuse the sound of classic ‘90s hip-hop with glitchy electronica, taking influence from across the board. Their sound is and has always been their very own and the album proves to be another notch in an already star-studded belt for the LookUp crew.

Scuba’sHotflush Recordings is set to release a dope new compilation in April entitled Back and 4th. The double CD set will include both brand new and classic Hotflush material, spanning the bass music spectrum, from the likes of Sepalcure, Boxcutter,Boddkia, dBridge, Scuba, FaltyDL, Sigha,George Fitzgerald, Roska, Mount Kimbie, Untoldand more. Phew! It’s out Monday April 4. Cannot wait for it, aaaaand there’s going to be a three piece vinyl set for you wax heads too apparently.

Fresh from releasing a series of 7” singles, Animal Collectivemember Panda Bear is gearing up to drop his next solo albumTomboy. Anyone that has heard his Person Pitchalbum of a few years ago, or any Animal Collective material knows that this is forward-thinking and innovative music to get excited about. I purposefully haven’t listened to any of the previously released tunes on this one so I can give the album experience its full weight. Tomboy is out Tuesday April 19 on Panda Bear’s own label Paw Tracks.

Where are my NonPlus+ heads at? The label is releasing the debut album from LOL entitled Me Me. A three-piece group who’ve kept their identity under wraps (hint: the producer is Mistabishi from Hospital Records fame I’m pretty sure). Mixing dubstep with a more progressive rock sound with a heavy lashing of vocals, the album is sure to keep Instra:Mental’s label at the forefront of fresh new vibes. Anyone that has heard the previously released 12” Squeeze Me/Dare Me will be feeling what I’m saying. The album was recorded using a bunch of old equipment and technology to give it a ‘pre-internet’ feel apparently. The album is out late Feb. Boss.

Finally on the rock, metal, hip-hop mash-up tip, Sydney’s The Havknotz (Losty and Waza) have just let me know that they have just released their brand new EP Music-Life-Pain. The release features collaborations with Ill Bill, Sadat-X,DJ Morgs, Fortay, Anecdoate, Redbak,Plague and Jonny Row. Peep the fellas out at www.myspace.com/thehavknotz.

To hear music from all of the above releases and much much more, tune to The Antidote on 2XX 98.3FM every Tuesday night from 9:30 – 11pm.

Roshambo

roshambizzle@yahoo.com.au

Tha realness

Welcome to 2011. I trust you had a dope, safe and enjoyable holiday season. Well, with another year of potentially life-altering and mind-bending music ahead of us, let’s get straight into it.

I’ve been a big fan of Melbourne’s Raven since his criminally slept on Humble Beginnings album back in 2008. Thankfully he’s back with the long awaited follow up Ravenous 20Ten on Crate Cartel. A member of the Hungry Humans and Crate Cartel crews, Raven is a highly respected artist in the local hip-hop scene and this second album seems certain to further cement his talent. Raveneous 20Ten is both personal and political, created as a concept album of sorts where Raven juxtaposes his own personal observations of the world against those of the society around him. The album consistently engages the listener across a multitude of styles and themes – a self-confessed album full of stories of “parties, protests and procrastination.” The record features production from Cam Bluff, Geko, WIK and more, as well as guest slots from Fluent Form, Geko, Maundzz, Vents and Fatty Phew.

Finally, the long awaited solo album from Lyrical Commission’s Trem is nearly upon us! Representing the ‘quality over quantity’ motto, Trem has spent the last few years meticulously putting together his For The Term Of His Natural Life solo LP, and the first single Omega Man has just surfaced. Omega Man is vintage Trem – razor sharp multi-syllabic lyrics over sparse Prowla production. The video for Omega Man is up now on YouTube (executed by Heata & Discourse). The album will also feature production from Beat Butcha and Trem himself. You can grab the single right now from the Unkut Recordings website.

Dazed & Flawlezz have just kindly offered up their latest EP release Land Of The Savages as a free digital release on www.dazedflawlezz.com. The formerly Sydney-based duo now represent both Queanbeyan and Melbourne. The new EP marks a shift in tone for the fellas and features production from Geko, Ciecmate, Mizari and Dazed himself. Make sure you support them and jump online to grab a copy for the amazing price of nil.

Hyperdub had an incredible 2010 with amazing releases from Darkstar, Ikonika, Terror Danjah and more. This year the label’s head honcho Kode9 is once again teaming up with vocalist The Spaceape for their sophomore LP Black Sun due for release in April. Expect Kode9 to further push the bass music boundaries and Spaceape to up his intergalactic chatter. Collaborations on the record include Cha Cha and Flying Lotus! Yes!

Show-wise, coming up Melbourne’s Raven is due in town on Saturday March 19 at the newly refurbished ANU Bar with Sydney’s That’s Them in support. Optamus (Downsyde) is rocking his solo thing at Transit Bar on Thursday January 27 and the Blue Mountains’ Thundamentals also touch down at Transit Bar on Thurs February 3.

To hear music from all the above artists and more, tune to The Antidote on 2XX 98.3FM every Tuesday night from 9.30pm.

Roshambo's Top 10 Albums of 2010

10. Caribou – Swim [City Slang]

With the aim of making music that sounds like it’s underwater, Caribou succeeded in composing a tight set of blissful electronic excursions. Swim has a warm pulsating heart that bubbles in the excitement of creation and pleasure of knowing just how wonderful it really is.

9. Big Boi – Sir Luscious Left Foot: The Son Of Chico Dusty [Def Jam]

In another year of stagnant lifeless hip-hop, only a few artists (The Roots, Drake, Black Milk) dared to push the envelope. Outkast’s Big Boi shined bright with a vibrant set of jams showcasing his jaw-droppingly dope flow over fresh canvasses of juicy, colourful booty-shaking funk.

8. Gold Panda – Lucky Shiner [Ghostly International/Notown]

Very special debut from Mr Panda defying genre classification and rich in glowing textures, live instrumentation and global influences. With echoes of Four Tet, Lucky Shiner is organic, soulful and sublime.

7. Janelle Monae – The Archandroid [Bad Boy]

With unparalleled vision and courage, Ms Monae marched soul music into the future whilst dipping her toes into just about every sound and style of the past. Highly original and gorgeously addictive, Janelle’s voice is a weapon!

6. Darkstar – North [Hyperdub]

Surprising everyone, Darkstar pulled a massive 360 and abandoned their dubstep trappings with a mesmerising set of synth-pop on Kode9’s brilliant Hyperdub label. North captures the strange, shimmering melancholic beauty of a robotic world.

5. ASC – Nothing Is Certain [NonPlus+]

Alongside amazing albums from Sabre, Sunchase and Craggz + Parallel, ASC led the charge for the d‘n’b resurgence in 2010 with his debut LP, dropping minimal half-time two-step rhythms over icy electronics and deeeeeep subs.

4. Actress – Splazsh [Honest Jons]

Strange and ambitious, Splazsh shows no regard for genre labelling, song structure or conventional rhythm with Actress chopping and splicing beats and samples into strange musical algorithms. Absolutely incredible.

3. Kanye West – My Beautiful Dark Twisted Fantasy [Def Jam/Roc-A-Fella]

With hands gripping his balls and a middle finger in the air, Yeezy silences the haters by taking a good long hard look at himself and the price fame has brought him. A crazed opus from one of the world’s most interesting performers.

2. Flying Lotus – Cosmogramma [Warp]

The Brainfeeder don and leader of the LA beat scene delivered his sophomore set of broken soul, sending his sound shooting into a psychedelic jazz-fuelled stratosphere.

1. Mount Kimbie – Crooks & Lovers [Hotflush]

Short, sweet and perfect, Crooks & Lovers exemplifies all there is to be excited about creative modern bass music. Released on Scuba’s Hotflush, the London duo intertwine organic field recordings, moments of bittersweet beauty, subtle clicking riddims and rumbling sub-bass, sounding like no one else as they morph, twist and redefine the boundaries of dubstep.

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What a year! For anyone into forward thinking, inventive and creative music, 2010 was a goldmine. You can peep my Top Ten for my ‘must haves’ of the year, but in addition to those amazing releases there was a landslide of dope music released across a variety of sounds and styles. Get your pen and pad ready, here we go…

It’s only right that we kick off on the hip-hop tip with Drake. His Thank Me Now album was commercially successful whilst remaining inventive and original. The Roots took it back to the mid-‘90s with How I Got Over and proved they can do no wrong, while Guilty Simpson and Black Milk both repped for Detroit and dropped killer sophomore efforts. Veterans Slum Village showed why they are still relevant with Villa Manifesto despite their hardships of the past few years. And there’s still a whole slew of hip-hop I haven’t heard yet so maybe we’ll do another catch up in early 2011.

Bass music was everywhere in 2010, penetrating a multitude of genres and cross-pollinating all over the place. On the downtempo vibe, the following artists all released stellar full lengths: Maxmillion Dunbar, Baths, Aardvarck, Jules Chaz, P.U.D.G.E., Tokimonsta, Onra, Eskmo, Take, Bonobo, Lazer Sword, Dimlite and Lorn. Oriol, Onra and Jimmy Edgar all repped for the space-funk heads too, pushing the tempo up with ‘out of this world’ full lengths.

Melding with ambient and ‘chill wave’ (I hate that term) a selection of artists released brilliant albums and pushed their sounds into new and fresh parts of the musical galaxy – I’m talking Emeralds, Oneohthrix Point Never, Toro Y Moi, Teengirl Fantasy, Solar Bears, Delorean, Small Black, Salem, Balam Acab, Forest Swords and oOoOOo. Favouring the more ethereal, off-kilter indie vibe, I also really enjoyed albums from Glasser, Deerhunter, Twin Shadow, El Guincho, Holy Fuck, Matthew Dear, Gayngs, Ariel Pink and Beach House. Big name artists like Foals, Hot Chip, Mark Ronson and Gorillaz also delivered brilliant follow up records and showed why they are loved and adored worldwide.

On the dance/electronic tip Pantha Du Prince offered up one of the most gorgeous records of the decade with Black Noize whilst veterans Autechre, Shed and Dop released genre-bending techno and house influenced mindfuks. On the funky tip Roska’s name was everywhere and his debut was fun and infectious.

Dubstep was suddenly everywhere and the ‘dubstep album’ blossomed in 2010 with absolutely killer records from Guido, Breakage, Ital Tek, Ikonika, Terror Danjah, Starkey, Jack Sparrow, Eleven Tigers, Phaeleh and Maddslinky. Skream and Benga took over the world – both with Skream’s brilliant sophomore Outside The Box LP and their Magnetic Man album with Artwork. Both albums were big, fun and showcased their impeccable production skills.

Heading up the 170+ bpm end of the spectrum, Noisia, Genotype, Sunchase, Craggz + Parralel, Sabre, Alaska, Netsky, Klute, Artificial Intelligence, DJ Fresh and Danny Byrd all unveiled great new records and proved d‘n’b ain’t dead yet.

And finally, if you haven’t checked out the Juke phenomenon yet – peep DJ Nate, DJ Roc, DJ Spinn and DJ Rashad. Planet Mu pushed the sound in 2010 and I expect more craziness next year.

Wow, take a breath! Peace out and bring on 2011. Who knows what treats we are in store for… but one name should be at the top of your list though. Mr James Blake.

To hear music from all these releases and much more, tune to The Antidote on 2XX 98.3FM every Tuesday night from 9:30 - 11pm.

Roshambo

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One of Melbourne’s most admired emcees, Bigfoot has finally dropped his long awaited debut solo full length entitled Giant Steps on Broke Tooth Entertainment/Obese Records. For those in the know, Bigfoot has been dropping heat since the mid-‘90s with a barrage of killer guest verses and productions on some of the scene’s finest releases and now it’s time for him to take the spotlight. Produced entirely by Bigfoot himself (with some help from fellow Hired Goon accomplice Heata) Giant Steps is full of bangers – I’m talking huge bass lines, dark synths and dirty, dusty samples. Coupled with his aggressive no nonsense flow and clever wordplay, Bigfoot murders sucker emcees and also drops some crazy vivid narratives on the listener. Add to this a stellar lineup of guest spitters from the likes of Brad Strut, Muph, Ciecmate, Bias B, Lazy Grey, Dialectrix, Fluent Form and the Hired Goons crew and you’ve got a certified burner of a record. Go get it now.

Karsniogenics have just released the debut album from The Statesmen – aptly titled Drama To The Finish. The Statesmen are made up of duo Sean B and DJ Dcide and represent Brisbane, QLD. Having spent 18 years collectively on radio with 4zZz’s PhatTape hip-hop show supporting and showcasing local product the duo are now unveiling their own sounds to the masses. Featuring guest appearances from Lazy Grey, Bias B, Jake Biz, Bigfoot, Miss Brown, Marvel and Marvin Brown the duo have offered up the first single Whatever The Cost as a free download through their MySpace – www.myspace.com/thestatesmenhiphop. Peep it and support the fellas.

Fresh from his rappertag verse, Lotek is back on the scene with his latest offering International Rudeboy which is now available for pre-order (lotek.bandcamp.com). Representing with fresh dancehall and ska hip-hop vibes, Lotek always keeps it fresh and bass heavy. The release features Roots Manuva, RuCL, Ciecmate, Dialectrix, Ozi Batla and Jimmy Screech. Looking forward to checking out the full release.

Having released an essential series of hot genre-bending single releases, UK bass label Night Slugs are now set to release their first compilation album later this month entitled Night Slugs Allstars Vol. 1. The release collects tunes from the recent single releases alongside new exclusives and remixes. Artists appearing include Mosca, Lil Silva, Jam Unit, Girl Unit, Kingdom, Egyptrixx, Bok Bok, Optimum, Jacques Green and L-Vis 1990. For a taste of the fresh bass music sounds coming out of the UK at the moment this really is essential stuff.

Also rocking the label retrospective steez is Bristol’s Punch Drunk imprint who are showcasing the wealth of talent from the city with a new double CD compilation Worth The Weight. Featuring a who’s who of dubstep dopeness, the compilation presents both classic and newly released tunes from the likes of Peverelist, R&D, Guido, Joker, Pinch, Jakes and Appleblim.

After dropping the dope King Midas Sound album on Hyperdub, Kevin Martin has now jumped back to Ninja Tune for another excursion under his The Bug moniker. The Infected EP is a heavyweight release featuring two brand new tunes blessed by Hitomi and Roots Manuva respectively (boh!). Remix duties come from Autechre and Scratch DVA. BIG!

To hear tunes from all these releases and much more, tune to The Antidote on 2XX 98.3FM every Tuesday night from 9.30 – 11pm.

Roshambo

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G’day – no doubt you’ve seen me expanding the reaches of this column of late and this issue is no different. In fact, I’m moving each farther away from hip-hop in recommending two new records. First up is the new album from Atlanta’s Deerhunter entitled Halcyon Digest. Truly an incredible record of forward-thinking music, this is an album to be absorbed by playing from start to finish. Their fourth album, Bradford Cox and the boys have delivered a hypnotic stream of musical consciousness. There is a primal immediacy to the album that really pulls you in – and not to mention some of the most amazing melodies of the year. They’ve always been a cryptic group, but I found this album more immediate than their previous work. Like Bradford Cox’s excursions under the Atlas Sound moniker though, there’s plenty of wonderful psychedelia to be found in this new album. The final tune is a beautiful tribute to the late Jay Reatard. Highly recommended.

Also extremely impressive is the debut album from Florida-born George Lewis Jr aka Twin Shadow. Entitled Forget it is out on Terrible Records which is run by Chris Taylor from Grizzly Bear who also coincidentally produces the album. Washed in dirty synthesizers and drum machines, Twin Shadow’s debut is full of restless grooves and earnest, soulful lyrics. There’s nothing fake about this music, which carries an undeniable ‘80s vibe – not in a retrospectively kitsch sense either, this is proper dense underground music. In Forget I can hear a real punk aesthetic mixed with a Morrissey or New Order pastiche, but this is not music for the past – these are organic future sounds from Twin Shadow.

One of my fave d‘n’b producers Break is set to release his second full length LP in a week or so following his brilliant Symmetry album released back in ‘08. His newie, Resistance, is shaping up to be a dynamic listen featuring collaborations with SpectraSoul, Calyx + Teebee, Die, Nico, Silent Witness and Survival. The album format lends itself to the multiplicity of Break’s production skills allowing him to explore different facets of drum and bass rhythms from straight out ball-breaking rave head crackers to more subtle jazz-tipped rollers. Again vocalists Kyo and SP:MC show up to bless the beats. Can’t wait to hear it.

Nottingham’s Lone is killing me right now – his Pineapple Crush single being one of my faves of the year. He’s set to follow it up with a new album entitled Emerald Fantasy Tracks this November. Formerly exploring psychedelic hip-hop inspired beats, Lone has been pushing towards housier riddims of late and the album sets to explore the region between the two styles. Launching the album on his own brand new imprint Magic Wire Recordings, Lone seems set to blow in 2011. Check for him or miss out!

Acclaimed bass music veteran Shackleton is set to helm the next instalment of the Fabric series with his Fabric 55 mix of old, new and exclusive material – all with that dark tribal-esque Skull Disco vibe. Like Villalobos and Omar S before him, Shackleton has delivered a set made up of entirely his own tunes, based on his recent live performances at Fabric. According to interviews he has stated that “some of them are not even tracks, just coincidental parts merging with each other between tracks… those are the best bits actually.” If it’s anything like his recent Three EPs album I’ll be suitably impressed.

To hear music from all these releases and more, tune in to The Antidote on 2XX 98.3FM every Tuesday evening from 9:30 – 11pm or stream at www.2xxfm.org.au.

Roshambo

roshambizzle@yahoo.com.au

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G’day – if you’ve missed it or been under a rock lately, jump onto OzHipHop.com and check out the Rappertag concept kicked off by 360. The basic premise is rappers going in over the same beat over webcam and then passing the verse off to the next rapper. There’s been quite a roster so far with dudes like Newsense, Urthboy, Brad Strut, Hunter and Briggs all participating. Good to see everyone getting involved… wonder how far it will go? I’m pretty sure there’s a YouTube channel for it as well, so check it out.

After dropping DJ Skae’s Guestlist about 12 months ago, DJ Skae is back with another killer compilation entitled DJ Skae’s ‘A List’ – does the dude ever sleep? This time around he’s linked up with some of the country’s premier artists who have all submitted tunes for the album. The ‘A-List’ boasts over 20 originals from artists representing every state; Fluent Form, Draz, Torcha, Tommy Illfigga, Chase, Hunter, Sereck (with Grand Puba!) and even D’Opus & myself. There’s beatbox and producer tracks from Rivals, DJ Morgs, DJ Butcher and also Skae himself. It’s an impressive effort putting it all together and an even more impressive record as a whole. Check it out at www.myspace.com/a-list/ and support the release.

Everyone’s favourite Belfast d‘n’b producer and musical extraordinaire Calibre is back with his (seventh!) album Even If through his own Signature Records imprint. Following on from his wonderfully strange Shine A Light album, he’s firmly back in d‘n’b space with the new material but still showcasing his own highly original blues and soul riddim style. Can’t wait to hear it.

Also on the bass and drum tip is the latest LP on D Bridge’s phenomenal Exit Records. This time it comes from a true veteran – Genotype. Ritual Dance is out now and is surprisingly Genotype’s first ever artist album despite him being on the scene since the mid ‘90s. Instead of heading for bleak mechanical tear outs, Genotype has stayed true to the Exit sound print by pushing d‘n’b sounds into the future with a mix of organic drums and West Indian music. Should be suitably amazing.

Can Mr. James Blake do no wrong? His latest EP Klavierwerke on R&S is again undeniably amazing, and without pausing for breath he’s dropped the first single from his forthcoming as yet untitled 2011 debut album. Limit to Your Love is a woozy beautiful cover of Feist’s original and showcases his previously hinted at vocal talents. The production is trademark Blake in all the right ways – minimal, subtle and full of deep resonating bass. Check the video out online and support all of James’ releases – he’s on some shit right now.

Tour-wise there’s some nice shows popping off in the next few months. The Wildstyle tour is hitting Canberra on Friday November 5 at the ANU Bar with a two-way headliner featuring The Tongue and Spit Syndicate with support from Melbourne’s Class A. Get your tickets from oztix.com.au.

Hot on the heels of supporting Method Man & Redman and The Beatnuts, solo artists Phatchance and Coptic Solider are hitting Canberra as part of their national I Forgot, I’m Sorry tour at the ANU Bar on Friday October 29.

To hear music from all the above and much more, tune to The Antidote on 2XX 98.3FM from 9.30pm every Tuesday night.

Roshambo

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G’day – first up this month is the slammin’ new album from Dialectrix. Entitled Audio Projectile the man D-Trix has linked up with Plutonic Lab to create a unique synergy of sound that pays homage to classic ‘94 boom-bap. D-Trix’s flow is unparalleled once again with rapid fire precision and sharp intelligent topics – check Fly On The Wall, one of the tunes of the year. Delivering on the hype and promise shown on his debut, Dialectrix has stepped up his game to deliver a true hip-hop record – made by a fan, for fans. I don’t even need to tell you how dope the beats are from Pluto – coz you already know how dude gets down. Guest slots from Hau, Joe New, Fluent Form, Maundz, Tommy Illfigga and Rigby. Oh, and the cuts from 2Buck are killer too.

Hot on the heels of winning the triple j Unearthed M-Phazes comp, Gold Coast’s Seven has released his brand spanking new EP. Out on Born Fresh Records, the EP features Seven’s undeniable talents alongside Michael Tomlinson (Yves Klein Blue), Joyride, 4^th and Claire Waters. Production comes from DJ Butcher, One Above and M-Phazes.

Sydney king and Elefant Traks representative The Tongue has returned with his second LP Alternative Energy. Showcasing his catchy flow, insightful nature and love for weed (haha) the album is highly original and showcases The Tongue’s ability to try out new sounds and styles successfully – check his singing! Production comes from some big names including El-Gusto, M-Phazes, Dizz1 (yes!!!), Cam Bluff, Kid Fiction and P-Major. Guests from Ngaiire, Gift Of Gab, Urthboy and Joyride. Big!

On the bass tip, Raffertie is launching a brand new label entitled Super to showcase a new direction in sound. Having previously released on Planet Mu and Seclusiasis, Raffertie is moving away from the broken beat/dubstep vibes and looking forward to garage/house tempos. The label’s first release Rank Functions will be in the EP format and from the man himself. It is due for release late October.

Show-wise there’s big, b…i…g, BIG things on the horizon for Canberra – more news on that in the next few issues I’m sure. But close to poppin’ off is the Evidence show at Transit Bar on Thursday October 21. With Total Eclipse in tow, expect the Dilated People’s representative to put in work and show you how it’s done. Miss at your peril basically. Supported by D’Opus and I, Alikeminds, Cross Culture Settlement and Nu-Leaf, it will be a huge night for hip-hop in the capital. Tickets are limited and available from Moshtix for $20 + booking fizzle.

Saturday October 23 is a big one again – so get your calendar set and synchronised as you’ll need to pop between a few venues. Mercury Switch is back with Low Freqz at Hippo for the third instalment of all things bass. This time around Ced Nada is joined by Canberra’s finest bass aficionados in Dredd, MGO and DFP. $5 on the door from 8pm. The same night at Trinity the Pull Up Crew is flexing the reggae/dancehall/dub vibes. Big sounds at both nights for all those who love quality music from two of Canberra’s finest crews.

To hear music from all the above releases and more, tune to The Antidote on 2XX 98.3FM every Tuesday night from 9.30pm.

Roshambo

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London’s Fabric Records has released some very dope mixes this year embracing the bass music scene’s various incarnations. Next up for them are two versatile mixes from two highly regarded artists in their chosen genres.

Dublin based D&B pioneer Zero T mixes FabricLive 52 with his usual disregard for genre, happy to switch tempos and styles in a true reflection of his club DJ sets. Moving through classic jungle tempos, minimal future D&B excursions, dubstep, house and hip-hop, Zero T keeps it consistently dope and ‘bassy’ through the entire mix. The mix features a who’s who of dope sounds from the likes of Paradox, Break, Lynx, Rockwell, Dillinja, Icicle, Commix, SP:MC, Marcus Intalex and Calibre. Definitely one to add to your Fabric library.

On their next instalment of the Fabric (not Live) series is number 53 from techno don Surgeon. Also not known for being genre faithful, Surgeon prefers to simply play music he is feeling to open people up to new sounds and textures. That said he’s definitely been influenced by bass music of late as reflected by the large smattering of artists like Greena, Scuba, Subeena, Starkey, Appleblim and Ital Tek showcased in the mix. Add to that dense techno bombs from Robert Hood, Ben Sims, T-Polar and Surgeon himself and you’ve got yourself a deep excursion in future rhythms.

Shifting downtempo, I’ve been slamming the Girls Dream EP from Maximillion Dunbar on Ramp for a few months now and he’s set to follow it up with his Cool Water LP in October. Mixing slo-mo house vibes with his downbeat adventures, Dunbar is an undeniable talent and I can’t wait to hear the full album. Expect some boogie laded funk soundscapes, stuttering instrumental hip-hop vibes and some off the wall ‘what genre is this’ type steez. Plus he’s got a pimp ass name too. Check it when it drops.

Everyone loves free shit! And so does UK grime don Terror Danjah. Fresh from releasing his excellent Power Grid EP on Planet Mu he kicked off August with a couple of free releases for download. He has just offered up his few-years-old vocal laden grime LP Shock To The System and a 29-strong instrumental release Hardstrumentals chock full of synth heavy 140bpm grime and a few more downbeat surprises. Mr Danjah is certainly very generous so I encourage you to jump online and download that classic Terror Danjah to your heart’s content.
Speaking of Planet Mu, they’ve just released the Hatas Our Motivation EP from 20-year-old Chicago ‘footwork’ prodigy DJ Nate. For those that don’t know, footwork or ‘juke’ is a hybrid genre of sorts which mixes crunkish dirty south flavoured hip-hop with ghetto-tech house for some interesting 80/160bpm outings. Following up from this EP, Planet Mu has released a 25 track album from Nate entitled Da Trak Genious. For those that want to open their ears to some new sounds, give it a listen.
We started this column with D&B, so it’s only right we bookend it with one of my most anticipated releases in recent times. Cambridge duo Commix are finally about to release the much touted remix project of their 2007 LP Call To Mind. Entitled Re:Call To Mind (yes, not the most original title) the roster of remix artists they’ve lined up spanning a myriad of styles has me hyped: Instra:Mental, Pangaea, A Made Up Sound, D Bridge, Burial, Kassem Mosse, Sigha, Marcel Dettman, Two Armadillos and Underground Resistance! Wow! Out in October I can’t wait to rinse these tunes with much gusto.
To hear tunes from all these releases and much more tune to The Antidote on 2XX 98.3FM from 9:30–11pm every Tues night or stream at www.2xxfm.org.au .

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I worded you up a few columns ago about Skream’s debut LP Outside The Box on Tempa and, with barely a month passing, he’s just about to drop the major label backed full length Magnetic Man LP. Out on Columbia, the collaboration with Benga and Artwork has divided dubstep fans and subsequently blown up in the process with their mega festival ravey gurnstep anthem I Need Air. Describing themselves as “the coolest pop act” of 2010, their LP is certainly going to be an interesting listen. Featuring a bevy of superstar names such as John Legend, Angela Hunte, Ms Dynamite and Katy B, the album is due out Monday October 4. Let the haters hate, I reckon it’ll be a fun (if disposable) listen.

Mr Manuva – that’s Roots Manuva to you! – has just released yet another album, and I’m hyped. Out on the reliable Big Dada label, the Duppy Writer LP features reworkings of Roots Manuva tunes by a producer who is new to me – Wrong Tom. Wrong Tom remixed Manuva’s Buff Nuff single back in ’08 for the Slime & Reason LP and did such a sterling job that he’s been invited back to work his magic riddims on classic Manuva tunes. More Manuva is always good Manuva.

If you listen to my radio show The Antidote, you’ll note that I’ve been dropping a few new Aardvarck tunes of late and raving about them. A few of these new tunes have found their way onto his next full length LP Choice out now through Eat Concrete. Although the Dutch beatsmith has successfully tinkered in every genre he has put his creative talents to, the album will predominantly focus on downbeat instrumental hip-hop stylings. Also featuring LA’s Gaslamp Killer – you can peep a few of his beat sketches on his Soundcloud page too, so get listening and then support the man by copping the release.

Renowned UK garage producer Dexplicit has just dropped a full length mp3 release entitled The Bassline Anthems and it’s quality all the way. A real showcase of classic garage sounds that have influenced the current movement of UK Funky (I hate that term!) Dexplicit is responsible for some of the biggest underground bassline anthems in the UK. Out now on DXP, I definitely recommend digging to find this set for some bona fide bassline goodness.

Company Flow and Def Jux soldier El-P has just dropped an incredible mix-CD of original and remix instrumentals entitled Weareallgoingtoburninhellmegamixxx3 out on Gold Dust. Full of deep, synth heavy old school electro rhythms and dense barrages of percussion, this is classic El-Producto and another essential 2010 release; an excursion into EL-P’s musical mind which has obviously been influenced by the now (glitch, dubstep) but kept its heart in the past (old school electro). A stunning mixed set where it’s hard to choose a highlight.

Also 100% consistent dopeness is the new EP from Kingdom on the Night Slugs label entitled That Mystic. Pushing the tempo up to the high 130s into dubstep territory, Kingdom has delivered another R&B spiced set of stylish neon garage. Not known for his subtly, the EP shows Kingdom in full half-step restraint letting the tracks breath to stunning effect. Absolutely essential, as with anything on Night Slugs really!

To hear tunes from all these releases and much more tune to The Antidote on 2XX 98.3FM from 9:30 – 11pm every Tues night or stream at www.2xxfm.org.au.

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In my quest to find all the amazing new bass music out there, I’ve managed to stockpile a whole slew of quality new local hip-hop releases and “it’s about that time” you got updated on all the goodness.

Former Canberran Alikeminds member now Melbourne resident Maggot Mouf has dropped his long-awaited solo full length LP You’re All Ears through Broken Tooth. With his off-kilter style and no-nonsense attitude Maggot has delivered a razor-sharp LP which takes an up-close-and-personal journey through his eerie subconscious. It features production from Ciecmate, Joey Gargoyle and Bigfoot and guest appearances from 1/6, Scotty Hinds and Dekoda. A highly original LP and one that is sure to please existing Broken Tooth fans as well as gain the label and Maggot himself a load of new supporters.

The Crate Creeps have dropped their mammoth new effort It’s About That Time through Born Fresh Records and it features an incredible list of vocal talent. I’m talking Suffa, Trials, Pure Product, Eloquence, Mantra, Mata & Must, Rhyme Asylum, The Optimen, Kings Konekted, Verbal Kent, Thundamentals, Raaka Iriscience, Balboa, Haunts, Rainman and more. Epic. The album is out now.

Smiley has followed up his 2009 EP with a new LP entitled The Suspended Sentence through Firestarter. The album comes backed by some big names and you can check him out at www.myspace.com/smileyemcee.

Those Melbourne workaholics Mata & Must are back with a couple of brand new tunes split on a very tidy 7”. Skills Don’t Pay and Business In Tracksuits mark a shift in tempo but still embody that classic Mata & Must vibe. You can hear the tunes at www.myspace.com/matamust and can grab the 7” now from Pang Productions (www.pangproductions.com.au).

The name A-Diction will be familiar to hip-hop fans in this country and their debut LP Walkin’ Alone is out now through Addition Music/Obese Records. Following hot on the heels of their 2009 mixtape, Breach and Boltz have served up a set of pure Melbourne hip-hop with an emphasis on wordplay and clever lyrics. With the likes of M-Phazes, Jase, Whisper, Lewis One and Mules on the beats you know you’re in for that boom-bap soul. Haunts, G-Force, Scott Burns, Billy Bunks, Whisper, Raven and Fraksha all show up with guest spots. Walkin’ Alone is the culmination of four years hard work and is the complete package.

Canberra hip-hop fans might remember Syntax from when he supported Supastition at Transit Bar a few years ago. He’s been grinding hard (has he now? – Bossman) and has just dropped his heavily anticipated debut LP The Musical through Soulmate/Inertia. Released on Friday August 27, the album is typified by the dusty soul neck-cracking beats and rhymes of classic era hip-hop. Produced by M-Phazes, Matik, Mules, Whisper and S-Dub and featuring guest raps from Supastition, Haunts and Prime, The Musical is a true hip-hop debut LP – full of dope beats, dope raps, a sense of humour and plenty of heart and soul. Essential.

Whisper, Syntax and A-Diction have also banded together to created a supergroup of sorts on the In Good Company free mixtape album which is available now from: http://ingoodcompany.bandcamp.com. Whisper, A-Diction and Syntax deliver over 45 minutes of brand new music produced by the likes of M-Phazes (does the dude ever sleep?), Mules, Ciecmate, J-Squared, Lewis One, ATP and Whisper himself. If you are after a hard copy of the release you should be able to find them in stores soon.

To hear tunes from all these releases and much more tune to The Antidote on 2XX 98.3FM from 9:30 – 11pm every Tues night or stream at www.2xxfm.org.au

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The last few weeks I’ve been taking a pretty deep journey into the debut LP Only Mountain from LA based beat-maker Take. Out on the Alpha Pup  label, the album is really on another level in terms of sound and ideas – with one foot floating happily inside a sort of psychedelic, otherworldly pressurised funk and the other firmly planted in sun-drenched LA hip-hop. Insanely beautiful, utterly engaging and wholly original, Take’s sound is completely infectious. With each listen you’ll find something new to adore and admire.  Only Mountain is a real achievement in future soul music. If you dig Dam-Funk, Flying Lotus, J.Dilla type steez then this is for you! Amazing music.

Also on the future funk vibe is the debut LP from Spanish-Trinidadian artist Oriol. His LP Night & Day arrives on the always reliable Planet Mu label and is chock full of spacey jazz boogie and soulful broken beats. A positive vibe permeates throughout and there’s an effortless feel to the rare grooves that Oriol serves up. Cannot wait to bump this when I head to Europe for some sun and surf. Part Herbie Hancock, part Hudson Mohawke – this is another quality LP in an already stellar year for forward thinking broken beat music.

We all know that dubstep has grown exponentially in popularity over the past few years and one of the genres pioneers Skream has now arrived with his sophomore album amidst crazed media hype for the genre. Skream straddles both the pop infused styles of the genre (especially with his Magnetic Man group alongside Benga and Artwork) alongside deeper chin stroke moments through his work with D Bridge and Instra:Mental. Fact: Skream is one of the scenes first real crossover superstars.  Outside The Box is out now through Tempa and will certainly do no harm to the current wave of dubstep crossover especially with its more breaky, ravey moments.  Purists should take heed but there’s still a few heavy bassweight moments that should please old school dub heads. Whatever your tastes there is no denying that Skream is an impeccable producer and Outside The Box is a lot of fun. The album features collabs with Murs, La Roux and heaps of others.

Another LP I’m looking forward to absorbing more on my o/s trip Aug/Sep is Sheffield’s The Black Dog’s Music For Real Airports. A response to the Brian Eno concept album of a similar name, the album is a soundscape field recording meditations on the experience of being ‘in and around’ airports. Sounds ‘wanky’ but it’s actually really dope. Ambient tunes wash into deeper post-techno beat driven efforts in a real made for headphone ‘on location’ experience. It’s a cohesive record of beautiful music and one that could transport you into that transient limbo airport vibe no matter where you are. An ambitious, challenging and rewarding listening experience and one that I 100% recommend.

In a strange move, one of my favourite producers Squarepusher has left the confines of his label Warp for a one-off EP release on the Ed Banger label. Due late August, Cryptic Motion is an unexpected pairing of artist and label, but one that should herald some fascinating sounds. Ed Banger and Warp recently held a party last year in Paris that showcased HudMo and Clark alongside Mr Oizo and Sebastian and as a label, Ed Banger, has reportedly been inspired by Warp for many years. The EP from Squarepusher will feature a new production and a remix by Mr Oizo – both tunes are available to stream on Soundcloud.

To hear tunes from all these releases and much more tune to The Antidote on 2XX 98.3FM from 9:30 – 11pm every Tues night or stream at www.2xxfm.org.au.

Tha realness

The worldwide bass music scene is thriving in a major way at the moment, and it’s set to continue thanks to a handful of new long-awaited full length albums from some of the scene’s most revered artists as well as some incredible new singles from the likes of Peverelist, Sepalcure, Al Tourettes, Komonazmuk, J. Bevin, Ill Blu and many many more (I suggest you jump onto Boomkat to see what’s up release wise because there’s a lot of must-haves dropping at the moment).

While the term “dubstep” is increasingly becoming more obsolete as a genre describer due to the multicoloured and multi-faceted sounds currently being created, Scuba’s Hotflush label continues to master the full-length album format with its second future classic this year. Hot on the heels of his own incredible Triangulation LP, comes the heavily anticipated full length album from versatile London duo Mount Kimbie. A further extension of their unique sound (and complete disregard for “genres”) Crooks & Lovers is out now and is, quite frankly, incredible. Full of short, almost pop-song length vignettes, the album’s brevity invites repeated listens. Full of space, ambience, beauty, incredible sample manipulation and creative percussive depth,Crooks & Lovers is future music and a must-have for your collection.

Hot on the heels of his just released projects with Katalyst (Space Invadas) and Mark Pritchard (Africa Hi-Tech) musical genius Steve Spacek brings us his new solo LP under theBlack Pocket moniker on his brother dBridge’s label Exit Recordings. Firmly in the instrumental downbeat category, Spacek’s love for J.Dilla is apparent (hell, they collaborated together numerous times). We all know he’s got an amazing voice, but this LP serves to reinforce that dude can also produce! The album is chock full of broken-beat heaven. Get on it!

For those who like their music a little more glossy, I recommend Hospital Record’s latest signing Netsky, and his new self-titled LP. This is big epic D&B which works perfectly both on the home stereo and up in the club! A 20 year old prodigy of sorts, Netsky comes across as a mini High Contrast but just a little more “ravey” if that makes sense. Awkward descriptions aside, his album is thoroughly enjoyable and a dynamic listen [and his real name is Boris! What’s not to love!? – AL].

Shed’s 2008 release Shedding The Past was a wholly engaging and completely satisfying record – both a homage to classic techno and a tip of the hat to deep dubby bass music. Now he’s back with his new LP The Traveller on the acclaimed Ostut Ton label. According to the press release, the album takes influence from the sounds of early ‘90s UK club music (breakbeats, abstracted patterns) but whilst looking back, Shed also has his sights firmly planted on the horizon with the album harnessing myriad styles and BPMs. Equal parts minimal beauty and metallic force, this is cliché free dub-infused techno music for contemporary times.

We’ll be launching the new LP from Shed at the second instalment of Low Freqz at Hippo Bar on Saturday August 14. NZ born Melbourne resident and audio engineer/electronic music production extraordinaire Nick De Friez will be headlining with a glitch set of epic proportions. $5 on the door, come and celebrate the beauty of bass music with us.

To hear music from all the above and much much more, tune to The Antidote every Tues night from 9:30pm on 2XX 98.3FM or stream at www.2xxfm.org.au

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Following up from his promising Left To Write EP, Sydneysider Skryptcha has returned with his debut full length The Numbers which will be released on Friday July 23 on the ever-busy Obese Records. From first listen, it’s a real boom-bap affair and showcases Skryptcha’s overall love for music, honesty and passion for life over its 14 tunes. The album features production from Domingo (USA), M-Phazes, Chasm, Mules, Jase and Ante Escobar. Guest slots from Dialectrix (who is on fire at the moment!), Lotek, Jeswon, Rachel Berry and Bastian Bones. Support the man when the album drops.

There has been a resurgence of dope mainstream hip-hop sounds of late, with three major releases catching my ear and spending extensive rotation time in my various systems. First up is the debut LP from the much touted Drake. Thank Me Later is a magnificent and wholly original debut LP, where the ‘heart on his sleeve’ attitude of Drizzy shines bright over the album’s entire running time. Whether crooning or rapping Drake exhibits his talents over some beautifully soulful and chill-wave production (Noah ‘40’ Shebib, Boi-1da, Swizz Beats, Kanye West etc). It’s an addictive album that really grows in depth with each spin.

Big Boi’s Sir Lucious Left Foot has finally arrived on Def Jam and it is a magnificent opus chock full of inventive songwriting and a bevy of jams ranging from outer space soul to marching band two-step club stompers. Awash with that forward thinking Outkast vibe, the LP is guest heavy but the collaborations never seem forced and Big Boi is still 100% the star. Lyrically and flow-wise he tears the album apart, proving that he is still one of the most underrated emcees still doing things today. Absolutely essential and up there as a contender for LP of the year so far.

Finally, The Roots have returned for their third outing on Def Jam with How I Got Over. The album is a real nod back to the live jam instrumentation of their ‘94 Illadelph Halflife days with ?uestlove’s drumming again showcased as the backbone of the Roots vibe. Chock full of guests, both expected (Dice Raw, Truck North) and unexpected (Joanna Newsom, Monsters of Folk, Dirty Projectors), the quality of inventive and captivating songwriting is always top notch. It’s a more chilled out outing that their previous effort Rising Down but is another notch in an already legendary (and faultless) oeuvre.

Jumping genres, there is a real bevy of fantastic new singles, EPs and LPs out in the bass music scene – too many to list really, but I will make mention of UK label Night Slugs who continues its domination of bass influenced house music with the latest release from co-label head L-Vis 1990. The Forever You EP is a straight up classic – at times deep and traditional in its homage to classic house and other times forward thinking in its drunken syrupy synth work. L-Vis again proves he is one of the leaders in the future of creative garage/house music.

Show-wise, the mighty M-Phazes (good gracious!) is in town on Saturday August 21 at Transit Bar to promote his latest LP on Obese. Rumour has it that he’ll be bringing some very BIG emcees with him for the performance. NZ d‘n’b don Dose is set to pummel Mercury Bar on Friday August 6 with supports from the who’s who of ACT d‘n’b and dubstep. And don’t forget Low Freqz is back at Hippo Bar for its second instalment on Saturday August 14 – so come along for your monthly bass music fix.

To hear music from all these releases and much more, tune to The Antidote on 2XX 98.3FM from 9.30 – 11pm every Tuesday night or stream at www.2xxfm.org.au.

Roshambo

Tha realness

Readers of this column and listeners of my weekly radio show The Antidote will know that I am becoming increasingly obsessed with this little thing called ‘bass music’ and all its various (never-ending/ever-expanding) incarnations. Lately, I’ve been enjoying the downtempo hip-hop adventures from labels such as Brainfeeder, Alpha Pup, Fat City et al. Of particular note is the debut album from 23 year old Lorn, a cat from the Midwest of the US. Nothing Else has just been released on none other than Flying Lotus’ Brainfeeder label and it’s very impressive indeed. Lorn is the only dude inducted into the Brainfeeder camp to not come outta LA and his sound is undeniably darker than those of his label mates. Mastered by Christopher Clark (so you know the overall sound is going to be top notch) the album is washed in melancholy atmosphere and dynamic beauty. There’s a definite modern r‘n’b style twist to his sound, but Lorn expresses in a wholly individual way to create his own sound. Highly recommended. Also on the agenda in the instrumental hip-hop field are new LPs from Alex B, Take and DJ Nobody and EPs from Tokimonsta, Darkhouse Family and Shlohmo. All great music of the downtempo variety so get digging and treat those ears.

Over to the legendary Planet Mu stable now and the new LP from the renowned Ital Tek who has been getting extremely busy with a slew of quality new releases. I’m really feeling his new LP Midnight Colour which finds him expanding his musical palette to more Joker styled half-step and other 2-step meandering like label mate Kuedo. Midnight Colour is the perfect mood music, full of colour and featuring some incredibly beautiful melodies (ear worms galore!). Also on Planet Mu is the brand new LP from Philly’s Starkey. Ear Drums & Black Holes is pure sonic wizardry. Sometimes crunked out heaviness, other times blissful ambient sci-fi beauty but always essential listening. Forthcoming on the label is the debut LP from Barcelona born Oriol. Entitled Night & Day, he has created what Mu call ‘the perfect summer album.’ Taking in influences from Herbie Hancock to Theo Parrish to create his own ‘off-world utopia,’ the snippets I’ve heard sound very promising, so looking forward to hearing the full LP.

On the straight up hip-hop top, the legendary Roots crew have returned (again!) for their third outing on Def Jam. How I Got Over explores the same theme over its short running time and harkens back to the more organic live days of Illadelph Halflife to great effect. Black Thought again proves that he is the most underrated emcee in the States and the band provides mellow backgrounds for his keen social extrapolations. Featuring some inspired guests (Monsters Of Folk, Joanna Newsom) and some familiar faces (Dice Raw, Peedi Crakk), How I Got Over is another jewel in The Roots’ crown.

You’ll be able to check out sounds from the above releases and much more at a night me and the Mercury Switch crew are kicking off at Hippo Bar on Saturday July 10. Low Freqz will showcase quality sounds (both new and classic) of the bass variety, taking in influence from a number of genres; hip-hop, glitch, dubstep, d‘n’b, future garage and much more. If you like your music bass heavy and forward thinking, come join us on the night.

Queensland’s The Optimen are also dropping into town to promote their latest rap opus The Out Of Money Experience which is out now through Inertia. They’ll be at Transit Bar on Saturday July 17.

Ahh snap, outta room for another fortnight. Time to keep it moving people.

To hear music from all the above releases and more, tune to The Antidote on 2XX 98.3FM every Tuesday night from 9.30-11pm. Stream the show live at: www.2xxfm.org.au.

Roshambo

Tha realness

Back for another month and the local releases just keep on coming...

First up is B wiv Deece with their new full-length entitled Rise In Peace. It’s a follow up to their acclaimed Ritual Law EP that I gave plenty of spins to on The Antidote last year. It’s good to hear them still paving a path of originality and individualism as they definitely don’t sound like anyone else. I’ve always thought their music had a lot of guts, intensity and brutal honesty and these descriptions can all still be applied to their new full length. History-wise, they’ve been around since 2004 and dropped a 7” on the acclaimed Doublebeef Records run by the legendary Mass MC. Six years on the fellas have decided to bypass the distro deal options and innovate by selling their own product with a number of ‘value packs’ through their website where you can get pre-order deals, hoodies, tees etc. Gotta give their business game props too. Check out their sound, style and hustle and show them support at www.myspace.com/bwivdeece.

Obese Records continue to back local artists with distribution and the next in line is Geko with his Crate Cartel Radio LP. I’ve been a fan of Geko’s beats for a minute now so I’m very keen to hear the album which drops Friday June 18. For those in the dark, Crate Cartel is a likeminded collective of artists coming outta Melbourne whose efforts won them the best group/crew and best label at the OzHipHop Awards for 2009. Crate Cartel Radio is entirely produced by Geko and features a stellar lineup of guest emcees such as Bias B, Bigfoot, Ciecmate, Kings Konekted, Maundz, Jake Biz, Fatty Few, Fluent Form and Raven. Check out more details on the release and the crew as a whole at www.cratecartel.com.

Jumping down to Adelaide and the much anticipated new release from the Adroit Effusive crew simply called The Album. The self-confessed ‘quintessential dysfunctional hip-hop family,’ the AE crew have been toiling in the depths of Adelaide for many years preparing this new release. As a unique eight man band (Blockade, Consepts, Patti, Bornski, Motion, Devious Dev, Beats and DJ Ad-Fu) they’ve created a smorgasbord of production sounds and lyrical content to get the head nodding, with a definite tip of the cap to the boom-bap sound. They’ve also proven a strong work ethic with the LP clocking at over an hour at a staggering 19 tunes! Looking forward to hearing the album in full.

A major US release that’s caught my ear recently is the highly anticipated second LP from Talib Kweli and Hi-Tek under their Reflection Eternal title. Their first LP Train Of Thought was released during the Rawkus underground dominance of the late ‘90s/early ‘00s and was a personal classic for me. The new LP Revolutions Per Minute picks up where the last LP left off, and despite a few missteps it’s a worthwhile follow up but lacks some of the initial punch they had back in 2000. There’s no doubting Kweli’s flow though and Hi-Tek goes deep, minimal and soulful with his beats which fit Kweli’s delivery like a glove. Well worth a listen, as if you didn’t already know.

To hear music from all these releases and much more, tune to The Antidote on 2XX 98.3FM every Tuesday night from 9.30pm or stream at www.2xxfm.org.au.

ROSHAMBO

roshambizzle@yahoo.com.au

Tha realness

Yo, D’O and I just completed the first date of our short tour to promote our new single Come Find Out, hitting Adelaide and linking up with Social Change from Butterthief family to rock the V.High.P Jam 8 at the Crown & Sceptre venue. It was a dope trip and really re-highlighted for me how vibrant and productive the SA scene continues to be in 2010. We met and built with a number of artists from veterans such as Bdeps and 2Biz to enthusiastic up-and-comers like Jekyl and Grifters Inc. We stopped by the Best Kept Secret show on 3D radio with Stej and Harvey Dent – dudes holding it down in the community radio scene down there. It’s timely, following our trip, to word you up about some new and upcoming releases coming outta Adelaide.

On the jump off, Fat Pockets aka DJ Snair and Funkwig from Social Change present their latest Butterthief Phattape which features a bunch of exclusive material from the likes of Social Change, K21, Dialect, Chris Bass, Crossbred Mongrels, 2Biz and Mesha. The release is a precursor to the forthcoming LP from Social Change which is due later this year and their new tunes were sounding massive live, with Joe killing it with the mic presence, crowd control and rapid fire flow. Snair always dominates on the cuts and Funkwig holds it down on the MPC (is there anyone faster on the pads?). In fact, Social Change are scheduled to roll into town as part of the Tri-State Hip-Hop Jam that the Mercury Switch crew are putting on at the Transit Bar on Saturday May 22 along with Choose Mics and Dialect.

Speaking of Dialect, dude is a beast on the mic and impressed us in Adelaide with a number of razor sharp freestyles. He’s definitely one to watch in 2010 with his second LP just on the horizon. It’s a collaboration with producer Despair and features Delta, Social Change and Motion on guest vocals. Really looking forward to this one and predicting it will be one of the standout releases of 2010.

The more rugged and raw tip is Evolve who impressed with his no-holds-barred old school aesthetic. Dude really speaks his mind and epitomises the ‘move-the-crowd’ motif. He’s a ‘what you see is what you get’ type of cat and recently released his debut LP The Dirt Merchant through Battlehogs/Snipershot. With heavy head-rocking percussion supplied by Trials, Conceps & Beats, K21 and Sublime, Evolve has also enlisted a who’s who of militant MC styles on the assist from the likes of Conceps, Mids, K21, Realizm and Mortar. If you like your sounds heavy and neck-cracking you should give his tunes a listen.

Grifters Inc have been bubbling around the Adelaide scene for a minute now, hustling a number of limited pressed EPs hand to hand at shows, and I managed to grab a copy of their latest offering Checkout Chicks, Bargirls and Goths. For a young duo, they exhibit a real professionalism and maturity, and their music has a heavy Atmosphere influence.

Gotta give props also to One Above who opened the night with a showcase of instrumentals from his forthcoming LP. He also recently won the beat battle in Adelaide too, and from what I heard on the night, I’m expecting some really nice sounds on his LP coming with that dusty blunted style.

Anyway, that’s my rant for the month – hope to see you all out at shows in Canberra in May and don’t forget to tune to 2XX 98.3FM every Tuesday from 9.30pm to hear from all the above releases and more.

Roshambo

Tha realness

Great news first up is a column dedicated entirely to local releases this fortnight! Obese Records have just announced the signing of the Broken Tooth Entertainment label and its entire back catalogue for national distribution. One of Australia’s most loved hip-hop labels, Broken Tooth is home to the likes of Ciecmate, Newsense, Tornts, Bigfoot and Hospice and over the years has certainly built a rep as one of the hardest hitting hip-hop labels in the country. Joining the Obese family means that previous Broken Tooth releases will be available both online and in retail stores in the coming weeks, including all new and upcoming releases. Congrats to all involved in making this happen, great to see.

Outta Sydney town, Undertow is due to drop his new record entitled Minds Believing on Monday May 10 through Timeless Lifestylez/Foreign Dub Records. The album is executive produced by Dazed and hosts production from Dazed himself, Rob Hectik and Flawlezz. There are guest verses from a bunch of Sydney hip-hop legends – I’m taking the likes of Swarmy, Fame, Rinse, Dazed & Flawlezz and Boundary Pushers. Check out Undertow at www.myspace.com/undertowmc.

Jumping down to Melbourne now and the long-awaited release from Maundz, whose debut LP Mr. Nobody drops on Friday May 7 with Obese distro. Having previously released two heralded 7”s through Mass MC’s Double Beef Records in 2005, the 24 year old has gained a strong following as one of the hip-hop scene’s best kept secrets through some dope guest LP spots and radio appearances over the past couple of years. Over 16 tracks, Maundz sets a ferocious pace over instrumentals from Vanderslice, Wizard, J-Squared, Methodz, WIK, B Wiv and Rob Shaker. Joining him on the mic is the vocal talent of Verbal Kent, Shawn Lov, Fluent Form, Briggs and Deece. Another big release for Melbourne in an already stellar year.

ARIA nominated duo Spit Syndicate return to the table with their sophomore release Exile on Friday May 14 through Obese Records. Having spent the last little while touring and travelling overseas, it’s only natural that their second LP is inspired by both their travels and the confines of their hometown Sydney. The pair has again created a set of rich melodic tunes punctuated by both lyrical dexterity and vivid storytelling. Soundtracked predominately by Adit (Horrorshow), with other beats provided by M-Phazes, J-Squared and Cam Bluff – I’m really looking forward to hearing the full record.

Nine High bredrin Fraksha and Scotty Hinds have just offered up free mix CDs respectively and both are 100% niceness. Fraksha’s It’s Just Bars is mixed by Affiks and features Diem Tornts, Byron, Brinks and many more. On the other hand, Scotty Hinds has unleashed P.O.V. which is mixed by Doc Felix. It features Nine High, Byron, Aires, Serocee and an appearance on the wheels of steel from ex-Canberran PaypaCutts (what up!). Check the Smashbrovaz video up online too. You can find links to download both releases on the OzHipHop.Com forums.

Art Of War returned on Friday April 16 with their latest offering Cop It: Volume 3 – Supremacy. This release sees them team up with Canada’s Sin, as well as collaborating with big guns Lil Wayne, Styles P, Sheek Louch, Bizzy Bone and Mysonne. To top it off both Ciecmate and Newsense show up on the release and DJ Kilo supplies all the cuts on the release.

To hear music from all these releases and more, tune to The Antidote on 2XX 98.3FM every Tues night from 9.30pm. Till next time…

ROSHAMBO

roshambizzle@yahoo.com.au

Tha realness

G’day there! Well, it came outta nowhere, but the new Method Man, Ghostface and Raekwon full length on Def Jam is out now. Entitled Wu Massacre (and boasting some incredible cover art) the album is chock full of heavy hitting Wu-style production from RZA, Allah Mathmatics, BT and Scram Jones. Admittedly it’s very short and feels a little rushed, but for those wanting their next Wu fix there’s plenty to embrace, enjoy and nod your head to. All three share undeniable chemistry; there’s bloodthirsty storytelling galore, trademark Wu skits and even some nice sequels to classic Wu anthems. Is it me or does Ghost sound like he’s got a bit of a cold on some tunes though…?

Apart from getting in trouble for wandering down the street nude whilst filming music videos, the incredible Erykah Badu has just dropped the second part of her New Amerykah album series. Pt II is entitled Return Of The Ankh and continues her exploration of otherworldly psychedelic soul which, bottom line, has me completely entranced. Again she has collaborated with the best of the best (think James Poyser, Sa-Ra, Madlib, 9^th Wonder, Ta’Raach, J.Dilla and Karriem Riggins) and the results are spectacular. Do yourself a favour and have some of what she’s having.

Battle champions Justice & Kaos release their Theme Music album prelude on Saturday April 17 through Red Giant Music. Having reached the pinnacle of the battle scene, getting their TV doco on and supporting some of the biggest names in the business, the renowned duo are back to re-announce their presence with some new sounds. The release is a diverse six track offering, entirely produced by Kaos himself, and shifts gears through a number of styles exhibiting their different tastes and talents. You can grab a copy through www.justiceandkaos.com.

I’ve been meaning to big up these next two releases for a minute now, so it’s only right I put you on to local lad Jayo. His two mix-tapes Astronaut Vitamins and 100 Million Dollar Mix have been glued to my stereo for the past 12 months since his relocation to the capital and they are the certified business. Jayo has an uncanny knack for selecting the best of each of the genres that he is so obviously passionate about; moving from hip-hop, ragga, reggae or just good old fashioned dusty soul, these mixes are about quality sounds and good times and definitely set the right mood whenever you drop them in your system. Representing Good Foot Promotions, you’ve probably seen his name around town of late, whether dropping wax-bombs with MGO at Transit Bar’s ‘Vinyl Only’ nights or representing on the reggae/ragga tip with Capital Dub Styles. You can grab copies for the price of cheap at Landspeed Records in the city and check him out at: www.myspace.com/jayoptics.com.

There’s a few big hip-hop showcase events popping off in Canberra over the April/May period, so prep and free up your calendar. On Friday April 23, The Basement in Belconnen plays host to a big local hip-hop bash featuring Wax Lyrical, Buick, The Truth Benders, The Smith Brothers, Smish, Rhyme Ministers, Old School Al and Dub Seven. Get along to both and support the local hip-hop scene for only $12 on the door from 8pm. On Saturday May 22 Transit Bar will play host to a hip-hop showcase of some of Australia’s dopest and most underrated talents in Choose Mics and Social Change, as well as a host of your fave locals. More on this show later…

To hear music from all the above artists and more, tune to 2XX 98.3FM’s The Antidote from 9.30pm every Tues night.

Roshambo
roshambizzle@yahoo.com.au

Tha realness

I’ve now heard the entire new LP from Mantra entitled Power Of The Spoken on Obese Records and I can safely say that it both lives up to the hype and the symbolism of the album title itself with Mantra, as stated in his press release, blazing a lyrical path “driven by the importance of the verbalised thought.” The production didn’t hit me at first, but after a few listens it has truly sunken in… and how! Mista Savona, Count Bounce, Zim, Joe Louis and M-Phazes all supply a varied soundscape of different style beats which all compliment Mantra’s flow and subject matter perfectly.

Following hot on the heels of his excellent debut LP of 2009, Thorts has dropped a new EP called Louder Actions Are Needed. 11 tracks deep, it plays more like a full length and Thorts has been very generous by offering up the entire release for free at www.myspace.com/thortsthescorpion. Production comes from Proph 1, Efmp and Saint Surly with guest slots from Aetcix, 1/6, Kadyelle, Reach and Aamir.

Heading down the bass music path I highly recommend two new EPs on Planet Mu. Firstly, Jamie Vex’d under his Kuedo moniker with his amazing Dream Sequence EP. Full of colour and fuzzy distortion adrift over thumping stuttering percussion, this is brilliant and vibrant stuff. Likewise, and even more neck-snapping, is the new EP Ultra Heat Treated from broken-beat specialist Slugabed. Tunes like Skyfire, Titan and Quantum Leap build the perfect bridge between a tough hip-hop aesthetic and deep resonant bass music. Absolutely mind shattering! Also just released is the new double A-side single on the ever dope Blunted Robots label featuring two big tunes from Bok Bok and Brackles + Shortstuff respectively, each melding dubstep basslines deeper into jittery garage influenced house.

Outta Minneapolis is the new album from Mux Mool on Ghostly International. Skulltaste is IDM-tinged electro nostalgia with plenty of dub and hip-hop mixed in. A highly original sound chock-full of inspiration and tweaky, jangled sounds to keep your ears interested.

Just on the horizon we can expect new albums from Sadat X who returns with Wild Cowboys II after a stint in the slammer. Beats come from Will Tell, Diamond D, DJ Spinna, Nick Wiz, 9^th Wonder and Buckwild. Pete Rock, Rhymefest, Kurupt and Grand Puba are guesting too, so it’s quite a lineup. The first Wild Cowboys is a personal classic, so looking forward to this one.

Marco Polo has teamed up with Rustee Juxx for a full length on Duck Down entitled The Exxecution – should be dope. DJ Rev is on the cuts, while Rock, Freddie Foxxx, Black Moon and Sean Price guest.

To hear music from all these releases and more, tune to The Antidote on 2XX 98.3FM every Tuesday night from 9.30pm.

Tha realness

I’m very pleased to report that following my excitement last month, the new records from Statik Selektah (100 Proof), Strong Arm Steady (In Search Of Stoney Jackson) and Freeway + Jake One (The Stimulus Package) are all very dope. All releases are 100% consistent dusty boom-bap and reiterate why Statik, Madlib and Jake One are at the top of the production game. You simply must have all three releases in your collection – in fact Free & Jake’s One Foot In is one of the best hip-hop tunes I’ve heard in the last five years, easy. Get on it.

Back home, dudes are getting mad busy at the moment, with the local scene getting peppered with a barrage of releases both free and for purchase. First up, legendary hip-hop duo Brethren have just put out their 20^th anniversary release Bastion on Krosswerdz Recordings. Staying true to their old school roots, these two pioneers prove they are still relevant with another versatile release. Guests include Baba Israel, Def Wish Cast, Reason, Deejay Mathmatics and Brotha Black.

A release I missed from a little while back is DJ Skae’s Gueslist mix CD which features a who’s who of Sydney emcees (Skeptic & Dseeva, Sandro, Sleeping Monk, Dirtbox Kings, Torcha and Morganics, along with many more). It’s a great release and Skae definitely seems like he’s got his fingers in many pies, including working alongside with Skeptic & Dseeva, a healthy club DJ schedule and a background in graffiti. Check him out at www.myspace.com/djskae.

Former Equills member and current frontman of acclaimed (and very dope) Illzilla crew, Mantra is undoubtedly one of the illest emcees in Australia at the moment and there is much hype surrounding his upcoming debut solo release Power Of The Spoken due out on Obese Records Friday March 26. It’s produced by M-Phazes, Mista Savona and Count Bounce and I can’t wait to hear what Mantra has cooked up. Expect some rapid fire, intelligent, textured and dynamic lyricism. More on this one once I’ve heard it in its entirety.

Comprising of MCs Agent Remix and Crisis, Creep Team is the new offspring of Melb group Phonic Division. Their new EP The Creep St is dark headstrong street music, influenced by ‘70s vigilante flicks. It is seven tracks deep and you can check out the video for Fire In The Hole online (crazy!) and the rest of their steez at thecreepteam.bigcartel.com.

One of my fave Australian emcees Mdusu has just dropped his new free mixtape The Excess Baggage. After a rough 12 months, Duse has relocated from Tassie to Sunny QLD, jacked a bunch of dope beats and scripted his experiences with heartfelt honesty and a raw sense of humour. You can grab a copy at www.myspace.com/mdusu. He’s also dropping his solo LP Ex-Samples proper later in 2010. Go Duse!

Mudd Promotions and Soul’d On Sound present Hell MuthaFuckin’ Yeah at PJ O’Reilly’s Tuggeranong on Saturday March 27 featuring Sceptic & Dseeva, Way Lyrical, 206 Collab, Convict and Dub Seven. $10 on the door. The same night @ Transit Bar Scott Burns will be in town to promote his upcoming new music with Alikeminds, Gabi and LouLou in support. DJs Buick, Bom, LouLou and J-Platnum will be spinning.

To hear music from all these releases and more, tune to The Antidote on 2XX 98.3FM every Tues night from 9:30pm.

Roshambo

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Sydney's Horrorshow have been putting in some serious work since the release of their acclaimed debut LP around a year ago. With their well deserved Elefant Traks backing, the duo has dedicated some serious studio time and conjured up their second batch of quality hip-hop entitled Inside Story. Growing and developing their sounds, defying their youth and testing musical boundaries, Solo and Adit have once again delivered a mature, insightful and beautiful collection of tunes that will have you reaching for the replay button on the regular. You couldn't meet two nicer dudes and they definitely deserve all their success. It's fantastic to see and hear such talent coming out of this country. Big ups fellas.

Hard worker and razor sharp lyricist, Melbourne dwelling emcee Fluent Form has wasted no time following up his very promising debut Chapters Of Substance with his second full length The Furnace. Arriving with sounds akin to bombs being dropped and with Obese distribution, the album is 14 varied and deep hard-hitting tunes, as Fluent shows his versatility as a vivid story teller, a keen social observer and a devastatingly clever lyricist. Technically speaking, Fluent Form knows rap inside out, serving up a myriad of flows, patterns and delivery styles. Co-signed by guests Brad Strut, Ciecmate, Mata & Must, 1/6, Maundz, Fatty Phew and Raven, you know you are getting 100% certified raps on the LP. Backed by some tasty production from Geko, Ciecmate, Doc Felix, Must, K21, Discourse and WIK (whose beat is MEGA) - this is quality all round. Get the LP and check Fluent out at www.myspace.com/fluentformmusic.

I've been caning the new Chasm & Vida Sunshyne single Where Did We Go Wrong lately - it's just too nice. The tune has the perfect summer vibe and Vida's voice and flow hits the spot. The tune is from their forthcoming album Move on Obese and proves that Chasm is one of the hardest working beat makers in this country (when does the fella sleep!?). I can't think of a better producer to soundtrack Vida's life and b-side Stress is also the bizness. Positive vibes from two positive musicians - I love how the record is both forward thinking and also pays homage to sounds of old. Bring on the LP - it sounds like the people's music to me!

Melbourne's Requiem has just dropped his highly original debut Grassroots Anarchy and its accompanying e-press release says it best - "ten recipes in his anarchist's cookbook, each littered with socio-political urgency and paranoia." This is street journalism for sure, protest music for the now, sound-tracked by beats from Ciecmate, Doc Felix, Defiant, Pabstrakt and Wizard.

A couple of o/s releases to look out for; Royce Da 5'9 is one of my fave emcees and he's just dropped his new solo LP Street Hop featuring incredible production from a myriad of my favourite beat makers - DJ Premier, Streetrunner, Nottz, Mr. Porter and more. Cormega is also back with his latest LP Born Raised. Beats come from the dream team of Large Professor, DJ Premier, Nottz, Ayatollah, L.E.S and DR Period. Boom-bap is back people!

To hear music from all the above and more, tune to The Antidote on 2XX 98.3FM, every Tuesday from 9:30pm.

ROSHAMBO
roshambizzle@yahoo.com.au

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There's been a massive slew on dope new overseas releases dropping lately or just on the horizon so I thought it would be worthwhile mentioning some of the highlights, so let's get to it!

The big homie Jay-Z has dropped his much anticipated Blueprint 3 LP and while it has its share of highlights, it's certainly one of his weakest albums, especially in comparison to the almighty Black Album, Blueprint 1 or even his conceptual American Gangsta LP. Predominantly produced by No I.D (dope!) and Kanye West (with his old pull beats out of storage, ass), it's a strange album which lacks overall cohesiveness. Hove gives shine to the current block of future stars such as Kid Cudi, J. Cole and Drake, but doesn't really show any new progression of his own. Still, the album is solid and worthy of a listen and it has def grown on me with repeated listens. Other production also comes courtesy of Timbaland (lazy!), Al Shux (future star!) and The Neptunes (*cough*).

Speaking of Kid Cudi, he's just dropped his 808 and Heartbreaks-esque solo LP Man on the Moon: End of Days and it's actually pretty nice. Emile, Kanye, Ratatat and others provide spacey out-of-this-world epic soundscapes for Cudi to get his 'emo' on, which he does quite convincingly and (mostly) without too much cheese. The guests all compliment Cudi perfectly and he's succeeded in creating a highly original debut LP. One of the more interesting listens of the year to be sure.

Krs-One and Buckshot have teamed up on Duck Down for their new Survival Skills LP and it is the niceness. Apart from its hilariously bad album cover, there's not much else to criticise and Black Milk, 9th Wonder, Illmind, Nottz, Marco Polo and other boom-bap beat specialists lay down a barrage of heat for the two legends to spit game. And, they compliment each other perfectly. Highly recommended.

Also out now on Duck Down is the new LP from Brooklyn native Skyzoo. He's also been blessed by the likes of Cyrus The Great, Eric G, Black Milk, Illmind, Nottz and 9th Wonder with some brilliant production which he makes the most of over 16 varied tunes. While he's not the most dynamic MC on the mic, he's certainly worth checking out, so put this one on your list too.

Brother Ali's newy US is again sheer class and another near-perfect notch in the belt for him. Again Ant handles the beats and they are brilliant - check the beautiful You Say (Puppy Love) for example. Ali keeps going from strength to strength.

Everyone's fave emcee Ghostface is back again with Ghostdini - The Wizard Of Poetry in Emerald City. Haha, a magnificent album title indeed. Ghost has gone messed around and made a soul/r'n'b flavoured LP better than most r'n'b cats. It's smooth, hilarious and heartfelt (in a Ghostface kinda way). The album features Lloyd, John Legend, Estelle, Raheem DeVaughn and others, as well as beats from Justice League, Grind Music, Scott Storch and Xtreme.

And I can't end this column without mentioning another new Wu release - the long-awaited Only Built for Cuban Linx 2 from Raekwon. I don't throw the 'c' word around much, but quite frankly, it is just that. A modern 'classic,' reminiscent of that vintage Wu-sound. Golden era beats from RZA, Marley Marl, J.Dilla, Pete Rock, The Alchemist etc set the vibe perfectly. Rae is on form, Ghostface kills it and the majority of the Wu-Clan pop up for good measure. Album of the year so far, most definitely.

To hear tunes from all the above and more, tune to The Antidote, Tues nights from 9:30pm on 2XX 98.3FM.

Roshambo
roshambizzle@yahoo.com.au

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I mentioned their new release last month, but Kings Konekted's new offering Trails To The Underlair: The Prequel definitely warrants further attention. More than just your average mixtape, the crew from up north have poured their passion into their debut offering; a release which serves as a taster for their forthcoming album proper. Carefully selecting notable jacked instrumentals from the likes of Evidence, Necro, Prowla which all compliment and accentuate their lyrical styles, the release plays like a cohesive journey into the minds of the Kings. Throughout the tape, beat-makers Stricknine, Dontez and even Lyrical Commisson's Trem all also supply a barrage of original selections which form the backdrop for a collection of original and exciting tunes which hint at what's to come. If you're a fan of the sounds of LC, Pure Product and Hospice Crew then this is for you. Definitely looking forward to the album. Trails To The Underlair: The Prequel is out now through the prolific Class A records.

Also prolific and hardworking is The Herd/Elefank Traks head honcho Urthboy. He's just unveiled his third solo LP Spitshine, further cementing his hard working originality and swagger. With a defiant fist in the sky, Urthy again tackles real issues with a no-nonsense approach, as well as enjoying himself and relaxing on a number of optimistic numbers throughout the record. With his AMP, J Award and AIR award-winning production team (Count Bounce, Elgusto, Hermitude) the backdrops are completely engaging, head-nodding and always pushing boundaries. A versatile guest list of talents such as Lior, Mantra, Solo and Jane Tyrrell provide the assist for Urthy's third musical journey. Essential listening. Spitshine is out now through Elefank Traks.

Australian legends Cross Bred Mongrels (aka Flak, Debris and Flea) have returned with their latest offering Certified Wise. Named after the famous Adelaide hip-hop crew (which includes Hilltop Hoods and Funkoars, amongst others), the album is both a celebration of and homage to Australian hip-hop history and a warning to those who seek to jump on the bandwagon for the wrong reasons - in other words, the Mongrels are not fans of lil' chumps and ignorant shit-talkers. Produced by DJ Debris and Chris Bass, the album is drenched in a classic old school vibe, rolling along with sweaty funk loops and no-holds barred lyricism from Flak and Flea. Featuring guest collaborations with Mystro, Simplex, Hons and Melbourne's Reason, Certified Wise is a boomin' assault of classic sounds punctuated by a passion for the scene and the hard hitting prowess of the Adelaide streets.

Melbourne's Requiem is set to follow up on the promise of his limited edition EP with his debut LP Grassroots Anarchy. In stores shortly, the album features beats from Ciecmate, Defiant, Doc Felix, Pabstrakt and Wizard (UK). Guest verses are laid down from the likes of Fluent Form, Maundz and songstress Tahireh Thampi. Canberra's fave DJ Mexi has also contributed a killer artwork design for the LP - check it out and some preview tunes at www.myspace.com/mcrequiem. More next month on this release.

Other releases of note that have been spinning in my player this month are newies from Blaq Poet - The Blaqprint, Slaughterhouse - Slaughterhouse and The Alchemist - Chemical Warfare. Definitely all on that boom-bap tip and are all out now.

Live-wise you can check out Melbourne's Phrase at Transit Bar on Thursday September 10 with Illy, DJ Flagrant and M-Phazes in support. Ex-Canberra group Casual Projects will also be making a welcome return in October and Muph & Plutonic look poised to pay another visit to the ACT in the coming months. Stay tuned.

To hear music from all of these releases and more, tune to The Antidote on Tuesday nights from 9:30pm on 2XX 98.3FM or stream at: http://www.2xxfm.org.au.

ROSHAMBO
roshambizzle@yahoo.com.au

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Obese Records are set to unleash the debut LP from their newest ‘super-group’ Gully Platoon on Friday August 7. Made up of emcees Pegz, Dialectrix and Joe New (Two Toes) and featuring beats from Plutonic Lab and M-Phazes, the LP, entitled The Great Divide, is sure to feature cutting edge production and razor sharp lyrics from three of the best emcees in the country. With Sydney’s DJ 2Buck on the cut, expect another quality notch in Obese’s belt, in what has been a prolific year of debut LPs for the renowned label.

Look Up will release the long-awaited debut LP from Sydneysiders That’s Them on Saturday August 1. Entitled Stay Up, the album will feature guest appearances from labelmate Scott Burns, Swarmy G (Overproof), Rainman, Tommy Illfigga and Rinse (Bingethinkers). For a sneak peak of the album check out www.myspace.com/thatsthemagain.

A few columns ago I mentioned the quality banger of a single that was Fugs Need Hugs by UK born, now Australian residents Nine High. I’ve now finally had a chance to hear the full length self-titled album and let me tell you, it’s 100% quality. Varied, humourous, intelligent and perfectly delivered lyricism and songwriting is on display for the entire album, which has been impeccably produced by M-Phazes, Jase, Ghosttown, Driff and 76. In fact, it’s one of the best produced hip hop albums I’ve heard in a minute. Don’t miss out on this one.

Following hot on the heels of musical colleagues Pure Product, Queensland’s Kings Konekted are set to unveil their debut offering Trails To The Underlair: The Prequel through Class A Records and Toaster Entertainment on Tuesday September 1. Predominantly produced by renowned beatmaker Stricknine, the record features intricately structured rhymes from emcees Dontez and Culprit, which are deeply personal, strikingly insightful and, at times, brutally dark. The duo are heavily influenced by both Prowla and Lyrical Commission, the latter’s Trem also contributing a beat to the album.

By the time you read this, the legendary Elefant Traks crew will have released their 10th Anniversary DVD. Out officially on Friday July 31, the DVD showcases the label’s roster coming together to play a sold out show at The Forum in Sydney in late 2008. Featuring live performances from The Herd, Hermitude, The Tongue, Horrorshow, Urthboy, Astronomy Class and Unkle Ho, the DVD is a must-see part of Australian hip hop history and a celebration of one of its most respected and talented labels.
For something different, I suggest checking out the new full length from solo producer/vocalist Bibio on Warp. The album is entitled Ambivalence Avenue and is the perfect myriad of Bibio’s beautiful melancholic lo-fi folk sounds of old with his new found fascination for Dilla style hip hop instrumentals. Warp cannot put a foot wrong at the moment and this is yet another highly original and quality release. Beautiful music, perfect for Sunday afternoon relaxation.

Speaking of the late-great J. Dilla; Nature Sounds have just released Jay Stay Paid, a 25 track collection of unreleased Dilla beats mixed and arranged by Pete Rock. Also featuring a few guest vocals from the likes of Lil Fame (M.O.P.), Black Thought and Rakewon. The LP is the missing link to Dilla’s legacy and you need it.

Show-wise, Transit Bar welcomes the mighty Downsyde (WA) on Thursday August 6 for what will no doubt be an incredible live show. The group are currently touring their latest offering All City across the country.

To hear music from all the above and more, please tune to The Antidote at 9:30 pm Tuesday nights on 2XX 98.3FM or stream at www.2xxfm.org.au.

ROSHAMBO
roshambizzle@yahoo.com.au

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The legendary Bias B releases his latest offering Aerosol Era through Wordburner/Obese on Saturday July 4. The LP takes the listener on an introspective and personal journey back to his days growing up on the train lines with the infamous Wild Child Art crew. Featuring production from such heavy-hitters such as Jase, Bigfoot, Peril, Ransom and Ciecmate, the LP is touted as an "audio journal of graffiti life." Looking forward to it!

Local emcee extraordinaire Omar Musa has followed up his excellent Massive EP with a new selection entitled The Shrappers Mixtape. Mixed by the don DJ Rush, the 'tape' features a selection of smooth remixes and new exclusives. Hit Omar up on www.myspace.com/omarmusa for a copy. And talking about DJ Rush, don't forget to check out the new range of Spader wear that was recently launched at Globalize in the city. Big ups fellas.

Melbourne duo B wiv Deece have just released their EP Ritual Law giving the masses a taste of what is expected from their full length Rise In Peace in late 2009. B wiv's production is equally inspired by Bomb-Squad and mid '90s Pete Rock and sets the perfect backdrop for Deece's inspirational (and intelligent) musings. The EP has an original sound that is both refreshing and exciting. Don't miss their two new video clips from the EP on YouTube, displaying both professionalism and a much appreciated sense of humour. Check their music out at: www.myspace.com/bwivdeece.

Sydney veterans Hyjak & Torcha have returned with their long awaited Unregrettable LP on Obese Records, this time with Queensland's Mules handling the majority of production. Mules' soulful and knockin' beats create a perfect synergy for the two emcees to speak on their experiences, both personal and professional, since the release of Drastik Measures. Guest slots come from Murs, N'Fa, Eastcoast and SQZ. With welcome production assistance from Jase and Jetlag the album is an unmistakable step forward for the duo, consistent and mature, but with that trademark Hyjak humour thrown in for good measure.

For those who also enjoy sounds outside the main hip hop spectrum there has been a recent barrage of excellent releases from a variety of acts. Amon Tobin,

Doubleclick and Sway have teamed up for a dynamic grime inspired journey of Two Fingers. Diplo & Switch have released their Major Lazer LP full of kick ass digital reggae, bugged out dancehall and gut-wrenching bass. Guns Don't Kill People...Lazers Do pays homage to sounds of old as well as pushing forward with brand new ideas. Brilliant! Lynx + Kemo have released their incredible and versatile new LP The Raw Truth on Marcus Intalex's Soul:R inprint. Equal parts minimal d'n'b and deep dubstep, the album is essential for anyone into cutting edge electronic sounds. Adam Freeland has returned with his Freeland band for Cope, his new 'band-driven' LP. Featuring some very famous musicians, Freeland has unleashed a massive stadium sound, taking break-beat into new wholly-engaging territory.

In the live arena, Queensland duo Choose Mics hit up Transit Bar on Saturday July 11 in support of their forthcoming LP Beggars Can't Be Choosers. Producer Mules has recently been enjoying success with his work on the new Hyjak & Torcha LP. Can't wait to see the live show and hear some new Choose Mics tunes. Some other big names are coming to town shortly too, more news next time.

To hear music from the above releases and more, tune to The Antidote on 2XX 98.3FM from 9:30 pm Tuesday nights, or stream at: www.2xxfm.org.au.

ROSHAMBO
roshambizzle@yahoo.com.au

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The legend official Brad Strut has returned with his brand new Fall Out Shelter/Rejuvenation EP/LP double CD which features new tracks recorded with producer Beat Butcha during Strut’s relocation to the UK. As expected, it is amazing quality once again from Strut, mixing his trademark LC style on tunes like No and Blasting Them with more mellow and introspective tunes like Believe and Looking At You. The release comes with a bonus LP entitled Rejuvenation which features a host of remixes of classic Strut tracks from the likes of M-Phazes, Trails, Simplex, Chemo, Beat Butcha, Ciecmate, Tornts, Mortar, Dazastah, Jehst and many more. Dopeness.
Obese records has had a prolific year yet again, predominantly launching their brand new signings and the latest release, the debut LP from Illy, which is another notch in the much respected label’s belt. Entitled Long Story Short the LP is a record about falling in and out of love, places, family, friendships and hip-hop all shaped by the unique privilege of being born and growing up in Australia. Enlisting the production talents of the super-prolific M-Phazes and Jackson Jackon’s J-Skubs for the majority of the album ensures a continuity of both sound and quality, and new comers J-Squared and Ta-Ku also supply worthy contributions. Guest slots come from label boss Pegz, Spit Syndicate, Solo, Phrase and N’Fa.

Elefant Traks’ super-group Astronomy Class have returned with their sophomore set entitled Pursuit Of Happiness. Sir Robbo and Chasm further explore their signature reggae based soundscapes with a welcome touch of soul thrown into the mix. Ozi Batla again takes up host mic duties following the success of The Herd’s Summerland release and continues to expressively display his insights about modern life and all its trials and tribulations. Ozi is joined by The Tongue, Vida Sunshyne, Diafrix, Kween G and Ash Grunwald who all contribute stellar performances. Another stellar release from the Elefant Traks camp and well worthy of your time.

UK born Nine High are set to release their debut self-titled LP on June 6 through Taos. The group is made up of three emcees: Fraksha, Scotty Hinds and Felony. The album features production from M-Phazes, Ghost Town, Jase and Lewis One.
Veteran emcee Lazy Gray returns on June 26 with his third solo LP The Soundtrack out on Karsiogenics/Shogun which is entirely produced by V who has sourced all the sounds from 1980s film soundtrack records, giving the album a consistent, deeply layered feel. Lazy’s new album has been heralded a decidedly unexpected work in that rather than being the sum of his experiences to date, it is firmly grounded in the present. Lazy has said that “this is a snap shot of ten months of penning thoughts, resulting in The Soundtrack. It’s not a soundtrack to my life, it’s more like I’m composing the soundtrack through what I do - make music - while the rest of ‘em are the actors and extras in the movie which plays out perpetually on this planet. Everyone’s playing their role, I’m just playing mine.” With DJ Dce on cuts and guest spots from Lenwun, Bigfoot, Jake Biz and Miss Brown, I can’t wait to hear the final product.

To hear music from all the above and more, tune to The Antidote on 2XX 98.3FM, Tues nights from 9:30-11pm.

ROSHAMBO
roshambizzle@yahoo.com.au

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Welcome to 2009, and the fantastic news that triple j Hottest 100 voters have acknowledged the rising quality of local hip-hop with some key places in the station’s recent yearly countdown. Both Pez and Drapht received top ten placings and artists like Bliss N Eso and Muph & Plutonic both received multiple spots. Congratulations to all are most definitely in order!

Over the holiday season there was a slew of quality local product released that might have slipped under your radar, so let’s get to it.

Locally renowned (and now half locally relocated) duo Dazed + Flawless have just released their debut self-titled EP. Featuring seven varied and engaging tunes plus instrumentals, the EP is a great introduction to D+F and bodes well for their forthcoming full-length this year. Check them out at www.myspace/dazedflawless to hit the boys up for a copy. Well worth it!

MC Litigate and Vince Vegas AKA Alexx The Kidd have just released their new single Icypole through Amphead and it’s a banger. Out of Melbourne, the fellas mix hip-hop, electro-pop, grime and soul in with their own individual styles. New, fresh and original - I’m keen to hear some new sounds from these guys soon.

Obese Records have unveiled the new EP from latest signing, Sydney’s Skryptcha, whose debut EP Left To Write is produced entirely by the mighty Chasm! The 22-year-old shows a lot of skill, promise and soul over this vibrant little release and is blessed by the depth and variation of Chasm’s beats. Another solid notch in Obese Records’ legendary belt.

Pang Productions have recently released the colourful and innovative new compilation Children of Captivity from emcee/producer J.Waters. Featuring a ‘who’s who’ of the Melbourne underground over an abundance of varied and synergistic collaborations, the LP is a heavy but truly inspired and rewarding listen.

Down to Hobart now and hip-hop/electro producer Crytearia, who has just dropped his debut production album Landscrape. Merging samples, infectious melodies, shimmering synths, organic recordings and hard-hitting drums, Crytearia exhibits a passion for the sound of old audio equipment and an ability to interpret his unique world through atmospheric beats. A blunted, genre-bending and engaging ambitious effort.

Live performance-wise, the summer heat is bringing the talent to Canberra, so mark these fine events in your diary please: for those who like their beats a little more in the Madlib/Dilla vein, the legendary Koushik (US, Stones Throw Records) will hit Transit Bar for a live/DJ set on Wednesday February 11. Don’t miss it!

Funkoars will obliterate the Transit Bar for the Canberra leg of their Hangover Tour on Thursday February 26 with Ciecmate + Newsense, Wax Lyrical and Buick in support. Get in early - this will be big!

Melbourne’s Phrase will be in town on Saturday March 7 at the Transit Bar and Muph & Plutonic return in April. Stay tuned. In massive news, the gigantic triple header of Downsyde, Drapht and Pez will hit the ANU on Thursday March 19.

And finally, for those who like their sounds a little more dubbed/ragga’d out, check out Dubwize & The Versonaires who invade the Transit Bar for the first Capital Dub Styles of 2009 on Friday March 6 – big sound and big vibes.

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Attention, Attention! Canberra please make way for a self-confessed group of ‘mismatched maggot misfit motherfucking scientists’.

That’s right, Wax Lyrical have arrived on the scene with furious gusto and have wasted no time in making their mark on the live stage and putting chasm sized dents in pub fridges across our beloved city!  This scurvy seven man crew consists of MCs Alco Sudo, Syntactic, Gap, Punts, Top Nase, Garbagebum (who also serves as beat-creator) and DJ Cutsik. Whilst having only been kicking around Canberra stages for a year or so, the crew has already notched up an impressive array of high-profile supports, opening for the likes of Pegz, Vents & Trials, Drapht, Overproof and the Hospice Crew. Despite such supports, they are extremely humble about their success, admitting that it takes both time and experience to really make a mark on the local scene: “Our first couple of performances were pretty wack (and unfortunately we’ve got video evidence) but every gig we’ve played has been an improvement on the last and we’re getting better and better feedback.”

The initially smaller group formed in college with Syntactic, Garbagebum and Alco Sudo meeting by chance and sharing their disgruntled views about the social hierarchy and clichéd aspects of their environment, using the outlet of rap music to pen their first tune “about the school’s deficiencies such as metro footyhead wankers and facilities neglected by the political status quo.”

Then known as D.A.F (Dope Art Foundations) the boys then met up with the rest of the crew, switched the name and the seven man hip-hop behemoth was formed. Being such a big crew, I was wondering about group dynamics and whether it is hard to agree on the direction of a tune or concept but found that the boys naturally “argue about every fucking thing possible, all the time” and that despite this, “respect and fraternal love” forms the backbone for this unnaturally perfect union. In fact, it is their diverse differences of style, character and experience that gives their music its varied and razor sharp edge. “We’ve got tracks about getting maggot and being outrageous, as well as tunes about politics, the music business and even about older ladies.”

To Wax Lyrical, hip-hop is their “music of resistance”, with Syntactic particularly commenting on this notion in relation to their Canberra experience, “I see [hip-hop] as a fantastic opportunity to cultivate a community, develop a self-sufficient culture and challenge and criticise the status quo. I see rhyming as a sophisticated form of expression that encourages an elevated development of the mind. When our language is sloppy, our thoughts are sloppy. Any pursuit that helps to develop our ability to express ourselves is also going to help us refine our thoughts and as a result, assist us in the day to day struggle.”

When not writing and recording material for an upcoming EP, the crew gave me some colourful examples of a usual ‘night out on the town’ for Wax Lyrical. Whilst being amongst some of the funniest stories I’ve heard, they are also quite scathing to the reputation of these upstanding young musicians and far be it from me to taint their already spotless reputations in this street press. However, let me stimulate your imagination by hinting that they have been known to sleep in shopping trolleys, poo on the curb of Northborne Avenue and consume extraordinary superhuman amounts of alcoholic beverages. All in the name of art and science of course!

Don’t miss your chance to catch Canberra’s next crop of emcee talent when Wax Lyrical play at the upcoming Rhyme Intervention 4 at the ANU Bar on November 15 alongside Terra Firma, Dialectrix, Scott Burns and many more, all raising money for the Cancer Council.

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I’ve said enough about him in his column over the years, so I won’t harp on, but just to let you know, Madlib (The Beat Konducta) has a new album out on BBE as part of their Beat Generation series called WLIB AM: King of the Wigflip. It’s incredible and you need it.

October will see the release of two mixtapes from the BTE camp, Ciecmate’s Pre-Emptive Strike and Maggot Mouf’s Anonymous. Ciecmate’s release is a preview in lead up to February’s release of A Tale Of Two Cities by Ciecmate & Newsense and Maggot Mouf’s release is a bit of an introduction to Maggot and is mixed by Ciecmate and DJ No Name Nathan.

New Obese records signing Dialectrix has just released his new single Outcast from his upcoming debut album Cycles of Survival. Produced by Chasm, the tune combines harsh social criticism with an uprocking vibe and an unconformist ode to the creative process. Cycles of Survival is out October 18.

Funkoars new single Black Sally is available now via Itunes with an exclusive non-album b-side Don’t Take Me Home. You can hear the tune on their myspace as well! Their new album The Hangover is out on November 29 through Shogun.

Hailing from the ever-fertile hip-hop breeding ground of Adelaide come Common Cause with their newly released debut album With A Purpose. Fuelled by bluesy, smoky heavy drum beats, the album combines its gritty suburban golden era production with honest, relevant lyricism and undeniable chemistry.

To Melbourne and the debut album from Fluent Form entitled Chapters of Substance. mate, Trem, Must, Mizari, Geko, Doc Savage and Methodz, you know the sounds are kept gritty and banging.

The Winter Stormz EP is a collaboration between UK rap leviathan Doctor Freud and Melbourne beat magician Methodz; together they are known as Purple Storms. The EP brings together the raw yet comical vocals from one of the UK’s brightest up and comers with the sounds of one of Australia’s most recognised (yet underrated) beat makers Methodz.  Featuring the likes of Purpose, Fluent Form and Phatchance, with additional cuts form DJ Ilz, the EP is solid dope from start to finish.

Hot off the heels of their new album Music to Live By Adelaide’s Terra Firma have just been added to the already mighty Rhyme Intervention 4 lineup on November 15 at the ANU! As if you didn’t need another reason to attend!

Elephant Traks are presenting the Treadbare Tour featuring Hermitude & Horrorshow at the Transit Bar on Wednesday October 29.

To hear music from all the above and more, tune to The Antidote on 2XX 98.3FM, every Tues night from 9:30 – 11pm.

Tha realness

Canberra’s only specialist hip-hop shop, Writers Block, has just had some nice renovations so make sure you go check out the new store soon! New stuff in the shop includes Reason’s new album, Myspherical CD, some battle records, and other assorted musical gems! They’ve restocked all the nozzles and have recently also got the full Montana Blackline range in stock. Some ill colours there, so pop in and make sure you are decked out ready for Spring! Check them out online at the Writers Block Shop website .

Sky Pictures are a new local production house of media graduates from CIT looking to promote local talent. For their first major creative project they have produced a music video for local hip-hop artist Double A, which they are launching on Friday September 19 at Monkey Bar in the City. Keep an eye out for the clip and Sky Pictures!
Sydney’s Sceptic and Dseeva have recently dropped their debut LP entitled Hip-Hop Psykosis. Showcasing a raw Sydney sound, complete with Public Enemy style drums, an old school aesthetic and raucous shout-along chorus. The album is chocked with suburban street tales and a jubilant love for the hip-hop elements. Sceptic and Dseeva will be doing some shows in Canberra later in the year, so keep your eyes peeled.

Out of Melbourne’s hip-hop underground steps Pez with his debut album A Mind of My Own. Out on October 4 through Soulmate, the 14 track opus is full of stories of unfulfilled dreams, childhood nostalgia, political disconnection and unconditional love. Entirely produced by multi-instrumentalist Matik, and featuring musical contributions from members of TZU, The Cat Empire, Blue King Brown and fellow Soulmate signee 360, A Mind Of My Own is highly original and extremely accomplished.

Sydney’s LookUP crew have just released their new mixtape Look UP In The Sky mixed by DJ Mathmatics. Rather than having the emcees rap over jacked beats, the crew has assembled a barrage of all new quality material from the likes of crew members Scott Burns, Bingethinkers and That’s Them. The mix also sees collaborations with friends such as Swarmy (Overproof), Tommy Illfigga, Benji (PK Crew) and S-Dub.

Live wise in Oct/Nov, don’t miss the mighty Illzilla, who are in town on September 26 to promote their amazing debut LP Wasteland out now through Shock. They will rock a free show at Transit Bar, so don’t miss one of the most incredible live bands in the country!

Spring Break hits the ANU on October 18 featuring A-Love, Axe Aklins + Danielsan, Josie Styles, Harlequin and Stunami. No stranger to Canberra stages, this will be the first time ACT audiences will be able to see A-Love rock live with three piece band Lost Evidence, and in a collaboration set to be seen in Canberra, Axe Aklins will be joined by Koolism’s Danielsan on the wheels of steel. The night will also showcase live graffiti art from the Writers Block Crew and giveaways from the boys at JDY clothing.

Rhyme Intervention 4 is back on November 15 at ANU Bar with its biggest line-up yet to raise money for the Cancer Council. A few of the stars taking the stage are Dialectrix, Last Credit, Social Change, Mind Over Matter, Scott Burns + Mathmatics, Mata + Must, Class A, Maggot Mouf and a whole host of others.  With added graff demos, give-aways and trademark RI BBQ, you’d be a damn fool to miss out on this massive show supporting a worthy cause.

To hear music from all of the above and more, tune to The Antidote on 2XX 98.3FM every Tues night from 9:30pm.

ILLZILLA

WHAT: LIVE HIP-HOP, BABY…
WHERE: TRANSIT BAR
WHEN: FRI SEP 26

TZU blew you away? Muph & Plutonic knocked your proverbial little socks off? Well on September 26, Transit Bar continues to bring to you the finest in Australian hip-hop with the arrival of another one of Australia’s most promising crews - Illzilla! With their debut album Wasteland sounding regular sirens on Triple J at the moment, the boys are also gaining a reputation for being one of the livest shows in the country, fronted by the incredible lyrical dexterity of emcee Mantra. Coming from a divergent range of musical backgrounds, Illzilla fuse reggae, old-school funk, blues, classical and rock with their own unique brand of hip-hop. Having performed at Falls Festival, Pyramid Rock, the Roots, Rap and Reggae Festival, Illzilla are now looking to bring their vibrant and powerful sound to Canberra. Featuring the renowned Casual Projects in support, prepare for live hip-hop at its very finest! Entry is free you goons!

Tha realness

I’ve been looking forward to Music To Live By, the second album from Adelaide’s Terra Firma for a minute now and it will finally be officially available on August 30 through Shogun. The album is produced by Simplex and features the entire Certified Wise collective (including Hilltop Hoods and Funkoars) and also legendary Bronx MC Percee P. Music To Live By has been touted as a collection of personal musings, inextricably ensconced in the culture of hip-hop music and the mindset behind it.  Can’t wait!

I’ve been blown away by the debut record by Sydney’s Horrorshow, The Grey Space, which has just been released on Elefant Traks. Rising from hip-hop’s tremendous undergrowth, Horrorshow exhibit both wisdom and quality of style beyond their young ages. The Grey Space is intelligent and beautiful music, full of deft lyricism, honest social observation and dry humour. On The Grey Space, the pair of vocalist Solo and producer Adit take centre stage, limiting guest appearances to their Sydney affiliates Fame and Spit Syndicate, who contribute heat with their guest appearances, complementing their respective tunes perfectly. Add No Rides Left to the mix, which is one of the best tunes I’ve heard in a long time and you’ve got a near-classic! Don’t miss out on this one!

On August 16, Sydney based label Grindin’ released their new Grindin’ Remixed record with the mighty M-Phazes remixing artists on the label’s roster – a first for Australian hip-hop. The album features a variety of artists from across the globe including OC, Jehst, Mystro, Kohndo, P-Money, 4 Corners, Move.meant, Foreign Beggars, 13th Son, Muneshine and many more! Dopeness.

Melbourne’s Reason is indisputably an icon of Australian hip-hop. Personifying both quality and standard as one of Australia’s true veterans of the underground scene, Reason was the first artist signed to Obese Records and released the label’s first record, titled Solid, in 1999. Now he is set to continue his trademark social commentary on his forthcoming EP The Tides Are Turning. Featuring a selection of Australia’s finest producers and MCs including Debris, Trials, Pegz, Pressure, Dazastah, Ciecmate & Newsense, Ghost, Vame and Lazy Grey, the EP is out August 30 through Obese. And, whilst on Obese, big ups to both Dialectrix and Thundamentals from the Blue Mountains who are the latest signings to the label.

Choose Mics consist of UK emcee Haunts and Gold Coast producer Mules. They’ve just released The Pre Album on Formula records, their preview release to spark interest in an official debut which is coming soon. Over 21 tracks the duo display their versatility in both production and lyrics by delivering a head-nodding album. Mules’ beats are smooth as butter and Haunts’ lyrics portray both intelligent messages and cocky braggadocio.

I’ve also just managed to get my hands on a copy of Tasmanian duo Mdusu & Dameza’s Can We Get A Soul Clap! It’s been out for a few months now, but it’s a very impressive debut album. Producer/emcee Mdusu is a true talent, handling all the production and the vast majority of the albums lyrics and Dameza is a beast on the cuts. At 20 tunes, the record is ambitious in length but it never feels overlong or laboured, with versatility in production and songwriting styles taking the listener on a real trip! Mdusu excels with his down-to-earth storytelling and self-conscious lyricism! Expect big things from this duo in the future.

To hear music from all these releases and more, tune to The Antidote on 2XX 98.3FM, Tues nights from 9.30 to 11pm.

Tha Realness

Big news this month is that Muph and Plutonic are just about to release their highly anticipated third album …And Then Tomorrow Came on Obese Records. Their third full-length record together is highly original and incredibly mature, pushing boundaries with its first class production which radiates with live instrumentation and head-nodding style. Muph’s deeply conscious approach to song writing has again progressed and we hear a man both at ease with his craft, but also not content to rest on his laurels. Muph and Pluto will push themselves further into the spotlight with their new album. …And Then Tomorrow Came is one of the most accomplished records I’ve heard in recent years. A future classic.

Tomohawk, one third of Perth’s legendary Clandestien, is also just about to release his debut solo album A Bitch Named Hip Hop through Shogun. With his much heralded lyrical intensity, Tomohawk uses the album to personify hip-hop as a woman – a multifaceted goddess with whom he shares a love/hate relationship. The album is entirely produced by Dazastah of Downsyde, who has assembled the record as a continuous mix. The album heavily features both Layla and Porsah Laine, who each contribute their own personal slant on the album’s concept. A Bitch Named Hip Hop is one of the most superior concept albums Australia has witnessed to date and also comes with a 12 page booklet of original illustrations by Tomahawk himself! A must buy!

Brisbane producer V has just cooked up a new vinyl EP simply entitled V-EP which combines his multi-instrumentalist talents with some of Australia’s best emcees including BMA, Thorts, Urban Monk and Lazy Grey.

Hot off the heels of the brilliant Mankind album with Thorts last year, V has now joined the Karsniogenics Records camp in Brisbane, so expect big things from him in the future. The limited edition EP is out now!
Straight out of the Blue Mountains comes Two Toes with their debut album Cooking with Caustic out July 10, distributed through Obese Records. Comprising of MC Joe New (Former Down Under Beats Crew MC/2004 JJJ Unearthed winners) and producer Caustic Yoda (ex-BlindHoarse), the album is a mixture of pulsing club anthems, thick funk riffs and dark jazz with a strong emphasis on live instrumentation. The album also features Thundamentals, Dialectrix and Host Manifest. The Blue Mountains is bubbling with talent at the moment, so don’t sleep on this one.

Tour wise, the almighty The Herd hit ANU Bar touring Summerland on August 8 with their unpredictable eight-person dynamic and a backdrop of visuals decorating the stage! Should be massive! The legendary True Jungle Souljahs continue their onslaught of quality gigs at the moment by bringing you a night full of class-A hip-hop beats and the fine art of turntable trickery with the return of the ACT DMC Championships for 2008 at The Greenroom. With Newsense hosting, and support entertainment from $2 Scratchies, Dazed & Flawless, Carts2Deadly, Rhyministers and Maggot Mouf it is sure to be mega.

To hear music from all these releases and more, tune to The Antidote, Tues nights from 9:30 – 11pm on 2XX 98.3FM.

Tha Realness

Lots of new music out at the moment, and first up is Broken Tooth’s newest signing Gargoyle with his new album Saintsinner. Produced by Gargoyle himself with guest beats from Tornts and French beatmaker I.N.C.H, the album stays true to the grimy sound Broken Tooth is renowned for. Gargoyle’s style is captivating and highly original, exploring the dark side of Australian life, spinning tales of decrepit characters and casting his eye, often with scathing observation, at the world around him. Saintsinner is out now through Shogun.

Hot off their killer appearances on the Red Tape Renegades album last year, Brisbane’s Pure Product have released their debut full-length album. The Eviction Notice is predominantly produced by The Optimen’s Sammsonite and Dats and is a continuation of the brilliant sounds found on The Optimen’s Boomtown record of a few years ago. Pure Product give you that straight-up, no-nonsense lyrical hip-hop, and The Eviction Notice runs the gamut from topical to personal to conceptual, succeeding on all counts. Rich in wordplay and honest in delivery, The Eviction Notice is well worth your time. It’s also out now through Shogun.

Pioneer of British hip-hop Chester P (Task Force) has caught my ears yet again, this time with his debut solo album From The Ashes which is now out through Rawdog.  The record is aptly titled, as the first version of the album was lost in a house fire of album producer Louis Slipperz. Instead of being defeated by the tragedy, Chester saw the turn of events as a challenge and created an even better record than he had initially. Filled with both humor and melancholy, From The Ashes is an extremely accomplished record, conceptually intelligent and always pushing forward with new sonics and ideas. Chester’s storytelling is again impeccable and the album is banging from start to finish. You need it now.

Giant Panda’s debut album Fly School Reunion was one of my faves a few years ago when it was released, knocking my speakers to bit with its true school and funk aesthetics. Like the recent Time Machine release, Giant Panda have developed their record for the now, casting a nod to their original sound while pushing it towards the future. Their new album Electric Laser, while still banging and completely head-nodding, has juicy electro samples embedded in the tunes and the album as a whole was recorded on analog tape, which makes for an extremely fresh sound. Electric Laser is immediate, original and essential.

To tour news now, and Canberra favorites The Herd will be back in town on Friday August 8 at the ANU to promote their brand new album Summerland. With The Last Kinnection and new Elephant Traks signing Horrorshow in tow, I can’t wait.

The State of the Art boys are back with a furious vengeance with a triple-header album launch at the ANU on Friday July 25.  Drapht, Mind Over Matter and 360 will all be launching their brand new albums in what will be a riotous night of quality hip-hop. Local professionals Alikeminds, House Of Reps and Wax Lyrical will all be in support and if that’s not already reason enough to be there, then I really think there is little hope left for you!
To hear great music from all the above and more, tune to The Antidote on 2XX 98.3FM, Tuesday nights from 9.30pm.

Tha realness

For all those into their sounds a little bit more slang from the dirty south side of things, you’ll be excited that the legendary Bun B is about to drop his second solo LP II Trill. Featuring the who’s who of UGK affiliates, Young Buck, Chamillionaire, Lil Wayne, David Banner, Rick Ross and of course the late Pimp C, the guest-heavy album is definitely booming. Production comes from Chops, J.R Rotem, Cory Mo, Mr. Lee, Scott Storch, DJ Khalil and Blackout Movement amongst others.

Slum Village’s Elzhi has just dropped a downloadable mix-tape to coincide with his recent tour around Europe. Entitled Euro Pass, the release is a precursor to his much anticipated solo album due out in August this year. Predominately produced by Black Milk and featuring fellow Detroit heavy-hitters Royce Da 5’9, Phat Kat and T3, Elzhi proves why he is one of the best to do it at the moment, with complex lyrical dexterity and heart-felt songwriting.

Time Machine’s new single The Groove That Just Won’t Stop is a mega-party anthem that’s been filling my speakers for a minute now. Don’t miss it! It’s taken from their upcoming second album Life Is Expensive which is out May 20 on Glow In The Dark, with local distro by Shogun.

Sweden’s Looptroop Rockers have just released their newy Good Things, further expanding on their politically-charged sound, adding the welcome sonics of live instrumentation, more singing and even a Bon-Jovi cover! The album is massive sounding, repays repeated listens and is full of potential classics. Keep an eye for a new DVD from Promoe shortly, too.

Kidz In The Hall have dropped their new album on Duck Down entitled The In Crowd. It features Sean Price, Buckshot, Black Milk, Guilty Simpson, The Cool Kids, Bun B and Pusha T. The Kidz traverse a variety of styles and sounds, always with tongue-in-cheek humour. Check out the video for Driving Down the Block on YoutTube! It’s dope.

Shogun has just released the second in the Battlehogs mixtape series, this time hosted by Brad Strut. The release comes with a full-length DVD complete with artist interview, music videos, live and behind-the-scenes footage, as well as exclusive tunes from Trials, Mortar, Androit Effusive, Mnemonic Ascent, Delta and Swarmy to name a few. The CD is mixed by DJ Kansel and DJ Juice and is extremely fresh.
Sydney’s Mind Over Matter will be dropping their debut album Keep It Breezy on Nurcha Records in June.

Their single Proud is out now, complete with a choir, and promises big things for the album. Vast Aire even pops up on their too, so make sure to check for the release when it drops Obese Records’ newest signing Spit Syndicate have also just released their debut single Here Today, Gone Tomorrow from their forthcoming Towards The Light LP. Produced by M-Phazes, the tune is an epic soul-drenched celebration of living in the moment and further adds to the expectation that these guys will be massive!

Good Buddha’s new album Hit The Sky Running is out now through Inertia and continues their journey into melding funk, reggae, soul and hip-hop. Throw in a bit of psychedelia and you’ve got another brilliant release from the veterans.

To hear music from all of the above and much more, tune to The Antidote, on 2XX 98.3FM from 9:30pm Tues nights.

Tha realness

Veteran UK emcee/producer Braintax has just released his third and final album on his very own Low Life imprint, a label that has been synonymous with quality hip-hop from the UK for many years.

Self-consciously titled My Last and Best Album, the record is the perfect accompaniment to his previously two albums and is the perfect conclusion to Braintax’s solo career. Time will tell if his retirement from the mic is permanent (Jay-Z, anyone?) as he turns his hands to the business side of his label. The album is entirely produced by the brilliant and versatile C-Swing (aka Emmanuel) and takes in a variety of influences including Sa-Ra and Slum Village as well as the usual dusty funk associated with Joey Brains. My Last and Best Album is out now through Low Life and is simply brilliant from start to finish.

Following on from the excellent Boston supergroup Special Teamz (Edo.G, Slaine & Jaysaun) is the next hip-hop supergroup eMC. Comprising of Masta Ace, Wordsworth, Punchline and Strickin, their new album The Show is out now through M3 Entertainment. The Show features a loose narrative of sorts, much like previous Masta Ace solo albums, and features production from Nicolay, Marco Polo, The Are, Ayatollah and Frequency. Sean Price and Little Brother also show up on guest duties.

Travelling the country as part of Uni-Fied, Bliss N Eso have also just released their third and most dynamic album to date. Flying Colours is full of the vivid poetic imagery often associated with the trio. The album is rich with soulful production and showcases their original sound while also demonstrating an impressive growth in production, lyrical maturity and subject matter. The album was recorded in three different continents over 12 months and features Illmaculate, Debaser, Hyjak, Phrase and a 20-piece African choir! Beats come from Bliss, M-Phazes and Hattori Hanzo.

Perth emcee and Syallabolik’s crew member Drapht will drop his third solo LP Brothers Grimm on Obese in May. Possessesing one of the most unique voices in Australian hip-hop, Drapht could easily rest on his style alone but this new album presents an artist not afraid to push boundaries. Brothers Grimm is an uplifting album destined to capture the imagination with catchy hooks, intelligent wordplay and consistently phenomenal production. Produced by Trials with guest production from Plutonic Lab, M-Phazes and Simplex, the album is sure to impress when it drops.

Something a little different now from Tres Records! C.R.A.C (aka Crass Knucks) is a new project from Blu (from Blu & Exile fame) and Ta’Raach. Their album The Piece Talks is an exercise is style and innovation (check out Buy Me Lunch!). Channelling a multitude of genres, all doused with that distinct Detroit sound, C.R.A.C represent the forefront of a new sound of hip-hop, which refuses to recycle the same old formulas! Loving it!

Other bits and pieces that I’m digging lately that are also little left of hip-hop centre are new albums from Gnarles Barkley (The Odd Couple), Cut Copy (In Ghost Colours), Hot Chip (Made In The Dark) and The Presets (Apocalypto).

To hear music from all these releases and more tune to The Antidote, Tues nights on 2XX 98.3FM from 9:30pm

Pnau / Van She / Breakbot @ University of Canberra Refectory Wednesday April 9

On Wednesday 9 April, the UCU Refectory was transformed into a messy pit of depletion by Australian dance legends Pnau. From the epic opening build up into the sonic boom that is Wild Strawberries, Nick Littlemore and Peter Mayes held the swarming crowd in the palms of their well-party-worn hands, turning the venue into a mini-Stonefest of sorts. It was an unusual but highly-satisfying night and while the vocals were perhaps a little swallowed up by the intense sound levels, the live drums hit hard in time with live-visuals playing above the stage. It all made for a highly enjoyable viewing experience! And, there was no doubt that the very young crowd had an absolute ball, showing their appreciation through a number of colourful and aesthetically pleasing methods and items:

a) Skin: both women and men alike flaunted a variety of different shaped and toned flesh - boobs, bellies, arms, booties and lanky legs gyrated happily along with the booming percussion!

b) Gurns - I seriously haven’t seen jaws shift like that since Deebo got ‘knocked the f*ck out’ in ‘Friday’.

c) Tinny ‘Holding-Up’ – Tinnies were often seen held high, shimmering amongst the pulsating lasers.

d) Tinny Stomping – after holding said tinny high, I saw a group of dripping males stamp ‘pon them in jubilant appreciation. There was a definite sense of reckless abandon, as if Pnau’s music had unleashed a carefree Wednesday night defiance! It seemed as though no one had anything important to do on the impending Thursday morning.

e) Allan Sko’s Bulge - although but one part of a joyous whole, the BMA chieftain, along with his dearest beloved, risked losing all available body fluid by packing into oversized Strawberry and Dead Dove costumes respectively and two-stepping the stage with aplomb. Allan’s sweaty packed-bulge post jig was truly something to behold and will be hard to top in ‘08 as Celebrity Bodypart of the Year.

Supports Breakbot and Van She also both held it down. Breakbot was more than apt at hurling out some big rattlers early on and in between live sets. Crowd favourites Van She once again ran through their repertoire of enjoyable tunes, although the sound was intensively high during their set, forcing much of the crowd out to the chilly air to repair their damaging eardrums. Even as Pnau finished and as droves of revellers found themselves herding off to the vomitus caverns of The Lighthouse, it seemed that the party was indeed ‘not over’. This was credit to the performance of the headliners leaving everyone satisfied, filled with that warm ‘drunk-happy’. One young girl was heard to screech, “Do you think Nick Littlemore will go to The Lighthouse?” Going by the mania of proceedings I really would not have been surprised if he did! Wouldn’t that have been something.

Tha realness

Plenty of recommendations this month! The Roots release their new album Rising Down later this month, but to tide you over, check out their new videos for ’75 Bars and Get Busy with Dice Raw and Peedi Peedi on the net at Videos On Smash. Both tunes are heavy. Also check out the new Rick Ross and Jay-Z tune Maybach Music from Rick Ross’ newy Trilla. Produced by J.U.S.T.I.C.E League, it’s incredible!

Anyone that saw A-Love perform recently at ANU will attest to the DJ skills of Mathmatics from Newcastle. I grabbed a copy of his new mix-tape Deejay Mathmatics: B-Boy Throwdown Vol. 2 and it is the niceness. Track him down on Myspace to grab one.

Locally, Canberra based hip-hop group Kash Boys have just released their debut album The Birth, with production from Israel and the Nu Firm. You can grab a copy at Landspeed now.

Hired Goon member Billy Bunks has caused a stir with his debut single The Devil’s Clay about throwing poo at people (check the video on Youtube). He’s just released his album Spit & Gristle and it delves deeper into his self professed ‘booze bastard’ derelict style. Produced by Nick-1 from Brisbane, the album has a deep mid-’90s rap influence for Bunks to dirty the mic with his tales of urban depletion, liquor abuse and anti-social behaviour.

Akrobatik is back with his second full-length and it’s killer. Every track is brilliant, showcasing a variety of topics, sounds and styles. Ak sounds hungrier than ever and with beats from Illmind, 9th Wonder, Da Beatminerz, Hezekiah and J-Zone, did you really expect anything but class?

Speaking of class, the legendary Pete Rock has returned with NY’s Finest on Nature Sounds. A must-have addition to his impeccable back catalogue, the album is another soul-drenched and refined beat-chopping exercise in dopeness from the master, featuring collaborations with Jim Jones, The Lox, Redman, Little Brother and Raekwon to name a few. NY’s Finest is in stores now.

In the same league as Pete Rock are D.I.T.C heroes Show & AG. They’ve just dropped a brilliant EP Live Hard in anticipation of their new LP. Seven tracks deep, plus instrumentals, it conjures that classic boom-bap sound typical of the duo; smooth, crisp and neck-snapping. Plus, AG still has one of the best voices and deliveries in the game.

Now for some other snippets! Only Madlib would have the audacity to remix an album that’s barely six months old, and yet he’s done just that with Percee-P’s Perseverance. The Remix album is out now and is booming. Eykah Badu’s new record New Amerykah is brilliant and features production from Madlib, Sa-Ra, Kariem Riggins and 9th Wonder. Fat Ray + Black Milk’s The Set-Up is another speaker devastating outing from the Detroit masters and The Don Kool G Rap has a new EP out entitled Half A Klip. Finally, J.Dilla’s lost classic Jay Loves Japan is finally available and you must have it. Enough said.

Show wise, the Unified Tour is coming to town at ANU on April 16 featuring Bliss N Eso, Funkoars and The Winnie Coopers. Local boys Casual Projects are garnering nation-wide appreciation for their new sounds and will launch their second album No Rest at ANU on April 18 with Ro and D’O and The Andi & George Band in support. The boys also repped on The Kerrie-Anne show recently. That’s hip-hop right there!

To hear dope music from all the above and more tune into the 2XX 98.3FM’s The Antidote from 9.30pm Tuesday nights.