I’m unsure how to take this news. Why, well for one when I originally posted about the gig postponement and linked it to a couple of social networks the feedback from others who had been around long enough to know said it wouldn’t happen. I guess, I thought those days were behind us, with all the tours that do actually eventuate these days.

A few days later I received a very strange call. The person wouldn’t say who they were but they had information on an alleged promoter involved with this tour. Now, before anyone starts getting fired up, Joint Adventure and The Espy are top notch promoters. I know for a fact that Joint Adventure genuinely cares what happens in this culture and The Espy have really become an institution for Hip Hop acts in Oz over the past few years. I believe 100% that both of them would have done everything they could to make this tour happen.

Asides from that, this anonymous person started reeling off other failed tours that never happened and insinuated that they were all rip off jobs and suggested I follow it up. Well mate, maybe if you had given me your name I would have (but probably not). So this is all you get.

Moving on here’s the press release about the tour

It is with regret that we must announce the cancellation of the upcoming Lil Kim Melbourne show, which was scheduled to take place on Thursday Sept 16th at the Esplanade Hotel.

Event organisers, Joint Adventure and The Esplanade Hotel, worked day and night to make this show happen but due to circumstances beyond their control, were unable to get Lil’ Kim into the country for the scheduled performance.

All tickets previously purchased will be refunded in full by the outlet they were purchased from. We are very sorry for any inconvenience caused by this cancellation.

Preview Mix: FORCE & SPARTS MYSPACE

Relative new comer to the scene Sparts joins G Force, following his successful debut release Clouded, to bring you a free offering of straight spitting madness to accompany your summer beverages.

Featuring guests Mol One, Haunts, Maundz and Thorts and a mix of exclusive beats from WIK, Blazin Marty and Xcise as well as some jacked favourites ensure it bangs from start to end.

Tracklisting:

Transactions
I Believe
Microphone Madness (Production: WIK)
Powerlines Ft: Maundz
Wage War
Run Ft: Thorts (Production: Xcise)
Straight To The Arm
Full Metal Box (Production: WIK)
Militant Boom Bap Ft: Haunts, Mol One (Production: Blazin Marty)
Deeds Not Words

JAN 15 – FREE

At the stage where Australian hip hop is reaching a broader audience than ever before, Visions (MC), Kahs (MC), Cheech (MC/Producer), Omega Beats (MC/Producer) and davidL (DJ) have formed Headstrong Company to spread their collective message of truth, belief and how make every minute count.

If you like rapid fire flows, intricate wordplay, thumping beats and tech scratching all combined to send a message with a meaning, look no further than Headstrong Company’s self titled 14 track debut.

The last five years have been spent perfecting this masterpiece for the streets, to ensure you won’t find any filler tracks on this well crafted representation of what it is like to be part of the Company.

Their energetic and electrifying live performances with the likes of Brother Ali, Delta and Staen 1, Def Wish Cast, Percee P, Social Change, Adroit Effusive, Mindfield, Dialectrix, Low Budget, Spit Syndicate and Bias B have now been transformed into the latest tasty treat to escape the Crackhouse. Once this album hits your system, pump up the volume and enjoy some of the best music Adelaide has to offer.

Guest appearances of the album include DJ Sum-One, DJ Sanchez, and the Crackhouse crew.

Couple two of the most unlikely hip-hop associates and you’ve got Anon Speak.

Hailing from Melbourne, emcee Lakonic and producer DJ Fokus united in early 2008 to try and create a project that would not only delve into early 90’s boom bap, but combine it with a post modern, futuristic spin to concote a sound that would stand the test of time. The result is Conventional Emporium; Anon Speak’s debut LP.

Comprising of epic soundscapes and thought provoking lyrics, Conventional Emporium pushes the hip-hop boundaries to lengths somewhat unbeknowst to fans of the genre. Influenced by death, poetry, human nature, all types of music from dub to indie-rock and with a love of loathing and creativity, Anon Speak bring an abstract element to the Australian underground hip-hop scene.

Already having supported the likes of Canadian MC Classified and JJJ favourites Low budget, Anon Speak are quickly rising and with this their first release, one can only expect interesting things to come as they continue to break down hip-hop stereotypes and conventions to bring you a sound that is far from your average.

HEAR THE ALBUM SAMPLER HERE: www.myspace.com/anonspeak

1. Scope the Terrain in Slow Motion
2. Downfall
3. Momentum
4. 5 Star Venture of Epic Proportions
5. Broken World of the Borderline
6. Human Stain
7. Piedpipelines Inc.
8. King of Fierce Countenance [Purpose Built]
9. Smoke
10. Guess the Game
11. Pandemonium Now
12. When Hilarity Ensues…

To purchase an advanced copy of the album via Paypal, go to www.magicianrecords.com.au or E-mail lakonicoz@gmail.com for Direct Deposit details [and save $5]

From an eager teenager taping shows from underground radio, to a DJ of world standing, the last five years have seen Australian spinner DJ Perplex soar. Set for the release of volume 2 in his ultra-fly ‘Digital Killed The Vinyl Star’ Mixtape series, Perplex has also been enlisted as the spokesperson for new Nintendo DS game ‘DJ Star’.

Having made a name for himself by taking out the Australian DMC title in 3 consecutive years, then going on to claim 7th place at the world finals in London late 2008, Perplex has established himself as an in-demand DJ, regularly playing the hottest clubs and festivals across Australia, Asia and Europe.

More than just playing record after record, Perplex’s highly evolved Turntablist skills play an integral part in his DJ show, as he mixes Electro, with Soul, Funk, Hip Hop and Baltimore, with layers of atmospheric undercurrents. The result is a genre-bridging mash-up style that is as original in its delivery as it is eclectic.

Approached by Madman Interactive to be the ambassador for their new game ‘DJ Star’, Perplex only needed to play the game once and he was hooked. Simulating life as a vinyl slinger, DJ Star challenges the player to mix together over 40 available tracks, with the objective of getting the crowd dancing and reaching the dizzy heights of world stardom. You can even create your own dance floor destroyer. The more people you get up dancing, the more points you win. With 200 unique audio samples to draw from, players can create tracks in the ‘Creation Studio’, bringing them into the game or share them with friends via the Nintendo DS Wi-Fi connection.

To officially launch ‘Digital Killed The Vinyl Star – vol 2’ and ‘DJ Star’, a special Melbourne event is happening at First Floor on Friday 23rd October. Perplex will be playing for 2 hours alongside his hand picked local lineup of B.Two (Simply Bread), Mu-Gen (Slap n Dash), Scattermish (Slap n Dash) and Who (The Late Show). To add some more sugar to the mix, there will also be a massive door prize and copies of ‘DJ Star’ given away throughout the night thanks to Madman Interactive.

Not sure why I am posting this Press Release at all cause nobody has sent me a Nintendo DS and I normally hating the arse raping corperates so let’s call it a one off.

Where: First Floor, Fitzroy
When: Friday 23rd October
Doors: From 9PM
What: A night of superb DJing and loads of giveaways!
Tickets: $10 on the door

Revolver Upstairs, McKenna Bourban and Triple R are proud to present the 11th Annual Revolver MC Comp.

Eleven years of unsurpassed talent battling their skills for a heavyweight title that has been held by such greats as The Tongue (NSW), Bias B (VIC), Justice (VIC) and Delta (SA).

The winner prize pack is valued at over $8,000, and consists of cash plus a flight voucher, goods from sponsors including McKenna Bourban, Revolver Upstairs, Triple R, All Of The Above, Burn Crew, Chapel Tattoo, Colonel Tan’s, Factory Sound, Final Outline, Fur, Implant, Inpress, Madman, Obese, Ozhiphop, Razor Paint, Seven Milligram and Sneaker Freaker.

On the night the MC Comp will be hosted by legendary Aussie rapper Bias B, with beats supplied by the legendary DJ Ransom.  So head down on Thursday 17th September to Revolver Upstairs and support the battle with doors opening at 8pm.

You think you’ve got it?  Well we want to hear what you’ve got, and so do the judges. If you are interested in entering the Comp download a form from www.revolverupstairs.com.au, or fill one in at Revolver Upstairs, 3RRR or Obese Records. Revolver, McKenna Bourban and
Triple R presenting the Aussie hip hop MCs of the future!

Thursday September 17 at Revolver, Chapel St, Prahran

Back this winter to bring you some firey, lyrical goodness, ON THE UP 2 once again showcases another plethora of Melbourne’s fledgling wordsmiths! Triple J Unearthed competition winners Low Budget bring it back to the underground off the back of their performance at Splendour in the Grass, as well as highly innovative emcee Blunted Monk, Anon Speak, G Force and Doesa Ive on Friday August 21. Hosted by Grinny n’ T and with resident DJ Blazin Marty spinning wax from 9pm to 3am, this is an absolute must for fans of lyrical hip-hop or those who’ll enjoy some warm beats this winter! $10 at the door.

When it comes to thought-provoking, street- bred raw lyricism, The Wu- Tang Clan’s fountain of wisdom GZA takes his job very seriously. Hailing from Brooklyn, New York, and one of the founding members of the mighty Wu-Tang Clan, GZA has mastery of the mic and metaphoric multi-layered lyrics that are often touted by critics as his rap names implies: Genius

Lauded by many as being “the best Wu- Tang solo project of all” his classic Liquid Swords album has changed hip- hop forever going on to sell over one million copies, earning GZA a platinum plaque. Chris Rock once referred the album as the “Songs In The Key Of Rap”, naming it in his top 3 albums of all time. GZA recently played the album from beginning to end at the Pitchfork Music Festival in Chicago.

Between his work with Wu, GZA has collaborated with artists ranging from the Black Lips to Santogold, even appearing alongside RZA in their legendary ‘Bill Murray’ scene in Jim Jarmusch’s Coffee & Cigarettes.

Don’t call GZA’s comeback just a comeback, it’s a return of an entirely revolutionary thought process. The lyricist’s lyricist and the rapper’s rapper, Wu Tang legend and true genius, GZA is finally coming our way.

First there was hip-hop, and then there was Genius. LIQUID SWORDS TOUR 2009

Friday 11th Sep- Prince Bandroom, Melbourne
www.princebandroom.com.au

Tuesday 15th Sep- The Metro,Sydney
www.premier.ticketek.com.au

Wednesday 16th Sep- Hi Fi, Brisbane
www.tickets.thehifi.com.au

Just signed up to twitter and came across this new track from Brad Strut and produced by Beat butcha. It’s a dope listen! Check it out~~

Broken Tooth Entertainment and Shogun Distribution are amped to be bringing you Ciecmate and Newsense’s album A Tale of Two Cities. This is the debut album as a duo from the two frontmen of Aussie hip hop institution Hospice Crew, though the respectively Melbourne- and Canberra-based MC/producers have been instrumental to every release on their BTE label, whether behind the scenes, on the boards or in front of the mic. Entirely produced by the two men on the move, it also features guests Billy Bunks, Maggot Mouf, Swarmy of Overproof and Diem.

Ciecmate and Newsense support Funkoars in Canberra (Thurs 26 Feb @ Transit Bar) and Melbourne (Fri 6 March @ The Espy), with their own headline dates to be announced shortly.

From www.bigspin.tv have a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year. We will be back next year bigger and better than ever.

Special thanks to Brad, Leon and Gareth for your reviews.

Big ups to the record labels and industry folk who have taken some interest in the site. We hope you like where we are heading and continue to work with us in 2009

Image in this post is courtesy of obese records.

One of the first ever full length solo Australian hip hop albums, Brad Strut’s Authentic was a landmark release when it dropped in 2001. The Melbourne MC connected with Bias B, Bigfoot, Brisbane icons Brothers Stoney, the original Seany B (4ZZZ’s long running Phat Tape Radio Show) and Ken Oath (750 Rebels) to craft a template for much of the local hip hop that was to follow. The album also features the original Lyrical Commission line-up of Brad, Trem, Bob Balans and Rob Nat. Produced by an all star line-up of Prowla, Lazy Grey, Trem, Seany B, Mnemonic Ascent and Jase, Authentic boasts a dusty production style that helped put Australian hip hop on the world stage. As if proof of this was needed, DJ Numark of Jurassic 5 included lead track “A Good Thing” on his first official DJ mix release, Hands On.

Brad Strut has gone on to be a core member of Melbourne’s almighty Lyrical Commission, spitting fire on their Stage Is Set and Murderous Metaphors releases, and to drop the massively acclaimed 2007 sophomore solo album Legend: Official. He is currently based in the UK, performing around Europe and working on a concept project with producer Beat Butcha. This project will be released with a selection of commissioned remixes in early 2009.

In the meantime, don’t miss the limited edition re-press of the album that started it all.

Tracklist
1. Authentic Intro Produced by Lazy Grey
2. Love This Produced by Mnemonic Ascent, Cuts by DJ Ransom
3. A Good Thing (Featuring Bias B and Lazy Grey) Produced by Lazy Grey, Cuts by DJ J-Red
4. Toowong (Featuring Lazy Grey and Len One) Produced by Lazy Grey
5. Every Now and Then (Featuring Ken Oath and Bigfoot) Produced by Lazy Grey and SeanyB
6. Ceremony Master (8 Bit Mix) Produced by Seany B, Cuts by DJ J-Red
7. Fly Away (Featuring Seany B and Len One) Produced by Seany B
8. Authentic Produced by Jase, Cuts by Prowla
9. Going Back to Yarrawonga Produced by Brad Strut
10. Demolition Derby (Featuring Lyrical Commission) Produced by Trem and Rob Nat
11. My Joint Produced by Prowla, Cuts by Prowla
12. Intro 01 (Hip Hop, Happiness, Health) Produced by Lazy Grey, Cuts by DJ J-Red
13. Struttterlude Produced by Brad Strut
14. Fly Away (Jase Remix) (Featuring Seany B and Len One) Produced by Jase

http://www.myspace.com/bradstrut

Our contract with Obese Records has expired and we’ve decided to launch an exciting new venture – Golden Era Records.

Golden Era Records will be responsible for releasing all of our forthcoming projects worldwide.

In the future you can expect more announcements as some of Hip Hop’s finest artists join us as at our new label.

As we move forward we wish Obese Records the best of luck with all their future endeavors and hope you all join us on this exciting journey.

Suffa, Pressure & Debris
Hilltop Hoods

NOTE: Hoods have confirmed Oars have left Obese but they’re not doing their next record with Golden Era. For the meantime the only artists signed to Golden Era Records is Hilltop Hoods

http://www.goldenerarecords.com.au
http://www.myspace.com/goldenerarecords
http://www.youtube.com/goldenerarecords