Mac Miller + The Tongue – The Enmore – 20.2.13

Posted on February 25, 2013 by Jaime Black

Mac Miller

A hot Wednesday night at the Enmore Theatre only got hotter once the night kicked off at 8pm. The Enmore was a choice venue for the event; its sloped floor perfect for a good view of the stage by all.

At 8:45 The Tongue walked on stage to a booming crowd, and blew us all away with his signature flow. With tracks like ‘Drums’ the whole crowd was in form, dripping off every syllable. While the DJ layer down a beat, The Tongue freestyled to words of the crowd’s choice; ending up with Ralph Lauren, weed, and pussy. Despite the sophisticated wordbank, The Tongue impressed the crowd once again – his performance could easily have been mistaken for the headlining event.

After a short intermission, and no sign of the crowd slowing down, an artwork of Mac Miller lit up the back of the stage, and anticipation for his arrival with Most Dope started building.

Mac took the stage, and when I say took I mean he grabbed it by the balls, and took control of the crowd. Any attendee to this event had zero chance of disappointment, as Mac went through fan favourites from his entire discography; from 2003 to a song to be released with his next album. All I can say is that Mac Miller has a long, strong hip-hop future ahead of him – his music covers it all, from steady, cool rap to heavy, bass dominated hip-hop, he has it all. I, and from my perspective, 99% of the crowd was absolutely impressed by his performance – hyped by his high expectations of Sydney, Australia. By the sounds of it he was impressed, but who wouldn’t be?

A brilliant close with ‘Donald Trump’ left the crowd beaming, and a high vibe (unrelated to the constant substance inhalation in the concert) spilled out into Newtown. Mac Miller’s debut performance in Sydney, Australia was one to be remembered.

Rating: 4.5 / 5

Macklemore + Ryan Lewis + Diafrix – Enmore Theatre, Sydney (15.02.13)

Posted on February 16, 2013 by Liza Moscatelli

Macklemore and Ryan Lewis made way at their final sold out show at the Enmore Theatre in Sydney last night. They didn’t expect this kind of success for their single ‘Same Love’ from album The Heist to reach number one spots in Australia. Originally their show was to be held at the renowned (and average-sized) Oxford Art Factory in Sydney. However it sold out instantly, so a second show was held which also sold out ‘in the blink of an eye’. An upsize of the venue was necessary, and the Metro Theatre seemed sufficient, however, due to the overwhelming response from fans, the show was taken to the Enmore Theatre in Sydney! The fans were spoilt with many treats last night.

By 8pm fans had already packed the venue front and back in time to see the aptly chosen support act for the night (and only support act) Melbourne based hip hop duo, Diafrix. Although it seems that much of commercial hip hop promotes promiscuity and homophobia, excessive use of drug and alcohol, crime, money, fame with a heavy use of derogative language (all as a norm of societies across the world), Diafrix seem to break the stereotypes and misconception with a positive approach.

Their album Pocket Full Of Dreams is what could be described as a genuine compilation of narratives from cultural and personal struggles and exchanging it for more positive outcomes and a change in common attitudes and thoughts. So I am all for positive hip hop, and it’s one thing to immerse oneself into their pre-recorded music, but witnessing a live delivery of their album took me on a whole other level. Diafrix spread good vibes throughout their set leaving all to look like perspiring sardines. The front row were pushed up against the media barricades – sweaty, thirsty, had full bladders, but weren’t prepared to give up their spot on the floor. Security yanked out a few overheated (and a little intoxicated) fans from the crowd. Diafrix definitely owned the stage. Aussies definitely need to check these guys out live if you haven’t already done so. Any one looking for a live hip hop act, these are the guys to hit up.

The 30-40 minute wait was well worth it for Macklemore fans, as he made way to the stage and crowds roared in reverence to see the man himself, Ryan Lewis and the band. Fans joined in singing familiar songs from his latest release The Heist. Each track received the “same love” as his hit singles ‘Thrift Shop’ and – ‘Same Love’. Through witnessing various hip hop gigs in town, the crowd was well behaved for such a large cohort. Brilliant production work by Ryan Lewis throughout the album and at the live show in Sydney.

Fluid rhymes by Macklemore and his fans to match especially throughout ‘Jimmy lovine’. We got treated to the soulful voice of Ray Dalton who also joined Macklemore on tour with ‘Can’t Hold Us’, which got the crowd clapping and singing along like a gospel choir. We can’t forget the awesome trumpet playing by Macklemore’s official trumpeteer Owuor Arunga. But it was not until the number one single ‘Thrift Shop’ began to play, that the audience screamed with excitement. Shortly after it eased in with the second number one hit single in Australia ‘Same Love’ (renowned song that supports same-sex marriage). At one time I was wondering who the chick was with the long blonde hair that entered the stage. Yup, it was Mr Macklemore himself. Never once did he fail to entertain and constantly delivered great music and remained animated.

It’s about time Australia got to see the men behind the Thrift Shop song Macklemore, Wanz and production work by Ryan Lewis. It goes to show that if one is an artist of some sort, keep making art. You never know how far you can go. Macklemore sure didn’t expect to top 2 singles in the last few months in Australia. Looking forward to seeing him flourish worldwide!

Rating: 4/5

Click on the image below for photographs on the night taken by Liza Moscatelli and Jackie TeAroha from Mosca Media Australia.

Check out the links below for more info:

www.macklemore.com
www.facebook.com/ryanlewisproductions

Izzy n The Profit – New Day (feat. B-Don) (2012 Video Clip)

Posted on October 5, 2012 by Jaime Black

This track is a cool, calm and collected contribution to the booming identity of Aussie hip-hop as we know it. Western Sydney based rappers Izzy n The Profit with support from B-Don have upheld the conventions of the genre, by spinning lyrical webs of hardship, mateship, and the infectious positive outlook on life held by many Aussie hip-hop artists. This track could be compared to early work by Illy, Pez, and groups like also Sydney based Daily Meds.

While the song bares little innovative or entrepreneurial ideas for Aussie hip-hop, it is a strong continuity of the Sydney music scene, and will play close to the experiences of listeners that live in Western Sydney.

The film clip is apparently low-budget, however, the artists and videographers have worked exceptionally well with what they have, by including a number of familiar locations and sights from the city of Penrith. These include scenes outside Penrith Police Station, on and around Penrith Railway Station, and a strong presence of shopping trolleys and brown-bagged bottles. While the clip doesn’t give the most positive representation of Western Sydney, 6 years of school in Penrith allows me to empathise with how satirically accurate the clip is.

Overall the song is well constructed, and exceptionally executed. I look forward to hearing more from Izzy n The Profit.

Rating: 3/5

Check out the clip below

ILLY + M-PHAZES + Skryptcha + Chasm + Jackie Onassis + Elemont – The Hi-Fi, Sydney (25.08.12)

Posted on August 28, 2012 by Jaime Black

A cool Saturday evening at The Hi-Fi Sydney didn’t take long to warm up, with a huge all ages crowd that dwarfed the stage and sent an invigorating buzz throughout the crowd. This crowd wasn’t just there to show their support for main act ILLY and to see names like M-PHAZES, Skryptcha and Chasm; they were there to show their love for Aussie Hip-hop. Three hours of support acts really didn’t feel like support acts, the crowd’s response to performances by Elemont and Jackie Onassiswas infectious, and soon the entire audience was starved for more.

Special guest appearances by Joyride and The Tongue were crowd pleasers, performing ‘My Way Up’ and others from Skryptcha’s recently released album Mindful. From my perspective as a photographer I could see at least 5 people in the front row matching the rhymes of these artists, it was an incredible atmosphere. Skryptcha’s final song ‘Dance’ had the crowd going wild – this was definitely the highlight of the show until this point, the crowd’s involvement in the music was huge, I could clearly hear the lyrics from the audience.

A short intermission meant a step outside into the cold night air for many, before the crowd drew in tight to the mosh wall, expectant for ILLY to come on stage and make our nights. A short set by M-PHAZES got the crowd pumping again; with popular tracks including Aussie Hip-hop names like Drapht, Bliss N Eso, and 360. By the end of M-PHAZES’ set the crowd were practically drooling for ILLY to perform, and his well-timed entrance did not disappoint. A combination of songs from Long Story Short, The Chase, and his new album Bring It Back had the crowd booming over old favourites, and pumped for new tracks. Songs from The Chase like ‘Diamonds (ft. Wren)’ and ‘Cigarettes’ featuring Hue Blanes, were played with great sound quality and huge crowd involvement, it was really an impressive performance.

ILLY got personal with the audience, and brought out his phone for a signature shot of himself with the audience, before closing the show with a captivating encore of ‘Rock Star Shit’ dubbed to a mix of Nirvana’s ‘Smells Like Teen Spirit’ and ‘Heard It All’ from his new Bring It Back album, which definitely made the night for me, and, I daresay every member of the audience.

All in all, it was a great Saturday night for Aussie Hip-hop, with a great crowd and amazing performances.

Rating: 4/5

Photographs from the show can be found by clicking here.

Video Review: Chasm Feat. Fashawn, Solo and David Dallas – ‘Highs and Lows’ (2012 Single)

Posted on August 10, 2012 by Kate Winch

If I could only use a single word to describe the video for Sydney producer, Chasm‘s, current release ‘Highs and Lows’, it would have to be smooth. In the latest installment from his third album, This Is How We Never Die, Chasm has created a cross continental collaboration featuring US rapper, Fashawn; Sydney based Solo and NZ’s David Dallas, each of whom feature in the video for the track.

‘Highs and Lows’ is an introspective track with depth, and the simplicity of the video allows you to become fully immersed in it without distraction. There are no crazy special effects in this video, nor is there an attempt to make it into a mini movie all of it’s own, which is so refreshing. Instead, the video is a clean and crisp glimpse into the world of the artists involved and into the emotions behind the lyrics.

The production on this video is exceptionally high quality. It is beautifully shot and feels personal and intimate, with a sense of hope. As a Sydney-sider, the inclusion of relatively distinct local footage adds a sense of familiarity and only serves to increase a personal connection with the track.

Check out the video for ‘Highs and Lows’ below.

Rating: 4.5/5

Check out Chasm on Facebook

National Urthboy Supports & Praise For “Bigger Pictures”

Posted on July 25, 2012 by Liza Moscatelli

National Urthboy Supports & Praise For “Bigger Pictures”

It’s been a massive few months for Rainman since the release of his sophomore album ‘Bigger Pictures’, but following on from his own national album launch shows he’s just announced that he’ll be joining Urthboy for shows on his ‘Naïve Bravado’ Tour. Including a four star album review in The Australian, the announcement follows on from a string of critical acclaim for ‘Bigger Pictures’, and praise across the board:

“Rainman’s calm, measured tones work well in both chorus and verse. The beats on Bigger Pictures’s 15 tracks are uniformly excellent … an impressive album” – The Australian (4 stars)

“a dizzyingly diverse collection of beats and lyrical feats accompanied by guests galore. Essentially, it’s everything a good hip hop album should be” – Rave Magazine (4 stars)

“It’s no doubt Rainman has nailed it with Bigger Pictures. I feel he easily deserves the same rank as some of the bigger Australian Hip Hop artists as he executes each song on Bigger Pictures to perfection” – Australian Musicians Network

“Sometimes serious, always sublime this is an album not to be missed” –

CertifiedScribe.com.au.

Sydneysiders can catch Rainman this Friday 27th July @ FBI Social, Kings Cross. Brissie, Byron and Melbourne can catch Rainman:

With Urthboy:

Friday August 31st @ Evelyn, Melbourne
w/ Yung Warriors

BUY TIX.

Friday September 14th @ the Northern, Byron Bay
w/ The Last Kinection

BUY TIX.

Saturday September 15th @ The Zoo, Brisbane
w/ The Last Kinection

BUY TIX

With w/ Daily Meds

Daily Meds Album Launch (Brisbane)
Saturday 11th August @ Coniston Lane
Supported by a special one-off Rainman + Calski set featuring guest vocalist pear & live visuals from VJ Simulcast.

‘Bigger Pictures’

He’s been a feature artist on triple j’s Hip Hop Show and played alongside everyone from Grandmaster Flash (USA), Ice Cube (USA) and Jungle Brothers (USA) through to The Herd, Hilltop Hoods, Urthboy, Muph n Plutonic, Pegz, TZU, Thundamentals, Astronomy Class, Tom Thum / Tommy Illfigga and many more. Mention Rainman amongst the initiated and the respect attributed to his name is palatable. Recognised nationally as one of Queensland’s finest, his list of collaborations, support slots and guest appearances reads like a who’s who of Oz hip hop.

The Herd’s Urthboy said it well: “destined to become a positive and very listenable force… with laidback but self assured flows and a gift for hooks and phrases. One of Brisbane’s best-kept secrets”. Australia’s ‘hip hop central’ OzHipHop.Com dubbed him Queensland’s “best-kept secret – with an eloquence for song-writing rarely seen in Hip hop”.

Friday May 4th sees Rainman drop his second album “Bigger Pictures” through the freshly minted Born Fresh Records and via Obese Records Distribution. “Bigger Pictures” sees the collaborative partnership of Rainman and Sammsonite (The Optimen) return for the lion’s share of the production but also features some of Australia’s finest beat- smiths including the APRA and AIR Award winning, ARIA nominated Count Bounce (TZU/Urthboy), DJ Bonez, Mangohig (Sietta), Chasm (Astronomy Class), Cam Bluff (Vegas Aces) and Calski.

Guest MCs on the record include Muph (Muph n Plutonic), Tommy Illfigga, Yuin Huzami (The Coalition Crew), Seven (triple j Unearthed winner) & 4TH (Vegas Aces), while Laneous (Laneous & The Family Yah), Kel on Earth (Bankrupt Billionaires) and Youka (Killbot Kindergarten) all lend soulful vocals across the album, mixed with a drop of folk courtesy of pear (Pear & the Awkward Orchestra).

The actual title of the album says a lot about the record itself. Rainman explains: “Midway through making the album I realised how often I found myself saying ‘look at the bigger picture’ in conversations and in my own lyrics. There seemed to be this recurring theme for me about remembering to keep things in perspective and seeing that my own worries were pretty small in the grand scheme of things. As I started to use it as a working title I realised how the tracks are like zooming in and creating a bigger picture of a topic or a moment or a state of mind or even a place, and often is about revealing something that may have been missed. So then it was settled, the album was actually a whole bunch of ‘bigger pictures’.

Lyrics-wise Rainman is rarely comfortable with speaking generally, preferring to dive into topics, swim in the details and indeed – paint the bigger pictures. Themes across the album range from poor eyesight to marketing; the creative process to ‘duck faces’; the love of music to the love of a lady. This is an Australian hip hop album that can take the piss and have a laugh, but still hold an intelligent conversation and tell a story.

It’s an album that swings from the bombasticism of tracks like ‘Valley’ to the refined storytelling soul drop of ‘Muse Sick (feat. Laneous)’. It’s an album from a laidback hip hop head who grew up on dope rhymes and banging beats but doesn’t aspire to purity of the form. Hip hop that people who don’t listen to hip hop can still get into. Humorous, emotive and reflective, it doesn’t always scream at you that it’s hip hop, it just is.
It’s all best said in the man’s own words:“again, it’s quite obviously reflected in the title, but to me this album is about perspectives. This is both my personal stories (trying to paint bigger pictures of where I’m coming from), but also my take on the world and with a broader encouragement for people to look around them at what’s going on with a wider perspective.

I think there’s also a kind of ‘call to action’ theme that creeps up throughout the album as well. From the more brooding ‘things suck, get active about it’ feel (‘Too much’), to the cynical take on marketing saturating out lives (‘WTF’), to just getting on with life despite the ups and downs (‘Count Blessings’) to a more direct ‘make a move’ anthem (‘Move’).

Musically we’ve stretched things a bit. It’s definitely still coming from a straight up hip hop perspective, but this time around there’s more synths and live instrumentation in the mix. With lyrics, I think there’s a bit more soul searching and storytelling. It gets heavy at times but there’s actually a lot more humour in there too. I think I stayed away from the humour side of things on the last album and that felt like a big chunk of who I am was missing. It’s also possible I’ve been watching too many Lonely Island and Flight of the Concords’ episodes too though.

Lastly – tuning in with the different perspectives theme, there’s a few tracks that are the flip sides of each other and tracks that flip perspectives within the one song. ‘Darlin’ flips things in the third verse to speak from lady hip hop’s view, ‘The Buzz’ flips from the intense moments at the start of a relationship to a time in the future when it’s all over. With ‘Big Night’ we’re all heading out for drinks and yet ‘The Valley’ is about just seeing that whole ’big night’ scenario through a sober lens of an onlooker. ‘Everything Ain’t’ is me getting bogged down but it’s then followed by the reality check of ‘Count Blessings’, that picks up from those same tensions but takes a step back. It’s a reminder that I’m actually pretty damn lucky to only have the worries I do have – things could always be better but they could definitely be a whole lot worse y’know….”

Catch Rainman live, officially launching “Bigger Pictures” up and down the east coast:

Saturday 16th June @ The Born Fresh Block Party, Coniston Lane (ex Woodlands), Fortitude Valley, Brisbane, QLD

Friday 6th July @ Laundry Bar, Fitzroy, Melbourne, VIC

Friday 27th July @ FBI Social, Kings Cross, Sydney, NSW

Rainman – painting “Bigger Pictures”. In Stores Friday 4 May through Born Fresh / Obese.

Rainman Music

Rainman Music on Facebook

Rainman Music on SoundCloud

Rainman Music on Rainman Music on Twitter

Interview: Obie Trice chats with Mosca Media at Lopez Records

Posted on April 27, 2012 by Liza Moscatelli

Obie Trice - Bottoms Up (2012 LP)

Obie Trice chats with Nastasha Tupas from Mosca Media at Lopez Records + Studio B + Kimball’s Barbershops: 116 Queen Street, St Marys, Sydney, NSW Australia 2760 (January 23, 2012)

Video & editing by Nastasha Tupas (Mosca Media)
www.facebook.com/MoscaMediaAustralia
www.facebook.com/lopezrecords

Song credit: Obie Trice – “Bottoms Up (Intro)”