We’re back at it for April 2022. A month that gave us not only three different days off work but also a host of new tunes. Onefour returned, Nerve hit the deserts of Dubai, Tasman Keith linked up with Genesis Owusu and 1300 continued their unbelievable run. Your new favourite track is somewhere on this page, all you’ve gotta do is find it.
Onefour, "Cap"
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Mount Druitt’s biggest export (closely followed by Panthers jerseys) Onefour, released their long-awaited first single of the year, “CAP”. This punchy single is the first in over 2 years where the returning YP joins his fellow members, giving the track an almost nostalgic feeling, taking listeners back to 2019. In this no-holds-barred cut, we see Onefour going after the entire local hip hop scene, doubling down on their position as the pioneers of drill in this country. If this statement track is a sign of what’s to come from the group, then we’re in for one hell of a year.
Tasman Keith feat. Genesis Owusu, "CHEQUE"
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Sometimes money jingles, and sometimes money folds, but in this case money comes in the form of Tasman Keith & Genesis Owusu. The monetary duo link up on the rightfully titled, “CHEQUE”, a track which screams “give me your fucking money!”. Both artists are in full boast mode here, listing achievements, payments and any other ‘-ment’ you can think of. Gospel samples act to ground the listener, before being taken straight back up with hard-hitting and fiery verses. This much talent on one track is sure to attract some hate, but hey, money trees is the perfect place for shade.
Siala, "Black Coffee"
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Forget your morning cup for the pick me up, Siala is serving you all the energy you could want with her own “Black Coffee”, from her debut Drowned Surface EP. This track is just one of the many applause-worthy tracks found on the project, including “Blackout”, which I covered back in February. The immersive, trippy and ever-playful production comes once again from Nerve, solidifying a truly impressive sonic partnership these two are forming. Infectious delivery & songwriting on point here, which sees Siala tackle the struggles people of colour face in the industry when trying to express themselves freely.
1300, "WOAH DAMN"
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Nutella & white bread, Ye & Skete, 1300 & the Best Of The Month series, some things just belong together. 1300’s debut tape Foreign Language was gifted to the local hip hop scene at the end of the month after dropping one experimental-banger after another. Picking a single track to highlight was a struggle, so I picked the track that should be at the top of everyone’s “gettin’ turnt” playlist. “WOAH DAMN” is an addictive, head-banging, techno-heavy track filled with high octane flows and a sticky hook for all you booty poppers. You would be stupid to not check out their whole tape, with other tracks like “Payphone”, “Undercover” & “Foreign Language” all worthy of shoutouts on their own.
Nerve, "DFRNT"
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“Local man does great things” is the only acceptable way to introduce anything Nerve produces. The artist with the Midas touch is back to give us his first solo record in a hot, hot minute. Don’t be fooled, the track may be titled “DFRNT”, but you’re getting the same inventive, playful and bar-heavy Nerve we have all come to love. This confidence-filled cut combines R&B and up-tempo 808s, setting the correct vibe for any weekend, while Nerve oozes charisma from start to finish. Like this tracks inception, it deserves to be blasted out the back of an Uber while proclaiming to the driver that this is indeed, “a fucking hit!”
Sophiya feat. JessB, "KWEEN ENERGY"
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Sophiya teamed up with the bar machine from NZ, JessB, to present an unapologetic anthem, breaking down all barriers & blurring the lines between femininity and masculinity. “KWEEN ENERGY” does not fit into any one box, which seems a purposeful decision from the duo, instead striving to create something fluid, menacing and completely fearless. JUJO sets the boom bap foundation to this track, adding in heavy drums and beat cuts allowing verses from Sophiya & Jess to pop. The confidence this track gives you to be the best damn version of yourself is priceless, and it deserves all the praise in the world for that.
Boy Soda, "TWENTYOH5"
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Boy Soda presents his much-anticipated debut EP The Distance Between Thinking & Feeling, with the project opener, “TWENTYOH5” an instant standout. Right from the first of many switch ups, it’s clear that Boy Soda’s songs are like onions; they have layers. You become a passenger in Soda’s journey exploring love, pain & heartbreak and, just like with onions, you may get a little emotional. The ethereal cut pivots midway, sending the listener into a vortex of heavy distortion with a defiant Soda giving both you and the track a new life. Vocals that would please the R&B gods close out this track, transitioning into your next Soda journey.
Nardean, "Warning"
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Spine-tingling West Sydney vocalist Nardean has dropped “Warning”, the track of your dreams, from her recent EP The Architect. Firstly, whoever decided to have Nardean do her thing over a drill beat should be given a Nobel peace prize, because this pairing was truly harmonious. Words cannot describe how dreamy this track is, with Nardean’s ever-soulful voice effortlessly floating in between fast paced 808’s and heavy hits of bass. A signature style of combining R&B & Hip Hop, with a poetic undertone is what continues to elevate Nardean as one of the powerhouse artists in our scene.
Chiseko, "PAYDAY"
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Perth MC, CHISEKO, caught my ear this month with his latest release, “PAYDAY”, which is sure to let the industry know, this man deserves his own. CHISEKO flexes his pen game, smooth delivery and flow switch ups over a brass-fuelled beat, giving the track an old school vibe. “PAYDAY” explores the often all too relatable topics of self doubt and allowing criticism to creep into your mental, affecting your ability to create art. The track follows CHISEKO’s journey of regaining his focus, and continuing to chase his dreams, which is conveyed via his own style of cheeky lyricism and vivid metaphors.
