New Suspect Packages Oz radio show

After a hiatus while Disorda relocated his premises, Suspect Packages radio shows are back, with an hour each of new UK and Australian music available for download and streaming. Check the new Australian version by clicking on the ‘Listen’ link on the top right of this page. The player allows you to click through tracks, so if you don’t like what you’re hearing, just skip to the next! Tune in to see how Disorda is repping Aussie hip-hop in the motherland. Features tracks from Brad Strut, Bias B, Muph n Plutonic, Low Budget and a few gems from the new Broken Tooth Entertainment compilation, Dental Records Vol 1.

Aussie hip hop on Okayplayer

Be quick (because the world’s number one backpacker congregation point doesn’t seem to have permalinks for their front page news items) and check out Okayplayer giving some props to funny-accented rappers from the UK and Australia. Naturally, Macromantics gets the bulk of the Oz coverage, but Nick Sweepah and Aux One’s EP from 2005 is lauded as “the best foreign Hip-Hop release of recent years” by writer El Keter, who gives honest opinions on Macro’s Moments in Movements and Braintax’s Panorama.

Combined with a review of the Stricknine and Optimen produced Thirstin Howl III and Rack Lo LP on Allhiphop.com and positive write-ups for Bias B and Funkoars at OHHLA-affiliated review site Rapreviews.com, it makes for some relatively high profile international attention on local rap.

Styalz Fuego beats on upcoming iCON album

Not content with producing the lead single for a major mainstream US rap star’s upcoming album, Melbourne’s Styalz Fuego is strapping on his backpack to contribute two bonus tracks for the upcoming iCON the Mic King album Mike And The Fat Man. Hip Hop Site reports that the bulk of the Philly battler’s LP is produced by Demigodz beatmaker Chum The Scrilla Guerilla, but the Fuego-made bonus tracks will feature Killah Priest and Wu-Tang chanteuse Blue Raspberry.

Stylaz Fuego on MySpace
iCON The Mic King on MySpace

Tony Starks meets Whispering Jack

Hot on the heels of Biz Markie sampling Little River Band’s ‘Reminiscing’ for his ‘Throw Back’ joint (from 2003’s Weekend Warrior), ya boy Ghostface Killah has gone and done the unthinkable – pillaged the John Farnham back catalogue for his More Fish album!

Yep, apparently the track ‘Blue Armor’ (sic) (featuring D-Block hitman Sheek Louch) rides a (whispering) jacked loop from the Farnsey banger ‘Always The Same’ (from 1993’s Then Again). I didn’t cop More Fish so I can’t check the liner notes to verify if this is true, or to see who the producer was (great taste!), but as you all know net gossip is rarely inaccurate.

Even so, this is a victory for the Aussie crooner and will see his music live on through the hip-hop generation. I’ve put the track up for a sneaky download if you’re keen for a listen (link will self-destruct soon though):

Ghostface feat. Sheek Louch – ‘Blue Armor’

Macromantics album drops in US

Australia’s most prominent hip hop artist to be signed internationally (Curse Ov Dialect’s inking with Mush hasn’t attracted anywhere near the attention) sees her first US release today (well, yesterday, but today local time). Macromantics’ Moments in Movement drops stateside on femme-focussed label Kill Rock Stars.

For those who haven’t heard the Melbourne-based spitter’s distinctive, acquired-taste flow, Pitchfork have her joint “Scorch” available for download.

Moments is out in Oz on Remote Control.

Chamillionaire ridin’ dirty with Styalz

There must be something in the water in Melbourne high school drinking fountains. First barely-pubescent beatsmith Lewis One gets a beat on the new GZA/Muggs remix album, and now jailbait producer Styalz Fuego has landed a track with Houston rap god Chamillionaire, no less.

Their collaborative effort, entitled ‘Not A Criminal’, features Cham declaring his innocence (‘Ridin’ Dirty’ anyone?) and his business acumen over a sparse-but-effective club banger. And who else should appear on the hook but Esco’s wifey (and one of my personal favourites) Kelis? Not bad for a dude barely out of his playclothes.

For those who came in late, Styalz featured heavily on former 1200 Techniques frontman N’fa’s debut album ‘Cause An Effect’ (released by Inertia Recordings in 2006) and has created beats for local artists including former Scribble Jam champ Justice, controversial duo Weapon X & Ken Hell and up-and-comer Boltz. He is loosely affiliated with Melbourne’s Battletown clique, who released a few heavily-Americanised albums back in the late ’90s but have since faded from popular vision. Regardless, it’s a mighty effort and will probably propel him into US mainstream rap’s consciousness. Congrats.

 You can hear the track here.

 Styalz Fuego MySpace