When Aussie hip hop of the likes of Bliss and Eso came onto the radar they cemented themselves a new category, where despite some great music, had southern cross tattooed male men stubbies of VB in the air screaming with joy.
There on the other side of the Hip Hop scene, one that doesn’t get much light, is the homegrown heavy beats with strong American influence. With their alternative hip hop vibes, we have compiled our own homegrown Kendrick Lamar’s in the making.
They are rare enough their songs haven’t be crucified by the radio, small enough to get cheap (or even FREE) tickets to their gigs and undiscovered enough to claim the all-rewarding ‘I knew them before they were famous’ (which P.S. no one cares if you did).
ESESE // Photo sourced from here.
ESESE
Esese is an acronym for ‘eastern suburbs electronic soul experience’ and they weren’t wrong with there go-to description. With a strong soul influence with a street hip hop edge, the four artists have pulled together their separate talents (rap, vocals, electronic production) to produce a unique seven songs on their new EP. Sliding their way into Triple J unearthed, ESESE is one to add to the playlist.
Koi Child // Photo taken by Matsu Photography
Koi Child
Breezy Freemantle is known for birthing some of the best alternative music, and they did just that with Koi Child. Local hip hop artists, Child’s Play, joined forces with nu-jazz quartet Kasiko to form a contingent of hip hop and jazz influences. Producing a rhythmic flow with a raw dirty production, they have already landed themselves as Tame Impala’s support act at Rottnest Island. Keep a steady eye of these guys, they will be playing the major festivals in no time.
Milwaukee Banks // Photo taken by Michellefish
Milwaukee Banks
With merging talent of Edo, a Melbourne-based producer and wordsmith Dyl Thomas, Milwaukee Banks are making a crash on Australia’s Hip Hop movement. With clean cut, minimalistic electronic production, it brings to the forefront the cloud rap feel. If through earphones is just not enough, catch them live at Sydney’s Volumes 2016.
