Kendrick Lamar ruled the hip hop world after unleashing his stripped-back masterpiece DAMN. The fourth studio album beat Drake’s More Life for the highest selling debut of 2017. It hosts an impressive list of production credits, with contributions from The Internet’s Steve Lacy, BADBADNOTGOOD, The Alchemist and many more.
DAMN is a testament to the genius of Lamar. His lyrics echo self-evaluation, discipline and honesty. Sharp-edged storytelling offers a glimpse into the rapper’s complex and creative mind, tackling fame and faith over the battle for morality.
Despite shutting down rumours of a second album, Lamar wooed fans with his headline set at Coachella, belting out crowd favourites and playing video interludes of Kung-Fu Kenny. He was later joined by Future who performed his hit single Mask Off and Schoolboy Q made a cameo during That Part. Travis Scott also made an appearance on stage to deliver his auto-tuned psychedelic track Goosebumps.
Hip hop artists dominated Coachella this year, with performances by Mac Miller, Gucci Mane and Goldlink. New-age rapper Lil Uzi Vert surprised fans when he pulled Playboi Carti up on stage for I Woke up Like This. Playboi first entered the scene back in 2015 with his viral hit Broke Boi. The Atlanta-born MC has been making waves since he released his self-titled debut mixtape, which was assembled with guidance from A$AP Rocky. Magnolia isthe young rapper’s most popular track, with its buzzing low-end bassline and subtle looping flute sample.
Allday has released his highly anticipated second LP Speeding, boasting a number of collaborations with a range of eclectic artists including Japanese Wallpaper, Mallrat and Gracelands. The sophomore album is filled with lush melodies and ethereal laidback rap vocals, with dreamy tracks that chronicle the artist’s personal journey and the temptations that arise from international fame. Allday will return home for a national tour this July.
Hip hop label WVS welcomed three new artists to their roster following their Big Swell showcase at Ding Dong Lounge. Sydney artist Lil Spacely, Brisbane’s Erik Sanders and Perth MC Evanda were added to the team of new-wave Aussie rap artists. Lil Spacely dropped his first single You Know It, a hard-hitting banger produced by label-founder Miracle.
With heavy rock riffs and an experimental grunge vibe, Baro’s latest single Pretty crosses hip hop boundaries to reveal a fluid and ever-changing sound. With comparisons to Frank Ocean and Shabazz Places, the 19-year-old is taking a new direction with his music and his latest track is a taste of what can be expected from his forthcoming EP, Just Problems You Need To Know, due for release Friday May 19. Baro sets off on his Fuck The Judge tour next month, with a stop at Northcote Social Club on Friday May 26.
After three successful years, it’s time to say farewell to Melbourne’s infamous Hip Hop Karaoke. It’s your last chance to showcase your skills and spit rhymes over your favourite hip hop tracks before the crew take an indefinite hiatus. Don’t miss out on this final event Thursday May 4 at Boney.
