Lupe Fiasco recently dropped his newest album Drogas Light. Time has not made him any less politically themed in his verses. You might sometimes miss the message because of the mainstream Chicago beats he raps over, but Lupe has always been about solid writing over pop sounds.
This is one of his stronger albums, his word bending is on point and his ability to add intelligence to tired themes is refreshing. Made in the USA revisits the political stance we see in older tracks like American Terrorist or Words I Never Said, but he still has some other tracks reserved purely to show off his lung capacity.
The best thing about a new Lupe album is a new Lupetour. He hasn’t set Australian dates yet, but he’s always shown love to Aussie shores so fingers crossed he announces dates soon.
While hip hop fans are chewing the fat and waiting, there are plenty of talented MCs to keep you busy.
Representing the UK and journeying to our fair city for the first time, Defenders of Style have not one but two shows lined up. Playing first at Club 12 on Saturday February 25and Grumpys on Sunday February 26, the UK artists will provide hungry fans with that smooth vibing goodness that we need.
Both nights have heavy rhymers creating hype in the support acts but their first show has the illest Frankston local, Dedlee doing his thing so that set is something to salivate for.
If the UK sound isn’t enough for your cravings, New Zealand has sent over a familiar name for older fans. Scribe is headlining Rubix Warehouse on Friday February 24. For those that can only remember the hype, rest assured the guy can rap. He re-defined hip hop in New Zealand and then brought that sound to Australia, dominating the airways. It’s been awhile, but his return has been long due.
Sitting in the support act is Cylo. Homegrown and Melbourne’s own, Cylo officially dropped their first LP Ark 1: Jenesis in January. The LP is tight, their rhymes are already circulating in regular rotation and are taking up a significant amount of Internet bandwidth. With them sitting as the support act for Scribe you will want buy your ticket as soon as possible.
If you can’t catch the show make sure you blow the dust off the old Discman and pick up Cylos LP. Worth it.
Releasing their first album The Grey Space back in 2008, these cats became classic before they had finished their first tour. Nine years later, Horrorshow are still at it and are now set to release their fourth album Bardo State. It comes out Friday February 24, coincidentally seeing the duo appearing at Union Heights to meet, greet, and hype their new album to Melbourne Fans. Make sure you remember to bring something for them to sign. Unfortunately they’re not playing a show but still a great chance to talk to the masters of the Sydney sound.
Now for the aspiring rhymers out there who can hold an right bar but are strapped for cash, you might just be in some luck. The Hilltop Hoods Initiative is up for grabs for the 12th year. For those unfamiliar, Hilltop Hoods are showing love for the up and comers offering $10,000 to help aspiring artists finish off their LPs/ albums. Head to APRA-AMCOS’ website for more details. Applications close Tuesday 21 March.
