It’s been a minute since Ali the Greatgraced us with his witty lyrics and rapid-fire rhymes. Luckily, the Brisbane rapper’s absence signalled he was back in the studio, working on something better than ever.
The result is the release of a remarkable double single, with side-A rap track Foreign Objects and the slower, avant-garde side-B single Flowers. Ali the Great showcases his intimidating, furious flow against the eccentric boom-bap beat on Foreign Objects. Ali delivers his sharp lyrics with raw authenticity. The track’s explosive chorus is followed by a powerful guest verse from William Su’a Latu, making side-A an impressive piece of work. On the flipside is Flowers. Unconventional and off-centre, the second single is an experimental blend of sounds that accentuate Ali’s intense lyricism and rhythmic delivery.
Local rap fans will be familiar with Ali the Great from Brisbane collective Astro Travellers, a seven-piece hip hop act that won the 2016 Urban category for their song Move Actively at the Queensland Music Awards. Last year the band was awarded the Hilltop Hoods Initiative Award, and Ali independently released his project Mango, a follow-up to his EP Earth. It’s an exciting time to watch Ali’s evolution as a songwriter and beat-maker, with Foreign Objects/Flowers the start of a string of singles due to be released over the coming year.
Hip hop producer UV Boi has dropped his latest track All I Want featuring Villette and announced a national headline tour to celebrate this forthcoming EP Returned Alone. UV Boi is one of the best local producers in the game, with his own distinct signature style that’s evident in All I Want. Filled with 808s, layered synths and mighty trumpets, UV Boi’s production is amplified by Villette’s heavenly vocals. The Returned Alone EP is set for release Friday August 29. You can catch UV Boi at his Melbourne show at the Gasometer Hotel on Saturday 7 October.
Melbourne rapper Dex will be celebrating the release of his new single 4am featuring Allday, with a national tour. There will be an all ages show at Wrangler Studios on Saturday September 2 with special guests Boy Graduate and Kid Cosmo. An 18+ show will take place at Boney on Friday September 8, with appearances from Dos Boy and Brandon Stone. Already making waves in the local hip hop scene at only 18 years old, it’s undeniable that Dex has what it takes to reach the top.
