The dance event has become known for delivering outstanding lineups of international hip hop, this year boasting A$AP Rocky, Brockhampton, NoName and Lil Skies. A$AP Rocky dropped his epic album Testing last week with an impressive track-list and wicked collaborations with Frank Ocean, Ms. Lauryn Hill, FKA Twigs, Kid Cudi and more. Fans will have to wait for Brockhampton’s long-awaited project Puppy, which has been delayed due to sexual misconduct allegations against band member Ameer Vann. The band have since parted ways with Vann, issuing a statement on Twitter on Sunday May 27. If you missed out on grabbing tickets to Listen Out this year, there are a bunch of sideshows to be announced. Keep an eye on this space for future events.
Vietnamese-Australian rap artist and producer Bigg has a knack for making slick beats. Blending elements of EDM and rap, the Sydneysider has honed his craft over the past decade and recently dropped his debut album All Out which comprises of 27 self-produced tracks. The wildly successful first single ‘Ha Noi God’ isa prime example of the artist’s promising music career, fuelled by high-energy raps and an impressive lyrical flow. All Out has an impressive list of features including LA-based rapper Gavlyn, fellow Sydneysider Remi-D, Cherry Jackson, Wahozzy and Beqa. Over the last five months, the artist has dropped a record number of songs, delivering vivid raps that have secured his place as one of Australia’s emerging talents.
Perth hip-hop icon Drapht has made a comeback, releasing his sixth studio album Arabella Street. Written during a US road trip, part of the album will be released over the year, giving fans a taste of what’s to come. The ARIA award-winning songwriter has confirmed five show dates later this year, stopping at Howler on Thursday August 9. Local artists Complete, Bitter Belief and K21 will also jump on board the tour.
Hailing from Christchurch NZ, Merc Swazey sure knows how to pump up a crowd. Known for his trap party bangers, his seven-track EP Brick Country is a lucid collaboration with local emcees Dos Boy, Jay Roacher, Hxrman and many more. Merc Swazey will be opening for Riff Raff next month, alongside Junor and Spacegirl Gemmy at the Corner Hotel. The rapper will also headline Pop Up Sounds, which is back for its second 2018 event. Catch Merc Swazey performing alongside emerging rappers SwiftBoi, Mattakript, Strike Won and Damian Ilic at Grumpy’s this Friday June 1. Supporting the local hip hop culture is Copycat Melbourne. Witness rap crews 3K, Bay City and Alcoholic Family when they take to the stage to flaunt their skills at Black Rabbit on Thursday June 7.
