The ground is thawing and summer is finally coming. For Australian music industry, that only means one thing: festival lineups and summer tours are being announced by the bucketload. We’re especially excited to see a small but exciting list of hip-hop artists coming down under for festival appearances and headline tours, and to make life easier for you, we’ve placed them all in one big convenient list.
We’ll update this as the announcements keep rolling out. For now, here are our picks for a summer of hip-hop via festivals and live music.
Falls Festival
Our picks: Run The Jewels, D.R.A.M., Vince Staples
Run The Jewels haven’t visited Australia since Falls Festival 2014-2015, and though Vince Staples visited twice last year, he’s since released a whole new album, Big Fish Theory. D.R.A.M., meanwhile, cancelled his Groovin The Moo appearance earlier this year, so we’re hoping he makes his debut Australian appearance for New Years Eve.
Dates
28 Dec – 31 Dec: Lorne, VIC
29 Dec – 31 Dec: Marion Bay, TAS (All Ages)
31 Dec – Jan 2: Byron Bay, NSW
6 Jan – 7 Jan, Fremantle, WA
Beyond The Valley
Our picks: ScHoolboy Q, Stormzy, Sampa The Great
One of Victoria’s favourite newer festivals has had a hip-hop-loving presence across each of its three years so far, and this year is no different. Both ScHoolboy Q and Stormzy just chewed up and spat out Splendour in the Grass, and will be visiting again in just a few months’ time. ScHoolboy’s last album, Blank Face, was one of our favourite records of 2016, while Stormzy claimed the grime throne with this year’s Gang Signs & Prayer. Joining these will be our favourite local artist Sampa The Great, who always delivers one hell of a show.
Dates
Dec 28 – Jan 1: Lardner Park, Vic
Meredith Music Festival
Our picks: Noname
The eclectic Meredith Music Festival lineup isn’t particularly hip-hop heavy, but it does include the incredibly talented, soulful artist Noname, who will be visiting Australia for the very first time. Originally emerging as Noname Gypsy, the Chicago singer was largely noted for her association with Chance the Rapper, namely for her guest verse on the Acid Rap track Lost.
Since then she’s well and truly made a name for herself, releasing one of last year’s best albums, Telefone, and establishing herself as a beacon of honey in a world
Dates
Dec 8 – 10: Meredith Supernatural Amphitheatre, VIC
Laneway Festival
Our picks: Anderson Paak
The Laneway lineup hasn’t even been fully announced yet (we’ll update this when it is), but it’s already whet our whistles with the news that the amazing Anderson Paak will be on our shores once more in January and February 2018. The Malibu artist last toured for Listen Out 2016.
The Laneway lineup does traditionally feature a slew of great hip-hop acts, and we’re expecting a few more to join in – my guesses include Tyler, The Creator, if he’s actually allowed into the country this time, The Internet, Aminé (that’s just wishful thinking) and Frank Ocean (okay now I’m just fantasising, this guess has literally zero basis in fact).
Dates
Mon 29 Jan: Auckland
Fri 2 Feb: Adelaide
Sat 3 Feb: Melbourne
Sun 4 Feb: Sydney
Sat 10 Feb: Brisbane
Sun 11 Feb: Fremantle
Migos
6lack
LVRN upcomer 6lack (pronounced “black” ) will be supporting Migos at their shows, but he’s also making his debut headline appearances, and well worth a mention on his own. His debut album Free 6lack was a dark, smooth display of things to come, spawning huge singles Ex Calling and PRBLMS. There’s something about 6lack that really sets him apart from many of his contemporaries, and we have high hopes for his headline sets.
Dates
Wed 11 Oct: Metro Theatre, Sydney
Mon 16 Oct: 170 Russell, Melbourne
Khalid
Crooning R&B upstart Khalid has already had a killer 2017, delivering one of the year’s smoothest debuts with the amazingly earwormy American Teen. Following sellout tours in the USA and Europe, he’s just announced his debut shows in Australia, and it looks like fans can’t get enough – he’s already upgraded and sold out almost every show, so get in quick if you’re planning to catch the magic in action.
Dates
Tues Nov 7: Hordern Pavilion, Sydney (Sold out)
Wed Nov 8: Hordern Pavilion, Sydney
Thurs Nov 9: Festival Hall, Melbourne
Fri Nov 10: Eatons Hill Outdoor Stage, Brisbane
The Weeknd
Abel Tesfaye himself is finally, finally bringing his mammoth tour down under for the very first time. The ludicrously successful Canadian singer, who tiptoes the line between pop and R&B with more Max Martin-produced finesse than a Cirque du Soleil performer, is coming in hot with a full round of arena shows this November.
Joining Tesfaye will be French Montana and Nav, whose recent album with Metro Boomin was one of the shittiest records of 2017 so far, but hey, maybe his live show will be more fun. ¯\_(ツ)_/¯
Dates
Wed Nov 29: Spark Arena, Auckland
Sat Dec 2: Qudos Bank Arena, Sydney
Sun Dec 3: Qudos Bank Arena, Sydney
Wed Dec 6: Brisbane Entertainment Centre, Brisbane
Fri Dec 8: Rod Laver Arena, Melbourne
Sat Dec 9: Rod Laver Arena, Melbourne
Mon Dec 11: Adelaide Entertainment Centre, Adelaide
Thurs Dec 14: Perth Arena, Perth
GZA
Wu-Tang Clan’s brilliant GZA is returning to Australia once more for a solo tour, having last visited with (most of) the full Clan in 2016. His last solo tour was way back in 2012 (I was there and can personally guarantee this is not a show you’ll wanna miss), so this is set to be pretty damn exciting, especially given how small the venues are. It’s not often you get to see a living legend in such intimate settings.
Dates
Sat 11 Nov: The Studio, Auckland
Sun 12 Nov: San Fran, Wellington
Wed 15 Nov: Fowlers Live, Adelaide
Thurs 16 Nov: Woolly Mammoth, Brisbane
Fri 17 Nov: Manning Bar, Syd
Sat 18 Nov: Max Watt’s, Melbourne
Sat Nov 19: Rosemount Hotel, Perth
Just in case you missed any, we’ve pulled together the best music videos released in the last week for you to enjoy all in the one place. The year may be winding down but the videos are still pouring in from the likes of:
Dave – 71
South London’s rising star is back again, dropping the fourth music video from his incredible EP Six Paths. Yet another cinematic masterpiece pieced together by director LX, the clip sees Dave flexing around sunny Hollywood alongside his crew of friends. Whether he’s made it or not, each one of his videos is certainly making it seem that way, but it’s not in a glitzy, girls galore way, he’s worldwide, and it’s inspirational to say the least. Big ups Dave.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9VAsCZLW4vk
6LACK – Ex Calling
If you haven’t already heard, 6LACK is Atlanta’s newest R&B talent. After releasing his incredible debut album last month, he’s now back with the eerie visuals to one of the highlight tracks, Ex Calling. A ghostly black and white video, packed with slick imagery and locations, this brooding 808-laced anthem is most definitely worth your attention.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4Rh0228Xx0A
REMI – Lose Sleep feat. Jordan Rakei
He’s released one of this year’s best albums, Divas And Demons, and is currently touring the country with another of the country’s finest in Baro, yet he’s still making waves – Melbourne’s own Remi has released another video from D.A.D. Lose Sleep is an extremely personal, introspective slow burner coveringthe racism and mental struggles Remi has faced. The video parallels this, it’s hazy and mysterious, centering around the nightlife he and collaborator Jordan Rakei find themselves in.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oPqh_nJSafc
DMA’s – Play It Out
One of Sydney’s most cherished exports in recent times, the lads from DMA’s, have returned with a video for the final track on their 2016 debut album Hills End. Play It Out is gritty, jangly indie rock heaven and is incidentally the first track they ever recorded as a band. The video too was their first ever, recorded years ago for a mere $20. On ya lads!
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NTW3KgxBHcQ
Electric Guest – Dear To Me
Oh yes! LA’s indietronica synthesiser kings are back with yet another feel good anthem. Filled with moody jingles, throwback synths, and an absolutely soaring chorus Dear To Me is an amazing comeback for the four-piece. Pairing this with another slick and smooth black and white clip, packed with lovey moments with couples, this is sure to pull your heartstrings. Also, see if you can spot the cameos from Andy Samberg and Haim!
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=I1AmkMuB0pA
Dune Rats – Scott Green
Brisbane’s premiere punk rock trio are back again with perhaps their craziest release yet, Scott Green (as in ‘who’s got green?’). Featuring their signature gritty guitar riffs, slapping bass, and singalong lyrics, the Dunies are in their finest form here. If that couldn’t get any better, their drug laden music video comes alongside an interactive, choose your own adventure like video clip, making us wonder why every artist doesn’t do this with their videos.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ul6VV8XW9xw
Fortunes – 501’s
Fortunes’ 501’s is hip-hop laced disco revival at its best. Backed by a seriously grooving bassline, chiming synth tones and booming beats, the Melbourne singer’s silky smooth vocals glide over the mix with ease. The clip too is masterfully created, sewn together with a stream of nostalgia, based around a hot summers day in the local laundromat. Definitely one to keep an eye on in 2017.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qSJkdTP9Ijc&feature=youtu.be
Novella – Does The Island Know
Shot in the style of a clip from the 80s, Novella’s latest single Does the Island Know definitely shares the same vintage, folky appeal too. A glimpse into their upcoming February album, ethereal harmonies shine through on the track, brilliantly wrapped up among a range of bouncy guitar strums and a bouncing bassline.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uOn0VwwA7CY
Big Sean – Bounce Back
Chicago’s young stang Big Sean is going big with his latest trap infused banger. Booming 808 and rattling hi-hats ooze the fresh new sounds, no thanks to one Metro Boomin who provided additional production of on the track. Sean showcases a next level flow and lyrical capability on this one, mixing between harmonious singing and fast paced double time rapping with ease. The video is especially arty too, all saturated colours as Sean flexes around different areas.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=phr1pOFK1V8
PLTS – Call Me Out
Byron Bay’s much loved quartet PLTS are back again with another taste of beach rock bliss on Call Me Out. Wonderfully melancholic and introspective, the video shows the band in another light in serving as a tour video of sorts. From playing Tekken to hanging on tour with Brissie boys Columbus, it’s certainly an entertaining watch.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PfwMSmIrvdY
Image: YouTube
@DUNERATSS
@fortunesband
@NOVELLA_NOVELLA
@BigSean
@pltsmusic
One of our favourite hip-hop discoveries this year is emerging Atlanta artist 6lack (“black”), signed to LVRN (Love Renaissance), the collective also behind fellow ATLien Raury.
After building steady online following predominantly via Soundcloud, the timing couldn’t have been better to finally unveil his debut release Free 6LACK, which includes Ex-Calling and PRBLMS.
Real name Ricardo Valentine, 6lack’s backstory already has the taste of legend in it: the artist, now 24, was signed to a toxic record deal in 2011 that trapped him until he began to work with the LVRN collective. His debut release is subsequently a response and reflection on the past few years. “I wanted to make a statement that I’m free from my older relationships and I’m free from all ways of thinking and my old feelings,” he told Billboard.
Focusing on his audience, he also speaks about what he hopes to convey on the new album. “I make sure it’s related to whatever I’m dealing with but I wanna word it in a way that whoever’s listening can take something from it… I just want people to learn something from my music and ultimately feel better when they listen to it. There’s not really a target person, just more so the target feeling… I craft it in a way that it might sound familiar, popular, radio or club friendly but when you actually listen to the words, it’s actually food [for thought] and you can actually take something from it.”
Valentine also shows great insight for an artist on his debut album, explaining his understanding of the industry and the peril of having a hit single. “I’ve seen what it’s like for people to basically be built into something and to not really have an identity or a personality for themselves. I know once you make a hit record, it’s kind of always expected of you to have a follow-up. I’ve seen people become songs and I’ve rarely seen fans know a song and not know a person, or know a lyric and not know a face, or know a hook but not know that person from another person they saw in the street… people should know who you are and you should never become a product before you’re a human being.”
Speaking about his album cover, he explained the meaning behind it to Pigeons and Planes: “As big and vicious as a bear can be, a bear also has grounding qualities. They’re peaceful in a way, and they have qualities that are healing in a way.
“I wanted it to be powerful. I wanted it to be aggressive, but I also wanted it to be calming. I want people to feel something. Regardless of how personal it can be at times, and how intense the message is, it can still give you a soothing feel.”
Read more: Introducing 6LACK, your new favourite soulful hip-hop artist
Image: LVRN
There is a particular kind of joy which comes with discovering a new artist; a joy that is amplified when that new artist offers a totally fresh, different sound. 6LACK (pronounced ‘black’) has given me this joy. Though 6LACK would appear to characterise his own music as R&B or soul, his hip-hop and grunge influences tell a slightly different story. The fact that 6LACK finds himself perhaps sounding most similar to another relatively unknown artist, Johnny Rain, is as much a testament to his unique sound as anything else, especially considering that the similarities there are still vague.
His latest release, Loyal, sees 6LACK switching flows and vocal delivery over a dark and ominous ambient beat. Soundcloud R&B or soul rarely sounds this fresh, or this urgent, and the pained tinge to his vocals add a remarkable sincerity to the track, making it that much more powerful.
Ex Calling is a further testament, speaking volumes for 6LACK in terms of his realness, range and ability to craft a story through his music. The powerful, relatable Ex Calling is a song which allows 6LACK to communicate his personality and accessibility to his growing audience.
But 6LACK’s best work this early in his career is saved for PRBLMS, where 6LACK carries his vocals over a spooky beat. While a track this dark and moody wouldn’t always carry mainstream appeal, his smooth, confident crooning absolutely allows for crossover attention. While a lesser artist may have faded among the shadow of a haunting, alluring beat like this, 6LACK not only rises to the occasion, but conquers it.
To be clear, 6LACK is not exactly a totally new, fresh name in music. As detailed on a note titled “Here’s to being free” on his website, in 2011 he signed to “an independent record label owned by a popular artist at the time.” However, he struggled against the constraints of label direction and expectations, revealing, “They wanted me to just be a hit song and I wanted to show them I was more than that.” For three years he was forced to move “in secrecy,” including putting out music on Soundcloud, although it was technically not permitted in his contract. Since then, 6LACK has found a new home with LVRN (Love Renaissance), an Atlanta-based management company who have thus far been working with Raury – this is now their second official signing.
Now, 6LACK seems poised to take his lessons and talent to grasp the spotlight – in his way. If his rework of PARTYNEXTDOOR’s Break from Toronto (re-titled for 6LACK as Break from Atlanta), initially released in 2014, is anything to go by, mainstream success and recognition is by no means far fetched.
Releasing track after track of solid tunes, as well as having a new team and fresh label working behind him, 6LACK’s time may well be here. We’ll just let the man speak for himself:
tell a friend. nobody likes to be late 🎈
— bear (@6LACK) May 23, 2016
You can find 6LACK on Twitter here, and on Soundcloud here.
Words by James Schofield / Twitter / Instagram
Image: GAFollowers