About Me
Although most people know it as a style, Hip-Hop is also a language. Its the voice of an underground culture that seeks for nothing more than to be heard. Where once the rebellious attraction of heavy metal and rock was dominant, kids are now seeking the raw sound and lyrics of Hip-Hop. Melbourne rapper PHRASE is now stepping out of the underground shadow to let the world know that Australias Hip-Hop community is here to take over by any means necessary.
Growing up in the suburbs of Melbourne, PHRASEs love of hip hop kicked off in his early teens when he started listening to Ice T, NWA, Ice Cube, and 2Pac. Whilst he was a certified fan of these US rappers, it wasnt until he began listening to community radio and new Australian rappers that he started to feel a real affinity with hip hop as an art-form. These dudes were rapping about issues that I relate to like cops, graffiti, and crime in Australia. Without the frills. Swapping his spray-cans for a mic, PHRASE began to develop his flow, providing himself with a new focus, and in turn sparking his ambitions.
Inspired by the likes of Bias B, Lyrical Commission, and Hilltop Hoods, PHRASE began to piece together an albums worth of material with a team of like-minded collaborators. Working together with producers Daniel Merriweather and J-Skoobz, tracks began to develop with a hardcore obsession to make sure all the right lyrics and sounds were in place. As the material on PHRASEs debut album TALK WITH FORCE clearly shows, its all about fiercely honest and raw lyrics that provide distinct visual imagery to compliment PHRASEs impressive flow. I dont focus on writing multi-syllable lyrics just for the sake of being technical what I really want to do is tell the story, he states with take-it-as-it-is honesty. Two years of patient development combined with world-class production has ensured that the standard of material on TALK WITH FORCE is unlike most of the Australian Hip-Hop that has rolled out in years gone past.
At times PHRASEs lyrics are brutally direct (as on the title track Talk With Force, and Hold On), other times theres a sense of mischievous humour that highlights his rowdy side (Rob N Steal and Amateur Muthf*ckers), and theres also an instantly addictive appeal present (as on Catch Phrase and Here Now). Either way the delivery is honest and powerfully striking; truth served up with a healthy dose of hardcore lyricism.
The cornerstone of the album, and standout track is arguably Im Tired PHRASEs favourite cut from the record. Its an incredible track that showcases the dark, grimy reality of underground suburban life for some. PHRASE fronts up with fluid expression and gritty honesty that sits with the listener long after the track has finished. That track is really important to me; it feels real. All of the songs on the album are from my experience and show off different sides to me, but that one song comes from a really truthful moment.
Complementing the razor-sharp lyrics, are the hard-hitting beats (of which PHRASE contributed to ¾ of the way through the process, teaming up with Merriweather and J Skoobs to form production outfit Crooked Eye), and the soulful melodies that help PHRASE raise the stakes of Australian hip hop. In addition to Australian rappers and vocalists such as Brad Strut, Max White, Lee Sissing, and Daniel Merriweather, international borders have also been crossed via collaborations with New York rapper Saigon (Atlantic Records) and UK rapper Mystro (Low Life Records). With the assistance and guidance of Marlin Records, and now the distribution of Universal Music in place, PHRASE is ready to step it up. This is next-level Aussie Hip-Hop, fluently fusing rap, with rock and soul. With a firm nod from those who came before him, and those who surround him, PHRASEs debut album Talk With Force has arrived to take prisoners.
I want to educate this country on real hip hop. Hopefully I can contribute to the groundwork needed to shift this countrys pessimistic perception of Hip-Hop and any thing non rock. This isnt a game for me, this is real life; my friends, family and music are the only thing I wake up for.
