Melbourne-based artist Javan Ash is fresh on the scene, breaking through the confinements of Australian hip-hop, proving once and for all the land down under could use another young rapper to sculpt our already diverse musical landscape.
Drawing similarities to Allday and Tkay Maidza, Javan Ash has stepped out of the darkness and into the niche of culturally diverse Aussie hip-hop artists. His impressive new track Running featuring Matilda will transform even those who are repelled by rap into firm believers.
Javan Ash’s new track Running continues the legacy of full-bodied, creative beatmaking that proves Aussie hip-hop is a genre entirely of it’s own.
Outside the release of EP D.I.T.C last year, the new track is a progression from previous work which explored the broadness of his voice. Opening with a soft humming over ambient undertones, we’re welcomed shortly after by Javan Ash’s vocals along with a sharp, cemented beat.
Singing of life, friends, family and the accompanying ups and downs; his vocals are clear, defined, and somewhat hypnotising.
Demonstrating a considerable amount of control, Javan Ash’s lyrics tie in perfectly with featuring female artist Matilda. Chiming in for the chorus, Matilda’s voice takes the form of a velvety smooth harmony. Her compelling vocals flow in and out of the track like a calming wave, contrasting with Ash’s sharp lyrics and creating a powerful combination towards the track’s finish.
Running is an incredibly light track to listen to for something that conveys a darker sound and underlying message. Javan Ash’s lyrics are purely organic, showing his social awareness and courage in opening up about his life and accompanying personal defeats.
Previously, I haven’t been much of a hip-hop fan myself, but it’s up and coming artists like Javan Ash that break through societies conventions and encourage a more open-minded approach to music.
