Upon first listening to Remi, you’ll be surprised to hear something wildly different to the harsh, strenuous nasality that you’d usually expect from an Aussie rapper. But the Melbourne-based lyricist is certainly no 360. With his effortless flow, smooth delivery and lyrical ingenuity, Remi is redefining Aussie hip-hop with a flair and originality well ahead of the crowd. With his bar-spitting rap and indie hip-hop beats, Remi gives Aussie hip-hop a good name.
This Melbournian is elevating the flair of Aussie music, with his unique indie hip-hop stylings – everyone get on board and support Remi, he’s one to watch.
The 23-year-old Nigerian-Australian began writing rhymes in 2010, and soon after started collaborating with producers Sensible J and Dutch under the Melbourne Hip Hop/Soul collective Run for Your Life. Together, the three formed a new hip-hop outfit with Remi on vocals, Sensible J on drums and production/DJ, and Dutch on beats and production. In 2011, he released his first EPs – Childish and Five Beats I Love – and in 2012, his debut album Regular People Sh#%t which featured first single Ape, a Triple J favourite.
Remi’s roll didn’t stop there. In 2013, he won the title of Triple J Unearthed Artist of the Year, adding his tracks Sangria, Saggin’ and Livin’ to heavy Triple J rotation. Having supported the likes of Danny Brown, Joey Bada$$, the Underachievers, MED, and N’fa Jones, and playing Falls Festival, Pushover and St Kilda Festival, Remi is a young Aussie talent that’s not to be underestimated.
Remi’s brand new album Raw x Infinity was just released in June, a confident, progressive and lyrically potent debut album that demonstrates a maturity that sets it apart from those of the same genre. Livin’offers a powerful social commentary on economic stress and the harsh reality of financial hardship with a dense, smoky beat and emotive piano. In second single Tyson, you can hear discernible elements of Sensible J x Dutch’s bassy production and a lick of grime amongst the minimalist hook inspired by Mike Tyson in the 1988 era.
Aviation (Disco Weed) is a straight stoner’s anthem, an upbeat jam about hazy times with equal nods to disco dance floors. Originating from one of Remi’s earlier mixtapes F.Y.G: Act 1 (check out If, Remi’s take on Kaytranada’s bangin’ remix), Sangria is a summery hip-hop track which will makes you want to chill out with some babes or go drinking with the lads. The cruisy summer vibes, flute sample and rhythmic flow are irresistible, and conclude Raw x Infinity satisfyingly.
A rare gem in Aussie hip hop, Remi transcends the stereotypical mould that we’re used to hearing, creating a new rap sound that’s complemented brilliantly by the captivating production of beatmaking duo Sensible J and Dutch. Judging from Remi’s existing releases, its definitely increased the anticipation for what to expect next.
Raw x Infinity is out now through Remi’s own DIY label House of Beige (distributed by Unified).
Remi will join Melbourne-based rapper Allday on his national tour, with special guests Baro. Dates are:
Thursday, October 16
Prince Of Wales, Bunbury (18+)
Friday, October 17
Amplifier, Perth (18+)
Saturday, October 18
Fowlers, Adelaide (LIC/AA)
Friday, October 24
Corner Hotel, Melbourne (18+)
Saturday, October 25
Corner Hotel, Melbourne (U18)
Remi will also tour with Hiatus Kaiyote, Kirkis and Silent Jay & Jace XLfor the Sonic Architects National Conferencein November/December 2014.
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