Face tattoos, messy hair, and Bud Light Beer… all things associated with America’s favourite rapping rhinestone cowboy, Post Malone.
Since getting his alias from an online rap-name generator and uploading ‘White Iverson’ to Soundcloud in 2015, he’s become one of the most popular musicians’ in the world. The New York-born, Dallas-raised rapper also known as Austin Richard Post has held two annual Posty Fest’s… a music festival that has included the likes of Tyler, The Creator, Travis Scott, Meek Mill, Pharrell Williams, Rae Sremmurd, Jaden Smith, Doja Cat, and Lil Skies. To top this all off, he was recently dubbed Spotify’s most-streamed male artist of 2019.
As Posty continues to dominate the charts and tour the world, it’s time to look at five “ballin’” Australian artists following in the Texan’s musical footsteps.
Coast & Ocean
“Coasty” perfectly captures the Aussie sun, sand and surf in every one of his songs whilst maintaining an upbeat mood. Coast & Ocean recently joined forces with Minimal Miggy to create the tasty tune, ‘Peaches n Cream’. The track experiments with raspy, chill melodies and fast-paced auto-tuned rap verses. After a massive European tour, the artist says ‘Peaches n Cream’ became a live show staple and fans demanded the song to be officially released. As he tours New Zealand with Alice Hills, there’s a rumour that Coast & Ocean will return to Australia for the first time in 2 years for a national tour and sophomore EP in 2020… stay tuned, this artist is a sound to behold.
Good Starting Tracks: ‘Peaches n Cream’, ‘Lindsay Lohan’, ‘Diaz Gone’
Tasman Keith
If you are searching for authentic, barrier-breaking music, Tasman Keith is the artist for you. As the son of hip-hop pioneer Wire MC, Tasman takes creative risks that most artists wouldn't dare try. The release of his 2019 single ‘move up’ led to appearances at festivals such as St. Jerome’s Laneway Festival (NSW), Groovin’ the Moo (NSW), Bass in the Grass (NT), St Kilda Festival (VIC) along as a support slot with powerhouse group Haiku Hands’ latest national tour. While last year proved to be monumental for the artist, 2020 will see Tasman venture into ground-breaking sounds that will cement him as the future face and voice of Australian hip-hop.
Good Starting Tracks: ‘move up’, ‘Billy Bad Again’, ‘Mission Famous’
Agung Mango
Agung Mango’s sound is even sweeter than his name. Hailing from the Western suburbs of Melbourne, the 22-year-old basketballer-turned-musician is certainly no novice when it comes creating spicy tunes and performing explosive live shows. The rapper influenced by experimental hip hop, alternative RnB, indie rock, and spoken word brings a refreshingly versatile style of music. As Agung Mango continues to release banger after banger, there’s no doubt his new track ‘Rodent’ will come to fruition. With a cult-like following, this is an artist impossible to ignore.
Good Starting Tracks: ‘RODENT’, ‘Growing’, ‘HOME N AWAY’
Boler Mani
After playing at BIGSOUND in 2019 and opening for Carmoflauge Rose, teenage sensation Boler Mani has his sights set on creating big tracks in 2020. The Mornington Peninsula rapper/producer makes his music at home to ensure every song is perfectly precise and is constantly pushing the standards of what it means to be an Australian hip-hop artist. Escapism and nostalgia are common themes within his songs, especially his most recent release, ‘exit’. Kicking off the year with a strong performance at NYE on the Hill, the mature musician has proved he’s not messing around. Boler Mani is constantly evolving and we can’t wait to hear more.
Good Starting Tracks: ‘exit’, ‘cost’, ‘applause’
iiiConic
Ghana-born Brisbane-based rapper iiiConic has been writing, recording and producing music for a number of years, but 2019 turned him into one of the most promising rap names in the game. His excitingly eclectic new-wave sound isn’t like anything you’ve ever heard before and has gained colossal global traction online, appearing on many official Spotify and Apple Music playlists. His tightly-knit fanbase has grown considerably over the years, particularly after headlining Mercedes Benz Fashion Week at Big Top Luna Park in Sydney, touring two states with Goodlife Presents, and supporting international star Tyga at Brisbane’s Fortitude Music Hall. Remember the name of this future icon.
Good Starting Tracks: ‘Whip’, ‘Evil On The Inside’, ‘Needs’
