Briggs

Since exploding on to the national scene a little over a year ago, the incomparable force that is BRIGGS immediately established himself as a formidable new presence at the cutting-edge of Australian hip hop.

From the moment BRIGGS dropped his self-released debut EP, the brilliant and groundbreaking Homemade Bombs (2009), it was obvious to everyone that this marked the arrival of a powerful and unique voice on the scene. His indigenous roots and his rural upbringing in the small country town of Shepparton (Victoria) gave him a perspective like no one else. Powered by a rapid-fire, melodic, direct approach, BRIGGS was as funny as he was deep.

It was probably this rare combination of characteristics that lead to him being embraced by some of the wiser and more experienced heads in the local scene. The newcomer was invited to open for the likes of Adelaide’s Funkoars and Perth’s Drapht; this was followed by a spate of support slots for visiting international artists including Necro, Ghostface Killah, Dilated Peoples, M.O.P.  and Pharoahe Monch.

Then came an amazing opportunity – the opening slot on a sold-out national tour with the Hilltop Hoods. The Hoods were so impressed by BRIGGS they took him along on their European tour, and eventually offered him a home at their fledgling record label Golden Era Records.

All this has paved the way for the imminent release of his debut album, THE BLACKLIST. While Homemade Bombs gave us a taste of what he can do, THE BLACKLIST is nothing short of brilliance. It’s a genuinely unique symphony of words, thoughts and sounds that have the potential to propel him onto the national stage overnight. The album features a plethora of bangers but the standout by far is the breathtaking lead track “The Wrong Brother”.

BRIGGS got a bit of help making THE BLACKLIST from a few of his hard-hitting colleagues. The production genius behind Homemade Bombs – namely Jaytee, 76 and the Funkoars’ Mr Trials – are back at it again, but this time they’re joined by the likes of Suffa, Merlin The Wizard, Pokerbeats and Kelakovski. Guest vocalists include Hilltop Hoods, Trials and Dylan Smith (of Direct Influence).

Who can guess what’s gong to happen once BRIGGS drops THE BLACKLIST? All we know for certain is that it’s going to make you laugh, jump and possibly seek medical attention.