Dropped This Week: jan 10
The Kings Return: How Australia's Hip-Hop Veterans Are Redefining Their Sound in 2025
As the Australian hip-hop scene shakes off its holiday hangover, this week delivered something unexpected: a masterclass in artistic evolution. While most artists are still sketching out their 2025 release plans, four tracks dropped that showcase the current state of Australian rap, each one a statement piece in its own right.
What defined this week wasn't just the music itself, but what it represented. From Mitchos Da Menace's calculated comeback to Kerser's authoritative reminder of his throne, from Ribby247's genre blending versatility to Skem's experimental magnum opus, the week painted a picture of a scene that's simultaneously honoring its roots and pushing into uncharted sonic territory.
The through line? Sombre, melancholic sounds delivered with power and aggression. Reflection wrapped in raw energy. This is Australian hip-hop looking back to move forward.
The Sonic Landscape: Melancholy Meets Muscle
This week's releases shared a distinctive sonic fingerprint: reflective, end of year introspection delivered with unflinching intensity. The contrast between vulnerable production choices and aggressive, confident delivery created a fascinating tension across all four tracks.
Gone are the overused drill beats and trendy soundscapes that often saturate the scene. Instead, we got experimentation, classic hip-hop callbacks, and artists willing to take risks with their sound. Whether it was the boom bap influences on Ribby's track, the ethereal dreamscapes of Skem's production, or the straight up Dr. Dre sample from Mitchos, each artist brought something distinctive to the table.
The emerging trend, if we can call it that this early in the year, is clear: authenticity over algorithm. These aren't tracks designed to chase TikTok virality or playlist placements. They're statement pieces, career markers, and sonic experimentations that prioritize artistic vision over commercial calculation.
Track Breakdown: Four Artists, Four Statements
"Forgot About Menace" - Mitchos Da Menace
Heat Rating: 7/10
Let's address the elephant in the room: Mitchos Da Menace sampled the entire "Forgot About Dre" beat. Not a subtle nod, not a clever interpolation. The complete, iconic Dr. Dre instrumental that defined an era of hip-hop.
And it works.
After more than a year of relative silence, with only one track dropping a month prior, Mitchos uses this cultural touchstone as his reintroduction vehicle. The choice is deliberate and loaded with meaning. Just as Eminem and Dre used the original to announce their continued dominance, Mitchos positions himself as the real deal in a scene he suggests has become cluttered with pretenders.
The production carries that golden era hip-hop sound, that bouncy, head nodding groove that made the original a classic, but filtered through an Australian street culture lens. It's nostalgic without being derivative, respectful without being reverential.
What's most impressive is how Mitchos has evolved as a performer. Known for dark, moody selections, he brings a lighter touch here while maintaining the gritty, harsh energy his fanbase expects. His delivery is punchy and way more melodic than we're used to hearing from him. He switches cadences, plays with timing, and shows technical improvements that signal this isn't just a comeback. It's an upgrade.
The music video keeps things relatively simple in terms of set design and accessories, but multiple versions of Mitchos sporting different outfits create a visually intriguing narrative. It's proof that you don't need massive budgets to create compelling visuals when you have a strong concept.
The verdict: The return of Mitchos is not a flash in the pan moment. With a new sound, fresh deliveries, and lyrical experimentation, he's reminding everyone why he's one of the scene's greats.
"BLOCKLIST" - Ribby247
Heat Rating: 5/10
If you only knew Ribby247 from his raw Australian drill sound, "BLOCKLIST" might surprise you. This is a departure, a calculated pivot that showcases market awareness without sacrificing authenticity.
The production immediately transports you: piano keys, jazz drums, strings. It's very west coast boom bap, very chill 80s vibes. This sounds like cruising down the Gold Coast esplanade in a drop top Chevy, windows down, no rush to get anywhere. It's a far cry from the aggressive drill instrumentals Ribby typically rides.
But here's where it gets interesting: despite the softer production, Ribby's core energy remains intact. His lyrical content and delivery haven't changed. Same confident sound, same raw street energy, same bars his fans expect and love. What changes is the context, the sonic environment around those bars.
It's soft aggression. The old school jazz production sits beautifully against Ribby's impactful, confident delivery. The mood is chill but bouncy, laid back with a hint of menace lurking underneath.
Director Elijah Films captures this duality perfectly in the music video. Soft white lighting, calm vibes, the artist hanging out with two girls, playing cards, counting money. Different camera angles, anime style freeze frames, and strategic prop placement add character without overwhelming the aesthetic. The visuals match the track's vibe perfectly.
This track represents something important in Ribby's journey. After releasing consistently throughout last year and building serious momentum, he's showing he can adapt his sound for wider appeal while remaining in character. It's the kind of versatility that separates artists with longevity from those who flame out after a few hits.
The verdict: This marks an important moment in Ribby's journey. His adaptation in sound demonstrates market awareness and an ability to remain authentic despite sonic versatility.
"Last Laugh" - Kerser
Heat Rating: 9/10
Anything Kerser does is monumental for the Australian hip-hop scene. He didn't just participate in building it. He essentially created it. So when he drops a track called "Last Laugh," you pay attention.
This is a reflective, authoritative statement piece. It functions as both a memento for younger artists and an auditory trophy celebrating his achievements in the industry. After 10+ albums and countless projects, Kerser is taking stock, looking back, and reminding everyone of the blueprint he created.
The production mirrors this duality: piano keys and a female vocal lead create sombre, melancholic moments that shift into aggressive classic trap sounds. It alternates between vulnerability and resentment, between quiet reflection and the aggressive energy of someone taking back what's theirs. It sounds like bipolar emotion. Sadness and aggression, melancholy and dominance, all filtered through a reflective, authoritative lens.
Lyrically, Kerser continues to progress mechanically. He's evolving beyond his classic delivery, expanding into a more listener friendly cadence while maintaining that unmistakable "Kerse" sound. The content is deeply reflective, discussing past struggles and come ups, stopping periodically to offer advice to the younger generation looking up to him. He also doesn't shy away from discussing the impact he's had on the scene overall.
For years, critics dismissed Kerser as having no lyrical ability, low in technical mechanics. Those allegations never held water, but the industry hadn't evolved enough to recognize what he was doing. His latest tracks, with "Last Laugh" as a prime example, prove the naysayers wrong with a more modern, polished sound that remains marketable and true to his roots.
The music video keeps things straightforward. Kerser performing in multiple locations, nothing over the top or trying too hard to be performative. It's visually appealing without being gimmicky, which fits the track's honest approach.
The verdict: This track serves as a reminder of Kerser's identity and position in the industry while offering a reflective take on his journey, the battles and adversity he's faced and overcome, and the fruits those struggles have provided.
"When The Dust Settles" - Skem
Heat Rating: 10/10
Let's get straight to it: this might be Skem's magnum opus.
Written on a friend's couch at the end of last year, "When The Dust Settles" represents everything Skem does well while pushing into new territory. Following the same reflective, emotional, personal themes he's known for, this track adds experimental production while upping the tempo and introducing a speedy cadence and punchy delivery we haven't seen much from him before.
The production is experimental and dreamy with a jerking drum line. Reverb, half time effects, and distortions create an ethereal soundscape that's simultaneously sombre and reflective. It's the kind of production that rewards headphone listening, revealing new layers with each playthrough.
Lyrically, Skem delivers raw, unfiltered realness. The content takes a reflective look at past situations and emotional states, offering listeners an intimate level of relatability. He shares stories of loss, drug abuse, and isolation during emotionally vulnerable moments. It's cerebral and introspective, the kind of bars that stick with you long after the track ends.
The mood is calm, sombre, melancholic, reflective, and deeply introspective. It's music for late nights and long drives, for processing emotions you've been avoiding.
Shot and edited by NavsRevenge and directed by Skem himself, the music video follows the same ethereal aesthetic. The artist performs across different locations while trippy b-roll and dreamy visuals tie everything together, reinforcing that dreamlike quality.
Coming off the success of his "Oyster Cuts" EP in 2024, Skem has prioritized personal journey and quality over quantity. "When The Dust Settles" stands as a perfect example of his growth and development, adding complexity to his sound, getting more personal with his audience, and raising the bar for what a successful independent career in Australia can achieve.
And then there's the reimagined version, which takes the experimental production even further. Together, these two versions push the limits and boundaries of experimental sounds in Australian hip-hop, earning a perfect 10/10 and claiming the top spot for this week.
The verdict: This track, alongside its reimagined version, pushes the limits and boundaries of experimental sounds in Australian hip-hop, cementing Skem's position as one of the scene's most innovative artists.
What This Week Says About Australian Hip-Hop
Four tracks. Four different approaches. One unified theme: evolution.
The Australian hip-hop scene is at an interesting crossroads. The veterans who built the foundation are still here, still relevant, and still evolving. Kerser's "Last Laugh" isn't the sound of someone coasting on legacy. It's an artist continuing to sharpen their craft decades into their career. Mitchos Da Menace isn't just returning. He's returning better, with improved mechanics and fresh ideas.
Meanwhile, the newer generation represented by artists like Ribby247 and Skem aren't content to simply replicate what came before. They're absorbing influences from west coast boom bap, experimental electronica, jazz, and trap, then filtering it all through a distinctly Australian lens.
What's particularly encouraging is the willingness to take risks. In an era where streaming metrics and algorithm optimization often dictate creative decisions, these tracks prioritize artistic vision. Skem's experimental production choices won't necessarily translate to TikTok virality. Ribby's pivot to a softer sound might confuse fans who came for the drill energy. Mitchos sampling such an iconic beat is risky. One misstep and it's a disaster. Kerser's reflective approach might not generate the same excitement as aggressive street anthems.
But that's precisely what makes this week's releases compelling. They're authentic expressions of where these artists are right now, not calculated attempts to chase trends or maximize engagement metrics.
The scene is also showing impressive awareness. Kerser acknowledging his role as the architect. Mitchos positioning himself against fake artists. Ribby demonstrating market awareness by expanding his sonic palette. Skem doubling down on experimentation despite the risks involved.
As we move deeper into 2025, this week might be looked back on as a tone setter. Not because these four tracks will necessarily dominate charts or break streaming records, but because they represent a scene comfortable with its identity, confident in its artists, and committed to artistic growth.
The hangover is over. The scene is awake. And if this week is any indication, Australian hip-hop is about to have one hell of a year.
Final Thoughts
With most artists still gearing up for their yearly release plans, this week offered a perfect opportunity to explore some of late 2024's hottest drops. What emerged was a snapshot of a scene in transition. Veterans proving they're not done yet, rising artists expanding their boundaries, and everyone operating with a level of introspection and awareness that bodes well for the future.
The heat ratings tell part of the story: Skem's perfect 10, Kerser's commanding 9, Mitchos' solid 7, and Ribby's respectable 5. But numbers only capture so much. What these tracks represent—ambition, evolution, authenticity, risk taking—is harder to quantify but ultimately more important.
As the rest of the scene begins rolling out their 2025 releases, they'd do well to take note of what this week demonstrated: the audience is ready for experimentation, hungry for authenticity, and willing to follow artists who commit to their vision.
The dust is settling, and from what we can see, the landscape looks promising.
Top Pick of the Week: "When The Dust Settles" - Skem (10/10)
Most Important Return: "Last Laugh" - Kerser (9/10)
Best Comeback: "Forgot About Menace" - Mitchos Da Menace (7/10)
Breakout Artist to Watch: Ribby247
What did you think of this week's releases? Hit us up on socials and let us know which track resonated most with you.
