Illy’s second album The Chase dropped today and its yet another reason why Aussie hip hop has exploded this year. With the year almost over you would expect that we would have already heard the best of the year and it’s a tough call, this album has to up there.

This is a very beat heavy album and unlike most other hip hop releases doesn’t feature any guests, but that just means that Illy has to step up and lay down some damn good lyrics. With M-Phazes and J-Skub producing most of the album I found my head bopping the hole way though.

So if you like a damn good beat and don’t mind some hip hop in your life i recommend you give this a listen and see what Aussie hip hop has to offer.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wulN61Ugrnk

Koolism’s latest album The ‘Umu dropped last Friday and their group’s sound is only getting better. With so much great Aussie Hip Hop being released this year it’s hard to pick out some of the best but I think this album is up there for one of the best releases this year. With musical styles; from hip hop to RnB, with a bit of dancehall and reggae thrown in for good measure this is a must for anyone you likes a little hip hop in their life.

Koolism have been producing for over 17 years - these guys know what they are doing. They may not have the same internationally recognised named like the Hilltop Hood or Bliss n Eso but their underground following from their live shows is massive. This is a great album from start to finish, and I believe is best listened to in that way, even their more political tracks don’t seem to waver from the great sound and feel of the album.

SO if you have never heard these guys before and like a little hip hop in your life give these guys a listen, what I believe to be one of the best Aussie hip hop albums released this year.

Check out their first single from the Album Jam Hot:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5ThYvlNuLBE

Bliss N Eso’s 4th album Running On Air was released today and it’s another great album from the guys there sound has grown from Flying Colours and its not hard to see why they are one of the big guns of the Aussie Hip Hop.

Bliss N Eso have once again given you bang for your buck with another long album, this time 19 tracks long. But don’t think that mean that the quality of the tracks are less, each track has its own sound and feel. With many different collaborations from both other MC’s and DJ’s the tracks have a very diverse sound from start to finish. My only down point is the “skit” intro and mid way though that I feel is just a waste of time and effort on their part.

Anyone who likes any hip hop out there Aussie or aboard should give this a listen without a second thought, this may be the best Aussie Hip Hop Album of the year, if not then the album that most pushes the boundaries of what is Aussie Hip Hop. Check it out!

If you want a little taste listen to their first single from the album Down by the River

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ia5wvXfb-w4

My poison of choice is Bundaberg Rum also known as “Bundy” it is dark rum produced in Bundaberg, Australia and can only be found in Australia. I like my Bundy with coke and a lot of ice.

After a few Bundy’s, normally when gaming with the guys i start reciting a personal favourite song of mine.

They have produced many different types of rum and pre-mixes; personally I don’t like their pre-mixed drinks.  Some of their best products are:

• Bundaberg Rum UP – the original underproof, 37.0% ALC/VOL, 74 proof
• Bundaberg Rum OP – an overproof version of Bundaberg UP at 57.7% ALC/VOL, 115.4 proof
• Bundaberg Rum Distiller’s No3 – a triple filtered blend 43.0% ALC/VOL
• Bundaberg Rum Red – Bundy Extra Smooth Rum, is the first rum to be filtered with Red Gum, 37.0% ALC/VOL
• Bundaberg Rum “Reserve” First 5000 bottles numbered and Limited Release. Then released as standard non limited release in bottle shops.

Over the years the Bundaberg Distilling Company have produced some great TV commercials. Two of my favourites are below:

httpv://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0OidSD14mGE

httpv://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ULEQpUY_crc

A timeline history of the Bundaberg Distilling Company  

• 1872 – Commercial sugar cane starts production in Australia. A new industry is born, as commercial sugar cane is found to be successfully suited to Australia tropical regions.
• 1880 – Bundaberg makes makes makes its nam makes its name a its name as Australias sugar cane capital. A good climate combined with its favourable location sees Bundaberg and the surrounding district establish itself as a leader in sugar cane production.
• 1888 – The Bundaberg Bundaberg Distilling Company i Distilling Company is born. With the local sugar industry flourishing, a consortium of local sugar millers seize the opportunity to produce rum.
• 1889 – The first Bundaberg Rum comes out of the distillery. With the plant, equipment and expertise in place, the fledgling distillery successfully produces its first rum, a total of 22,500 gallons.
• 1892 – A local competitor arrives on the scene. Established by the Waterview sugar mill, a new distillery opens to challenge for a share of the Bundaberg Distillery’s ever-expanding market.
• 1899 – Bundaberg Rum goes to war. The Boer War breaks out and the Armed Forces request the entire production of Bundaberg Rum be sent as rations for the Australian troops serving in South Africa. This marks the beginning of a long relationship supporting Australian troops overseas.
• 1903 – The Waterview Distillery is destroyed by floods. The 1903 floods are disastrous for the Waterview Distillery, sweeping away its hopes of challenging Bundaberg Rum.
• 1907 – Fire stops Bundaberg Rum production – but not for long. On February 7, 1907, fire destroys the Bundaberg Distillery. But by the time World War One comes along, Bundaberg is back in business supplying Australia’s soldiers.
• 1914 – Bundaberg Rum on the front line. After the devastating fire Bundaberg Rum is now back in business and supplying our World War One soldiers with product.
• 1936 – Bundaberg Distillery once again destroyed by fire. Yet again, a disastrous fire puts a stop to production. But within a few years, the Distillery is once again on its feet and in full-scale production.
• 1939 – Back in business. After three years of rebuilding, Bundaberg Rum is back in business. Thankfully, production of Australia’s No.1 spirit has not been interrupted since.
• 1939 – Bundy goes to war. The Australian Government takes over all rum stocks for the armed forces, the Royal Navy and the US military.
• 1942 – World War Two. American Soldiers whilst in Australia on R&R during World War II discovered Bundaberg Rum. They enjoyed drinking this with Cola, so the Bundaberg Rum Distillery came up with a solution – a mix of Bundaberg Rum and Cola in a bottle.
• 1950 – Bundy is disguised in many different labels. The Bundaberg Distilling Company begins to sell rum in barrels, overproof, to agents who bottled it under their own labels.
• 1961 – Square bottle and Buddy R. Bear are born. Sam McMahon (Bill McMahon’s brother) invented the square bottle, the three piece yellow label and the polar bear. McMahon believed the Polar Bear would imply this drink would ward of the coldest chill of winter, and thus help the marketing of the product in the southern states of Australia.
• 1974 – The company begins to bottle its own product. On the back of a campaign to take The Spirit of Australia’ to the world, the company takes over control of the bottling and packaging process.
• 1985 – Bundy in a Can. Bundaberg Rum also released the classic blend of The Famous Bundaberg Rum and special recipie cola ready to go in a can. Perfect for parties, BBQ’s and fishing trips.
• 1986 – The seeds are sown for Bundaberg Black. Master Distiller, Dr Lou Muller, puts aside one vat of Bundaberg Rum, destined to become the famous Bundaberg Black Rum.
• 1993 – Dark and Stormy is born. Bundaberg Distilling Company combines two famous products – Bundaberg Rum and Ginger Beer – to make a distinctly Australian product, Dark and Stormy.
• 1995 – Bundaberg Black. After ageing for a minimum of eight years, the first batch of Bundaberg Black is released. Each vat of Bundaberg Black is unique, with an individual flavour and character – no two vats are the same. A total of 10 different vats will be released over the next decade.
• 1996 – Bundaberg Black hits the market. The first release of Australia’s premium quality rum, Bundaberg Black, specially aged as a Ovintage rum.
• 1999 – All the taste of Bundaberg, at Mid-strength. A first in the premix spirit market, Bundaberg launches a Bundaberg Rum & Cola mixed at 3.5% alcohol strength. Perfect for those occasions when you have to be in control.
• 2000 – Bundaberg Rum Pure Gold. To mark the Sydney Olympics and recognise the achievements of our athletes and their spirit of mateship, Bundaberg Rum releases the special edition. Bundaberg Rum Pure Gold, a 40% ABV gold liquid came in a 750ml bottle.
• 2001 – Bundaberg Rum & Cola Draught on tap. Once again reinforcing its position as industry leader, Bundaberg Rum introduces the world’s first spirit on tap, Bundaberg Rum & Cola draught. Draught is now available in more than 350 pubs in Queensland alone and another 600 hotels across Australia.
• 2001 – Bundaberg Rum. Proudly Supporting the Wallabies. For the first time in Australia, a spirit brand takes out a major sponsorship opportunity, Bundaberg and the world champion Wallabies – what a fit.
• 2003 – Bundaberg Rum Bush Fund. Bundaberg Rum joins forces with Landcare Australia to launch the Bundaberg Rum Bush Fund. The initiative gives funding to Landcare and community groups to help repair Australia’s rivers and waterways. Country music singer James Blundell becomes the official ambassador.
• 2003 – Rugby World Cup 2003. Bundaberg Rum invests more than million to become an official sponsor of one of the world’s greatest sporting events and to be known as the Official Spirit of Rugby World Cup 2003. Bundaberg Rum’s involvement with the game reinforces its long-term association with rugby at all levels.
• 2004 – Bundaberg Rum, Dry & Lime. Bundaberg Rum creates a refreshing new way of enjoying Australia’s favourite spirit. Bundaberg Rum Dry and Lime combines the smooth quality of original Bundaberg Rum with the refreshing taste of dry ginger ale and lime. The new ready–to–drink alternative ensures there is now a Bundaberg Rum drink for more occasions.
• 2004 – Distillery expansion. Bundaberg Distilling Company announces a  million expansion plan over the next two years in order to meet the increasing demand for its products. The expansion includes the installation of new maturation tanks, new timber storage vats and the upgrade of visitor facilities at the Distillery.
• 2004 – New look launch. Bundaberg Rum unveils a new look that reflects the brand’s proud Australian heritage and authenticity. The new identity ensures the brand continues to evolve with its consumers and remains as relevant today as it was when it was first introduced in 1888.
• 2004 – Bundaberg Rum named Australia’s No.1 spirit trademark in Australia.

Now this wont be as much of a rant as with Part 1. But this will be some tips and tricks I’ve learnt over my time to get the best price for games.Games from pre release through its life sometimes to the classic re brand, prices for games can change from store to store. So when you want a game always check else where before confirming the purchase; I know common sense but some just go out and buy.

Though all new release games have a RRP (Recommended Retail Price) the prices can vary for pre order (although not normally), so don’t expect to get the game $15 to $20 cheaper then the rest. But when you are going for the pre order look around first, for the bigger releases that come with the limited editions or special unlocks. Look around quite often different places have different ones or more then others or they have the same and are cheaper then the other place.

If you can live without the limited edition or there isn’t one you can normally get the game cheaper on release at one of the major store chains (Big W, JB Hi-Fi, etc) so always check the specials for them before going for the game.

And as the game gets older different places will have them on special and continue to get cheaper. Just be sure to check, I’ve seen Original Assassins Creed for around $80 at Big W where you can pick up Classic Assassins Creed for $25 at EB Games. As a general rule games as they get older the game stores have them cheaper and the major chains don’t, with the opposite for them at new release.

Another option is to look for games online from Europe as they have the same PAL settings on their disks. I have done this myself before and been lucky but you should always be careful when buying games online that you aren’t being sent fakes. Always do backgrounds check on the site or the buyer if on an online auction site. Check that they are either based out of Australia or out of Europe. Don’t go with the ones from China or other Asian counties, this is where most of the pirate copies come from and the chances are you wont be able to play them with a standard console.

Now the final options for saving money are the trade in and pre owned options at the game stores.

• Trade in is a useful option if you have a game that you plan not to play anymore however the older the game gets the smaller the trade in. Trade ins are at their best for games less then 3 months old so this option should only be taken if you really don’t want to have the game anymore.
• Pre Owned games are always cheaper (though have seen at same price at EB Games) but what are you buying? Unlike most it appears I look after my games including the cases and instruction booklets. But so many times I’ve seen games without either so you have to wonder how good condition is the disk? Personally I never buy pre owned game for this reason but its an option but be careful.

A fellow gamer, Jonathan Ian Mathers had some interesting thoughts to share on game trades.

httpv://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mN4qHZsytKk 

So there are many tricks and options to get your games cheaper but be careful for some of the options. The best advice is to shop around before buying anything.

Part 3 – Is there a Mr. I.S.P. Freely? – Not so much about games but online gaming and download speeds / limits are important to gamers. Will be posted soon.

Yesterday in the mail I received by pre-ordered signed copy of M-Phazes debut album Good Gracious and first impressions; yet another great Aussie Hip Hop Album.

For those who don’t know who M-Phazes is he’s an Aussie Producer from the Gold Coast. He has done production on Bliss N Eso’s Flying Colors album and tracks for many other Aussie and International MC’s.

The Good Gracious album features some of the big names in the Aussie Hip Hop Scene including @Drapht, @blissneso, @bigphrase, @illyal, Pegz, @MuphandPlutonic, Delta, Solo, @spitsyndicate, @Dialectrix, Mantra, Nfa, Nine High, Forthwrite (360 n Pez), 13th Son and Haunts. With this list of MC’s not only does it give us a fresh sound but an extremely diverse sound, showing that the Aussie Hip Hop since although smaller that other places is still large enough to get a different sound.

This is a great start to the year for Aussie Hip Hop and a must have for those you enjoy Hip Hop.

Check out the Interview from the @allaussiehiphop blog with M-Phazes talking about process and effort that went into producing his debut album Good Gracious.

httpv://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KqoRqgByCjs

Australian Gamers live in the world of overpriced games inconsistent pricing of games when they finally go off their RRP (Recommended Retail Price). American Gamers get nice cheap games compared to the rest of the world especially with Australia; even the European Gamers get a better deal than us.

Prices of Games in Australia are 60% to 80% higher at RRP then US and almost as bad in Europe. Why you ask? Well some will tell you it the cost of shipping (Most games are either produced here or in East Asia) other that we are PAL instead of NTSC (PAL is the standard in most of Western Europe). But that still doesn’t stop with the high prices of games or even us not getting a release of the game in Australia.

The sad and simple reason for this is supply and demand. This has always been the case in Australia. Even back in the earlier generations for consoles the prices were higher than elsewhere in the World but back then people believed that prices were higher because of where we were in the world. But as the publishers learnt that they can get away with this the prices slowly went up. Brand new Nintendo 64 Games $100, new games for the Nintendo Game Boy around the same time $50 and of course as the game got older the prices went down. These days you will pay more than $120 for some new release Xbox 360 games and even more if you go with the special or limited editions of games.

Who is to pay for this? The overpriced retail store? No they have their set mark-up on games, yes some higher than others but still only a percentage mark-up. The publishers? Yes and no, they are the ones that set the RRP that’s higher then everywhere else in the world. How about your parents and their parents? Yes they allowed the higher prices “back in the day” and it’s only gone up since then. But we can’t take it out on them they didn’t know.

What can be done about this?
Well not that I like it, nothing. The prices for many new items never go down; new items only do down in price because there is something new to take that price tag or no one wants the item so they drop the price until they sell them all off. So we can just not buy new release games until the prices go down. That’s never going to happen, me like so many others pre-order the game as we want the game as soon as it comes out. We want to say hey you played the new game yet? Well I’ve already finished the Campaign or Story Mode.
How about reporting it to the consumer watch dog? Seen the price of petrol lately? Or know how much other countries pay for a SMS? That should answer it for you, they can’t help even if they tried to.

Solutions to this problem? Well you can wait till the game comes down in price, which can be a good option gives others the chance to test the game out. Import from Europe this option is becoming more common even I’ve got a few imported games but with buying online you always have that risk of getting a fake, pirate or dud copy. Go online and get pirated copies of games, this is a good option only but the fact that your favourite game developers won’t have the money to make new games if everyone does this. Stop gaming, like that’s going to happen, Gaming is a life not a choice. Final option which is my personal choice, buy the game at the overprices RRP and have a good old bitch about it.

Check out part 2 – How to Beat the Retailers System; which will be posted soon.

For many years this topic keeps coming up in the media and politics, about the push for a new classification system for games in Australia. Most other countries have an Adult rating or 18+ rating even the kiwis over the road have the adult rating for games.

So what does this mean for us Aussie Gamers?

• Games have to be modified before release in here. Pushes back release dates and helping keep Australia isolated for the rest of the world in most areas or media and software.
• Some games will never make it to our shore as the cost of the changes will not make up for the profits made in sales here and there has been many games over the years that this has occurred for.
• This forces Gamers to source the games by other means. This encourages piracy causing game developers to lose money and not have the funds next time to release a modified version for the Australian market next time.
• When games are given the highest rating 15+ it will not stop children from getting these games. This is the main argument against the 18+ rating that it will make the higher rated games more ready available. However this is something I believe will have an opposite effect if 18+ games are forced to be sold similar to other 18+ content.
• Retailers often capitalise off the back of a refused classification for their game, generating publicity for a game that would previously have passed un-noticed. Many games are actually sold in New Zealand with the tagline “The game that was banned in Australia”.

So what can we do about this?

• Write to your States Attorneys-General
• Sign this online Petition here

If you would like some more information about this. Check out these sites:

• R18+ Games Australia
• Grow Up Australia

And follow them on Twitter @growupaustralia.