Manu Crooks has steadily grown to become one of Sydney’s most respected names in hip-hop, releasing a string of powerhouse singles, collaborating with ONEFOUR, B Wise and Hooligan Hefs, and earning the approval of names like Stormzy and A$AP Ferg. At the centre of the rapper’s rise has been a strong belief in community, collectivism and lifting each other up.
In the spirit of Manu’s community-minded approach, and in collaboration with Chivas Regal’s ‘I Rise, We Rise’ campaign, the rapper has curated a playlist shining a light on five breakout artists from home and abroad who are rapidly making a well-deserved name for themselves. Have a read of Manu’s thoughts on each artist, and then check out the playlist below and find your new fave.
Black Sherif – ‘Kwaku the Traveller’
The delivery on their songs is A1, refreshing to hear someone sing about pain in the raw form like the Sherif does.
Kamaliza – ‘Zanzibar’
Recently got put onto Kamaliza, from West Sydney too. Solid tracks, especially on long drives. Could listen all day.
Babyface Mal – ‘Daughters & Sons’
Fresh and effortless swagger this guy brings to the Aus rap scene, the potential to do some wavier tunes is there!
Eli Derby – Left on Read EP
Solid RnB record as a whole from the LVRN crew.
Joony – ‘LIFESTYLE’
A wavy joint about stacking chips!
