Kerser

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Kerser is a battle MC who managed to become one of Australia’s most popular and controversial rappers almost entirely through social media. His raw, vitriolic lyrics are far too aggressive and confrontational for mainstream radio, yet he’s racked up millions of YouTube views, performed at numerous festivals, and released several successful albums. He tells harrowing tales of violent street life and drug addiction, yet his delivery is relatively calm and confident; he doesn’t raise his voice as much as obvious influence Eminem. Likewise, his backing tracks aren’t as heavy as his lyrics — they often have an atmospheric rock sound to them, with flourishes of EDM. Born in Campbelltown, Sydney in 1987, he became obsessed with 2Pac at an early age and began rapping with his older brother Rates. He made his name as a battle rapper, and was undefeated between 2010 and 2012, when he stopped battle rapping. Along the way, he released mixtapes Straight Out Tha Gutter (2009) and Down the Drain (2010) before signing to independent hip-hop label Obese Records and releasing debut album The Nebulizer (produced by Nebs) in 2011. This was followed a year later by No Rest for the Sickest, which hit number 15 on the Australian album chart. Following a successful national tour in support of the album, the No Rest for the Sickest National Tour DVD was released in August of 2013. Third album S.C.O.T. followed months later, and hit the Top Five. King, Kerser’s fourth album to be produced by Nebs, appeared in 2014 and was another Top 10 success. Following this album, Kerser moved to an independent manager and started a label called ABK Records, which gained distribution from Warner Music Australia. Next Step, produced by Sinima Beats rather than Kerser’s usual collaborator Nebs, was released in November of 2015. Sixth full-length Tradition arrived a year later. ~ Paul Simpson