If you thought “Black Lives Matter” was BIRDZ at his ferocious and gnarly best, then “Hunger Voodoo” is the second hit in a masterful one-two punch the Butchulla emcee has successfully landed in a short amount of time.
With a solid groove in the beat, “Hunger Voodoo” is easy to lean back into and vibe with. Listen further to the lyrics though, and Birdz draws you into the world of an artist hungry for more.
“Can’t stand working for another man,” he raps. “Feeling like a bastard in my motherland; but this is my country, you all took it from me…”
As the chorus comes through, Birdz delivers the lyrics as if a warning; his tone is slick and confident with a tinge of menacing charm layered over the top. Here we have an artist who knows who he is, what he wants and what the struggle is like to get it.
“”Hunger Voodoo” is something to vibe to,” Birdz explains. “It’s for anyone like me, who’s chasing dreams on an empty stomach. It’s just the beginning and there’s so much more to come. Exciting times ahead, Fam.”
It’s been a big year for the rising hip hop talent, but the fact that the public has been responding what is deeply personal and poignant subject matter in the positive way they have, hasn’t been lost on the Melbourne-based artist.
“It’s mad.” Birdz tells us. “Especially because my music comes from a personal place, so it’s always good when you hear that your story connects with people – it’s humbling. I feel blessed that I’m able to share it.”
“As a fan I’ve always been drawn to artists that share their story and give you a glimpse of their world,” he adds. “That’s always been the music that’s influenced me the most and has stayed with me since I was a kid listening to 2Pac. I guess more than anything, it’s about finding different and creative ways to express my story. I think that’s what comes naturally for me as an artist and it’s the main reason why I fell in love with rap music in the first place.”
With”Hunger Voodoo” premiering today and A.B Original‘s Reclaim Australia record dropping next week, the Bad Apples Music family is coming out in force brandishing hip hop music to be reckoned with. Music to educate. Birdz is stoked to be part of it all, understandably.
“I think it’s in the best shape it’s ever been and it’s only going to get better,” he says of Australian hip hop today. “Especially with A.B Original and Bad Apples about to come through. It’s mad to see Black excellence on the rise and producing some of the best hip hop this country’s ever seen. I’m proud to be a part of it.”
“Bad Apples is the family.” Birdz furthers. “I’d actually known Briggs for some time before the label, so when the opportunity presented itself, it felt like a natural progression to work together and I was excited to be a part of something special. I guess my goal was always to make dope music with substance – Briggs’ and Bad Apples’ support that to the fullest. It doesn’t feel like your typical label because we all come from a similar place and as a result our visions align, which makes working together so much easier and way more fulfilling.”
Continuing to cut his teeth as a live performer this year, Birdz has been carving his own niche in the wave of new hip hop artists emerging out of Australia and doing it their own way. With more touring and a debut album we can’t wait for on the horizon as we approach 2017, “Hunger Voodoo” is another dose of fuel to the fire Birdz is currently fanning the flames of.
In the meantime, hit play on the track below and get your next hit of Birdz’ goodness.
Follow Birdz and the Bad Apples Music family HERE.
Photo by Michelle Grace Hunder.
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