From cutting his teeth in local venues to supporting Drapht at a sold-out Solbar, Sunshine Coast rapper CaelWhip is certainly one to watch. The Coolum hip hop artist’s latest, “2 Bucks A Litre” navigates the pressures of adulthood and the seemingly endlessly rising costs of living. Recorded at CaelWhip’s home studio, it’s another great track from the rising rapper, showcasing relatable lyrics, charismatic performance, and a beat crafted with producer rūku.
Of the track, CaelWhip says:
“”2 Bucks A Litre” is my take on the rising costs and pressures of modern life. I use my music and writing as an output a lot of the time. I was at home listening to beats; nothing was really working out, and through my frustration, just started yelling, “two bucks a litre, I’m trying to keep up”, which made me laugh at its catchiness. I just continued capturing that energy and wrote this track (and my next release) all in one.”
To celebrate the recent release, CaelWhip has shared some of the artists who have influenced him and guided his creative path.
1. Notorious Nix
My top 5 Artists who have guided my creative path would have to start off with my number one main man: Notorious Nix.
Although unknown to many across Australia, he’s a big name hard hitter when you’re talking about the coast’s hip hop scene. I could have started off this list with the likes of Drake or Kanye to keep it familiar for you all, but it would be disingenuous to not put my 4573 brother at number one; for he is one of the main reasons I ever wielded the courage to start rapping in the first place in the sand dunes of Yaroomba beach during the COVID lockdowns of 2021.
2. Lil Sknow, Chillinit and Triple One
Number 2 is difficult for me but staying on the theme of grass roots, I would have to put it down to an era of Australian Hip Hop artists’ with emphasis on Lil Sknow, Chillinit and Triple One. There was a lull period of Australian Hip Hop (in my opinion) until I first heard Triple One’s ‘Showoff’. I was watching the music video at a mates house when I reluctantly listened to this ‘new Aussie rap group’ and from that moment I was hooked. Chillinit, although I’m not as big of a fan now, definitely seemed to be leading the charge of this scene at the time and deserves an honorable mention for his unstoppable efforts. And last but CERTAINLY not least for my number 2 would have to be Lil Sknow. I mean, what’s not to love… hands down my favourite delivery in the scene to date and if you play our tracks side by side you will see where I may have taken a LOT of inspiration from.
3. Kanye West
Number 3, we’re going across the world to the city of wind with controversial Mr. Kanye West. Although I certainly cannot agree with everything he says, (mind you neither does he) I don’t think anyone can disagree with the impact he has had not only on Hip Hop, but all music, everywhere. Maybe it’s because we’re both only children raised by single mothers, but I certainly see a similarity between us and I have an understanding of not the things he is saying, but the reasons he says them.
4. Billie Joe Armstrong
Number 4 may be surprising but Billie Joe Armstrong (Green Day) was a foundation for my early music endeavors and also my first concert I had ever seen. I used to rock out to Green Day with eyeliner on, the staple red tie and punk rock (fake) piercings my cousin and I would make from garden wire from as early as 7 years old. We would write songs and plan stage performances and styles together because of Green Day. I was in grade one when I first got American Idiot, and I’ve been hooked ever since.
5. The Golden Era of Aussie Hip Hop
Number 5 once again going back to an era rather than artist would have to be the Golden Era of Aussie Hip Hop with the likes of Hilltop Hoods, Drapht and Bliss n Eso. These guys are the undisputed champions of Aussie Hip Hop and without a doubt are the fundamentals of my fundamentals. To be able to play a sold out Solbar show supporting Drapht last year is the biggest tick off my bucket list as an upcoming artist and has set the bar for time to come!
Stay up to date with all things CaelWhip via his Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, and YouTube.
Header photo credit: Layla RH
