Rapaport - Dodo
EP Release
Out Jan 21st through Big Village Records
Rapper, guitarist & producer Rapaport, releases the Dodo EP, effortlessly weaving elements of grime, hip hop and soul.
Rapaport’s four track Dodo EP navigates through themes of relationships, mental health and friendship. Production is shared between Rapaport and long-time collaborator P.Major (Peter Farrar).
The title track ‘Dodo’ released in April 2021 is a moody guitar laden grime tune about going head to head with your inner saboteur. ‘Rain Clouds’ (Nimbo Mix) is a barefaced love rap about the joys and strains of supporting friends, family in times of need. ‘Ugly Mug’ is a sincere portrait of adult friendship, and ‘Velcro’ is a laidback anthem dedicated to suburban walks, early nights and fresh socks.
Dodo EP ‘s eclectic production is glued together through Rapaport’s candid storytelling, detailed rhyme schemes and dry humour. All instruments are played by Rapaport and P.Major with additional bass guitar from Josh Ahearn. The EP is mixed and mastered by Jack Prest.
After devoting himself to the running of Hip Hop label Big Village Records for nearly a decade, Rapaport is now focussed on creating and releasing his own music. Dodo EP is the first of several solo and collaborative projects from Rapaport that are planned for release in 2022.
Rapaport has recently launched new live trio consisting of himself on vox & guitar, Matt Lamb on bass (Arthur Washington Sextet, Queen Porter Stomp) and Josh Ahearn on drums (Sketch The Rhyme, The Sticks). The trio recently sold out their debut show at the Gasoline Pony in late 2021.
BIO
Rapper, guitarist, producer, Rapaport (He / Him) articulates personal thought bubbles, survival mantras and opaque moments through a sound influenced by grime, art rap, jazz and soul. Dense lyrics, dry humour, electric guitars dripped in reverb and a slapping drum break are most of his favourite things. Rapaport lives and creates on Gadigal Land.
For over 15 years Rapaport has been leaving his mark on Australian grime & hip hop. He has released two solo albums, Village Idiot (2018), Laughing On The Inside (2008), and two albums with hip hop group Loose Change, Self Titled (2010) and Listening Party (2013). He was nominated for Best Song at FBi Radio SMAC Awards in 2017 for ‘What I Got’ and was a Winner of the Triple J Unearthed NIDA competition for Loose Change’s ‘Grown Up’ Ft. Jeswon (Thundamentals) in 2013. In 2018 he was the main support for Butterfingers 13 date National Tour.
Joel Rapaport is the co-founder & managing director of record label ‘Big Village Records’ which launched the careers of Tuka (Thundamentals), True Vibenation, Ellesquire & Suburban Dark and had critically acclaimed releases from Mathas & Omar Musa.
Press
“You know when it's new Rapaport that it's gonna be a locked down bars fest. Dude got the track buzzing here. Four Stars” - Dodo Single Review, Dave Ruby Howe – Triple J Unearthed, May 2021
“A+ storytelling on silken production.” - Steph Hughes Triple J Unearthed, 2/2/2018
“…the musicianship, dynamics, rhythms and sheer multi-tasking ability of the Rapaport duo was staggering…an intimate and fascinating set for music lovers and musicians alike. Rapaport and his astounding drummer Finn were unparalleled in their tightness.” - The Haze Mag, April 2018
“A rapid-fire tongue and some great messages … country twang in the riff, two-step beats and rap? I don’t really believe my ears or eyes.” - Scene Str, 16/4/2018
“Rapaport’s unassuming stature didn’t prepare the audience for the onslaught of fire and ferocity of his rhymes.” - Gigamov, 14/4/2017
“Rapaport of Big Village doth return with a grimey new single, FAM, … Rapaport nailing his signature flow and sharp-as-a-tack lyrics.” - Pile Rats, April 2018
“Rapaport’s lyricism is kept tidy and smart, sticking to simple repeated phrases and plays on words... What I Got employs diverse instrumentation including sporadic guitars and vintage-style sampling in a way that brings to mind the musical and vocal stylings of RATBOY.”
– AAA Backstage, Oct 2016