Artist/Producer/Rapper, Manu Crooks, has just dropped a *hot* music video for his track ‘Day Ones,’ and in doing so, he’s given us a glimpse of the direction we could be heading in Australia – an era of culturally diverse and sonically challenging artists who are telling stories of their life experiences and the world around them.

The track is part of the artists’ debut EP ‘mood forever,’ a 6-track EP which Manu will be showcasing for the first time at BIGSOUND, next week.

It’s about time fresh hands took the wheel of Australian hip hop. In order to steer this ship steadily out of the cringe-worthy waters of Hilltop Hoods, and far away from the Titanic-esque iceberg which is Bliss N’ Eso, we need artists who can push an international sound, enter Manu Crooks.

The video starts by introducing us to the Sydney-based artist, locating him ‘somewhere in Australia.’ Sporting a Tommy Hilfiger shirt and camo pants,  he tells us not to fuck with his ‘day ones,’ his crew adorns (almost) all-black streetwear:

“With the video, we wanted to show Australia in a different light, it’s not showing too much, but you still get a sense of Sydney’s suburbs. We’re giving the world our steez, in terms of how we dress and the fashion out here. The video show’s diversity and that’s what you see when you head to the areas in Sydney.” – Manu Crooks

Check out the music video for yourself, below. Or Click Here to listen to the full EP.

Wednesday, September 6 – Elephant Hotel – Red Bull Showcase 

Wednesday, September 6 – Oh Hello! – Triple J Unearthed Stage (11.30PM)