Rapaport (Syd) & Mr Rhodes (Lismore) & Mathas at The Bird, Perth

Veteran Hip Hop Jazz Maestro Rapaport and Acclaimed Bundjalung Lyricist & Producer Mr Rhodes National Tour with support - Mathas

This summer, two of Australia’s most compelling voices in hip hop join forces for a landmark national tour hip hop jazz maestro Rapaport and acclaimed Bundjalung lyricist and producer Mr Rhodes embark on their biggest run of shows to date, bringing a powerful fusion of storytelling, rhythm, and musicianship to audiences across the East Coast. Supported by Creative Australia, the tour travels through Melbourne, Canberra, Lismore, Mid North Coast, Port Kembla, Sydney, and more, celebrating the release of two highly anticipated projects: Rapaport’s new album Rap Major and Mr Rhodes’ debut album, both due out in November 2025.

Headline Band bio:

Joel Rapaport is a versatile rapper, guitarist, and producer whose career bridges hip hop and jazz. As the founder of Big Village Records, he has been central to shaping Australia’s independent hip hop scene, launching artists like Tuka and Omar Musa. His discography spans three albums (Roadkill [2024], Village Idiot [2018], Laughing on the Inside [2009]) and two EPs (Dodo [2022], Patterns [2014]). Renowned for his dynamic live shows, Rapaport has performed at major festivals including Woodford Folk Festival and Edinburgh Fringe, as well as supporting hip hop heavyweights such as Butterfingers and Thundamentals. His accolades include a 2017 FBi Radio SMAC Award nomination and winning the Triple J Unearthed NIDA competition in 2013.

Rapaport will perform with a powerhouse live band featuring Daniel Pliner (Keys), Josh Ahearn (Drums) Matt Lamb (Bass).

Bundjalung artist Mr Rhodes (Blake Rhodes) has become a powerful voice in Australian hip hop, weaving stories of resilience, culture, and growth into future-leaning, soulful beats. Emerging as part of the trio Teddy Lewis King, Rhodes has since forged a solo path with his acclaimed debut EP REFRACT. His artistry has been recognised with the Ticketmaster Breakthrough Artist Award (2024), the NATSIMO x Abbey Road Institute Scholarship, and participation in the Space to Create First Nations Music Residency (2025). Beyond his recorded work, Rhodes has toured with Horrorshow, Illy, and Winston Surfshirt, and composed original works for NORPA’s FLOW and The Xrossing Circus Show.