Kerser

Emerging from Campbelltown in Sydney, where he entered the world in 1987, Kerser established himself as one of Australia’s most divisive and widely followed rappers almost exclusively through digital platforms. Though his fiercely caustic and combative verses proved far too intense for commercial radio rotation, they generated millions of YouTube streams, festival bookings, and a string of commercially viable albums. While recounting grim episodes of street violence and substance dependence, his measured, self-assured delivery contrasts with the more excitable approach of clear inspiration Eminem; correspondingly, the productions favor atmospheric rock foundations accented by EDM touches rather than matching the lyrical aggression.

An early fixation with 2Pac prompted him to begin writing rhymes alongside his older brother Rates. He first gained recognition on the battle circuit, remaining undefeated from 2010 through 2012 before withdrawing from that format. Prior to a recording contract, he circulated the mixtapes Straight Out Tha Gutter in 2009 and Down the Drain in 2010. After signing with independent hip-hop imprint Obese Records, he issued his debut album The Nebulizer, helmed by producer Nebs, in 2011. The follow-up No Rest for the Sickest appeared the next year and peaked at number 15 on the Australian albums chart. A national tour supporting the record led to the release of the No Rest for the Sickest National Tour DVD in August 2013. Third album S.C.O.T. arrived months later and reached the Top Five. Kerser’s fourth project, King—again produced by Nebs—surfaced in 2014 and also landed inside the Top 10. After that release he enlisted an independent manager and launched his own ABK Records, which obtained distribution through Warner Music Australia. Next Step, crafted with Sinima Beats rather than his longtime collaborator Nebs, came out in November 2015, while sixth album Tradition followed a year later.