Hilltop Hoods Present 'The Gift' Starring Darwin-Based Artist Marlon

Australian hip-hop trio Hilltop Hoods have unveiled the first taste of new music from their forthcoming album, which is due for release later this year.

Collaborating with Larrakia/Darwin-based artist Marlon (who appeared on 3%’s debut album, KILL THE DEAD), The Gift features Marlon’s rich, smooth vocal, lending additional warmth Hilltop Hoods were after during the creation of the song.

In addition to the song, Hilltop Hoods and Marlon have shared the music video for The Gift, which was made in collaboration with award-winning director Richard Coburn (1955, Cosby Sweater, Exit Sign).

Hilltop Hoods’ Matthew David Lambert (aka Suffa) revealed that The Gift explores the connection between family and music.

“I grew up in a house filled with music. My dad played guitar and was an avid record collector, my mum was a music teacher, and my brothers were musicians,” he explained. “I know that this informed my love of music as a kid, and for me, that’s the greatest gift that my family ever gave me.”

On the music video and collaboration with Coburn, Suffa continued, “We’ve collaborated with Richard Coburn on a lot of film clips, 1955, Won’t Let You Down and Cosby Sweater, just to name a few. But for me, this video might be the most special; it just has so much heart.”

Coburn said of his reunion with the group, “The clip deals with the Hoods remembering the music their parents and families, neighbours and friends exposed them to that helped form their love of music. Beautiful vignettes that tell the story of the influence of growing up in an environment of music. It’s a nostalgic look at how our parents’ love of music is like a gift that they pass down to their children.”

You can check out the music video below.

Hilltop Hoods’ David Howe Smith (aka Pressure) said of the group’s upcoming ninth album, “We’ve had a long time to work on the record and expand on ideas. It’ll be six years since The Great Expanse when this comes out, but it will be a stronger record because of the time taken.”

This April, the hip-hop group will hit the stage at Bluesfest Byron Bay before heading to Switzerland for a run of festivals: Taubertal, Openair, and Lakelive. Get ready for the new era of Hilltop Hoods.