Melbourne-based rapper 1/6 has just dropped new politically-charged track Labyrinth and though it began as a reaction to the recent shootings in America, he hopes it will start a much bigger conversation of ongoing issues in Australia and abroad.
Speaking to theMusic, the hip hop artist, real name Stephen Saurano, says though he doesn't consider himself a political musician, recent events, including the horrific murders of Alton Sterling and Philando Castile, were too much for him to ignore.
"Man, I couldn't sleep," Saurano says of the shootings.
"I felt sick. People all over the world are watching this, what about their families? I don't get involved in what I don't understand. I'm not American, this is not my story to tell. But I am a human being, I had to say something."
The Namibian-raised musician says the issues going on overseas are relatable in Australia.
"This has been happening for a long time. Everywhere. That's why I said [in the song] 'But if Pauline Hansen can talk her tall lean ass into a seat in government anything is believable.'"
"It's not just about #blacklivesmatter," Saurano continues.
"[Hanson] speaks a message of pure hate. Why aren't people questioning why this is happening? People are getting killed not just where they're running from, but where they're running to. People don't flee a country for a holiday, this is ridiculous. Asylum is not a fun whimsical trip.
"You know what? I'm not violent, I've never been violent. But let me ask you, if you were homeless, desperate, hungry and deprived what would you be capable of? What would you do for your family? I'm trying to speak up against this naivety."
Though he acknowledges Labyrinth may not turn heads immediately Saurano hopes his song will provide a platform for other voices to be heard.
"This won't be enough. This was just my reaction," he says.
"But I'm going to start some talk man, I'm going to open up a platform where people speak the fuck up. This isn't a Fuck Tha Police thing. This is about focusing on resolution, about questioning why these things are happening.
"Open dialogue from a truthful place. We are effected by decisions made by our government. We need to speak up about these things before it becomes a problem.
"I'm not afraid to say 'this is not fair'. This is going to take a long time. So let's fuckin' start now."
Watch the video for Labyrinth below.
