Born in Darwin and raised in the remote Northern Territory communities of Milingimbi and Maningrida, BAKER BOY burst onto the hip-hop scene earlier this year and hasn't stopped to take a breath since. Following appearances at BIGSOUND and other festivals, Baker Boy has dropped his second single 'Marryuna', a joyful tribute to his own rising star.
Baker Boy raps in Yolngu Matha language representing his Arnhem Land families as well as in English, and says that, "'Marryuna' means to dance with no shame, to freestyle for the sheer elation of dancing." The track features Yirrmal, a songwriter and musician also from the Top End. It is a testament to Baker Boy's killer flow that he can seamlessly integrate both languages, all the while spitting rhymes like a seasoned pro.
'Marryuna' is a danceable party track that incorporates influences from previous generations of Indigenous artists alongside contemporary hip-hop. With a pulsing bass line and bouncy synths, the production is crowded and dynamic in the best way, matching Baker Boy's raucous energy. He can alternate between slow grooves and rapid-fire raps with ease, and carries the audience along with his aura of fearless confidence.
Thanks to his boundless energy, independence and vision, Baker Boy is the rapper the Australian hip-hop scene has been crying out for. With a rapidly-growing legion of fans and two bold releases under his belt, you better believe that Baker Boy is only just getting started.
Words by Molly McLaughlin
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