Live Review: Phil Fresh demolishes stereotypes on rowdy new single 'Jonah'
Under vibrating 808's and snappy percussion, PHIL FRESH explores his identity and barreling through cultural preconceptions with a raucous energy.
If you're a fan of the sounds of AMINE, TYLER THE CREATOR, and THE NEPTUNES, then boy do we have a treat for you. PHIL FRESH is an MC and producer out of Inner West Sydney, making introspective RnB and energetic hip hop with a personal touch. His latest single 'Jonah' matches a rowdy beat with juggernaut lyricism, barreling through cultural preconceptions with witty wordplay.
The track is a 2 minute onslaught of rambunctious energy and self love, established by huge 808's vibrating under tight hip hop percussion. With his smooth flow and self assured presence even under the hugeness of the beat, his cool delivery and speedy metaphors brag that Phil Fresh is far more than a stereotype.
One of the most well known representations of Polynesians in Australia media is Jonah Takalua of TV series Summer Heights High, who is played by the show's creator Chris Lilley in performative blackface. On this track, Phil Fresh establishes there's far, far more to his culture than an insensitive stereotype, crediting his self empowerment and heritage as aspects that have helped grow him into the success he is today.
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Dressed in red, Fresh and his proudly Polynesian posse act as hype women in the music video, co-directed by Rewiti Brown and the MC himself. Hyperactive camera movements match wild dancing and scooter tricks set in Sydney's Inner West, as Fresh reps his wider culture as well as his local scene.
With the help of his banging production, laid back lyricism and addictive songwriting, Phil Fresh has channelled a raucous energy and unrivalled sense of pride in who he is. 'Jonah' is a fun taste of what's to come from the Sydney artist with an EP in the works, but for now the track is out on Mozaick Records and available to stream too.
PHOTO BY MARTINA CALVI
WORDS BY HOLLY O’NEILL
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