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Ghanian-Australian hip-hop and indie icon Blessed announces his forthcoming debut album, AUSSIE BLACKSTAR via Matt Corby's Rainbow Valley Records.

Featuring previous singles "DOWN UNDER" and "NO CHANGES", and the newly minted "LOVE YOURSELF", the 11 tracks on AUSSIE BLACKSTAR unveil a distinct sonic shift for Blessed.

Across the LP, the Western Sydney-based rapper, singer, instrumentalist and producer makes a triumphant return to his roots - delivering unadulterated, heavy-hitting hip-hop. Blessed's journey back to his foundations was catalysed by the onset of the pandemic in 2020, with the resultant lockdowns spent living with his family for the first time since 19. The reinforcement of the importance of family, beginnings and culture proved to be pivotal, with the sentiment spilling over to his artistry.

AUSSIE BLACKSTAR was crafted with the intent of accurately representing the POC experience, beyond the white lens utilised in Australian media. Of the record, Blessed shares: "Australia is one of the most multicultural places on the earth and that's not being showcased. We have a deeper history of deeper

culture. I feel like right now, there's a big awakening to a mass consciousness. People are starting to wake up. The people are changing, the people's voices are getting louder, but the system isn't changing."

"As a kid growing up here, I was always looking outside our borders. I was looking to America and trying to be American. But that's not me, I didn't grow up there. I really wish I had people to look up to, to say, 'it's cool to be where you're from'. I want to make a difference in that way."

AUSSIE BLACKSTAR sees Blessed at his truest and most powerful self in a celebration of family, community and culture, AUSSIE BLACKSTAR is a launchpad set to propel the star to new heights in an already decorated career. Strap in for the ride.