Ngarrindjeri rapper and legendary producer trials has released his long-awaited debut solo album 'hendle', marking a major moment for one of Australian hip hop's most influential figures.

The South Australian artist, also known as Daniel Hendle Rankine, steps forward on his own with a 10-track project led by the new single 'cool world'.

Before 'hendle', trials helped shape the sound of Australian hip hop through Funkoars, A.B. Original and production work with artists including Hilltop Hoods, Archie Roach, Gurrumul, Paul Kelly, Drapht and Thelma Plum.

But 'hendle' turns the focus inward, with trials sharing an unfiltered story of displacement, domestic violence, mental health, substance abuse, the carceral system and survival.

He described the album as a story built from many parts.

"A solo record is something I've always needed to do as these topics speak to so many people, but it was important that I told my story my way alone...Our lives are often defined by one thing when it's a whole palette of events that make up the picture," trials said.

"The racism that I encountered growing up here and abroad is a part of who I am in broad strokes.

"The displacement, domestic and other violence I encountered is another. Each one is another layer to the picture I'm painting of a life built on adversity but also standing on strength."

Entirely produced, written, performed, recorded and mixed by trials, 'hendle' sees him play every instrument across the album, building its sound through guitars, vintage drum machines, samplers, heavy beats and detailed arrangements.

The new single 'cool world' explores curated lives, performance and the ways people mask what they are carrying; trials said the track looks at the pressure to keep up appearances.

"The lyrics revolve around performative responses, being aggressively polite for the sake of your sanity," he said.

The album follows previous singles 'what's the colour of love?', 'you could never hate me (like I do)', 'whistle while i walk', 'pollywaffle', 'be an adult (have a breakdown)' and '...then i got dressed'.

After supporting Hilltop Hoods on a sold-out 10-date arena tour, trials will bring the project to the stage with 'what's the colour of love' at City Recital Hall in Sydney on Wednesday May 13 as part of Great Southern Nights.

The event will feature live performance, conversation and an immersive artwork exhibition inspired by 'hendle', and trials will also perform at Snow Machine Festival in Queenstown, New Zealand from September 8 to 13.

The album 'hendle' is available on all major streaming platforms now.