Gamilaraay rapper T Breezy has returned with his new four-track EP Traction, marking his first solo project since 2019's 2360.
Just released, the project brings together production from AIR MAX 97', Tasman Keith, Dro Carey, Mali and UTILITY, with T Breezy using the record to reassert his place in Australia's rap scene.
The EP follows 'Souths Most Wanted', his 2024 joint project with brother Walkerboy, which took the pair on a regional NSW and East Coast tour.
'Traction' moves across four tracks: 'Fill My Pockets', 'Traction', 'Saltwater Pool' and 'Pit Stop'.
The project blends experimental production with T Breezy's direct writing, drawing on movement, ambition, frustration and years spent building his sound.
Much of the EP was written between Koori Radio and the Trackwork studio, reflecting a period of travel and recalibration between Queensland, Sydney and Melbourne.
T Breezy has been working with Tasman Keith for a number of years, with those sessions helping guide the direction and range of the EP.
The collaboration helped shape the project.
"I've done some sessions with Tasman Keith and he's been helping me broaden my range of music," T Breezy said.
"He's a really good mentor."
T Breezy said the EP also came together through a strong group of collaborators.
"I have some really good collaborations on there which made it a solid line up," he said.
"I want to push it [The EP] pretty hard because it was a lot of fun putting it together."
'Fill My Pockets' captures the momentum of being on the move and making returns from music.
The title track leans into individuality, using fashion and style as a way to speak about standing apart.
'Saltwater Pool' moves into a more atmospheric space, shaped by sessions with Tasman Keith and a more intuitive approach to writing.
'Pit Stop' returns to reflection, with T Breezy looking back on his years in the scene and the frustration that has come with moments that fell short.
The track puts those feelings at the centre.
"All these rappers in my city got me pissed off. Big flops, better go and post another Tik Tok," T Breezy raps.
The EP's visualisers were directed by Mali Nakalevu and filmed at the rooftop cinema carpark in Sydney's CBD.
The visuals place T Breezy in and around a sedan, performing from the open boot as the city sits behind him.
'Saltwater Pool' shifts into the backseat, giving the track a more enclosed feel that reflects its production.
T Breezy, from Inverell in NSW, has built his name through sharp writing, local storytelling and a sound grounded in Australian hip-hop.
His debut EP '2360', produced by UTILITY, introduced him through the lead single 'Posted', while his work with Walkerboy on 'Souths Most Wanted' earned fbi Radio's Album of the Week.
T Breezy has performed at Sydney Opera House, Dark Mofo, Soft Centre, Sydney Biennale Opening Night and fbi Radio's SMAC's Fest.
