20-year-old Indigenous Walmatjarri and Bunuba hip-hop artist and producer Kayps has just announced his debut album ‘BUNUBA BABY‘ – due out Friday, August 14, via Bad Apples Music / Universal Music Australia.
Serving as the first taste of the album, ‘765’ showcases Kayps’ ability to blend infectious, melodic hooks with blistering, intricate rap flows. Co-produced and mixed by Calvin Bennett (Marie Cassandra, Jewel Owusu), the track is built on a foundation of booming bass drums and bursts of ecstatic synths, remaining remarkably sparse yet grandiose when elevated.
“‘765’ is the first single off my forthcoming album ‘BUNUBA BABY’, which is a project to showcase a personal side of me, speaking more about my relationship with culture, facing the confusion, anger and frustrations of being mixed race and coming to terms with the fact that it’s ultimately ok,” explains Kayps.
“Lyrically, it relates to how my peers interact with my culture, both negatively and positively. Growing up with a very culturally distanced upbringing and how that distanced the relationships I have with family and land, but also growing to gain a better understanding of what I need to do to reconnect, while showing an understanding of the political issues that plague my culture.
Coming to terms with all of this means carrying the title of ‘BUNUBA BABY’ is becoming more of a reality for me than just a creative character.”
Kayps has already received a glowing reception from across the music industry. In 2021, he was awarded the triple j Indigenous Initiative and was named a Top 5 Finalist in triple j Unearthed High for both 2021 and 2022. He was selected as the Western Australian representative for the Mushroom Creative x Coles First Nations Pathway Program in 2023, crowned as Good Intent’s Greater Good 2025 winner, before being signed by Briggs’ own Bad Apples Music.
Bringing his unique voice to global stages, Kayps showcased internationally at SXSW Sydney and SXSW Austin, Texas. His momentum continues forward with coveted support slots for international heavyweights Denzel Curry and Kneecap, highlighting a breakout era ahead.
