Continuing his run of genre-bending releases, vocalist/rapper VOLDY returns with his latest single ‘OKOK (WORK)’, guaranteed to have listeners dashing for the dancefloor. The energetic record enlists the help of previous collaborators and Melbourne Hip-Hop contemporaries IJALE and OX4ORD, and is set to release on the 24th of July.

OKOK (WORK) sees IJALE and OX4ORD trade brooding yet confident verses detailing their rightful place in the music scene. VOLDY cements their message with a catchy and spirited chorus, made even more impactful by the tastefully dynamic production of IJALE and YAAK, effortlessly infusing influences of Afro, EDM and Jersey Club and Hip Hop stylings.

On the song IJALE said: “I had this beat sitting on a hard drive, half fleshed out, when I played it for VOLDY and OX during our first session working together. Since then we’ve worked on so many great tracks that we’re looking forward to sharing, but it felt right to share this track first, which came to be from us just having fun and vibing as a collective. VOLDY just started yelling ‘Okay Okay’ and we knew this one was something special.”

Although the song is densely layered, its conception was one of pure creative expression and artist comradery. In a scene that can sometimes feel so divided, the trio found themselves promoting a message of unionship; without comprising each other's sounds but instead challenging it. 

“This record is more than just boasting, it’s self empowerment in a cool and confident way. We know who we are and what we bring to the Melbourne scene. It’s okay if you don’t recognise it. We’re still here and ain’t going anywhere anytime soon.” VOLDY on the messaging behind the record.

OKOK (WORK) sparks the first of many collaborations by the trio, setting an enticing tone for what's to come. With a heavy stack of individual releases coming in the tail half of the year, the trio give off the energy of an unofficial, yet fledging collective when their talents collide. With OKOK, they flaunt their dedication to the work and their relentless attitude towards blocking the outside noise.

OX4ORD said “It’s scary how quickly the days can start to feel repetitive; you get frustrated feeling like you’re locked into this loading pattern, blaming other people or circumstances for why things aren’t changing. But I’m done with that, I’m ready to go now, and I’m not letting anything stop me.”

VOLDY’s most recent releases SAY NOTHIN’, TIME TELLS and his debut EP ‘SOLPLAY’ garnered features on Acclaim’s Heat of the Week, Vice AU, Purple Sneakers and airway with Triple J, FBi, CADA, SYN and more. In March VOLDY co-headlined Sorbae Sundae’s alongside ‘1300’, which was held at Melbourne’s iconic Sidney-Myer Bowl. He’s also been active with features, most recently appearing on 2THEDOME with Mali Jose and is currently a campaigning talent for Football Australia. His vertisle sound has seen him land playlists from all genres including Afro-Fusion, The Hype, Fresh Finds, New Music Australia and more. 

OX4ORD made his mark on the scene in the last six months with singles ‘PARAMETERS’ and ‘SAY NOTHIN’ dominating Spotify and Apple playlists (such as NMF, The Drip, Local Hype, The Hybrid etc) and radio (including Triple J, FBi Radio, CADA, SYN, 4zzz etc.). His last single was featured on Complex’s best of the month and premiered with Music Feeds. OX4ORD continues to establish his name as a multifaceted artist, having originally made his mark as the producer/engineer ‘YAAK’. OX4ORD was most recently part of campaigns with celebrated brands NEUW Denim and Royal Stacks.

IJALE is no stranger to the limelight either, having tremendous success with his self-produced and engineered mixtape ‘OTTN - On To The Next’ which earned him a ‘Best Solo Artist’ nomination at the 2022 Music Victoria Awards. He’s boasted impressive features with Dugong Jr, Lucianblomkamp and most recently with his Valve Sounds (Mushroom Group) labelmates Maina Doe and King Ivy with ‘WYA’, which he also produced. Signed to booking agency Proxy (Untitled), IJALE most notably has performed alongside artists Kota The Friend, Tkay Maidza and Yazmin Lacey at iconic stages including Sidney-Myer Bowl, The Forum and Phoenix Central Park in Sydney.

With 2023 halfway done, VOLDY, IJALE and OX4ORD are ramping up for a strong finish to the year. They only ask that audiences and industry alike respect the work and don’t turn a blind eye, OKOK?