Ascendant rapper Tasman Keith has shared the surprise release, '5FT FREESTYLE' alongside the announcement of his upcoming east coast tour and signings to AWAL Recordings and Sony Music Publishing.

Mincing no words, '5FT FREESTYLE' is a verbal spar, harking back to the roots of the hip hop tradition that lay in groundbreaking lyrical battles. Without taunt or torment, Tasman gently lures in his opponents across '5FT FREESTYLE', teasing in the name of friendly competition. While the jiving instrumental, reminiscent of the G-Funk pioneered by Nate Dogg and Snoop, suggests an audacious, jester-like flow, make no mistake - Tasman pierces with prose over teeth. Calling into question the dexterity, wit, and overall ability of his opponents, down to their metrics for success and perceived cultural capital, who they might be lies in whoever the shoe fits. What remains clear, he says, is that "they don’t make none like me." Shots fired without physically lifting a finger.

Tasman Keith reveals, "5FT FREESTYLE is a healthy ego, but an ego nonetheless. Not only is it my moment to throw the line and test the waters but it is also an introduction to my direct, strong, and abrasive personality in the form of a beaten-up character who is rough around the edges, cheeky, and slightly playful. This character is a part of a duality of personas which is built from my personal experiences, past, and current. It is an entirely new direction in my artistry which I am excited to reveal in due time."

With the release comes the announcement of Tasman Keith's signing to AWAL Recordings, joining the ranks of global stars Little Simz, Genesis Owusu, Spacey Jane, and more, together with his joining the Sony Music Publishing family, home to the legendary catalogues of Beyoncé, Tyler, the Creator, The Beatles, and many others. Ecstatic by what the future holds, Ben Godding, Senior Marketing Director of AWAL in Australia shares, "Having worked so successfully with Tasman and his management for a few years, the whole AWAL team is hugely excited to now be working on his new full-length record. Tasman is a genuinely talented and special artist with infinite creative vision.  It's a great responsibility to help such an artist continue their upward trajectory and we truly believe there is no limit to what Tasman can achieve in partnership with AWAL.".

Likewise, Damian Trotter, Managing Director of Sony Music Publishing Australia says, “SMP Australia couldn’t be more proud and excited to be extending our relationship with Tasman Keith alongside his management team Melody Forghani the founder/director of 23 PR & MGMT, and Mardi Caught the founder/director of The Annex. Over the last couple of years, Tasman has emerged as one of this country’s most powerful and uncompromising voices, whose lyrical assault and no holds barred live performances set him apart from his contemporaries. Watching Tasman owning the stage alongside Peter Garrett as a special guest on the Oils Makaratta tour last year was as impressive as it was audacious. Tasman commands attention and respect and we can’t wait to see what the next few years hold for this remarkable artist.”.

Today’s news follows his landmark support alongside Midnight Oil’s first live performances in two decades and collaborative release 'First Nation' on their #1 ARIA Album The Makarrata Project, and the recent victory lap of 'ONE', a joint release with Kwame. With each release, Tasman has maintained widespread fever across national press, including the NME Magazine, Acclaim, Complex, Rolling Stone, VICE, Sydney Morning Herald, The Australian, and more; alongside his TV debut performances on ABC's The Sound and The Set as well as making an appearance alongside Peter Garrett on The Today Show, with playlisting from triple j, Unearthed, FBi Radio, RAGE and MTV. Today, tomorrow, this year, one thing remains certain - Tasman Keith did not come to play.