Developing a keen sense for weaving lyrics and music together from a young age, proud Walmatjarri/Bunuba artist KAYPS has become one of the West Coast’s most prominent voices. 

A gifted songwriter and producer, the Perth/Boorloo based hip hop artist has been making waves in the independent space for some years and now with the announcement of his album BUNUBA BABY, new and longtime fans alike are set to see KAYPS step confidently into a new spotlight.

The announcement of BUNUBA BABY  (due for release Friday 14 August via Bad Apples Music), comes coupled with the release of a sneak peek into this world KAYPS has built: a collaborative joint with FLEWNT and JJ VACANT titled, ‘SHIPS’.

A strong release that speaks to an exciting new chapter for KAYPS, ‘SHIPS’ balances introspection with raw observations on life and the world around him. The track also exemplifies the talents of each artist involved, highlighting the pure wealth of artistry coming out of the West Coast’s rap scene.

As with his previous work, BUNUBA BABY explores personal themes for KAYPS, navigating an evolving relationship with culture and identity through impactful music and storytelling. 

“SHIPS” was either the second or third track we started on this project because I knew I wanted this grimy boom-bap cut to have its moment to shine on this project. I instantly knew this was a moment to express frustration that I felt throughout my teenage years being the only black kid in the school I was at and I wanted to convey that through the tone of delivery but also cut through with using that as an opportunity to ask the questions that I didn’t feel confident enough to ask when I was in those moments. 

As soon as I laid those first verses down, it was a no-brainer to ask Flewnt and JJ Vacant to jump on board to offer their perspective which brought so much value to the sentiment of this track.”
KAYPS 

To date, his music has struck a chord with a growing fanbase around Australia, largely due to his passionate delivery, as well as notable shows supporting the likes of KNEECAP, Denzel Curry, Sudan Archives, South Summit and more. KAYPS has been featured across a number of impressive live events including WAMFEST, SXSW Sydney and Austin, BIGSOUND and more. He was awarded winner of the triple j Indigenous Initiative in 2021, as well as being nominated as a Top 5 finalist in the Triple J Unearthed High competition in both 2021 and 2022. 

Signing with Bad Apples Music in 2026, KAYPS is set to grow an already impressive upward trajectory. To celebrate the release of ‘BUNUBA BABY’ on August 14, Kayps will be taking the new record on the road with a run of shows set for August and September this year. 

KAYPS ‘BUNUBA BABY’ AUSTRALIAN TOUR

August 27 Phoenix Central Park Gadigal Country/SydneyTICKETS

August 29 Bar Open Naarm/MelbourneTICKETS
Co-headline w/ Ricky Neil JR

September 11 Rosemount Hotel Boorloo/Perth TICKETS

September 18 Six Degrees Kinjarling/Albany INFO

September 19 Settlers Tavern Wooditjup/Margaret River TICKETS

October 9 The Roey Rubibi/Broome TICKETS