If you’re a fan of the hip-hop that’s coming out of Australia, then we want to introduce you to your next favourite rapper. Lisi might only be 20 years old, but he’s already stamped himself as someone that requires your attention.

He's just released his new single, Dreams, and it sees Lisi talking about what he wanted to achieve from music, versus what his goals are now. It showcases his drive to look forward and keep kicking goals, as well as his icy-cold flow. To get you up to speed on all things Lisi, we’ve put together a guide to what makes him stand out from his peers.

Who is he?

Lisi’s always believed that his community can achieve anything. Since he emerged with his debut single, Say Less, back in 2019, he’s commanded attention from both Australia and beyond thanks to his frank discussions of what’s going on in Goodna, Queensland (known as the 4300). He was born in New Zealand, before moving to Australia at the age of 3.

He started rapping by putting his phone down in a position to record, rapping into the camera and posting those clips to social media. When he had the cash, he saved up to hit up the studio, recorded Say Less, and things have only exploded from there.

In 2020, Lisi released his EP Average Man, which showcased his take on classic hip-hop sounds, as well as his spin on modern hip-hop trends emerging out of Australia and beyond. Lisi's reminding listeners to stay positive, and reach for more. There's no limit to what people can achieve, and Lisi wants people to always keep that in the back of their mind.

What does his music sound like?

Lisi’s music is raw and real, but he’s also not afraid to remind his community that they can aspire to anything, even if they don’t think it’s possible. Speaking to Red Bull, he explained that his message comes from the lessons he’s learnt in Goodna. He says, “I once heard ‘a smart man learns from his mistakes but a wise man learns from others’. I think that growing up in Goodna, I had my challenges, but I didn’t have it as rough as some of the other kids that I grew up with.

“My mates back in high school, at 14-years-old, were talking about ‘oh what do you want to do after school?’ You have all your mates who want to play NRL; I had mates who wanted to be bikies, or whatever. And then most of my mates were like ‘oh Woolies pick and pack have a good pay’. And it was like oh, come on bro, you’re better than that. So I guess that made me feel purpose.”

He also says that he’s influenced by old school rappers like Biggie and Tupac. He says, “When I heard Biggie it was just like -- click. Then you start to learn his lyrics, read his lyrics, listen to other rappers, read Tupac’s lyrics and then you think oh shit, well I relate to that, I want to be like that, but I want to have Biggie’s flow.”

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What’s next for Lisi?

Lisi’s next project is one that’s set to showcase the talent in Brisbane and Ipswich, launching a record label called Castille Records. Lisi’s always believed in motivating and inspiring the next generation of musicians, and the label will showcase the talent that might not have been heard by the general public. Speaking about the label, Lisi says, “We have started this label to help build up what is not yet common in Ipswich and Brisbane. 

“We have opened a door for all the hidden talent within the streets of our city to reach for an opportunity that can change their lives and better their communities. Castille Records is here to not just help ourselves, but to help our people as well.”

It’s Lisi’s way of putting the 4300 on the map and showing the world what Goodna is capable of.