August 24, 2024, marks a pivotal date for Australian rapper Marlon Bereux, known professionally as 24/8. On this day, he released his latest EP titled 8ville. This unique project features real instruments and stands as a deeply personal work that reflects his journey and struggles.
24/8’s career, nearly derailed before it began, is a testament to resilience and passion. Suffering from post-concussion syndrome and PTSD following a near-fatal brain injury, he found solace in music. Teaching himself how to rap again, 24/8 tirelessly honed his craft in the studio, flipping this traumatic period into a narrative of triumph. His new EP, 8ville, represents this journey, with the concept of traveling through lands with ‘The Symbiotic,’ a metaphor for his brain injury.
Hailing from the Mornington Peninsula, far from the American rap epicenters like the Bronx and Compton, 24/8’s journey has intersected with known names such as Bizarre from D12, Tony Madness, and Okwerdz. His music streamed over 300,000 times, echoes the influence of heavyweights like Eminem and Cypress Hill, yet it is uniquely Australian. His organic work, resonant with his family’s musical roots, combines rich wordplay with an Aussie larrikin spirit.
24/8’s EP, 8ville, is not just another release; it signals a significant chapter in his life and career. Despite the trials, his edge remains sharpened by lived experiences. His story, etched in every beat and rhyme, positions him a class above his peers. As we anticipate more from 24/8, 8ville stands as an indelible marker of where he has been and the promising trajectory ahead.
