24/8’s “8Ville”: A Raw, Unfiltered Look into the Resilience of a Modern Hip-Hop Maverick
Emerging from the serene yet unforgiving landscape of Australia’s Mornington Peninsula, 24/8—real name Marlon Bereux—is proving that great rap isn’t confined to the streets of New York, LA, or Detroit. While most associate the genre’s birthplace with American cities like the Bronx or Compton, 24/8’s story is one of defiance against geographical boundaries and, more poignantly, personal tragedy. His new single “8Ville,” taken from his forthcoming EP of the same name, encapsulates this journey in a sonic narrative that is both intensely personal and artistically explosive.
24/8’s story reads like a triumph of human will. After suffering a near-fatal brain injury that left him grappling with Post Concussion Syndrome (PCS) and PTSD, his burgeoning rap career was almost cut short before it truly began. For any artist, the thought of re-learning the craft that defines their identity is a daunting prospect, but for 24/8, music became more than just an outlet—it became his path to survival. With the studio serving as both a sanctuary and a battleground, 24/8 clawed his way back to the microphone, rebuilding not only his technical abilities but also his spirit. The result is a sound that speaks to struggle, resilience, and the indomitable will to create.
His wordplay is nothing short of surgical, a tight fusion of influences from rap icons like Eminem and Cypress Hill with his own unique Aussie larrikin spirit. Each line is carefully constructed, rich with metaphor and meaning, yet it flows with a spontaneity that only an artist truly comfortable in his own skin can muster. Bereux’s music, honed over two decades of lived experience and family influences, speaks not just to hip-hop heads but to anyone who has ever faced adversity and chosen to fight back.
The single “8Ville” is more than just a song—it’s a manifesto. The title references a mental space Bereux has carved out for himself, a refuge where he can process his trauma and channel his experiences into his music. In the track, “8Ville” becomes a metaphor for his internal landscape, a place where he battles his demons while striving to keep his mental state intact. The chorus—”This is 8Ville, the place where I stay chill”—is as much a mantra as it is a hook, a constant reminder that this self-created space is vital to his emotional survival.
The lyrics of “8Ville” delve into the intricacies of Bereux’s struggles. His mind is a “stadium” filled with relentless, swirling thoughts, an arena of chaos that he must navigate daily. The imagery is intense—falling “40 floors” and landing near a corner store, teetering on the edge of mental collapse. Yet, it’s precisely this vulnerability that makes the song so relatable. In a world where conversations around mental health are often still stigmatized, 24/8’s unapologetic honesty feels revolutionary.
His rejection of traditional medication—describing it as a venomous force sending “death threats”—adds another layer to this struggle. Rather than bowing to external pressures, 24/8 finds his salvation through music, rejecting anything that could dull his creative edge. It’s a defiance that runs throughout the track, from his disdain for ordinary “9-to-5” jobs to his refusal to be boxed into any mold. For 24/8, the act of rapping isn’t just creative expression—it’s an act of rebellion against the forces trying to suppress his spirit.
At the core of 24/8’s artistry lies a mastery of wordplay that can only come from years of honing his craft. His lyrics are dense with meaning yet accessible, weaving between complex metaphors and raw emotion with ease. The flow of the track mirrors his mental state—rapid-fire verses that reflect the intensity of his thoughts, contrasted with a steady, grounding beat that acts as a musical lifeline. It’s this balance between chaos and control that gives “8Ville” its power, a balancing act that mirrors 24/8’s own life as he navigates his trauma through music.
The technical skill is undeniable, but what sets 24/8 apart is his ability to infuse his music with real emotion. Each bar is a testament to his lived experience, and the rawness of his delivery makes it impossible to ignore the depth of his struggle. Yet, there’s no self-pity here—only resilience. In “8Ville,” he doesn’t just tell his story; he invites listeners into his world, offering them a front-row seat to his battle with inner demons.
24/8’s success is a testament to the global reach of hip-hop. Far from the genre’s traditional epicenters, the Mornington Peninsula artist has racked up over 300,000 streams, earning the respect of not just his fans but of heavyweight collaborators like Bizarre of D12, Tony Madness, and Okwerdz. His music challenges the perception that great rap can only come from certain places, proving that Australia can stand tall on the global stage.
His upcoming EP, also titled “8Ville”, promises to be a deeper exploration of this journey. If the title track is any indication, the EP will be a raw, unfiltered look into the mind of an artist who has been tested by life and emerged stronger for it. Featuring real instruments and a deeply personal narrative, the EP is poised to push the boundaries of hip-hop while staying true to its roots in storytelling and emotional authenticity.
In an industry that often prizes image over substance, 24/8 stands apart as an artist willing to bare his soul. “8Ville” is more than a song—it’s a reflection of a man battling his own mind and finding solace in the creative process. His music is cathartic not just for him, but for anyone who listens, offering a visceral exploration of trauma, survival, and the redemptive power of art.
As 24/8 gears up for the release of his “8Ville” EP, there’s no doubt that he is a force to be reckoned with. His journey from near death to lyrical resurrection is a testament to the power of music as a form of healing and self-expression. Hip-hop may have started in the streets of the Bronx, but with artists like 24/8 at the helm, its future looks global, inclusive, and unflinchingly real.
