ARIA-nominated hip-hop star and proud Liverpool local L-FRESH The LION will launch his new album SOUTH WEST as part of a special live show to be streamed via the Liverpool City Council Facebook page on 30 July.

“This special event is a great example of Council’s commitment to providing platforms for local artists to tell their stories and help us appreciate and celebrate all that we love about Liverpool; its diversity, heritage and natural beauty,” Liverpool Mayor Wendy Waller said.

“L-FRESH The LION has enjoyed national and international success but remains a proud son of South West Sydney and has a wonderfully positive story to tell.

“The fact he has called his new album SOUTH WEST really says it all.”

SOUTH WEST is L-FRESH The LION’s third studio album, following on from his ARIA-nominated 2016 album Become.

It's a celebration of his hometown, featuring themes of empowerment and sounds representative of the area that raised him - South West Sydney.

“This album is full of messages for my 13-year-old self, who became obsessed with hip-hop music,” L-FRESH The LION said.

“My aim for SOUTH WEST was to create music that my 13-year-old self would be proud to listen to, not only because the beats knocked but the stories represented him and related to him.

“I was lost back then. The messages on this album are what I wish I knew.”

SOUTH WEST will be released on 17 July through Elefant Traks .and the album launch livestream on Liverpool City Council’s Facebook page will commence at 4pm, Thursday 30 July, featuring L-FRESH The LION and special guests the Bindi Bosses plus an opening set by Barkaa.

The livestream is presented by Council and Delivered Live, and funded by a Create NSW Western Sydney Making Spaces grant and the American Express Music Backers Program.

Create NSW’s Making Spaces initiative provides local artists and community members with the opportunity to collaborate and create content for Liverpool’s Urban Screen in Macquarie Mall. Highlights from the album launch will be played regularly on the screen throughout the year.