Hilltop Hoods Return with New Single ‘The Gift’
This is the first taste of the Hoods’ forthcoming new album that’s set for release later this year.
Image by Ashlee Jones
Australian hip hop legends Hilltop Hoods are back in a big way in 2025. The South Aussie trio have finally dropped their awesome new single, ‘The Gift’, a collaboration with Larrakia/Darwin-born artist Marlon.
Released via Island Records Australia/Universal Music Group worldwide, ‘The Gift’ is another winner from the Hoods. DJ Debris crafts a soulful, uptempo beat for Suffa and Pressure to wax lyrically about the connection between family and music, with emerging artist Marlon providing a soaring hook reminiscent of fellow crooners Leon Bridges and Michael Kiwanuka.
Discussing the inspiration for the song, Suffa says, “‘The Gift’ explores the relationship between family and music. I grew up in a house filled with music. My Dad played guitar and was an avid record collector, my Mum was a music teacher, and my brothers were musicians. I know that this informed my love of music as a kid, and for me, that's the greatest gift that my family ever gave me.”
The single is accompanied by a music video made in collaboration with award-winning director Richard Coburn.
“We’ve collaborated with Richard Coburn on a lot of film clips, ‘1955’, ‘Won’t Let You Down’ and ‘Cosby Sweater’ just to name a few,” explains Suffa. “But for me, this video might be the most special, it just has so much heart.”
Richard adds, “The clip deals with the Hoods remembering the music their parents and families, neighbours and friends exposed them to that helped form their love of music. Beautiful vignettes that tell the story of the influence of growing up in an environment of music. It’s a nostalgic look at how our parent’s love of music is like a gift that they pass down to their children.”
READ MORE: Tash Sultana Returns With New Single ‘Milk & Honey’
‘The Gift’ is taken from the Hoods’ hotly anticipated ninth studio album, their first since 2019’s The Expanse. “We’ve had a long time to work on the record and expand on ideas,” Pressure says. “It’ll be six years since The Great Expanse when this comes out, but it will be a stronger record because of the time taken.”
2025 also sees the Hoods back on the road performing in Australia and Europe, with the trio having locked in festival dates at Bluesfest Byron Bay and Taubertal, Openair and Lakelive festivals in Switzerland with more to follow.
Stream ‘The Gift’ here and keep up to date with all things Hilltop Hoods here.
