STOOZ - HOLD IT DOWN (PROD. AGNUS)

Soulful Ngyambul/Bundjalung rapper STOOZ releases debut single HOLD IT DOWN alongside DESERT PEA MEDIA.

Release Date: 29 August 2025

Up-and-coming (19yr old) Indigenous hip hop artist Stewart Kapeen (aka STOOZ) releases debut single HOLD IT DOWN – produced by the prolific AGNUS BEATS (The Kid Laroi, JK-47 & Jay Orient) – presented by creative community organisation, Desert Pea Media.

'Hold it Down' is the debut single from this talented Ngyambul/Bundjalung songwriter/singer/rapper from Ballina NSW. This nostalgic, evocative anthem is the first of many offerings from STOOZ - an exciting new voice in contemporary Australian music.

"This story has a lot of meaning for me. It was difficult to put it in a song tbh. It's really my life story - and these lyrics come from a deep and special place. It’s about family struggles and becoming a better person - not just for me but for my whole mob" - STOOZ

The music video - Co-Directed by STOOZ and Directed, Shot and Edited by Toby Finlayson (Desert Pea Media's Co-Founder/ Creative Director), was shot on home turf – surrounded by Stewart’s family in Ballina NSW (May 2025).

"The film itself is a representation of Stooz’s story - anchored by his connection to family, to Ngyambul/Bundjalung country and his ambition to be a positive role model for his people." Toby Finlayson – DPM CEO/Creative Director

Desert Pea Media is an OG non-profit community media organisation. Delivering over 200 Indigenous music & media projects in 90 communities around Australia over 23 years. DPM has SIX National Indigenous Music Awards and over 6 million views on their Youtube Channel.

DPM Futures is an exciting new project - thanks to funding from Create NSW, DPM mentored FOUR emerging Indigenous Creatives over 12 months in 2024/25 (songwriters and filmmakers)– deepening their creative practice, expanding professional skills/resources, and incorporating new wellbeing practices into the mix.

STOOZ's debut single HOLD IT DOWN is the first of many upcoming releases from the DPM FUTURES PROGRAM. Stay tuned.

CREDITS
• Stewart Kapeen aka STOOZ - Writer/ Performer
• Angus Hawkey – Producer & Recording/Mixing/Mastering Engineer
• Toby Finlayson - Director/ DOP/ Editor/ Mentor/ Co-Writer
• Jannali Doncaster - Co-Writer/ Mentor
• Andy Finn – Film Editor
• Scott Large - General Manager/ Graphic Design