Australia: a country beloved by the world that hosts possibly the most multicultural population of any nation - but what do you, the global community, know about us? Did you know that to face North in Australia you have to face South, then turn 180 degrees? Did you know that we don't say "I'll slip an extra shrimp on the barbie for you"? Did you know that we don't conform, and continue to ask stupid rhetorical questions?
This page aims to thrust deserving national hip-hop artists, and their music, into the international limelight as right now, the global community is largely unaware of our hip-hop offerings. Below a select few artists will be highlighted, each with their own unique story and style. Enjoy tumbling down under!
| 360 -- AllDay -- Briggs -- Drapht -- Hilltop Hoods -- One Day -- Seth Sentry | Who is 360? Who is AllDay? Who is Briggs? Origin: Shepparton, Victoria | Years Active: 2005–Present
Don't mistake the inclusion of Briggs as an act of tokenism, for he is represented here due to his unwavering commitment to his community and music. After being discovered as a teenager by rapper Reason at a gig, he dedicated himself to music, sacrificing “comfort, food and a lot of the times, a roof, to [succeed]”. With the financial a**istance of Suffa, he released his first body of work, Homemade Bombs, after which the Hilltop Hoods signed him to their newly established label Golden Era Records. Throughout his life, and career, Briggs has shown his support for Australia's Indigenous community, his tribe, the Yorta Yorta people, and his rural hometown of Shepparton – the latter even being the inspiration of his award winning album, Sheplife (2014).
His music often features powerful beats that are supported by equally powerful social commentaries, this epitomised by his fan favourite track “Bad Apples” – a track that reignited the nation's conversation about Australia's disenfranchised Aboriginal population. Despite what's been said above, his style varies and is definitely worth exploring through his music. So what're you waiting for! - Skhills
Do you have something about the Briggs you'd like to share, a favourite verse/song/album/moment/quote? If so leave a personal annotation here! Who is Drapht? Who are the Hilltop Hoods? Origin: Adelaide, South Australia | Years Active: 1994–Present
Hilltop Hoods have been cited as pioneers of the Australian Hip-Hop industry, a claim that's hard to fault. The three-piece act composed of DJ Debris, MC Pressure, and Suffa MC first received mainstream attention upon the release of their critically and commercial acclaimed third LP The Calling (2003), which featured the hit single “The Nosebleed Section” that has gone on to be dubbed by many as the magnum opus of Australian Hip-Hop. Since their strong opening they've continued to release chart-topping projects, all of which have won Best Urban Release/Album.
It's hard to pin down the Hoods style due to their artistic diversity, however like American Hip Hop was in its beginnings, the Hoods are very sample heavy, with their lyrics typically bar-for-bar barrages of tongue-in-cheek rhymes, narrative driven, anthems, or thought provoking (what some might term “conscious”). Whatever their style, know the Hoods will always deliver. - Skhills
Do you have something about the Hoods you'd like to share, a favourite verse/song/album/moment/quote? If so leave a personal annotation here! Who are One Day? Origin: Sydney, New South Wales | Years Active: 2007–Present
The One Day crew are a seven-man-deep collective comprised of hip hop acts Spit Syndicate, Horrorshow, Jackie Ona**is and Joyride. They began their rise to prominence in 2008 with debut albums coming from Spit Syndicate (Towards the Light) and Horrorshow (The Grey Space). One Day's three DJ's and four emcee's all grew up together and frequently feature on each other's tracks and tours. 2014 saw the release of their first combined album Mainline, which debuted at #2 on the ARIA charts. One Day are known for their electric live shows and are cited by many as the kings of the party scene in Australia.
One Day's style is distinct, yet musically diverse, combining rich ba**, crisp beats and heavy chord progressions with lyrics typically cited around popular culture references, quick and witty rhymes and often deeper, more meaningful themes and messages. One Day have carved their mark on Australia's Hip-Hop culture with an irreplaceable consistency and an on-the-grind attitude, something that will see them go a long way yet. - Cardster
Do you have something about the One Day you'd like to share, a favourite verse/song/album/moment/quote? If so leave a personal annotation here! Who is Seth Sentry? Origin: Sorrento, Victoria | Years Active: 2003–Present
Within the context of Aussie hip-hop, he is both a student and a master… a protégé. A devotee who wanted to be a part of the world of music he could lose himself in as a listener. A humble guy from humble beginnings, it's Seth Sentry's honesty that seems to win him his way into people's hearts, and, like a time machine back to those humble beginnings, Run gives us a nostalgic glimpse at one of Australia's most successful rappers, back when he was still just a little kid telling you to shut up. And even though it is still early in the game, Seth Sentry's contributions to this world are already nothing short of outstanding. Seth Sentry has a form of Hip Hop unique where he incorporates his love for gaming and laziness into a masterpiece within each song and album. - RayRay
Do you have something about the Seth Sentry you'd like to share, a favourite verse/song/album/moment/quote? If so leave a personal annotation here!