Overview
Whether you're a total baller who lives and breathes hip hop, or the fair weather type to throw your hands up in irritation each time triple j features another hip hop take on Like a Version; it's hard to deny Australia’s hip hop culture has gained almighty momentum in recent years. Whether you're digging on homegrown heroes or American gems, hip hop culture is growing rapidly in Sydney; a rare combination of creativity, expression and individuality.
But where can self-professed hip hop heads find likeminded fiends, solid beats and All The Beers? United by a passion for the craft, love of the hip hop community vibe, or perhaps just a need to get turnt up come weekend; we've come up with the five best ways to celebrate hip hop in Sydney.
Halfway Crooks at Phoenix Bar
The most bangin' of Sydney hip hop parties, Halfway Crooks is the rap throwdown for party people. Originating in 2009 within the depths of Sydney's dingy Phoenix Bar, the Crooks have since expanded to include packed-out nights at Goodgod Small Club, boat parties, their own radio show and a spot on the bill for Vivid LIVE 2014. Each monthly party at Phoenix welcomes a new crop of local and international artists, with resident DJs and Halfway Crooks founders Elston, Levins and Captain Franco taking to the decks between each set. Expect copious amounts of sweat, gratuitous grinding and new rap handraisers alongside forgotten East/West coast classics.
First Saturday of the month at Phoenix Bar, 34 Oxford Street Sydney. $10 entry. Check the Crooks' website for upcoming parties, but if you can't wait until the next throwdown tune into their gem-filled radio show on FBi Click.
One Day Sundays at The Vic on the Park
Australian hip hop has come a long way in recent years, making an international name for itself and moving away from the stereotypical idea that hip hop is all 'bitches', 'hoes' and affluent whiners venting about their so-called problems. This new era of Australian hip hop has solid roots in Sydney's inner west, home to many of the country's biggest acts and One Day Sundays — the hugely popular, monthly block party at Enmore's Vic on the Park. The last Sunday of every month sees hip hop collective One Day Crew (made up of Horrorshow, Spit Syndicate, Joyride and Jackie Onassis) take over the decks for a chilled afternoon of beats, basketball and live graffiti. ODS kicks off at 1pm and runs until you're coming up with excuses for a Monday sickie.
Last Sunday of every month; The Vic Hotel , 2 Addison Road, Enmore. Free entry.
Speech Therapy at Work-Shop
Australia's premier spoken word hip hop event, Speech Therapy is designed by rappers, for rappers. Curated by Sydney rap establishment The Tongue, Speech Therapy is a night of spoken word, rap and poetry, with some of the country's finest lyrical talents sharing their craft over past months. Snuggled within the walls of Redfern's Work-Shop, audiences are treated to intimate, slam-style performances; previous guests among the likes of P Smurf (Daily Meds, Big Village), Urthboy (Elefant Traks, The Herd) the charismatic Ellesquire (Loose Change) and Horrorshow's unmatchable MC Solo. Seating space at Work-Shop is strictly limited, so buy up early and get amongst some of the best in local hip hop talent — raw and unplugged.
Work-Shop is located at 80 George Street, Redfern. Check Speech Therapy's Facebook page for upcoming events.
Joyride and Friends at Lo-Fi
If you’re trawling for Sydney’s hip hop scene, chances are you’ll come across Joyride. One of Sydney’s most celebrated hip hop DJs, Joyride is best known for being part of the One Day Crew (cranking One Day Sundays at The Vic, deets up above), DJing with Spit Syndicate for an age and collaborating with Horrorshow, Hermitude, Drapht, Illy and pretty much every Australian hip hop name you could muster. Cranking beats and cheap eats every Thursday at Darlinghurst’s Lo-Fi, Joyride invites his buds to team up for one of Sydney’s best weeknight escapades. With $5 Young Henry’s, an $8 cocktail dubbed Romance Potion and $10 duck pancakes, this is a solid Thursday night option for both hip hop fans and General Good Time lovers alike.
Every Thursday from 6pm at Lo-Fi, 383 Bourke Street Darlinghurst. Free entry.
Hustler Fridays at Hustle & Flow
Hustle & Flow is Redfern's answer to all things hip hop. Cranking everything from Tweet to Aloe Blacc to Ice Cube, this is a venue with a strong concept, committed crew, welcoming space and (most importantly) an excellent soundtrack. Most impressive is the almost scholastic commitment to theme — cocktails are all named after hip hop classics, with Thug Passion ($11), and Hurricane ($15) notable mentions. Beers include South Sydney brews Green Star Lager and Cinnamon Girl Spiced Ale (both $10); you can share an actual litre of Sol with friends ($16) or down a 'poor man's Mimosa', the Brass Monkey ($7). Every Friday the Dream Soundz crew crank tunes from 7pm for Hustler Fridays, hosted by MC Shaba. Hustle & Flow's calendar also marks toastworthy dates in hip hop, so watch out for drink deals on Biggie's birthday.
Every Friday from 7pm at Hustle & Flow, 3/105 Regent Street, Redfern. Free entry.
Words by Mairead Armstrong and Shannon Connellan.