June Hip Hop Events Sydney

Wednesday 4th

Big Visions

This will be a feast for the eyes and ears put on by Big Village as part of the Vivid Sydney celebration. Suburban Dark will be showcasing their dark, bass heavy beats with help from guest AV technician Ali Infinate.  The night will also include a huge visual display based around the large catalogue of Big Village videos with performances by the artists. This is a one off performance and will certainly be something special to witness. As if that wasn't enough, also on the lineup:  Roleo, Ribongia, Future Love Hangover, Ears, and visual displays by Optic Soup.
The Basement, Circular Quay
Doors 8pm
Tickets $15

Thursday 5th

Mind Over Matter
Hip hop is alive and well in the west!  And this weekly night proves it.  Getting the best in local and international acts to stop through for a night of pure hip hop culture. And all at a price that all hip hop heads can afford.... free!  This week they've got Mind Over Matter busting back on the scene after a period of quiet.  They've got a brand new album to show off, "This Way to Elsewhere" and they won't be keeping quiet about it.  Plus, the hip hop man who's all over town, Izzy will be performing with his group Izzy and the Profit and also the biggest hip hop DJ out west, DJ Lopez.
Tattersall Hotel, Penrith
9pm-late
Free

Friday 6th

Mr Clean
Considering he's been around the Sydney hip hop scene for decades, you might be surprised to hear that this is his debut album launch, but there ya go.  A long time in the making, "With a Vengence" is far from your normal "radio friendly" album.  Check out this [grindin.net/news/mr-clean-interview/] interview and it will give you a good idea of what he's about.  Also on the lineup: Sleeping Monk & Sandro, Lee Monro & Ello C, Sinks and DJ Mike Who on the decks.
FBi Social, Kings Cross
Doors 8pm
Tickets $12

Renegades of Monk
This hip hop/ funk band is excited to debut their new single "Welcome Back." The front man of the group, Munk, is a well known figure in the hip hop scene for more than two decades since his time in South West Syndicate.  He's an all around hip hopper known for his production, mixing, breaking, and rapping.  The show is an energetic event which includes a 9 member band and who knows what special guests will appear. The album includes emcees L-FRESH the LION, Jimblah, Rival MC, Impossible Odds, and MANY more... who knows what the night will bring.  Supports by Classik Nawu, MC Dukebox, DJ NtaPrize, Impossible Odds, Brothablack, MC Trey, and Nookie
The Roller Den, Erskinville
Doors 8pm
$10

Saturday 7th

45 Sessions
As the name suggests... DJs playing 45's all night long. Great venue and great vibes.  Record swap from 4pm then DJs all night from 6pm. All locals this time: Frenzie, Toon, Makoto, Kinetic, DJ Jon, and Benny Hinn.
Play Bar, Surry Hills
6pm-midnight
Free

Trapped in Bass
Trap, Bass, Hip Hop, Drum and Bass, Dubstep, Crunk and all that.  Much respected hip hop DJs, DJ A.S.K., and DJ Skae will be kicking off the night before it gets into major craziness.
Hermans Bar, Sydney Uni Campus
7pm- 3am
Tickets $10 (Free before 9pm)

Sunday 8th

Loose Change
If you're keen for a dose of hip hop, with some other great music as well.  You can check out this new quartly music festival put on by the record label No Good.  For this winter version some of our Big Village favourites, Loose Change will be holding it down as the only hip hop act but you may discover a lot of other great music that you didn't even know you liked in this eclectic mix.
Petersham Bowling Club,
From 1230pm-late
Tickets $35

Monday 9th (Queen's Birthday)

SYD DEF JAM
A memorial for those dear friends who have sadly left us- Rangsta - D-Man.
Also celebrating the birthday of Spice.  This is a family friendly event.  Very chilled out, and as always with a Syd def jam event, all the elements of hip hop culture will be represented.
Mistery will be doing graff and there will be an open graff wall, 567 King will be bringing the paint, B-boys and B-girls will be doing their thing.
DJs listed so far- DJ A.$.K., Rus, Mik567, Scott Wolfe, DJ Maniak, MK1, DJ-Ad Vers, DJ Frenzie, DJ Lambam, DJ Tones
A party that everyone is invited to and any real hip hop heads will enjoy.
Sydney Park, St Peters
11am-6pm
Free

TLC
For the first time ever in Australia, you can experience a taste of what was the legendary 90's R&B group. Lisa "Left Eye" Lopez will be a part of the whole performance via a video montage on the big screens. So if you wanna get funky and get your dance on, this will be a fantastic night to move to and probably a once in a lifetime opportunity.
Enmore Theatre, Newtown
Doors 8pm
Tickets from $79

Wednesday 11th- Friday 13th

Luka Lesson
This emcee turned spoken word poet will be doing a run of three public shows as part of "THe People's Tour."  He had the incredible idea to tour the country performing in a string of private parties hosted at the homes of fans from each corner of Australia.  These shows of course will be privately arranged and you will need a personal invite to attend.  However of course in Sydney was well as in other cities some shows will be open to the general public. I haven't seen him perform yet but he's a multi award winner, his youtube videos are thought provoking as well as inspiring, and from everything I hear his shows are heartfelt and incredible to witness.
Sydney dates:

11th- TTOM Poetry Slam

32/10 Straits Ave, South Granville

730pm
Gold Coin Donation

12th- HUB Sydney

101 William St, Darlinghurst

630pm

$10

13th- Blak Spot Gallery

Cnr Redfern and Randwick Streets

7pm

SOLD OUT

Thursday 12th

Vent Cypher
From those who have never tried it before right up to seasoned veterans, this is a night for anyone and everyone to feel comfortable having a go on the mic.  If you want to practice or just network come and chill with some of your favourite people.  Hosted by Izzy of Izzy and the Profit.
Agincourt Hotel (basement), Central
730-1130pm
Free

Friday 13th

Bustacap
You know it's going get hella crazy when Friday the 13th falls on the night of a full moon.  And DOUBLY with our favourite brother sister team, Bustacap... no reservations, no rules! "This is a night of Death-Trap, Good-Bap,Trip-Hop, Gunshots, and Chicken Bones!" THEIR WORDS. Also featuring your favourite stoner duo, Deadbeat and Hazy. Come on down and get WILD!  Also come and celebrate with me cause it's my special day.  I was born on Friday the 13th, like is written on my tattoo, BAM!
Club 77, William St, Kings Cross
9pm-late
$10

Saturday 14th

Rokelite Party

This is going to be a great night, I am really looking forward to it.  Got some different acts on here that you probably haven't seen before because Rokelite specialises in showcasing up and coming artists in a way that really allows them to shine.  In particular I'm loving Carnage Kings at the moment! Definitely keen to catch them live for the first time.  Mainly acts from the west on here, come check them! Line up: Song Bird & Ms Bloom, Carnage Kings, Imposter, Double & Myth 4, Sleazy Greazy, and Revella. Special guests popping in throughout the night so stay tuned.  
Hustle and Flow Bar, Redfern
From 8pm
Free

Wednesday 18th- Saturday 21st

The Rap Guide to Evolution with Baba Brinkman
He doesn't have the best flow ever.  And yes he crosses the line into corny. But this is a different kind of hip hop.  This isn't a typical show, this is something you take your 15 year old cousin to as well as your grandma.  He's not good enough to be a typical hip hop artist, but he's a performer in another way. He's using hip hop to impart knowledge, and isn't that what it's all about?  He's knowledgeable about hip hop and he pays homage to some hip hop greats within his performance Dead Prez, Pharcyde, Tupac and Biggie.  And uses rapping to explain the science concepts but he also uses the science concepts to explain hip hop as well, I guarantee it will entertain you and give you some ideas you may have never thought before.  It would be a great learning experience for high school age students but it suitable for anyone over 15.  You can listen to the whole album here to see if it's something you'd be interested in. 
Sydney Opera House, Sydney
7pm (runs for 90 minutes)
Tickets $25

Thursday 19th

Electric Elements Crew
Monthly hip hop night for the north west of Sydney now on it's 6th run.  Also performances by Webben, Gabreal, Preston, and Imposter
Bull and Bush, Baulkham Hills
From 8pm
Free

Friday 20th

Kween G
This feisty gorgeous female is a beautiful living representation of hip hop.  With African roots and reggae influence, she brings a much needed multicultural aspect to the Australian hip hop scene.  As one half of the group, KillerQueenz, she will be releasing her first solo single, "Speak Up." Free CD available exclusively at the show.
Beach Road Hotel, Bondi
Doors 9pm
Free

Astronomy Class
Heavily inspired by Cambodian pop music, Ass Class (harhar- comprised of Ozi Batla, Sir Robbo, and Chasm) is celebrating their third release, Mekong Delta Sunrise.  This will be their first headline show in several years although they recently traveled with Thundamentals on their sold out national tour, so best believe their set is tight!  They will be supported by the funky chiller of Big Village, True Vibenation.  I can see how that will be a terrific match! There will also be sets by Elefant Trak's own aspiring DJ, The Tongue, and Prince V.
Newtown Social Club, Newtown
From 8pm
Tickets $15 or $20 on the door


Cypher
I think the name makes it pretty obvious but this night does include a huge cypher with some of Sydney's finest underground emcees.  Performances by Ltl Gezus and Decypher Us.  Also State Advanced, Nonne MC, DJ Raine Supreme, Prolifik the Gifted, and Tubz
BRKLYN Bar, Manly
930-late
Free

Saturday 21st

The Chop
This is a monthly to bi-monthly night celebrating what is the little known Sydney beatmaking scene.  This isn't a beat battle, but rather a showcase of local talent featuring live performances by Waza and Kid Fiction.  Holding it down on the ones and two will be DJs Raine Supreme and Benny Hinn
They've got the perfect venue for a night like this.  It's intimate but with plenty of room to dance, a great sound set up, and a creative, inspiring atmosphere. If you haven't been before, I promise this will be your new local bar.
Play Bar, Surry Hills
6pm-midnight
Free

Thursday 26th

David Dallas
What's to say? Would be so keen to see this New Zealander with his live band The Daylight Robbery.  He does it big and you know his show would be incredible.  "The Wire" is actually my working song.... got it on repeat when I'm posting up this blog right now.   
Oxford Art Factory, Darlinghurst
Doors 8pm
Tickets $15-25

Speech Therapy
Hosted by The Tongue, these events have become a great avenue for showcasing poetry/ spoken word, and allowing the audience to connect with the artist in a much more intimate venue and setting than is usual. This month come and get to know these three hip hop legends, SO excited about this one and it will probably be my first time attending: L-FRESH the LION, Tom Scott (Homebrew/ @peace), Joyride.  I reckon this one will be mad entertaining, what a mix of characters they are. 
Work-Shop, Redfern
730-11pm
Tickets $20

Battle Night
Your weekly night of hip hop is here and it won't disappoint. The main event is an emcee battle judged by the legendary Hardcore Classic team from Friday nights on 2ser. The lucky winner will receive $100 along with other great prizes.  But that's not all. Also performing on the night is Big Village emcee P. Smurf, Carnage Kings, and Preston.  DJ Skae will be on the decks all night.
Tattersall Hotel, Penrith
930-late
Free

Friday 27th

Vent
If you've never checked out Vent before, now is the time!  It's just the type of night that Sydney needed to

get the underground to stand up!  Not only does this event nurture underground and rising talent, but it's a place to meet and socialise with like minded, chilled out hip hop heads.  It's a place to relax and party, but also to integrate and organise! It always includes an open mic cypher at the end of the night for those who feel inspired, want to sharpen their skills, show off, or just begin! I can't really vouch for the whole line up but I know Skase's set is going to blow you away, cause it's something it's something you have never witnessed. So get out and support your local artists and we will build this culture. This month: Undertown, Skase A.K., Lomas & Madman, Simple Steve, and MC Bunz
Valve Bar (Agincourt Hotel), Central
930-late
$10

Saturday 28th

Remi
At just 22 years old this rhyming prodigy is already celebrating the release of his SECOND album "Raw x Infinity." Although he's taking L-FRESH the LION on most of his shows with him, Sydney will not be one of them.  However we are blessed to have N'FA back in the SYD along with Silent J and Hau jumping on for support.
Oxford Arts Factory, Darlinghurst
Doors 8pm
Tickets $21

Sunday 29th

One Day Sundays
Monthly party put on by the One Day crew- Horrorshow, Spit Sydnicate, Jackie Onassis, & Joyride.  DJ's all afternoon, live graff, basketball, and a pig on a spit.  It's great vibes and it's only growing bigger and stronger. They recently brought the event to Brisbane, but let's remind them that Sydney is the only place that really knows how to party. Special guest DJ Flagrant

Vic On the Park, Marrickville

11am-10pm

Free

Well that's all for now... but don't forget to check back for regular updates. If you need tickets, check the ticket links, I got you!

Stay classy, Sydney.... 

bahahaha....

Sydney Hip Hop Gigs May

 EVERY WEEK....

Thursdays

Bounce 
No one ever said that hip hop culture isn't alive and well in the west!  This is a great night for artists and fans of hip hop to come together and celebrate how far hip hop has come in this country.  This week (15th) will feature a stop on the Australian tour of South African electronic rap crew P.H. Fat along with performances by Tigerilla (ADL), Josiah Hotwire (NYC), DJ Victor Lopez, and more.
Tattersall Hotel, Penrith
9pm-3am
Free


Fridays

Jazz Hip Hop Sessions
This is an incredibly diverse and interactive night which is different to anything else happening around Sydney at the moment.  It features a resident jazz band jamming on stage all through the night and a selection of guest emcees whom will be dropping frees all through the night as well as of course some of their rehearsed songs.  They are joined one stage by some beautiful singers to create on the spot masterpieces.  The night is mainly focused on freestyle and impromptu music, it's not exactly an open mic but if you're feeling the vibe and you want to participate feel free to make yourself known.  With a late start this night is becoming the go-to place to continue the party after a gig.
This week's special guest is Josiah Hotwire
Foundry 616, Ultimo
11pm-late
Free

Saturday and Sunday 

Def Jam 
(weather permitting)
Def Jam has been a fixture in the Sydney hip hop scene for the past 30 years! Bringing you the old school classics that yodu love, but not forgetting to give those new tracks a solid spin as well.  Def Jam is about more than the music, it's about keeping the culture alive through  all the elements of hip hop.  At the moment they have got a favourite spot in Bondi but they move around quite a bit so I'll try to keep you posted on the whereabouts.
North Bondi Beach
3pm-sunset
Free





GREAT NIGHTS OUT.....

Friday 2nd

Cross City Sessions: Vol. 1 Eastside

A new Big Village night showcasing some of the young local talent from all corners of the city.  Each night will take place in a different area and local artists will be picked to play alongside some of the more established BV artists.  Headlined by Daily Meds and featuring: Dutch, Beastside, Corner Store Superheros, Mr. Theory, Prospecta, Kid Fiction.  Hosted by Rapaport.
Jam Gallery, Bondi Junction
8pm-late
Tickets $15 on the door

Saturday 3rd

DJ Premier and Pete Rock
This will be the most epic night out in Sydney for a long time.  They need no introduction, these are two of the hip hop's all star producers: arguably the best in the game and certainly two of the most influential.  This will be the first night in a brand new concert series concept somewhat suspiciously called Collusion  (have a quick look at the meaning of the word...).  Collusion will focus on bringing the best in the game together with collaborative artist performances.  This means that Premier and Pete will hit the stage together for a massive cooperative DJ set.  This is a rare sight and certainly not one to be missed! Hi Fi Bar, Moore Park
Doors 730pm
Tickets $65.50

Illeqwip Launch Party
In case you haven't yet taken notice, Illeqwip is a hip hop inspired streetwear label which is based here in Sydney and sells art, clothing, and accessories which represent street culture.  To celebrate the launch of their new winter clothing range,  they will be putting on this rap party, and everyone is invited!  Also debuting on the night will be Beat Thieves first official release, "Grand Theft Audio," with an opportunity to score a very limited edition hard copy of the release if you're one of the first 20 to enter the venue.  Also preforming on the night will be electronic hip hop producer, Laxe , and Vanessa Casperz, a beatboxing and singing sensation, you can view some of her amazing videos here. Plus there will be an opportunity to win tons of cool prizes, and your entry ticket even includes entry into the raffle.  Art, new music, new clothes, and other great prizes, sounds like a great reason to go out!
Oxford Art Factory
8pm-late
$2 on the door (also gets you a raffle ticket)

 

Sunday 4th

45 Sessions
Presented by Funkdafied, this is a night which originated with DJ Platurn in Oakland, CA.  The afternoon begins with a record fair/ swap meet which will go on for the first hour.  Then will continue with a full lineup of DJs all spinning 45 records and is headlined by Seattle DJ/ Producer Zac Hendrix (DJ for Del the Funky Homosapian and Bukue One).   Local support Djs: Frenzie, Kinetic, Josie Styles, JC, and Benny Hinn.
Play Bar, Surry Hills
2-10pm
Tickets $10

Friday 9th

AG and DJ Total EclipseFor the first time in Australia and New Zealand the front man from Showbiz and AG and founder of the hip hop super group D.I.T.C., the Bronx native AG will be teaming up with DJ Total Eclipse from the X-ECUTIONERS to bring you a world class night of straight up hip hop enjoyment.  Supported nationally by Dialect and Despair and locally by Sydney's most special and highly regarded group, and pioneers of hip hop in Australia, Def Wish Cast. Set out to be night of straight up hip hop that the heads will not want to miss.  Hosted by Randy Glazier and Thomas Rock from 2ser hip hop show, Hardcore Classic.  If you're keen to have a chat with anyone from the show, be sure to head over to 567 King at 4pm for an instore apperance.  I'm not sure how they're going to fit all those people into that small of a room, so if anything it will be a great challenge to witness. 
Civic Underground, CBD
Doors 930pm
Tickets $45.90

TaskForce
Back in Australia after nearly 10 years Chester P featuring Remus and DJ JCA
Just added Rates featuring Discourse, also Mata &Must feat Koots, and P Smurf
The Roller Den (Basement of The Imperial Hotel), Eskinville
Doors 8pm
Tickets

Tuesday 13th 

Open Cypher

Fun and informal gathering for aspiring as well as established emcees to share and build their skills.  This is hosted by Izzy of Izzy n the Profit

Street Uni Liverpool

6-9pm

Free

Thursday 15th

Open Mic Jam
Come around for a chill out session Vent style.  Open mic/ cypher, build your skills and hang with friends, or make new ones. Everyone invited.
Valve Bar, Central
7pm- ??
Free

 

 

Friday 16th

Jackie Onassis
Hip Hop Thursdays being extended by another day this week! The massive lineup also includes the legends P.H. Fat from South Africa back for a second night, DJ Victor Lopez, Tigerilla, Backyard Lab, A Blank Canvas, and MC Kaution
Tattersall Hotel, Penrith
8pm-late
Free

Saturday 17th

L-FRESH the LION
Very rarely do you come across someone with such strength of character that a deep inner peace radiates from them, projecting an aura like a  modern day mystic.   L-FRESH the LION is one such rare and genuine person.  He is touring to present to us his new album "The One," and you get a very good sense that maybe this is the one from what he has released so far.  Whether he's talking about his album or himself, this one's got me thinking if we follow his words and his example we could really change the world.  Seeing him preform with the whole band is a special treat, this is one not to miss!  Supports- Mosé  + The FMLY  

Goodgod Smallclub, City
Doors 8pm
Tickets $10 presale, $15 on the door



DJ Katch and Frenzie

One of Brisbane's most hardworking and hip hop dedicated DJs, DJ for the Resin Dogs and owner of record label Hydrofunk, with support from Sydney DJ Frenzie and Play Bar's Benny Hinn

Play Bar, Surry Hills

From 6pm

Free
  

Sunday 18th

March in May

Definitely the most important thing on your calendar this month! We did it before and we'll do it again! You know the deal, hip hop culture was built on a want and a need to change unfavorable circumstances in the community. We have a leader in power now who is not looking after the basic needs of our people.  He is easily bought and makes decisions based on business partnerships rather than human need.  Also he is making a laughing stock of this country internationally (think George Dubya, but worse).  If you are a true advocate of hip hop culture, then come and join and stand up for what is right.  It will start with 2 hours of speeches/ music in the park followed by a march.
Belmore Park, Central
1-4pm

Rap Against Abbott
Immediately following the march in May protests come and hang with your favourite Abbott haters! Sets by Mikoen, P.Smurf, and Swarmy plus spoken word by Omar Musa and Sarah Connor
Lansdowne Hotel, Broadway
after the protest- late
Free

Soul of Sydney

Old School joint birthday block party.  Monthly party for lovers of funk, soul, and golden era hip hop music meant to bring people together outside of a club environment.  There's an open mic, open decks, and open dance floor so everyone is encouraged to do their thing.  If this sounds like your kind of Sunday afternoon get in on tickets ASAP as it's strictly limited capacity.
Secret Location, advised upon purchase of tickets
12pm-9pm
Tickets $10

Wednesday 21st

Speech Therapy 6
Hosted by The Tongue, these events have become a great avenue for showcasing poetry/ spoken word, and allowing the audience to connect with the artist in a much more intimate venue and setting than is usual. This month come and get to know these three local hip hop legends:  Mikoen, Joelistics, and N'fa.  If anything just come along to hear whatever stories Mik tells, he's one crazy cat.
Check The Tongue and P Smurf chatting about it in this promo video.
Work-Shop, Redfern
7-10pm
Tickets $20



Thursday 22nd

Hip Hop @ The Bush
North West Sydney bringing out the A team- MC Thorn, Benji (PK Crew), Carnage Kings (personal favourites of mine), and Lobo Lowx
Bull and Bush Hotel, Baulkham Hills
From 8pm
Free

Friday 23rd 

Joelistics and Dialectrix
Celebrating his new single "In the Morning" Melbourne based poet/ rapper Joelistics is teaming up with Sydney's favourite hometown emcee Dialectrix in what is sure to be a thought provoking show as they are both very lyrically driven.  Their special guest is N'FA, of 1200 techniques fame, who has a new album currently in the bag.
The Roller Den, Erskinville (Imperial Hotel)
Doors 8pm
Tickets $24

Cypher
Brand new monthly hip hop night for the northern beaches showcasing some of the best underground talent in Sydney. This month Nonne MC will be launching his new EP 'Crop Circles.'  Supported by 2Face (Decypher Us), 316, and Baskiat.  With DJs Prolifik the Gifted, Mr Akunu and Dollar Bear
BRKLYN Bar, Manly
8pm-late
Free

Saturday 24th

Thundamentals
Celebrating the release of their 3rd studio album, 'So We Can Remember,' these local legends are on a nationwide tour to present to Australia their new sound.  They are still riding high off the success of their hugely popular and highly emotional 'Like A Version', remake of the Matt Corby song, "Brother" which rocketed them into fame to the tune of one million plus youtube hits.  They now have a unique opportunity to teach a new generation of kids many of which are potentially being exposed to hip hop culture for the first time.  But with Jeswon, Tuka, and Morgz as their guides, I would say they are in capable hands.
Metro Theatre, CBD
Doors 8pm
Tickets $28.70

Sunday 25th

One Day Sundays 
Monthly party put on by the One Day crew- Horrorshow, Spit Sydnicate, Jackie Onassis, & Joyride.  DJ's all afternoon, live graff, basketball, and a pig on a spit.  It's great vibes. Guest DJs: Dexter, and DJ Morgz alongside resident DJs Adit and Joyride
Vic on the Park, Marrickville
11am-late
Free

Tuesday 27th

Ms Lauryn Hill
And Wednesday 28th

As a special part of Vivid Sydney this year, Ms Lauryn Hill will light up the stage of the Opera House in much the same way that the Opera House itself will be alight from the outside. 
One of the strongest, most soulful, and powerful voices of hip hop will preform alongside a full band but has also been known to do spine chilling A Capella renditions of her classics.  This will certainly be an amazing performance not to miss.
Sydney Opera House
8pm
SOLD OUT

Friday 30th

Vent
This is a fun and laid back monthly night focused on real hip hop.  The end of the night always includes an open mic cypher for anyone who gets inspired during the night and wants to hop up and show off some of their skills.  Hosted by Izzy n Profit with DJ Maniak.  This month's lineup- Electric Elements, Sarah Connor, OneMike, Talakai, and Osh Mosh
Valve Bar, Central (upstairs Agincourt Hotel)
Doors 930
$10 on the door

One Mic
P.H. Fat (South Africa) will be headlining the night along with a performance by Decypher Us
Plus the legendary One Mic cypher will go down including emcees- P. Smurf and Mikoen (Daily Meds, Reverse Polarities), N3 & Chico Cas (Smacktown), AntiMatter (Devastator), and Chrispy (Sleepwalkers)
Resident DJ Bamboo will set the scene and the night will close with a DJ set from the 26th Letter.
The Roller Den, Eskinville
9pm-late
Tickets $15 ($20 on the door)  

That's not all folks, there's plenty more to come so stay tuned and check back often......

xx

Big Village Night onto a Winning Combination

Friday April 4th
Killa Combo
Goodgod Smallclub

Pairing an Emcee and Producer that don't normally hang together isn't a brand new idea.  They might make a song together, or even a whole album; however, creating an entire night of brand new music is certainly something different and special.  When I saw that the ever charismatic and somewhat underrated emcee Jeswon from the Thundamentals would be teaming up with the Obese producer Chasm (Astronomy Class) for this special, one off performance I was intrigued and excited!  They don't have any songs together exclusively as of yet, so anything that they came up with would be something we had never heard before.  I was interested to see how the night would go since I'm pretty sure no one had done anything like this before.
By the time I got there the party was in full swing.  It was a late night, about quarter to one when I arrived.  The Tongue was on the DJ tip.  Another mix up for the evening, an Emcee to DJ crossover, a somewhat rare phenomenon. The atmosphere at this point was energetic and the crowd was getting hyped up.  Since it was late those who like to indulge were just about at the point of getting smashed, although not yet getting cut off from the bar.
Jeswon and Chasm took the stage and I still didn't know what to expect.  I can't remember what the first

mash up song to come on was, but it started with a familiar beat and then Jeswon dropped some Thundamentals lyrics on top of it.  I looked to my right to see Tuka watching intently from the sidelines. It was strange to see Jeswon on stage spitting Thundamentals lyrics with his partner in crime watching from the audience.  But it added to strange ambiance of the night.  The next song up was "Where You At/ The Mash".  The beat was from the Astronomy Class song, Jeswon dropped his Thundamentals verses on it, then sang the hooks of the original song, it was a very unique way of doing things.   I was hooked, and allowed myself to get lost in the experience. Every song was familiar while at the same time being brand new.  So many different projects were stitched together in new ways.  The crowd knew every song, every lyric, yet they were remade, each taking on a new life, and becoming it's own creation.  We couldn't have loved it more.

The hype video for the night had it looking like it would be a boxing match, an epic battle of wits and strength, pitting Emcee and Producer against each other so that only one could come out victorious.  In fact it was truly the opposite.  The whole night, which the Big Villagers have dubbed Killa Combo, glorifies that spirit of collaboration and unity which is an integral part of hip hop.  It transcends the artificial boundaries created by labels and crews that drive wedges between us.  I think Sydney in particular has a problem with unity among the hip hop community.  I'm saying this as sort of an outsider looking in still.  I have only been in Sydney for about 2 and a half years now, so I can only tell you what I have seen and felt with my brief experience in looking in on and being a part of this community.   What  I see from the northern beaches to Maroubra and then the inner west all the way out to the west, both north and south, there are so many different cliques and crews, and they tend to stick with their own people.  I haven't even had a chance to experience most of the hip hop in this city because of this segregation.  Hopefully nights like this can help to change that, and bring us all closer together.  Although we would have to work on it a lot more, a night like this has already started the process of bringing different crews together.

The set finished with an epic rendition of Superpowers which included verses from Tuka, Jeswon, The Tongue, Rapaport, and P Smurf.  It was an awesome posse track and finished the night on a high. But it didn't end there.  Then we still got to see Suburban Dark in their element, deep in the creepy part of the night. It was the perfect venue for a night like this because of the small, dance club vibe, plus it didn't have to end early. I assume that the dancing went on until the wee hours of the morning. And we all rejoiced. Overall a great effort by the Big Village crew and I can't wait to see who's up next.

Sydney Hip Hop April 2014

EVERY WEEK....

Thursday

DJ Prolifik the Gifted
This man must be one of the busiest DJ/ producers in all of Sydney.  With his hand in 3 different projects (Broken Thought Theory, Bustacap, High Noon) you would think that would give him no time to breath, but he's been active on his own as well! He's been showing off his beatmaking skills live at the Beatmaker's Invitational competition as well as being showcased recently at the beatmaker's night called The Chop at Play Bar.  This is a night for him to show off his skills on the turntables as he has taken up residence on Thursday nights to help you let your hair down and get an early jump on the weekend.
BRKLYN Bar, Manly
9pm-late
Free


Friday

Jazz Hip Hop Sessions
This is an incredibly diverse and interactive night which is different to anything else happening around Sydney at the moment.  It features a resident jazz band jamming on stage all through the night.  A selection of guest emcees will be dropping frees all through the night as well as of course some of their rehersed songs.  They are joined by beautiful singers to create some on the spot masterpieces.  The night is mainly focused on freestyle and impromptu music, it's not exactly an open mic but if you're feeling the vibe and you want to participate feel free to make yourself known.  With a late start this night is becoming the go to place to continue the party after a gig.
This week's special guests: Beat Thieves
Foundry 616, Ultimo
11pm-late
Free

Saturday and Sunday 

Def Jam 
(weather permitting)
Def Jam has been a fixture in the Sydney hip hop scene for the past 30 years! Bringing you the old school classics that you love, but not forgetting to give those new tracks a solid spin as well.  Def Jam is about more than the music, it's about keeping the culture alive through all the elements of hip hop.  At the moment they have got a favourite spot in Bondi but they move around quite a bit so I'll try to keep you posted on the whereabouts.
North Bondi Beach
3pm-sunset
Free





GREAT NIGHTS OUT....

Friday 4th

Streetfest

A monthly street festival with food trucks, live art, and music from DJ Ad-verse, The Gloom, and JC.
Belmore Park, Central
5-10pm
Free

Killa Combo
Brought to you by the Big Village Crew is a brand new night which takes an emcee and producer from different crews and unites them for a special one off performance.  For this opening night our entertainment will be provided by the charming and charasmatic Jeswon (emcee from Thundamentals) who will team up with Obese producer Chasm.  The night was created in the spirit of collaboration and unity among the hip hop community, something that Big Village has been about since the very beginning.  I think Sydney in particular has a problem with segregation amoung the hip hop community.  There are so many different crews it's a difficult thing to get everyone together.  Hopefully a night like this could help with that.  Hosted by P-Smurf and will include a performance the newest Big Village addition, Suburban Dark, and DJ sets by the Tongue, Roleo and Klue.
Goodgod Small Club, CBD
Doors 8pm
Tickets $15

Saturday 5th

Tell Me A Story
Brought to you by the girls at Stayfly Sydney is a fun and creative day for kids and young people.  The kids will get lessons in storytelling, writing rhymes and playing with words from some of the best female rappers in the game including Mirrah Reflex and Dawn Laird.  The kids will also be helped by Stayfly artists to learn skills in drawing and painting so that they are free to express themselves in many different mediums.  Everyone will have a fun day socialising and collaborating with an opportunity to perform and show off what they have learned.
Redfern Community Centre
11am-3pm
Free

45 Sessions
Now on the first Saturday of every month at this event's new home.  And it's a great venue for this night, very vinyl friendly atmosphere.
Play Bar, Surry Hills
from 6pm
Free

Thursday 10th

Billy Green
This is the first ever headlining gig for this up and coming young artist from the inner west.  Though I've only heard a few of his songs from his soundcloud account here, I find his rhymes fun and refreshing.  He's got an easy style with lyrics which are truthful and true to his life experiences.  His album will be released later this year and he's certain to easily find his place within the Sydney hip hop scene.  I think it's important to support young artists which show great promise so they can find the confidence to continue to perfect their craft.  Also performing on the night are Coda Conduct, a female hip hop duo from Canberra who are quite sucessfully working on making a name for themselves.  Also on support is Context, Laxe, and DJ sets from Subsketch and Beastside.  All up it looks like a terrific night for hip hop with a chance to see some new and different acts and one that I highly recommend.
Oxford Art Factory (main room), Darlinghurst
Doors 8pm
Free

Friday 11th

Decypher Us
The first album launch for their debut album "Uncracked."  They will have a total of three album launches around Sydney*, but this is the first and the hometown show. Since the boys- 2Face, Little Hunta, and Juju- are so excited about this one, they are generously offering FREE copies of the album to ALL in attendance. With supports by State Advanced (Broken Thought Theory), Nonne MC, Jason Matts, Prolifik the Gifted, and Akunu
BRKLYN Bar (downstairs Sugar Lounge), Manly
9pm-late
Free

*other album launches
Thursday the 17th april- Loft UTS $10 from 730pm

Sunday the 20th april- Valve Bar $15 from 6pm

Saturday 12th

Fatty Phew
The Best Things in Life tour
With performances by: Nter, Willis, and Sleazy Greazy
Also includes an emcee comp with a $100 prize, so if you've got bars you've been saving for something special, get in touch and I'll let you know what the deal is.
Valve Bar (upstairs Agincourt Hotel), Central
Doors 8pm
Tickets $15

Wednesday 16th

Thundamentals
This will be quite an exciting night because it has been almost 3 years now since the last Thundamentals release, and "So You Can Remember" is a highly anticipated album.  And now is your chance to hear it in it's entirety a full two weeks before it's official release on May 2nd.  This listening party is being put on as a special thank you to hometown fans.  Entry is free but space is limited so make sure to get in early.  There will also be presents on the door for everyone that attends. The Lansdown Hotel, Chippendale
6pm sharp (once they're full, they're full)
Free but RSVP here

Thursday 17th

Bliss n Eso
Still riding the high from their latest album Circus in the Sky, the biggest act in Australian hip hop brings you the Circus Under the Stars tour all in outdoor arenas.  If you know me at all you know I am a huge fan and I have supported BnE for a long time. I don't think their latest album was their greatest work, I'm still waiting for something a bit more.  But you can't deny that their onstage presence is commanding and their show is really something to behold, every time improving, and every time bringing out something new and surprising.  Even though I've seen them perform about 13 times I will keep going back again and again and I still get excited!  Supported by Horrorshow, Seth Sentry, and contest winner NJE.
The Domain, CBD
From 5pm
Tickets $65

Erykah Badu
She has been dubbed "The Queen of Soul" and her music is known the whole world over.  From her debut album, Baduism, which was released in 1997 right up to her latest album released in 2010 New Amerykah series she has wowed us with her blend of jazz, hip hop, and soul with eradicates boundaries and crosses genres. With special guests Hiatus Kaiyote.
Star Casino Event Centre
Doors 8pm
Tickets from $99.90

Bounce
New weekly hip hop gig for the western suburbs called Bounce.  This is the first night and will now be on every Thursday. Featuring performances by Fortay & Hed Ubd, Matuse, Jinz, Sqz, Big Hustle, Hyjak, and Sesk
Tattersalls Hotel, Penrith
9pm-3am
Free

Dialectrix
To start your long weekend out right with a nice chilled out relaxed evening of hip hop with some of the inner west's all star artists.  Also playing is Loose Change.  It's a free night with cheap drinks at a cool venue, you've got every reason to be there.  Just remember on "Good Friday" the bars all close early so make sure to get all your partying in tonight.
Newtown Hotel, Newtown
From 7pm
Free

Chasm Soundsystem
If for some reason you STILL haven't figured out what you wanna do on Thursday night to kick off your long weekend, don't despair! There's still one more really great option for you in the eastern suburbs. With Chasm on the decks he will be sure to lift your spirits and put you in an amazing mood.  He always brings some talented friends with him, this time he's got Ozi Batla, Skryptcha, and Monchichi.Beach Road Bondi
From 8pm
Free

Sunday 20th

420 Warehouse Party
Of course Easter for some is a time to spend at church and or with family but this particular one happens to fall on a special day, a holiday of another kind completely.  It's one of those American holidays that we've begun to adopt over here, but it's not one that you're likely to send a greeting card for.  There is something that you will pass around though, and it's pretty certain that you'll share some laughs with friends.  If you want to share this special day with all your best friends and enjoy a whole evening of superb hip hop then check out this killer line up:  Deadbeat and Hazy, Ozi Batla, Broken Thought Theory, Peace (DJ sets), Bustacap, Prolifik the Gifted (DJ set), Laxe, Gravity Champions, Kit Komplete (DJ set), Sweat Collectors, and Maatzi.  My top pick for the month!
Address TBA- warehouse in Marrickville
4pm-late
Tickets $15

Decypher Us 4/20 hip hop showcase and Decypher Us "Uncracked" album launch. Featuring performances by Sleepwalkers, 316, SMACKTOWN, Jinz Moss, Kosmic Culture, Baskiat, and Stephen Arhipoff.
Also includes some mad cyphers.  Will be a great night, especially for lovers of green!
Valve Bar, Central
From 6pm
Tickets $15

Thursday 24th

My Element Photography Exhibit

These 5 Sydney based photographers are getting together to share with you their love of hip hop! They have photographed artists in Australia and the US both on and off the stage.  Featuring the work of Averie Harvey, Tristan Stefan Edouard, Chris Frape, Steven Guzman, and Bradley Scott.
10X8 Art Gallery (28 Broadway Chippendale)
6pm (Opening night)
Will be available for viewing every day 11am-6pm until 4th May
Free

Electric Elements

Anzac Day eve there's a great hip hop night for those in the north west of Sydney.  If I was out that way I would definiately be checking it out because the line up is sick.  Electric Elements bring a very unique sound with a blend of blues, funk,and hip hop.  The live show is always high energy and includes live instruments along with other surprise elements.   Also playing on the night is Kosmic Culture, Webben, Jae Moon & CASA, and Hard Evidence
The Bush, Baulkham Hills
8pm-late
Free

Friday 25th

Vent
This is a fun and laid back monthly night focused on real hip hop.  The end of the night always includes an open mic cypher for anyone who gets inspired during the night and wants to hop up and show off some of their skills.  Hosted by Izzy and the Profit with DJ Maniak.  This month's lineup- Pyne (Central Coast), Context w/ DJ Krumb (Canberra), Povacalz & Felon, MC Thorn & Skae, and MC Trey
Valve Bar (Agrincourt Hotel), Central
Doors 930pm
Tickets $10 on the door

Saturday 26th 

The Chop
An awesome new monthly night to showcase local beatmakers.  All live performances by Morphingaz / The Asthmatix and Cooking with Caustic.  It's a great way to continue kicking on after Anzac Day.  Also spinning tunes on the night are DJ Raine Supreme and Beny Hinn.  This is one of my top picks.
Play Bar, Surry Hills
6pm-midnight
Free

Sunday 27th

One Day Sundays
Monthly party put on by the One Day Crew.  If you're still kicking on after the long weekend, come and party from afternoon on into the evening.  There's basketball, live art, and a spit roast as well!!
Guest DJs M-Phazers and Nacho Pop and resident DJs Joyride and Raph
The Projects (Vic on the Park), Marrickville
11am-late
Free

Friday 2nd May

Cross City Sessions: Vol. 1 Eastside

A new Big Village night showcasing some of the young local talent from all corners of the city.  Each night will take place in a different area and local artists will be picked to play alongside some of the more established BV artists.  Headlined by Daily Meds and featuring: Dutch, Beastside, Corner Store Superheros, Mr. Theory, Prospecta, Kid Fiction.  And hosted by Rapaport.
Jam Gallery, Bondi Junction
8pm-late
Tickets $15

Peace out my people, stay cool.  Come back soon!