Sydney hip hop events September 2014

Well, my hip hop fiends, the days are getting longer and the sun is getting a touch warmer.  We're starting to come out of our winter hibernation and food comas, and tentatively peeking our heads out of that comfy nest.  It's spring! It's time to get out there and enjoy life again. Plenty of great events on this month that you don't want miss! Remember if there's anything you'd like me to add to this list don't be afraid to get in touch with me via e-mail or my facebook page.

Thursday 3rd

Soul Benefits

The boys from Rooty Hill in Western Sydney have been putting in the hard work for the last 4 years since they began making music together. The group consists of two brothers emcee Young Supreme, emcee/producer the 26th Letter, and a good friend of theirs emcee Storm.  They all come from very strong musical backgrounds with the brother's father being a retired DJ himself and thus instilling in them a very strong sense of musical history.  And so despite their young age (they are all in their early 20's) they have quite a large wealth of musical knowledge to draw on.  The 26th Letter spends much of his time at the youth centre in Mt Druitt, Street Uni, where he helps to inspire and teach more young people with his self taught production skills. The boys are currently working on their debut album "SB no BS" and have just released their first single, "Back in the Day" with video clip to major success.  SB now have a lot of people paying attention, and a lot of shows coming up, so check back to hear more about them real soon.
Check them out on some old vids of the West Line cypher here.
With Gravity Champions and Sweat Collectors
Forresters Hotel, Surry Hills
8pm-late
Free

Battle Night
This instalment of the monthly battle night will include an appearance by Sunnyvale Junkies. Winners receive cash, alcohol, and a prize pack from Craze Co. Get in touch with Skae at djskae@hotmail.com to enter this and future nights.
Tattersall Hotel, Penrith
930-late
Free

Friday 5th

Freshly Squeezed

This will be the second instalment of the NEW Freshly Squeezed which is now monthly.  This night focuses on pairing well known acts with up and comers to give exposure as well as tighten our hip hop community. Not focusing solely on Sydney acts, this night has already brought us artists from all over the country, and there's more to come. This month: Ciecmatic and Newsense, Hyjack, Mr. Clean, Beastside, Sqz, and DJ Migz.  Hosted by P Smurf and Rivals
Landsdowne Hotel, Broadway
8pm-late
$5 (on the door)

Luka Lesson
The hip hop poet from Brisbane is stopping through Sydney on his "More Poets than Politicians" tour which celebrates the launch of his most recent album "EXIT," and this time he's bringing his live band.  More of a poet than a rapper, I wouldn't call Luka an "Australian hip hop artist." His sound is universal and he has had much success internationally, preforming his spoken word at well known festivals and events worldwide.  He is acutely aware of the plight of both aboriginals and refugees in this country. Luka is a teacher, a poet, and an advocate of change. The tour will raise funds for Welcome to Australia- an organisation that assists refugees upon arrival to Australia and also raises awareness of their issues to the general public.  I feel that "more poets than politicians" is a call for fellow Australians to wake up and follow the issues which are important rather than the bullshit fed to us by politicians and the media.
Also includes performances by Amal Kassir (USA), Jahra (NZ), Abdul Hammoud (Melb) and The Grand Pollie Slam and invitational poetry for 5 of Sydney's top emerging poets.
Red Rattler Theatre, Marrickville
8pm-midnight
Tickets $20 (on the door)

360
Following the release of his album "Utopia," 360 will tour with the country with the heavy and controversial white-eyed rapper from LA, Hopsin, hitting some of the biggest venues available. Love him or hate him, there's no doubt he's made an impact on Australian music.
Featuring Gossling and also supported by Pez, Miracle, and Lunar C
All ages.
The Hordern Pavillion, Moore Park
Doors 7pm
Tickets $55

360 afterparty
with DJ sets by DJ Hoppa (Hopsin), DJ Heritage (Lunar C), and the 26th Letter (Soul Benefits), Clockwerk, Bamboo, and 2Face. Plus performances by Decypher Us, Nonne MC, and Baskiat
There will be free buses picking up from the taxi rank after the show to chauffer to the event
The Backroom, Kings Cross
8pm-late
Tickets $20 or $25 on the door

Saturday 6th

Goonbag Radio Open Mic Night
Goonbag is Australia's only 24/7 online hip hop radio station which includes a mix of live shows from around the country. On this night there will be an open mic for any and all who are interested at the hip hop themed bar in the city. It will be hosted by Mass MC (director at Goonbag) and broadcast by Spinz. Beats will be provided by DJ Skae and Mime.
Hustle and Flow Bar, Redfern
7pm-10pm
Free

45 Sessions

Hip Hop, funk, and soul- this is a night for lovers of great records.  It's a monthly night put on by Funkadied and this one includes a special treat! A freestyle one on one dance competition where the winner will receive double VIP passes to Australia's first soul, jazz, and hip hop festival Soulfest which takes place on October 18th.  Runners up will also not be disappointed with passes to Funkadied Top Deck Boat Party (Nov 1) and Funkdafied Popup Party (Sep 20).
So bboys and bgirls, do your thing!
Line up: Sani Deejay, Josie Styles, JC, Makoto, Krystal Diola, Benny Hinn
Play Bar, Surry Hills
6pm-12
Free


Thursday 11th

The Jump Off

This is a brand new night of hip hop presented to you by Joint Adventure and Homey Don't Play Dat which is sure to the absolute best and most happening weekly night this city has seen! Not only can you come to see the very best in Sydney hip hop, but you can look forward to interstate and even international artists blessing the stage at this popular inner west venue.  With a grand opening night featuring Adelaide hip hop legend Delta and the Sydney launch of his album "Pyramid Schemes" how could you go wrong? Delta makes music for hip hop heads. He doesn't follow any musical trends or create music that he knows will sell. He simply makes music that invokes a sense of nostalgia for the golden era of hip hop while at the same time allows you to look towards the future optimistically to see what direction hip hop and Australian hip hop in particular could be going. His keen ear for samples (supposedly he has one of the world's largest record collections) combined with his intelligent lyrics, and honouring the founders of the genre while maintaining a uniquely Australian voice and point of view is why we rightly call him a legend and it's an honour to have him here for this rare performance.  He's supported by local up and comer and intelligent lyricist Mic Pompei, plus DJs 2Buck and Raine Supreme
Remember the fun continues every Thursday night! Fuck Friday morning!
Newtown Hotel, Newtown
8-12pm
Free

Friday 12th

Exile

Exhile is a superproducer from LA, well known recently for his collaborative album with the rapper Blu.  He has also produced several mixtapes with the rapper Aloe Blacc as with working on his own solo projects. His guest production work includes big names like Ghostface Killah and Jurassic 5.   He's in the country to judge the Australiasian Beatmakers Invitational in Melbourne and will do a string of shows around Australia and New Zealand which will include a live MPC set and DJ set. Supported locally by Soul Benefits
The Landsdowne Hotel, Broadway
9pm-late
Free

Cypher
There is now hip hop in the northern beaches!  This monthly night has been going strong, even through the winter proving that you don't have to cross the bridge to find a good hip hop night. You may even be tempted to head up from the city to see what all the fuss is about. As the name suggests a cypher will be a large part of the night but it will also include Losty's "Legacy" EP launch and performances by 2Face, Ltl Gezeus, Nonne MC, and Baskiat.
BRKLYN Bar, Manly
9pm-late
Free

Kanye West
Also on Saturday 13th
For Kanye fans it may feel like we've been waiting forever to see the superstar from Chicago.  His first tour in 5 years was originally meant to hit Australia in May but was postponed by four months.  Kanye arrived in Perth on September 5th with new wife, Kim, and baby North in tow.
Personally I can't get over the arrogance behind referring to himself as "Yeezus," but is that the only logical next step for the ego of a rap VIP?
Though he portrays himself as a thoroughly confident was cocky enough to sell a plain white shirt for $120 in the clothing line he collaborated on, he also exudes a deep inner sadness and dissatisfaction with life in general.  But his public persona aside, it's the superb production and his confidence to always rebel against the norm that keeps us coming back to his music.
He is quite the performer, so it should be a great show with many surprises, including, as we see from his Perth show, arriving on stage wearing a mask.  (Maybe he wants to start some beef with Tommy Rock??)
Supported by Pusha T
Qantas Credit Union Arena, Darling Harbour
Doors 730pm
Tickets $99-$200+ (officially sold out but I was able to find tickets for both nights via THIS site)

Saturday 13th

C'Man and Juzzlikedat
Hip hop plus much, much more... jazz, boogie, funk, soul, and even disco. These DJs never fail to get the atmosphere buzzing and the people dancing.
Play Bar, Surry Hills
6pm-midnight
Free

Sunday 14th

SYD DEF JAM

If you love all elements of hip hop and you want to hang and build with some of the pioneers of our local Sydney hip hop culture then this is the jam for you. Get your dance on to celebrate the beginning of spring with this fun family friendly afternoon. It will also be a special event as it's a birthday celebration for old skool Rus and Patrick, SYD DEF JAM founders. There should be cupcakes galore. 
Here's the line up so far (in no particular order)
on the decks: MTBA, Rus, DJ Maniak, DJ Lamba, DJ Vame, MK-1, DJ KC, Nick Cartogold Gilmore, DJ Adverse
on the wall: MTBA, Oustam-one Uznch Chapter Holland, Patrick Tudor, Quer 163, and Bhoky Bokster
Plus any bboy and bgirls will be highly encouraged!
Check this vid for the flavour!
Sydney Park, St Peters
noon-9pm
Free


Thursday 18th

Broken Thought Theory

The Jump Off
It's the second instalment of this new weekly night hosted by Randy (Hardcore Classic- 2ser) and Raine (this city's best hip hop, funk, and soul DJ, if ya didn't know!).  After the performance we had last time with Delta and all the fantastic friends who turned up, I certainly wouldn't want to miss this one if I were you. Despite the sound issues which can be worked on, it's still a great place for a pre-weekend hang out.  Broken Thought Theory have been a staple of the underground Sydney scene for several years now.  Their sound is so different to the norm due to the blending of styles between Sydney and the west coast of Canada represented by the two emcees.  
Also on the night Cornerstore Superheros (disclaimer: not actually superheros) and Monastry.
Newtown Hotel, Newtown
9pm-late
Free

Dialectrix
A crowd pleaser, local favourite, and all around nice guy who doesn't look anything like Slug from Atmosphere (some say).  He brightens up any stage and this is sure to be worth the trek out to the west. Or if you live in the west you really have no excuse left do you?
Tattersall Hotel, Penrith
9pm-late
Free

Brooklyn Terry
If you know way around the hip hop dance circles then you've certainly heard the name before.  He's world renowned for his skills in both hip hop and house styles of dance in Elite Force Crew and Mop Tops. He has some insane freestyle moves that really have to be seen to be believed! Even as a self taught dancer, he has moved up quickly through the ranks because of his enormous skill, working with some of the biggest names in the game including: Will Smith, Lil Kim, and Da Brat. We are lucky to see him here in Australia for the first time and he will be imparting his wisdom to anyone who wishes to have a go learning his style.
Dancekool, Sussex St CBD
730pm-900
$90 (for 2 workshops, bookings: info@dancekool.com)


Friday 19th

One Day Tour

What do you do when you and your 5 best mates from high school are all rappers?  You make a posse album, obviously!  The One Dayers have been getting a lot of attention lately- not only because they have all attained national success in their individual groups- but also because of the insane parties that they put on in the inner west each month.  For about a year and a half now, the One Day Sundays parties at Vic on the Park in Marrickville on the last Sunday of each month have been steadily growing in size.  And it's no wonder, it's got all the elements that any hip hop head needs- bangin' beats, a graff wall, basketball, beers, and food. Oh and don't forget the babes! These guys have got the magic charm that brings the girls in abundance. I'm sure that they will bring that same fun party vibe to the shows.  One Day crew is- Horrorshow, Spit Syndicate, Jackie Onassis, and Joyride.
All ages.
Enmore Theatre, Newtown
Doors 630
Tickets $45

Saturday 20th

Swollen Members
This Canadian group from the golden age of hip hop have finally hit the Australian shores for a headline tour on the back of the release of their new album "Brand New Day." It also coincides with the relaunch of their label Battleaxe Records.  And they are still making classics! This will be a HUGE night that you don't wanna miss!
Supported locally by Carnage Kings, Smacktown, Decypher Us, Sleepwalkers, and DJ Skae
All ages.
UTS Underground, Broadway
Doors 8pm
Tickets $45.40/ $106.60 (Meet and greet)

Hau
Actively involved in hip hop culture for the last 20 years, Hau was first known as the frontman of the hip hop duo from Canberra, Koolism.  Of course these days he is much more well known for being the radio host of the Hip Hop show on Triple J.  He is only now breaking out as a solo artist with the release of his first mixtape "Football, Feasts, and Funerals," for which this night will be the official launch.  In fact it really is a mix "tape" with a limited run of throwback boombox tapes which will be available on the night.  The tape is a tribute to the Aussie beatmaker as he has selected only local producers to work with on this one.  The name of the tape is a tribute to his Tongan heritage, listing 3 things that play a huge part in island life.   His debut album "The No End Theory" is due for release late this year.
Play bar, Surry Hills
6pm-midnight
FREE (prob will max out so get in early)


Funkdafied Popup Party
There will be a hip hop room and a funk and soul room in this massive party..
hip hop lineup: DJ A.$.K., Rus, Raine Supreme, DJ Adverse, The Gloom, DJ Libre, and Benny Hinn
Secret Location, CBD
From 2pm
Tickets $20 (third release)

   
Laxe
Pronounced "Lakes" this Sydney beatmaker celebrating the release of his 3rd EP in 3 years which is self titled. Coming from a background of electronic music, Laxes is now focused on his true love, hip hop music but still has that electronic influence. Chopping and cutting his music live means you'll never see a dull show, or two the same. Stream the EP from here.
with Spirals, Laprats, and Babyface Thrilla
Freda's, Chippendale
6pm-midnight
Free

Thursday 25th

Groove Dealers Hip Hop Jam
This will be the 3rd night of The Jump Off and it shows just how diverse this weekly night will be. This one will be all about dancing away your troubles, you can completely write off Friday morning.
DJs- C-Man, DJ Adverse, Caratgold, Juzzlikedat, and Raine Supreme
Newtown Hotel, Newtown
8pm-midnight
Free

Friday 26th

Vent
If you're down for the real underground hip hop scene but you haven't been to one of these nights yet then, damn what is wrong with you?  Every month Izzy is up there hosting, introducing us to his hand picked selection of up and coming and established acts from Sydney to Newcastle and beyond.  This month we have the added bonus seeing Izzy preform in his group Izzy and the Profit as the headlining act! Also on the night: BigRedCap, Casa, Myth and Double, 316, King Shifty & John94
As always the night will finish up with an open mic cypher for anyone who's feeling inspired, brave, or any other mix of emotions that could get you on the mic, everyone's invited!
Valve Bar (Upstairs Agincourt Hotel), Central
9pm-late
$10

Saturday 27th

Sydney Def Jam
There's a double dose of SYD DEF JAM this month! Just the same as above, except this one is held at the beautiful hip hop friendly bar in Surry Hills.  If you would prefer your cocktails and beers poured fresh rather than takeaways in the park hold out for this night. But otherwise the atmosphere and community created will feel much the same.
DJs: Rus, DJ Lambam, and Benny Hinn
Play Bar, Surry Hills
6pm-midnight
Free

Don't forget these great events happening every week...

Wednesdays

Open Mic

Come down to the only hip hop themed bar in the city for a cypher lead by Izzy from Izzy and the Profit. It's a great chance to boost your freestyle skills or just chill and hang out with like minded peers and have a few sneaky drinks on a school night! There are great drink specials, and you can even play the Playstation!

Hustle and Flow Bar, Redfern

7pm-late

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.  A selection of singers and emcees will drop in when they see fit, spontaneously creating beautiful harmonies and verses.  You never know who will shoot through on the night!  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.

Foundry 616, Ultimo

11pm-late

Free

That's all for now but I'm never finished... check back soon for more events and more updates! Thank everyone so much for all the love and support, I do this for YOU! Xoxo

Good times with the Hardcore Classic fam, you can check it out every Friday night from 8-10pm on 2ser 107.3 if you're in Sydney or online worldwide at www.hardcoreclassic.com - I'm always on the live chat so come and get in on the shenanigans! It's the best hip hop show on the planet!