Hip-Hop Downunder

All hip-hop has its origins in the New York of the '70s, but our own brand of the phenomenal global movement emerged strongly in its own right in the early '90s. We begin here with home-scene pioneers Def Wish Cast ("Hear My Raw") alongside the trailblazing Koolism – DJ Danielsan and MC Hau – who guested on the early recordings of fellow travellers in rap, the Hilltop Hoods. Follow the masters of syllable-and-scratch over to Next Steps

One of the highlights of post-millennial, homegrown hip-hop has to be the emergence of 1200 Techniques, a force to be reckoned with on tour thanks in no small part to their use of live drums and guitar (wielded by Kemstar). The outfit made its mark with "Karma" from the 2002 debut Choose One. No less impressive was the Cat Empire's funky fusion of styles on their 2003 calling-card single, "Hello." Dig in further to our crate of homegrown hip-hop in Deep Cuts.

Fusion — in its many varieties — is both a signature and strength of Aussie hip-hop, and Brisbane's accomplished cut 'n' pasters Resin Dogs never fail to raise their game every time they give their swag-bag of styles a shake. The funky, hypnotic force of "Rock the Record" from 2000's Grand Theft Audio never fails to knock you sideways. Bliss N Eso borrow an addictive chunk of skank on "Party at My Place."

From the politically-charged rhymes of Sydney collective the Herd ("Burn Down the Parliament") to the production finesse and solo showboating of J Wess (the moniker used by California-born former hoops star James Wesley Essex), Australian hip-hop has established a strong, globally respected identity from which rap's motherland — the good ole U.S. of A. — could learn a few tricks. More than most hip-hop practitioners, the Aussie contingent has translated an infectious vinyl vibe to the live arena, where you'll often find traditional musicians among the turntablists and MCs. No party has truly started until you've cued up some of these outstanding cuts.