Oz Hip Hop Goes Mainstream

Although it’s probably been the case for more than 3 years, definitely 2, Australian Hip Hop is increasingly accepted on mainstream radio waves. However the ARIAS have not really been up with the times and have continued to disappoint fans of the genre with terrible nominations in the “Urban Release” category.
 
This year things are different. News filtered through this week about several nominees in this category that are most acceptable to the notary publics of the Oz Hip Hop world and us too. Those who get a Guernsey at this year’s ARIAS are: A-Love, Bliss n Eso, Katalyst (yeah, whoop, clap), Mupph N Plutonic, Spit Syndicate and The Herd.
 
There’s rumour that Hip Hop might even blow up the term “urban” and become its own category in years to come. Is this a good thing for Australian Hip Hop in general or will it lead us down the American path of increasingly shit “urban” music?
 
 
 
 

 

Digg This Del.icio.us Furl reddit Stumble it!

Comments

RTD's picture

say whut?!

Wed, 24/09/2008 - 13:00 — RTD

Well at least it's better than being thrown in as 'best dance release' - ARIAs 2003 (1200 Techniques)

Joshua's picture

True enuf.

Wed, 24/09/2008 - 13:02 — Joshua

True enuf.

Joshua's picture

yeah?

Wed, 24/09/2008 - 12:50 — Joshua

I understand why people are happy/excited about Australian Hip Hop getting mainstream recognition in the form of these ARIA nominations because it brings attention and possibly more fans and more listeners and increasing record sales, apparently. I don't think so though. I think mainstream audiences don't really appreciate music or the art behind it and would be more likely to download tracks for free rather than pay for them. I think those people that are genuine fans will support the music no matter what and love the joy a new CD on the shelf brings.

Alida's picture

Keep it underground

Thu, 25/09/2008 - 11:52 — Alida

I'm torn... Once the mainstream gets onto any underground culture they chew it up and spit it out BUT Australian hop hop should get the recognition it deserves.

I think hip hop in Australia - in fact anywhere - is always prone to selling out but it's up to us, the gatekeepers of the culture to keep it real and to condem those who don't... *cough* weapon X *cough* ken hell *cough cough*

That's what's up!

Joshua's picture

yep

Fri, 03/10/2008 - 10:33 — Joshua

agreed