The Optimen
The Optimen are an Australian hip hop group, originating from Brisbane, Queensland.
The crew consisting of Sammsonite, Datsun, K-West and DJ Damage released their first album "02 Breath Control" in 2002. The album 02 Breath Control is a solid Hip-Hop journey with little emphasis on the battle style that seems to be so prevalent in Aus releases. They tend to focus on entertaining picture painting style tracks with solid but not too technical flows.
The Herd
There is more than one band called The Herd. 1. The Herd is a hip-hop group from suburban Sydney. They have released four full-length albums since 2001's self-titled debut. Unusually for a hip-hop outfit, The Herd's full band format permits dynamic live shows. The Herd's members include MCs Ozi Batla, Urthboy and Berzerkatron, Unkle Ho (beats), Traksewt (piano accordion, clarinet and beats), Sulo (beats and guitar), Toe-fu (guitar), Rok Poshtya (bass) and singer Jane Tyrrell. Their songs often feature politically-oriented lyrics.
Downsyde
Downsyde are an Australian hip hop group from Perth, Australia that formed in 1996. Downsyde inspiration seems to be derived from a culmination of Middle Eastern, Aboriginal, South American sounds, and samples from obscure animated films. This diversity sits well within their compositions and is also displayed in their latest release "When The Dust Settles". Consisting of 3 MC’s (Optamus, Dazastah, and Dyna Mikes) and 3 live musicians, they have been performed for over 7 years, specialising in conquering the festival audiences of Australia.
Funkoars
The Funkoars are an Australian hip hop act from Adelaide, Australia and formed in 1999. Funkoars were founded on the unique personalities of four individuals. These larger than life musicians were drawn to each other not just from a love of music, but their light hearted and jovial outlook on life. It’s these personalities coupled with their prodigious talent that has brought Funkoars their success. The energetic and humorous nature of their lyrics is not something that can be emulated.
Ozi Batla
O.B. has been rapping for about 10 years in Sydney, and has now played across Australia. He was a mumbling presence alongside DJ A.L.F. at the legandary Joined at the Bass sessions at the Cricketer's Arms, until the Rum Corps (aka the NSW Police Force) and a yuppie shut down the live music one fateful Christmas eve. They could not, however, stop Alf and Ozi from forging a musical partnership that has taken them everywhere from dingy suburban pokie palaces, bush doofs, kiddiecore raves and the metro's stage.
Clandestien
Clandestien are a hip hop group hailing from Perth, Western Australia. The group consists of MC's Graphic and Tomohawk, and DJ Mortar. They are part of the Perth hip hop crew Syllabolix, who's artists appear on many tracks. Clandestien are widely known for their raw, abrasive lyrics and beats, and violent often disturbing content; though their songs are often full of political and social messages.
Spit Syndicate
Heralded by many throughout the scene as Australian hip hops next big thing, Spit Syndicate, comprised of MCs Just Enuf and Nick Lupi, have garnered a wealth of hype in recent months. The Sydney duos brand new promotional mixtape, The Futures Bright, showcases the reason for this, presenting a refreshing, high-quality and truly promising collection of music which is sure to only accelerate the buzz.