Non-profit organisation Desert Pea Media are about to release Song Nation No. 1 compilation, a collection of original music and online videos celebrating the vibrant Indigenous hip hop culture, out July 11th.
Formed in 2002 with the aim of identifying social and cultural issues through collaborative storytelling, music, film and performance Desert Pea Media empower Indigenous young people through truth, hope and a mantra of positivity.
Enter Toby Finlayson, the founding member and current Creative Director of Desert Pea Media and both director and producer of the Song Nation program. Seeing that Toby and co. have worked so closely with so many talented artists over the past 12 years at Desert Pea, we asked him to give us a crash course on who who believes to be some of the most promising upcoming Indigenous MCs and Hip Hop artists.
Intro
“There is a whole bunch of amazing people in the Australian Hip-Hop scene, who are telling real stories through their music. That’s what Hip-Hop is about – identity (or should be). Naming your world and commenting on its intricacies, expressing your ideas and sharing them through music. The business!
Our contemporary popular culture has a paternalistic and offensive relationship with Indigenous Australia. Not so long ago, through consecutive government policy we attempted a cultural genocide. Indigenous people all over the country were not allowed to speak their language, not allowed to practice their song and dance, and were expected to assimilate into our culture completely…
The thing that excites me about the Indigenous Hip-Hop scene is that we are seeing the reaction to our horrific social and political history. Through Hip-Hop, Indigenous people are finding their voice – a new voice. Some of the best and most important artistic expression is happening right now, through Indigenous artists, and it’s so much bigger than just music.
It’s about reclaiming the right to be heard, to speak and dance and sing and create a new future for all Australians. I’d like give a big shout out to the people in the scene that work so hard to support Indigenous artists. Elefant Traks have a stable of incredible, groundbreaking artists, and its awesome to see such a supportive community here in Oz.”
Jimblah
“This guy. Had the pleasure of working with Jimblah on a project in Sydney in January, collaborating with UNICEF to write a track and video about the UN Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous People. I think his latest album Phoenix was one of the most important Australian Hip-Hop albums of the decade. He is on some fresh stuff too coming soon.”
Mau Power
“I worked with Mau Power late last year on a project on Thursday Island in the Torres Strait. This guy is the real deal – they call him the godfather of Torres Strait hip-hop. This is a proud, positive role model for Indigenous community, and the tunes are DOPE. This one (‘Island Home’) features Christina Anu.”
Impossible Odds
“Impossible Odds are heavily dope. Headed up by Rival MC – A real lyricist, skilled and honest and a master of his craft. Based in Brisbane, and running things. Much respect.”
Nooky
“Nooky is a great example of a filthy decent Indigenous MC with a fire in his belly. Currently studying music at Harvard University – Nooky is a proud Yuin man from the South Coast. So humble and such a great guy – expect to see some magic from this brother in the next couple of years.”
Indigenous Intrudaz
“I’ve seen these guys rock a show a few times at Inala’s ‘Stylin Up Festival’ in Brisbane. Home town heroes and for good reason. Independent, SKILLED and great production – down with it.”
For more info on Desert Pea Media or to pick up a copy of Song Nation Vol. 1 visit www.desertpeamedia.com
