Some Bliss, Some Eso, and a Light Drapht

Australian hip-hop is set to take off, and you should be listening.

Let me tell you a little something about Australia; This place’s culture is crude. And not in a bad way. Australians are just our fun-loving cousins from Down Under, who cuss all day and drink all night (and vice-versa). But by all American standards, Australian culture is a giant ball of crazy losing its mind. Granted that’s no surprise, seeing as America is the kindergarten of all countries.

Australia has more potentially life-threatening animals than any other country in the world. Australia’s national catchphrase is “Go Fuck Yourself.” Australians have made up a mythical creature called a dropbear, which is a koala with razor-sharp fangs who leaps from trees to attack tourists. It just seems like a grim place to be. However, these are some of the most laid-back people you will ever meet in your life, chilling on the beach without a care in the world. And this carefree, loose lifestyle is reflected in their music. No, I’m not referring to Men at Work, god bless them. I’m referring to the underappreciated hip-hop scene down there. American rap has songs that make you think, songs that make you dance, songs that make you sit in awe at the speed of their lyrics. But Australians are different. They do one thing, and do it well. Go. Nuts.

Hilltop Hoods at a rare concert in America (Colorado)

Do you remember “Jump Around?” That random song by House of Pain that just blew out of the stratosphere and made white people everywhere start dancing like idiots in every bar in America? Well Adelaide group Hilltop Hoods’ biggest hit, “The Nosebleed Section,” is like “Jump Around” with flutes. It’s so mind-numbingly perfect that even the most stone-faced prick couldn’t resist bobbing his head to the rhythm. In their most recent song “1955,” they rap about the struggles and benefits of nobody knowing the small town they’re from. It features the astounding voice of Sydney-born Montaigne, who crushes the chorus over and over again. Their lax, carefree style makes for some beautiful beats, and give off a great vibe to set a stage for Aussie hip-hop.

Bliss n Eso

In contrast to Hilltop Hoods, Bliss n Eso’s biggest change is pace. The 3 MCs from Sydney have a high-speed discography brimming with an energy that few can match. Their songs “Reservoir Dogs” and “Down by the River” are two such examples of their tempo, and still fit into the upbeat atmosphere in Australian hip-hop. Granted, their music tends to be a little bit deeper than that of their peers; They made a song about why they love life, and in the process called out the societal leaders who send people off to war while sitting in their offices. However the message still stays the same. Live life, love life, and do what you want.

Drapht, eating what looks like kale

And thus we are left with the maddest of the mad, the craziest of the crazy. Calling himself Mr. Delusional and describing how he’s as crazy as Don Quixote, Drapht has made a name being obnoxious and witty, while also maintaining a respectable rapport among Australian rappers, earning a lot of love from artists like Seth Sentry and the aforementioned Hilltop Hoods. He recently released his fourth album, “Seven Mirrors,” and deserves a listen from anyone looking for a fresh sound in the hip-hop world.