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Hilltop Hoods  

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Australian hip-hop trio, Hilltop Hoods coalesced in the early 1990s in the city of Adelaide. Though it took a while for the group to gain traction (they did not release a full length album until 1999), they have established themselves as an important force within the hip-hop community.

The group is composed of MCs Suffa (Matt Lambert) and Pressure (Daniel Smith) and DJ Debris (Barry Francis). The beginnings of Hilltop Hoods can be traced back to Blackwood High School where Lambert and Smith met in 1987 and bonded over a love of intellectual rap heard from collectives like Public Enemy and KRS-One. The band additionally cites Notorious B.I.G., Gang Starr, Wu-Tang Clan, and the Beastie Boys as major influences. They would pay tribute to the Beastie Boys later in their career, covering the track “So What’cha Want” from the classic album “Check Your Head”.

The Hilltop Hoods made no effort in hiding their thick Australian accent. Along with their abstract lyrics and catchy beats, sounding as if they were lifted from a dusty 60s psychedelic record, they developed one of the most idiosyncratic personalities in the rap game. The ball started rolling after the two MCs were joined by DJ Next (Ben John Hare). Hare was not only a gifted DJ, he was also a well versed engineer and is credited for the majority of the production work on the Hilltop Hoods’ early releases. The group put out the demo “Highlanderz” (a cassette only release) before issuing their first official release, which was the 1997 E.P. “Back Once Again”. This release was made available only on vinyl and included a total of 6 tracks. The title track included a sample of Public Enemy’s “Bring the Noise”.

Two years later the group independently released their debut album “A Matter of Time”. This was the last output to feature DJ Next. Next moved to Melbourne after his departure and developed his own mixtape website in 2005 and additionally has gone on to act as a freelance web designer.

In 1999 Hilltop Hoods recruited DJ Debris of fellow rap group Cross Bred Mongrels to replace Next. With the new line up they released their album “Left Foot, Right Foot” in 2001. However it was not until their next release, 2003’s “The Calling”, that the group had their commercial breakthrough. The album exhibited a noticeably monaural sound, which Suffa attributes to the minimalistic way it was recorded, which was on his mom’s computer. Despite the album’s lo-fi production it was a major success. The album debuted on the ARIA Albums Chart at No. 53. By 2006 it sold over 75,000 units, making it the first Australian hip-hop album to reach platinum status.

The group seemed to be in a record breaking trend with the release of their next album “The Hard Road”. It reached No.1 on the charts, making it the first Australian hip-hop record to do so and also went gold within a week of its release. By this time the group seemed to have reached celebrity status and continued putting out chart topping albums. Their 2009 release “State of the Art” housed two of their biggest singles “Chase That Feeling” and “Still Standing”.

Their 2012 album “Drinking From the Sun” and their 2014 album “Walking Under Stars” also peaked at No.1 on the charts. The trio has since gained global recognition particularly in the States. Their album “Drinking From the Sun” features high profile American MCs such as Black Thought from the Roots and Chali 2Na from Jurassic 5.

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The Hilltop Hoods are probably Australia's longest running Hip hop group, and are the undeniable face of the Oz hip hop scene. Their sound is an exemplar of Oz rap, firmly rooted in the jazz and deck-heavy sensibilities of the 90's. They first formed way back in 97, taking inspiration from Notorious B.I.G, Gang Starr, KRS-One and Wu Tang. They've since become the poster children for Australia's hip hop scene, setting up foundations to support other acts, and being the go to support act for big names on their Australian legs of tours. Their discography is an ode to old school, DJ-centric beats, and the fiery delivery of their idols. Their live performances as such, carry with them all the vitality and nostalgia of the era from which they derive their style. Oz hip hop is a tight knit community, as such performances often feature long lists of scene members, MC's and DJ's that brought the scene out from the small but staunchly supportive fan bases from where they first started, and out into the mainstream of Australian recording artists. The Hoods are one of those groups around which the entire scene orbits, championing the unique sounds of Australian Hip hop, for anyone keen on the genre, they're compulsory viewing.

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Although hip hop may have originated on the coasts of the United States, there is no doubt that artists from other countries have adopted the genre successfully over the years. Trio Hilltop Hoods are perhaps Australia's most successful hip hop export partly due to the longevity of their career which now spans over twenty years.

Their music has reached global audiences and they have taken their live show around the world many times stopping off at a number of festivals. They are a fantastic band when it comes to hyping up crowds as they technically have three frontmen all of equal enthusiasm and intent. They make sure that everybody is equally excited before unleashing fan favourites including 'Chase That Feeling' and there is a real fun factor throughout yet this doesn't mean the group are not also here to demonstrate real freestyle ability. Sia is not on hand to help out for collaboration 'I Love It' yet it still makes for a fitting end to an incredibly lively, rambunctious live operation.

The moment they appeared on stage the air became electric. Their energy was contagious and the crowd rocked that energy like it was in high demand on a black Friday. I brought friends who weren't convinced they liked the Hoods all thag much. But after being a part of such a passionate moment they quickly came to thank me after we left the venue.

One word:"addictive".

I can't wait for them to come back already. Hell, I might just move to Australia.

Go see these buggers if they're in town. You won't regret it.

Seeing HH in concert was on my bucket list for quite some time. They did not disappoint and this concert was amazing. They played a lot of songs from their new album and even a few of the classics from the state of the art album. The show was high energy and good vibes from beginning to end. A special bonus was seeing Mally and Adrien Eagle as had not heard these artists before and they were also very talented performers and showman. Would definitely see all these artists again next time they are in town.

These guys are absolutely amazing, one of a kind. Great stage performance and presence. They interacted with the crowd, which most bands or groups don't do very often. Seriously if your a fan or you just like a song of theirs you're going to want to see them live no matter what!!! Highly recommend it.

They were spectacular. Electrifyingly good. Definitely won't be using the exit sign. I would see them again and can't wait until they return to Melbourne in a few years.

Disregard this part of the review, I have to reach a 30 word minimum and don't know what else to write.

The show was amazing! The energy was fantastic and the band performed perfectly. The first opener wasn’t as good as i had hoped but Mojojuju really brought back the energy. Hilltop had so many guest artists that performed just as well as everyone else. 100% would go again.

Hilltop has been killing it for a long time and keeps coming out with great music. Absolute blast of a show with amazing vibes, dope performances, crazy crowd energy. Can't recommend Hilltop Hoods enough even for people who don't know their music.

They had such an energetic performance for a Tuesday and had Electric Brixtop topless and waving their shirts around like they just don't care!!! encore with Crosby Sweater was all time!!! great show from some absolute industry legends!

Just immense. Huge energy, great interaction with the crowd, good set list that mixed up latest releases with crowd favourites. Support act (Briggs) was great as well. Great gig, try and catch them this tour.

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Hilltop Hoods Are Humbled To Again Tour As They Gear Up For Their First Run Of Aussie Shows In 3 Years

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Things were going pretty well for Hilltop Hoods before COVID.

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Hilltop Hoods set to embark on ‘The Show Business Tour’ around Australia

The tour is named for their latest single, which landed back in March

Hilltop Hoods have announced a national tour, dubbed ‘The Show Business Tour’, set to kick off this August.

Making the announcement today (May 2), the Adelaide rap trio – who’ve named the tour for their latest single – will begin proceedings at the Brisbane Entertainment Centre on Saturday August 27. From there, they’ll head to Sydney, Melbourne, Perth and Adelaide, with support coming courtesy of A.B. Original , Elsy Wameyo and DJ Total Eclipse. Find all tour info below.

This tour will mark Hilltop Hoods’ first outing since their ‘Great Expanse’ tour back in 2019, which saw them perform in 14 countries.

Pre-sale tickets for ‘The Show Buisness Tour’ go on sale for members of the Hilltop Hoods Fan Club tomorrow (May 3) at 11am AEST, while a Telstra Plus pre-sale will begin at the same time on Thursday May 5. The general sale begins on Wednesday May 11 at 10am AEST, with information on all ticket sales available here .

Releasing ‘Show Business’ back in March, the track – a collaboration with US soul singer Eamon – was Hilltop Hoods’ first song since 2018 to be attached to an album. Though details of their seventh full-length offering are yet to be revealed, ‘Show Business’ was confirmed upon release to be its first official single.

Hilltop Hoods’ ‘The Show Business Tour’ dates are:

AUGUST Saturday 27 – Brisbane, Brisbane Entertainment Centre

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SEPTEMBER Saturday 3 – Sydney, Qudos Bank Arena Saturday 10 – Melbourne, Rod Laver Arena Saturday 17 – Perth, RAC Arena Saturday 24 – Adelaide, Adelaide Entertainment Centre

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Hilltop Hoods Announce ‘Still Standing’ National Tour!

By Toby Smith

Underway with their most ambitious tour to date, the HILLTOP HOODS began their 23-date eight-week marathon, kicking off in the Top End and the Kimberley’s (where both the Darwin and Broome shows sold out) before heading to the four corners of Australia in the coming months The tour sees the HOODS not only covering familiar ground, but also hitting some first time regional areas and including a number of all age shows. Tickets have also sold out for Melbourne’s December show at Festival Hall, as have the regional shows in both Mt Gambier and Albury, with all other dates on the tour selling fast.

More Accolades for the band were also announced this month with a string on ARIA nominations for their fifth studio album “State of the Art” , which shot straight to No.1 on the ARIA Album Chart on release in June. The two-time ARIA Award winners are this year nominated for six awards in the categories of BEST GROUP, BEST URBAN ALBUM, BEST ENGINEER, BEST PRODUCER, HIGHEST SELLING AUSTRALIAN ALBUM and SINGLE OF THE YEAR (“Chase That Feeling)”.

The HOODS will also be playing at this years ARIA’S on Thursday, 26 November at Acer Arena.

DARWIN: Friday 16th October – Discovery Nightclub – 18+ SOLD OUT Ticket Info: Venue (08) 8942 3300, The Cavenagh (08) 8941 6383, Kitty’s (08) 8941 7947, Attitude X (08) 8941 6622, King’s Cash Humpty Doo (08) 8988 5771, The Vic Hotel (08) 89814011 Sounds of Music (08) 8927 0990 Beach Bums (08) 8981 6220 BROOME: Saturday 17th October – The Mangrove Resort Hotel – 18+ SOLD OUT Ticket Info: 9192 1303 or pick buy from venue 47 Carnarvon St Broome, WA 6725

PERTH: Sunday 18th October – One Movement Festival – 18+ (U18 allowed if accompanied by guardian) Ticket Info: www.moshtix.com.au, moshtix outlets, 1300 438 849

SYDNEY: Friday 23rd October – Hordern Pavilion (Licensed All Ages) Ticket Info: www.ticketek.com.au, 132 849

WOLLONGONG: Saturday 24th October – University of Wollongong – Uni Hall – 18+ Ticket Info: www.bigtix.com.au, outlets: uni shop: 02 4221 8050, redback music 02 4229 6169

NEWCASTLE: Sunday 25th October – Fat As Butter Festival – 16+ (Licensed All Ages) Ticket Info: www.ticketek.com.au, 132 849

TRARALGON: Thursday 29th October – Inferno Nightclub – 18+ Ticket Info: www.oztix.com.au & www.moshtix.com.au, At venue 03 5176 0464

HOBART: Friday 30th October – Wrestpoint Entertainment Centre – 18+ Ticket Info: 1300 795 257 – 410 SANDY BAY ROAD, SANDY BAY TAS

LAUNCESTON: Saturday 31st October – Albert Hall – (Licensed All Ages) Ticket Info: www.oztix.com.au 1300 762 545, Mojo Music – 81 Brisbane St, Launceston 03 6334 5677, Red Hot Cds, 144A William St, Devanport 03 6424 9816, Collectors Corner 37 Wilson St Burnie 03 6431 6616

BRISBANE: Friday 6th November – Brisbane Big Top – RNA Showgrounds (Licensed All Ages) Ticket Info: www.oztix.com.au, 1300 762 545

GOLD COAST: Saturday 7th November – Seagulls Club – 18+ Ticket Info: www.seagullsclub.com.au, (07) 5536 3433

MT GAMBIER: Thursday 12th November – Shadows Entertainment Complex – 18+ SOLD OUT Ticket Info: 5 Penola Rd, Mt Gambier SA, (08) 8723 9777

MILDURA: Friday 13th November – Mildura Settlers Tavern – 18+ Ticket Info: 03 5023 0474, 144 Eighth St, Mildura VIC 3502

ADELAIDE: Saturday 14th November –Jubilee Pavilion – Adelaide Showground – (Licensed All Ages) Ticket Info: www.ticketek.com.au & 132 849

BENDIGO: Friday 20th November – Bendigo Schweppes Centre – (All Ages) Ticket Info: www.schweppescentre.com.au 03 5440 6214 box office, Morong rd Bendigo

CANBERRA: Saturday 21st November – Trackside Festival (Licensed All Ages) Ticket Info: www.moshtix.com.au, www.ticketek.com.au, www.oztix.com.au, landspeed (walk in only) 30 Garema Pl, Canberra

ALBURY: Sunday 22nd November –New Albury Hotel – 18+ SOLD OUT Ticket Info: (02) 6021 3599, 491 Kiewa Street Albury NSW 2640

COFFS HARBOUR: Saturday 28th November – Open Arms Festival (All Ages) Ticket Info www.openarmsfestival.com & www.oztix.com.au 1300 762 545

MELBOURNE: Thursday 3rd December – Festival Hall (Licensed & Unlicensed All Ages) SOLD OUT Ticket Info: 136 100 www.ticketmaster.com.au

SYDNEY: Saturday 5th December – Homebake Festival – SOLD OUT Ticket Info: SOLD OUT

MACKAY: Thursday 10th December – Brothers Rugby League Ground – (Licensed All Ages) Ticket Info: www.moshtix.com.au, Last Wave Watersports Gladstone (07) 4972 9185, Piotto’s Music Gifts & Casket Agency Ingham (07) 4776 2315, Pet Sounds Music Kirwan (07) 4723 8033, Caneland Music Mackay (07) 4951 2635, Anarchy Clothing Mackay (07) 4957 3803

TOWNSVILLE: Friday 11th December – Riverway Stadium – (Licensed All Ages) Ticket Info: www.riverway.townsville.qld.gov.au/events Last Wave Watersports Gladstone (07) 4972 9185, Piotto’s Music Gifts & Casket Agency Ingham (07) 4776 2315, Pet Sounds Music Kirwan (07) 4723 8033, Caneland Music Mackay (07) 4951 2635, Anarchy Clothing Mackay (07) 4957 3803

CAIRNS: Saturday 12th December – Brothers Leagues Club – Licensed All Ages (15+must be accompanied by responsible adult) Ticket Info: www.brotherscairns.com.au 07 4053 1053, 99-105 Anderson St, Cairns QLD

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Hilltop Hoods locked in to headline 2020 Superloop Adelaide 500

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Adelaide hip hop trio Hilltop Hoods are the first act locked in for next year’s Superloop Adelaide 500 concert series.

What makes this announcement even bigger is the news that the band’s special appearance in February will be Hilltop Hoods’ only South Australian performance in 2020.

If awards season is anything to go by, a Hilltop Hoods live show is one not to be missed. Following their The Great Expanse Tour  earlier this year – which took them to 14 countries around the world and included their first headline tour in Australia since 2016 – the trio picked up the 2019 ARIA Award for Best Australian Live Act.

Alongside their win of Best Australian Live Act, Hilltop Hoods were nominated for seven awards at this year’s ARIAS, including Album of the Year ( The Great Expanse) and Best Group.

“Hilltop Hoods have always been a South Australian favourite, and particularly at the Superloop Adelaide 500 over the years – since their first appearance headlining the Friday concerts in 2010,” says Minister for Trade, Tourism and Investment, David Ridgway.

“This year’s Sunday concert makes for an incredible Australian lineup.”

Thought the show couldn’t get any bigger? Think again! Joining the trio will be multiple ARIA Award winner Illy and rising breakthrough artist G Flip – talk about a stacked bill.

Suffa says the trio can’t wait to get back to Adelaide. “We love playing back where it all began, our fans and the crowd at this event have always been epic in their support over the years, so we look forward to taking it up a notch in 2020,” he says.

“We’re pumped they’ve given us the opportunity to close out such a massive Australian event.”

Hilltop Hoods, Illy, and G Flip are the first big names to be announced for the 2020 Superloop Adelaide 500 concert series, with more announcements still to come. We’ll keep you updated as the news drops.

Hilltop Hoods will perform at the 2020 Superloop Adelaide 500 on Sunday 23 February.  The Superloop Adelaide 500 will take place from Thursday 20 February until Sunday 23 February, and tickets are on sale via Ticketmaster.com.au.

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Hilltop Hoods Drop New Single Ahead Of Arena Tour

"what we considered a celebration back in the day, could be considered a regret in the present"

Hilltop Hoods have announced their new single A Whole Day's Night, inviting old collaborators and friends Montaigne  and Tom Thum back to feature on the track. 

The trio thought that A Whole Day's Night reminded them of their last collaboration with Montaigne and Tom Thum back in 2016, 1955.  After some deliberation on the direction of the song, they   decided to get everyone back together to try their hand at creating another smash hit.

The new song provides that signature feel-good vibe Hilltop Hoods are known for, but delves into some heavy subject matters offering a maturity that Hilltop Hood's have only just started to bring into their songs. Discussing the consequences of parting too hard, the band stated that the song was created as a response to their 2006 hit What A Great Night which glorifies the rockstar life of heavy partying and substance abuse. 

The band explained that the new song is “a reflection on how we look at the same situation 15 years later, and how what we considered a celebration back in the day, could be considered a regret in the present".

On the collaboration, Montaigne stated: "One of my creative resolutions for this year was to collaborate with my friends more so it is good timing that Suffa asked if I wanted to be on another Hoods track! Very grateful to share light from their star once again, and to be able to contribute my voice again. It feels like documenting a friendship as well as who we are as artists so many years later."

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The single drops just before the trio head on a massive arena tour around Australia, starting at the Brisbane Entertainment Centre on the 27th of August to a sold-out crowd, before continuing around the country for the rest of September. Both the Melbourne and Adelaide shows have also sold out, however, there are still some last-minute tickets available for Sydney and Perth. You can purchase them here . 

HILLTOP HOODS 

The show business tour 2022.

Saturday 27 August Brisbane Entertainment Centre (Sold Out)

Saturday 3 September Qudos Bank Arena, Sydney 

Saturday 10 September Rod Laver Arena, Melbourne (Sold Out)

Saturday 17 September RAC Arena, Perth 

Saturday 24 September Adelaide Entertainment Centre (Sold Out)

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[Review] Hilltop Hoods @ Brisbane Entertainment Center, Brisbane 27/08/2022

Over a ‘Great Expanse’ of 20 plus years, I would have seen the Hilltop Hoods perform live six or seven times now. While, yes, the sets and crowds continue to get bigger, and the pyrotechnics, lighting and venues continue to improve, what hasn’t changed – and what I suspect is the real reason thousands flock year after year to see the Hoods - is the energy the famous trio bring to every city they visit. Enamoured by fans young and old, Suffa, Pressure and DJ Debris blessed a sold out crowd in Brisbane on Saturday night. Here’s just one Brissie girl’s recollection of her time in ‘The Nosebleed Section’.

An X-ecutioners fan from way back, I was disappointed to not quite get to see all of DJ Eclipse ’s set. Fortunately, Brisbanites can catch the Brooklyn born turned Aussie local fairly regularly. It’s obvious why Eclipse continues to receive accolades for his blending, scratching, and beat juggling. Having been in the business; the ‘Show Business’; for nearly three decades now, and having even being credited with helping to pioneer turntablism, Eclipse still knows how to hypnotise an audience. Previously, he’s explained the benefits of playing to an Australian crowd: a crowd noticeably more open to showing their excitement than those in the Big Apple. He takes us on a journey. His own journey emanates from every set performed – there’s no mistaking the sounds of the New York scene in the late 90’s, a time referred to as the Golden Era of Hip Hop for a reason. How appropriate then that the revered DJ is now signed to the Hoods label entitled, Golden Era Records. Fortunately for me, this also means Eclipse returns to the stage for A B Original ’s set.

Until then though, crowds are treated to an all-too short set by young Kenyan powerhouse Elsy Wameyo . Like the Hoods, this talented vocalist grew up in Adelaide and though relatively new to the scene, it’s obvious she won’t be an ‘ Outcast ’ for long. Her flow is flawless, fast paced and frenetic. Her professionalism and range allow seamless switches between soulful ballads like Daily and festival-bound bangers like the River Nile . Come the third song, Promise , Elsy entices the Brisbane audience, initially hesitant to get involved, to sing along. Though just four of her usual 7-piece band join her this time, they too are exceptional. If you are yet to listen to Elsy, make it a priority. I genuinely can’t help but move when her beats drop.

When aptly named A B Original (say that quickly now) hit the stage, the energy continues. Unapologetically political, Briggs and Trials continue their mission of presenting young Indigenous Australians with a vision and a sound of what’s possible. Previously they’ve reflected on not having local Indigenous rappers to look up to as children. Like Elsy before them, they are initially - and visibly - disappointed with the audience replies, but soon get us joining into their passionate set which includes King Billy CokeBottle, 2 Black 2 strong, Black Balls and their version of Paul Kelly’s Dumb Things among others. Joined by a pianist, DJ Eclipse , guest vocalist for January 26 and the equally powerful and multi-talented Mo’Ju , A B perform passionately. They suitably warm the audience up for what is sure to be a killa night ahead.

At about this time, my friend and I start taking bets on whether the floor-to-ceiling maroon velvet curtain hiding the ‘real’ stage will drop or rise when the Hoods come on. It drops…revealing a 5 metre-high, platform for Debris constructed upon a massive HTH fluro-illuminated emblem. Perhaps the Hoods need to get better at keeping secrets though – ha ha – fans like me had already seen the set when they’d posted it on social media earlier that day. Hey, it’s understandable – as was Debris’ obvious excitement during footage of him first seeing his coveted office-space for the night. Who says working from home is the best?!?

And so, the stage alights – literally with fire -and Suffa and Pressure start their marathon performance with Leave me Lonely , running to and fro, jumping non-stop and leaving no doubt that these veterans can still cut it. In May I had the privilege of sitting down with Suffa Mc ( see that whole interview here ). During our chat he was telling me how earlier that day his personal trainer had nearly broken him – you can see why that’s necessary – neither him nor Pressure stop to take a breath for most of the 90plus minute set, a set they’re next taking to Sydney, Perth, Melbourne and Adelaide. Though an older fan like me would have liked more from the first two albums, their inclusion of Chase that Feeling made me very happy, and reminiscent. It’s also during this song that I first realise just how far out into the crowd the rappers can come.. and they do so often. Indeed, making their crowds feel welcome and involved is clearly a mission of the trios. Favourites Nosebleed Section and 1955 come next, the latter of which sees guest vocalist, Nyassa , join the stage. She wears what has come to be her signature look including headband, and a boxy jumpsuit with shoulder pads that would impress even the 1980’s. Her mic seems quite quiet at first but this is later rectified. Like time travellers we’re suddenly thrown back to the present, with not one but two new songs busted out: first Show Business – normally featuring Eamon and the song that gave the tour its title and then Whole Nights Day , the tune that got ‘the 1955 band back together’.

By now I’m predicting a few slower tracks – surely these two are going to pass out at any minute…. but I’m wrong. They pick up the pace once again and get everyone back on their feet for I Love It . This track is hot, and not just because the flame throwers have come alive again. Suffa and Pressure alike are sweating. So are we but in the best way possible. Ok, so I was one song off. The pace does slow briefly for Let You Down . Clark Griswald follows – but where are those grey wigs, plaid vests and Chinos fellas? Nearly didn’t recognise ya!

Despite being a diehard fan, there are a few songs, typically those with guest vocalists, that I haven’t always appreciated as much as I should have. Songs that just ‘bang’ with so much more ‘buck’ when live. This is true of Exit Sign I think. It’s so much fun. Live and Let Go follows with the crowd singing along in the absence of Maverick Sabre and Brother Ali. It is at this point, during Through the Dark that the Hoods, and Pressure specifically, remind us of just how far they’ve all come, just how versatile they are … and how blessed. Written hospital bedside in 2014 while his son battled Leukaemia, Pressure explains this was one of the hardest songs to ever write. Thankfully, this prayer “to Hip Hop Almighty” was answered and post a full recovery, his son’s battle has inspired a collaboration with CanTeen offering young cancer patients Side of Stage perks. If you’ve never looked at the lyrics for Higher – the set’s next track- go check them out. With almost as many cultural references as an all-time fav of mine, Fifty-in-five, such writing reminds us that the Hoods are indeed dope lyricists, poets even, not just Emcees with flows for days. At this point, Nyassa leaves the stage. Though clearly a talented vocalist, the Hoods ever the professionals, are generous to a fault and gracious, even giving her literal centre stage for the entire time she joins them. Perhaps Suffa and Pressure instead envied Debris birds’ eye view – both joining him at different parts of the set. Counterweight channels eerie Radiohead vibes to start but also lets the drummer and the horns section show off their skills. This is a great example of a tune that should shut down any haters who might dismiss Hip Hop as lacking melody. Indeed, the Hoods don’t just “write rhymes” but have consistently pushed the boundaries of the genre – highlighted best perhaps by their ongoing collaborations with symphony orchestras both on stage and in the studio.

And just like that “they came and they conquered”… well not quite. I sometimes get annoyed at Brisbane crowds – often their demand for encores are not what they should be! But, true to form, the Hoods treat us to not one but two extra songs: Rattling the Keys to the Kingdom and, as predicted, Cosby Sweater . All supports are welcomed back on stage too and the Brisbane Entertainment Centre really lights up. “And it’s all good. And it’s all good. And it’s all good”.

Suffa, Pressure , Debris you continue to amaze. You continue to educate but “it would take a nation of millions to stop” me requesting that you play your millions of fans more of The Calling, The Hard Road and State of The Art next time. Cos, like you, “we’re still standing and we’ll be back again.”