Classic Material

Sound Unlimited had an album out, a song that cracked the top 20, and had been on the road with some of the rap world's biggest names. But, sadly, this would be the pinnacle of the group's success. Sound Unlimited split, and Australian hip-hop would be ignored by the mainstream for the next ten years. In this episode, Rosano and Kode Blue talk about the last days of Sound Unlimited, before two art...

Having secured a deal with Sony Music, Sound Unlimited get on the road to tour and earn new fans, but quickly learn that being the first hip-hop group to tour across the country raises a whole series of unforeseen issues. It's their work supporting travelling acts, though, that really begins to open doors for the pioneering Australian hip-hop group. Hosted by Steve Duck Post Production by Posterbo...

In this episode, we go back to the early '80s to trace the origins of Sydney's hip-hop scene. Rappers Rosano and Kode Blue discover breaking, graffiti, DJing and MCing with their crew Westside Posse, and build a rep throwing impromptu outdoor jams across the city. Meanwhile, a young DJ named Paul Buchanan scores a job with Sony Music and relocates from Perth to Sydney, soon catching a Sound Unlimi...

In the final episode of Classic Material: The Making of Choose One, 1200 Techniques ride the success of "Hard As Hell" and "Karma" all the way from Triple J to commercial radio. Their success brings industry recognition, awards, non-stop touring opportunities and, ultimately, places the group at a difficult crossroads. Hosted by Steve Duck Post Production by Posterboy Media Classic Material is a c...

After connecting through Melbourne's small independent hip-hop scene in the late-'90s, N'fa and Peril began working on tracks together and quickly developed a winning chemistry. But it wasn't until they added Peril's brother Kemstar to the mix that things really began to take off. In this episode, N'fa, Peril and Kem are dealt an early setback before regrouping and releasing the biggest single Aus...

Throughout the Classic Material podcast series, we’ve heard about the importance of Triple J. The alternative radio station that represented the only chance of airplay for Australian hip-hop artists. But, what made Triple J decide Australian hip-hop was worth a chance? The station has been responsible for giving a platform to so many of our local hip-hop acts. But it might never have happened if i...

After connecting years earlier and experiencing a long journey to get to the point of working together in the studio, Scribe and P-Money were able to record ‘The Crusader’ in just a matter of days. The album was an instant success, but as we find out in this episode, people always want more, and that can have both beautiful, and ugly, consequences. Hosted by Steve Duck Post Production by Posterboy...

The individual journeys of Scribe and P-Money had put them on a collision course, leading up to the moment they connected in the studio. On just their first day of recording for ‘The Crusader’, the duo creates two of the biggest tracks in New Zealand history. Hosted by Steve Duck Post Production by Posterboy Media Classic Material is a co-production of Acclaim Magazine and Complex AU Support Class...

In the first episode of ‘Classic Material: The Making of The Crusader’, we trace Scribe’s early days, going way back to primary school, and riding with the Christchurch MC as he discovers hip-hop, connects with like-minded people across the country and, ultimately, links with P-Money with a view to releasing music. Hosted by Steve Duck Post Production by Posterboy Media Classic Material is a co-pr...

With an album on the ARIA charts, a tireless schedule and killer live show, the group is quickly growing in popularity. But Bliss N Eso are dealt a reality check when their manager drops a bombshell: the group’s behaviour on the road is scaring promoters and threatens to derail their lofty aspirations. Hosted by Steve Duck Post Production by Posterboy Media Classic Material is a co-production of A...

In this episode, Bliss n Eso travel to Melbourne to hit the studio with Weapon X, creating fan-favourite tracks including ‘Get Your Boof On’ and ‘Then Til Now’ as they work toward the release of their second album Day Of The Dog . Hosted by Steve Duck Post Production by Posterboy Media Classic Material is a co-production of Acclaim Magazine and Complex AU Support Classic Material with a 5-star rat...

Rappers Jonathan (Bliss) and Max (Eso) reflect on the time before their hip–hop careers became a full-time gig – when working a day job and slinging mix CDs after shows in tiny venues was their reality. We tell the story of Bliss N Eso’s scrappy, underground beginnings, signing a one-album deal with independent powerhouse rap label Obese Records before cutting their teeth as the opening act for ma...

360 and Styalz work together to craft ‘Boys Like You’ from a scratchy demo to a top five ARIA smash. 360’s life-long dream of success and stardom comes quickly but Six, his team and his friends soon realise fame comes at a cost. Hosted by Steve Duck Post Production by Posterboy Media Classic Material is a co-production of Acclaim Magazine and Complex AU Support Classic Material with a 5-star ratin...

360 gets to work on his breakthrough album, but encounters hurdles everywhere. His chosen producer doesn’t want to work with him, Triple J doesn't believe in him and a near-fatal injury could bring his entire project undone. Hosted by Steve Duck Post Production by Posterboy Media Classic Material is a co-production of Acclaim Magazine and Complex AU Support Classic Material with a 5-star rating an...

360’s unique origin story takes place in the thriving Melbourne hip hop scene, where a new generation competes to be the first to break through to mainstream success. 360 is inspired by his friend Pez and a book recommended by Oprah Winfrey to quit his job and bet on himself.  Hosted by Steve Duck Post Production by Posterboy Media Classic Material is a co-production of Acclaim Magazine and Comple...