BEST INDIE MUSIC LABEL: ELEFANT TRAKS
For those who question if rhymes of Aussie hip-hop artists measure up to their American counterparts, look no further than Elefant Traks. The label has released over 50 albums since acclaimed group The Herd founded it in 1998. The Herd has since established a solid fan base with their unique beats and dynamic live shows. They sparked controversy with the single 77% which declared Australia an “Anglo reality” with “intellectual cavities”. Spearheaded by established hip-hop and beats artists Urthboy and Unkle Ho, the label exudes a real community vibe, making for some wicked collaborations between artists. This fluidity has seen a mix of artists join the label, including the latest addition The Last Kinection, an Indigenous hip-hop trio. With upcoming tours by Horrorshow, Ozi Batla and Mista Savona, Elefant Traks has been active on the live music front as well as tapping away at new releases. Not only are the artists making good music, they’re making important music. All Elefant artists effortlessly represent a blend of Australian style, intelligent lyrics and a passion for hip-hop. Being Sydney based, Elefant Traks is a blessing for all those urban music aficionados who love this city. (Millicent Caffrey and Benjamin Vozzo)
