(Independent/Inertia)

Multiple emcees, brassy breaks and social commentary

Part of the reason for Aussie hip hop’s wide (and growing) appeal is the accessibility of the content. Cue Brisbane crew The Optimen who on their sophomore album, The Out Of Money Experience, discuss turning 30, dangerous ex-girlfriends and growing up in the ’80s. With nods to MC Hammer, The Beastie Boys and Jay-Z and references to Voltron, a Cameron Diaz/Catherine Zeta-Jones tryst and (almost unavoidably) getting high, the lyrics are an engaging snapshot of the last three decades. Along with local and international guests, including Mr Laneous, Rainman and Jehst, the crew lay their rhymes over samples ranging from brassy ’70s funk to modern R&B. In a move that goes against the guns, bitches and bling attitude often found in modern hip hop, The OPees show they really are more about mic checks than paycheques.

NILS HAY

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