Hip hop fans were in their element with three of the cream of the crop of the Australian hip hop scene performing to the masses at Challenge Stadium. Australian royalty, Hilltop Hoods were joined by two impressive supporting acts, Briggs and Horrorshow.
Making sure the crowd was well prepared for the grand spectacle of the Hoods, Briggs stormed the stage with his larger than life, gangster persona – certainly proving he was all about upholding the rapper image.
Wearing his LA Lakers top and baggy shorts, he performed an impressive set with heaps of energy. He certainly captivated the crowd, and judging by the roars coming from people, gained some new fans.
After a brief interval, Sydney duo Horrorshow stormed the stage, showcasing their catchy tunes, involving the crowd in their songs. MC Solo bounced around the stage, whilst DJ Adit was on the decks behind a giant Horrorshow banner. The pair finished their set in style, with their biggest hit, “The Rain”. The audience sang the meaningful lyrics word for word, creating wonderful vibes before the rowdiness of the Hilltop Hoods’ set.
Finally, DJ Debris and MCs Suffa and Pressure graced the stage to roars of appreciation and soon had the audience in the palm of their hands. The show kicked off with an impressive pyrotechnics display at the front of the stage, golden fireworks blazed during their first song of the night “Chase That Feeling”.
Pleasing their fans, they played a mixture of their older hits, including; “The Nosebleed Section”, “Still Standing”, and “Recapturing The Vibe”.
They also performed most of the material from their newest album, Drinking From The Sun, including the hit song, “I Love It”, originally performed with Sia, which was well received from the audience.
On three separate occasions, the Hoods stopped playing to draw attention to individuals in the rowdy crowd, who decided it was a good idea to have a punch up in the moshpit. Making it clear that they would not condone such beahaviour, MC Suffa remarking: “if people aren’t here for peace, then get out” as the crowd booed the perpetrators as they were dragged out by security.
Aside from the overbearingly loud volume and the slight disruption from the fighting in the audience, the Hilltop Hoods definitely provided their fans with a night to remember.
With so many added extras to their set, with the pyrotechnics, lighting show and hyperactive, infectious energy; they proved that they got where they are today by being both over-the-top and speaking their minds.
– Shannon Wood
