Classic Material Complex Australia

Sound Unlimited's big single "Kickin To The Undersound" spent 11 weeks on the ARIA Charts, peaking at number 20 in May 1992. It felt like this was the beginning of a new era for Australian hip-hop. But instead, it would be almost 10 years before another local hip-hop song even touched the top 40. In this episode, we'll try to find out why.

In episode two of The Making of A Postcard From The Edge Of The Underside, Sound Unlimited hit the road and support everyone from Shaquille O'Neal to New Kids On The Block, and earn the respect of the world's biggest hip-hop group.

In this season of Classic Material, we take it back to the early '90s to document the first Australian hip-hop group to get signed to a major label, hit the ARIA top 40 charts and achieve the recognition of the industry. The group was Sound Unlimited, and this is their story.

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.

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 Australian hip-hop had ever seen. "Karma" combined a great beat, guitar solo, and lyrics ... and an unforgettable music video.

Episode 3 drops Wednesday August 30. Support Classic Material with a 5-star rating and review to help us tell more of Australian hip-hop's untold stories.

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 it weren’t for one group. One group that broke through in the early 2000s and made local hip hop appeal to the average suburban Australian kid. One group that used a little rock influence to introduce hip-hop to fans of Regurgitator and Powderfinger, creating new opportunities for the next generation to break through.

That one group was 1200 Techniques.