I was keen to hear this release by Beats Working, and interesting collection of talent, not from the usual big city sources. Members hailing from Newcastle and Coffs Harbour, Beats Working have shown a maturity that has caught the attention of Obese Records, an Australian label gaining much respect overseas for showcasing some of the best hip-hop talent there is in this country, taking it to the world stage. Festival favourites for their fun and energetic stage shows, Beats Working have produced a focused album, celebrating their diversity, but retaining a flow which makes for a great listen from start to finish.
Their underlying sense of fun shines through on many tracks, making this a great party record, and the production shows originality and inventiveness. I was initially put-off by the bad language in the first few tracks, not saying I’m prudish, let me explain. I understand the reasoning for this, but I feel it can sometimes detract from what is good, overshadowing the great music, and limiting the audience accessibility. Don’ get me wrong, it doesn’ worry me at all, but could limit their exposure on radio for younger audiences, and I believe this is the hip-hop Australian youth should be listening to, not ego infested American mainstream hip-hop and r’n’b.
The diversity of this album is quite astounding, every style they engage, they seem to do with ease, even the more r’n’b style tracks such as Indecision, show their versatility not just in production, but in vocal style, dropping the rap, and singing where appropriate. Australian hip-hop is no longer relegated to the back stalls, it can stand on its own, and acts such as Beats Working reinforce this. Get out there and support Australian hip-hop now.
Wayne Stronell
