After releasing State of the Art and fresh off a nation-wide tour, Hilltop Hoods have taken no time to sit back and enjoy their success. They are on the road again for their Still Standing tour and true to their word, they are still standing tall amidst the ever changing hip hop landscape.

Having parted from their record label of 10 years Obese Records, the Hilltops have started their own label Golden Era. And according to Hilltop “Whatever the case these so-called Golden Eras (of hip hop) weren’t only defined by the music or the fashion – they were characterised by something less tangible – an atmosphere, a movement. This label wasn’t established to release throw-back records; instead we hope to make music that throws you back to the way you felt during the Golden Era of Hip Hop. Whatever year that was for you.”

And State of the Art has done just that. When I first scooped it up I had high expectations from these polished veterans of Aussie hip hop. I gave it my first listen and felt the album to be quite solid with moments of pure glory. The boys were back and their music was not only state of the art, but addressed the state of their art-form. They looked at how hip hop has gone through some rough patches to get where it is now (personified in the track She’s So Ugly). As I started brushing up on the lyrics of State of the Art in preparation for their gig I started tingling with anticipation in the way that only good hip hop could do to me.

It’s been 10 years since their debut album A Matter Of Time and aptly, time has only proven that they’re still state of the art at what they do. Nosebleed Section (from their third album The Calling) was simply a wicked track back in ‘03. But in time it has grown in public appreciation to an Aussie hip hop classic. The same can almost be said for their new stuff. It’s good now but in time, State of the Art will age like a fine wine growing in value both musically and culturally.
In this dark era of auto-tune and other Kanye West cock up’s there are certain artists you can always rely on for solid albums and powerful performances and the Hilltop are bringing that renaissance to Aussie hip hop. Breaking the shackles of current fads, staying true to the pioneers of the game and producing a style which is neither old school nor new school in sound or swagger…

I was unaware until my arrival at the Hordern that Hilltop’s show was an all-ages event. The abundance of fluoro singlets was the first dead give away next to the lack of facial hair. As the venue began to full up I noticed that the front half of the Pavilion was dominated by these pubescent underlings. Thank Christ they’re still intimidated by anyone whose balls have dropped further than theirs, because they certainly had power in numbers.

During support act Vents-1, the Lord of the Flies escapade continued. They screamed and howled for Hilltop, drowning out Vents’ mic and forcing him and DJ Adfu to leave the stage early. This lack of respect was all I could take, I moved further back, away from the blood hungry animals. Fortunately they’re easy to see over.

I will give teenagers this though…they’re an energetic bunch. Once the Hilltops graced the stage it was absolute pandemonium. The boys were more dope than injecting heroin into your cornea and commanded the crowd (both the big and little kids) with such ease and finesse. Sydney embraced the ‘Hoods with loving arms and the boys put on an immense performance.

Many tracks from the new album were played alongside classics like Hard Road, Clown Prince and The Nosebleed Section shook the foundations of the Hordern to it’s core and the crowd’s energy was matched only by the boys on stage. Complete with animated visuals and LED jackets, the ‘Hoods made me realise that Australian hip hop has never been stronger than right here and now. I would have paid twice as much to ensure a more intimate and over-aged gig but all the same the mighty Hilltops put on a boss performance.