No matter which way you look at it, Masta Ace is a certified hip-hop legend. He burst into the scene as part of the Juice Crew around 1988 and has been reinventing himself – and the music – ever since. From Take A Look Around through Disposable Arts, and A Long Hot Summer, he has released classic after classic. His latest incarnation is as a member of the crew EMC, and it is with Wordsworth and Stricklin that he will Australia for the first time ever next month. Rounding out the international package will be Flo Fader manning the decks, as well as DJ Brycon returning to our shores for the second time this year.

For legendary names you need fantastic local supports, and few acts have had a bigger year locally than the Funkoars. Fresh from selling out a 1,000 capacity crowd in their hometown of Adelaide, the Oars return to take Melbourne to the next level with their unique brand of debauchery. Representing the hometown will be two of this country’s finest producers/emcees; Ciecmate and Newsense. The dynamic duo from Broken Tooth are currently working on their long awaited album as a duo, and are sure to deliver the type of high class performance that Melbourne expects. Rounding things out for the night will be your host Reason, bringing his wealth of experience to get the room hyped right. This is THE international hip-hop show in Melbourne this year.

Masta Ace, Wordsworth, Stricklin & Flo Fader play the Espy on Saturday Dec 1st. Tickets available from www.inthemix.com, This Is It, Polyester Records, Obese Records, Missing Ling & the Espy bottleshop.