The Deep End

Since the early 2000s, Fortay has been one of the most pivotal flag-bearers for West Sydney rap. With roots in the city’s battle rap scene, the Blacktown emcee has since delivered a slew of mixtapes and albums documenting his rollercoaster life in the outer suburbs. He has captured a longstanding and loyal fanbase who not only purchase his music, but his extended line of products including scales and sex pills. Ahead of his new album ‘7 Days A Week’ dropping soon, we speak to Fortay about his relentless hustler mentality, the evolution of the West Sydney scene, and how he’s developed his brand over two decades.

Follow Fortay: @fortay_at_large

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Host: Christopher Kevin Au / @24karatkev

If you’re familiar with Australia’s underground rap scene, then NTER is name who has been omnipresent for well over a decade. A member of the infamous Sydney Serchaz, he was one of the pivotal artists to popularise crime-ridden rap throughout the 2000s and beyond, where his music struck a chord with sportswear-clad graffiti writers and housing commission kids. His catalogue includes iconic tracks like 'Greenline Rockin' and 'Holy Water (Remix)', many of which have laid the blueprint for the underground's brash sonics and unapologetic attitude. Fresh of his new track 'Guttah Talk', we speak to NTER about how he created his own style, the intense emotional connection he’s established with his fans, his complex battle with cancer, and his current Trap Runners crew. Follow NTER: @nter_one

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Host: Christopher Kevin Au / @24karatkev

OneFour’s rise to fame was rapid, intense and unprecedented. The West Sydney drill group have been operating since 2014, but began picking up heavier traction in 2019 for their brazen tales of street violence, area conflict and life in Mount Druitt. Delivering a string of unapologetic drill hits like 'The Message' and 'Spot The Difference', what followed was a tumultuous tale of viral success, police censorship and court cases. With three OneFour rappers (YP, Lekks & Celly) now incarcerated, we speak to remaining members JM & Spenny about the rise of the group, the 'Mounty Bop' dance, their changing mentality towards music and their groundbreaking collaboration with ASAP Ferg, 'Say It Again'. Follow Onefour:  @ONEFOUR  @onefour_official Follow us: @filterzine Host: Christopher Kevin Au / @24karatkev

Rops1 is one of the quickest rising emcees from the Sydney underground scene, having swiftly put the game on notice with a series of '1Take' videos beginning in 2018. Since then, the Macquarie Fields ambassador has collaborated with the likes of Kerser and NTER, while he was also slated to perform alongside OneFour before their Sydney show was cancelled due to police pressure. Now, the 20-year-old has just released his aptly-titled debut album 'Youngest In Charge', a lengthy display of his uncompromising and assertive approach to rap. We sat down with Rops1 to discuss our favourite cuts from his album, his relationship with One Love Creations, and the importance of music programs like Heaps Decent.

Follow Rops1: @ropsfromda6ix4our

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Host: Christopher Kevin Au / @24karatkev

Despite being only 24 years old, Tkay Maidza has been omnipresent in the Australian music scene for some time. Crossing the borders of hip-hop, dance and pop; Tkay's initial ascension happened back in 2013, capturing the hearts of the country with a seemingly endless string of gigs and festival appearances. Her portfolio includes a critically-acclaimed album 'Tkay' as well as collaborations with rap legends like Killer Mike, to electronic heroes like Martin Solveig. Last year, Tkay returned with hard-edged tracks 'Awake' featuring JPEGMAFIA and 'IDC IF U BE DED', ushering in more surprises and successes for the artist. We chat to Tkay about growing up in the spotlight, standing your ground in the music industry, and branching into the fashion realm.

No local rapper in recent history has experienced an ascension quite like ChillinIt. Since emerging on underground DIY channels like HustleHardTV and BodyBagMedia, the mischievous Hurstville emcee has skyrocketed to become one of the country's biggest and most controversial artists. With the release of his new album 'The Octagon', ChillinIt reached #2 on the ARIA charts and accumulated a staggering 7 million streams in his first week, solidifying his place in the upper echelon of Australian hip-hop. Ahead of an international tour, we speak to ChillinIt in a rare, long-form interview to discuss his roots in the Sydney scene, his evolution as an artist, and who he thinks is the best rapper in the country.

Nerve may be the most well-rounded artist in the Australian hip-hop scene right now. Having earned his stripes spitting over boom bap and grime beats, the Brisbane hero has been consistently expanding his sound and skills as an emcee, producer and engineer. Having played Listen Out, Falls Festival & BIGSOUND last year, 2020 looks to be the year that Nerve breaks into wider Australian consciousness. We chat to Nerve about his sonic evolution, his landmark remix with UK star Aitch, and his thoughts on the Wombat vs. Mr Wrighty grime clash.

Huskii is one of Australia’s most controversial cult rappers. Emerging from the Wollongong underground scene, Huskii’s harrowing storytelling and overcast lyricism has won him nationwide attention, as seen on his ‘Brainumb’ EP and iconic ‘Body The Booth’ episode. Here on ‘The Deep End,’ we talk to Huskii about his role in the uprising of the underground, his friendships with Celly (OneFour) and ChillinIt, and his recent incarceration.