Local Knowledge

Bio

Three lyricists armed with conviction, a  DJ  decked out with unique beats and a Deadly Award for the Best Band of 2005.  Meet the group that takes Australian Hip Hop from underground momentum to mainstream force by telling it like it was, how it is and how it should be.

Local Knowledge’s story sets off in 2002.  Brothers Abie and Warrick approach Joel with some lyrics and ideas. Two years of inspiration and their dedication paid off in 2004 when they won the Aboriginal/Torres Straight Islander Musicoz Award.

Looking to further their recognition, the three MCs teamed up with local beat maker, producer and turntables extraordinaire, Jay Tee. The result is an incendiary fusion of music flow and word play reflecting the true sound of Australia.

Honoured by Triple J in July, Local Knowledge are the first ever indigenous hip hop group to play Live @ The Wireless. 

And what’s happened since then? 12,000 + downloads of the upcoming single ‘BLACKFELLAS’  were downloaded from JJJ’s website over the space of four weeks; the boys were offered a timeslot on the Honours Year at Homebake and supports with the likes of The Herd and Xavier Rudd;  Jamie Hilton (Blink 182, Shakaya, Thirsty Merc, Butterfly Effect and more) shoots and produces the film clip for ‘BLACKFELLAS’ and Australia’s first ever iTunes only label, The Propaganda Recording Company sign the band in a revolutionary deal for their first EP.

Local Knowledge has played at primary and high schools, Universities, NAIDOC, Survival Day celebrations, Youth Week, CrocFest, SBS and the Department of Housing amongst many. They also conduct countless workshops for community groups state wide.

Commercial performances include support for the J Wess Project at the Stylin’Up Festival, the Sydney Indigenous Arts Festival, Shakaya at the Cover your Tracks Summit Concert, Downsyde and at the Sydney’s Kings final 2005.

In the lead up to the release of their long awaited EP ‘BLACKFELLAS’ (due out in November 2005), LK can be heard on Triple J, SBS, Koori Radio, FBI and many other regional stations. 

Individually they are respected for their community work, music, dedication and vision. Together, they push the boundaries and redefine Australian Hip Hop. Watch them make a devastating impact on the music world.

Watch

Watch "Blackfellas":

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Download

Get "Blackfellas" from the iTunes Music Store: Blackfellas


Background Information

MC Abie Abie, born in Newcastle, is a single father of a 3-year-old boy. Abie tells how, when he was only a kid himself, he always harboured a deep passion for music. Throughout his life, he has been involved in Aboriginal cultural performances. Abie attributes his dedication and knowledge to his family and community.
MC Wok Before Warrick realised his potential in music, he worked in Indigenous employment youth affairs and trained to become a pre-school teacher. At 25, he is a loving partner and father of 2. Warrick enjoys playing sport at social and elite levels of competition. Musically he draws inspiration from Nelly, Nesian Mystics, Scribe and Naughty By Nature but he is mainly influenced by his family and current events. The Wright brothers are proud to be part of the Wonnaruah, Gommeroy, Anawan and Djungutti mobs, to name a few.
MC Weno Joel Wenitong is originally from Cairns and belongs to the GubbiGubbi mob from South East Queensland. He is a caring husband and father of 2. Joel has been in the music industry for most of his life. He’s done everything from sound and lighting, event management, radio, MC, DJ, writer, performer, music workshops and production. He is also actively involved in the education system from primary through to tertiary as a teacher, health worker and mentor. Currently he lectures Indigenous Health and Education at the University of Newcastle.
DJ Jay tee Jay tee’s turntable skills are rivaled only by his talent in production. Early in his career he began producing his own material. Throughout the years his name has become well recognised locally and nationally. Most of his tracks have been published in both Australia and the UK, of which several have made it onto Australia’s direct dance chart including a début at number 1. Many have had the privilege of playing with Jay tee, amongst them Bliss 'n Eso, P Money, Dj Harry Love, Mc Mystro, Maya Jupiter, Nino Brown, Samrai, Dj Sarah Love.