Perth rappers Skulka & Optamus drop some much needed conscious rhymes |
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Photo from Hip Hop Hotel
The art and culture of Hip Hop is deeply rooted in a conscious, politically-charged movement. The earliest stirrings of Hip Hop was music that openly and angrily called out the powers and the people that oppressed, specifically African-American people. Sadly, this style of Hip Hop has been overwhelmed by the mountains and mountains of Hip Hop songs that now talk about sex, money, drugs.
Admirably, Perth rappers Skulka & Optamus have both dropped some much needed conscious rhymes in this world climate, and considering recent events, it is promising to still see artists that are continuing to use their voices and platform to speak on social topics, to try and uplift society.
According to his social media, Skulka has been working on an full legnth project and The Proposition was going to feature on that release, however due to the things coming to light in Australia and more so across the globe, he felt it was a fitting and affecting time to drop The Proposition.
On the song, produced by Granted and recorded, mixed & mastered at Shake Down Studio by Uncool Sam Beats, Skulka makes a bleak review of the current state affairs throughout the globe, touching on fake news, keyboards warriors, the cycle of debt, genocide and the oppression of people of different classes and creeds. But throughout it all, it seems, Skulka is hopeful, "cos love is the key".
The track was released with a simple and moving music video that featured powerful imagery from numerous protests throughout history including Martin Luther Kings' Walk For Freedom and Perth's own recent Black Lives Matter protest.
Admirably, Perth rappers Skulka & Optamus have both dropped some much needed conscious rhymes in this world climate, and considering recent events, it is promising to still see artists that are continuing to use their voices and platform to speak on social topics, to try and uplift society.
According to his social media, Skulka has been working on an full legnth project and The Proposition was going to feature on that release, however due to the things coming to light in Australia and more so across the globe, he felt it was a fitting and affecting time to drop The Proposition.
On the song, produced by Granted and recorded, mixed & mastered at Shake Down Studio by Uncool Sam Beats, Skulka makes a bleak review of the current state affairs throughout the globe, touching on fake news, keyboards warriors, the cycle of debt, genocide and the oppression of people of different classes and creeds. But throughout it all, it seems, Skulka is hopeful, "cos love is the key".
The track was released with a simple and moving music video that featured powerful imagery from numerous protests throughout history including Martin Luther Kings' Walk For Freedom and Perth's own recent Black Lives Matter protest.
Optamus, founding member of Perth's historic Syllabolix crew and of Hip Hop group Downsyde, is not one to mince words (see Black & White diss track) and his latest offering Rot In Hell is no different. Optamus is proving the fire in the belly has not faded as he has gone from an up-and-comer to OG in the Perth local scene, it's only burning fuckin' brighter!
Whereas in Skulka's track he touched on the many societal issues we're facing, Optamus' target cannot be any clearer. This song is a direct calling out of the Catholic Church, Cardinal Pell and the Australian justice system that allowed a known paedophile and paedophile protector walk free from his sins, with his convictions for child sexual abuse overturned.
You can feel the anger and disgust radiating from Optamus as he spits unforgiving bars like "training rock spiders and they hide them in the Vatican" and "masquerading with God but they be tied to the devil". And if you still weren't entire certain who and what Opt was rapping about, well, the imagery in the music video makes it abundantly clear.
Whereas in Skulka's track he touched on the many societal issues we're facing, Optamus' target cannot be any clearer. This song is a direct calling out of the Catholic Church, Cardinal Pell and the Australian justice system that allowed a known paedophile and paedophile protector walk free from his sins, with his convictions for child sexual abuse overturned.
You can feel the anger and disgust radiating from Optamus as he spits unforgiving bars like "training rock spiders and they hide them in the Vatican" and "masquerading with God but they be tied to the devil". And if you still weren't entire certain who and what Opt was rapping about, well, the imagery in the music video makes it abundantly clear.
Shout outs to Skulka and Optamus for their powerful pen games and messages. We need more music like this in these times! Rappers where you at?
Follow Skulka on Facebook | Instagram | Spotify
Follow Optamus on Facebook | Instagram | Spotify
Header Photo by Ben Wiens on Unsplash
Follow Skulka on Facebook | Instagram | Spotify
Follow Optamus on Facebook | Instagram | Spotify
Header Photo by Ben Wiens on Unsplash