alternative hip-hop

Dr. Octagon is one of Kool Keith's many alter egos. His initial release as Dr. Octagon was 1996's Dr. Octagonecologyst, on which he collaborated with Dan the Automator Nakamura and DJ QBert. After the name was dropped in favour of Dr. Dooom, it was widely believed that it wouldn't be used again until the release of 2006's The Return of Dr. Octagon, which Keith maintains was changed and released without his consent.

Prince Paul (born Paul Huston) is a legendary DJ and hip hop producer. Prince Paul is known for having a very unorthodox, but mostly well-received sense of humor. Musically, he was one of the driving forces of what was to become known as alternative rap, by using surprising samples and quirky humour. Originally a member of Stetsasonic, he produced De La Soul's 1989 debut album 3 Feet High and Rising (It was on this album that Prince Paul invented the hip hop skit which has a long-standing and pervasive tradition on Hip hop albums to this day).

Cadence Weapon continues to firmly establish his legacy as a sonic pioneer while constantly pushing the rap and electronic music envelope. Following his critically-acclaimed, Polaris Music Prize nominated albums Breaking Kayfabe and Afterparty Babies and a two year term as Edmonton’s Poet Laureate, he returns with his new album Hope In Dirt City this Spring. A clearly defined and emotionally mature statement of intent, Hope In Dirt City represents the culmination of these experiences.

Now residing in Sydney, Luke Dubs and Elgusto grew up in the Blue Mountains where they took up musical instruments at a young age. They’ve played together with Elgusto’s sister Aja in a funk/jazz group called Funk Injection since their early teens. Elgusto has DJ'd and played percussion with Paulmac and The Dissociatives... He’s also played with The Bird, Wes Carr, Explanetary, The Herd, Upshot and Paulmac. You can also check his DJing at various events and clubs.