Words by Christopher Kevin Au

For the past six years, Freshly Squeezed have been throwing events to celebrate the best that local hip-hop has to offer – and they’ll be closing 2016 with a bang with their end of year party hitting Hudson Ballroom this Friday night.

While many might think that Freshly Squeezed has a preference for the rawer avenues of rap, their event history proves that they’ve celebrated hip-hop culture in all of its diverse forms – hosting veterans like Ozi Batla and Astronomy Class to rising stars like Triple One and Beastside. This Friday, they’ll be throwing a shindig headlined by Ribongia, hosted by P. Smurf and Rivals. Also on the bill are Cult Shotta and Meare – two artists who we featured on our list of surprising Australian rap songs – as well as Steady Bills, who premiered his latest single ‘Indigo Riddim‘ right here on LWA. Jannah Beth and 26th Letter wrap up the impressive showcase of Australian talent.

Hudson Ballroom – formerly known as Goodgod Small Club and Plan B – has always been a hub for local artists to perform, as well as hosting internationals like Lorde, Smoke DZA, Diplo at some of the most rambunctious club nights that Sydney has ever seen. Therefore, it’s no surprise that Freshly Squeezed Fridays have chosen the CBD venue as their latest home – and the crew have now named their five favourite events from Hudson Ballroom.

Have a stroll down memory lane with Freshly Squeezed below, and make sure you say goodbye to 2016 with them this Friday night. Event details here and tickets here:

1. Big Village XMAS Party (2012)

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rOenVVGxbfM

The night was dark, hot and incredibly sweaty. With the exception of Tuka, the entire Big Village roster were performing sets: Daily Meds, True Vibenation, Loose Change (Ellesquire & Rapaport), Suburban Dark, Mute MC & Kit Complete, Tenth Dan & Grub, Klue, Roleo and DJ Migz.

Our host Jeswon did his best to keep the crowd at bay, but in such an intimate venue, the stage was surrounded by screaming fam at every angle. This night cemented the Big Village takeover in Sydney. A strong sense of community was oozing out of every orifice.

2. P. Smurf ‘The Story So Far’ EP Launch (2013)

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pCPnoPTQTYE

Being a promoter/performer on your launch night has both its ups and downs. As this was my debut solo EP, I was reasonably stressed out throughout the evening. Luckily the show went down without a hitch, with a little help from staff, artists, punters and Mary Jane.

Being supported by one of my idols, now good friend Ozi Batla (The Herd) was a dream come true. My QLD connect Calski flew down from Brisbane to rock the house, while young guns Beastside kicked things off nicely. Suburban Dark then turned the place into a brooding bass driven dungeon of love for the final hours of the morning… LOOSE!

3. Freshly Squeezed Fridays Block Party (2016)

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UzrehVHaQRg

The relaunch of Freshly Squeezed Fridays at Plan B was monumental to say the least. For six years now, Freshly Squeezed has focused on the wide array of local talent Sydney has to offer, highlighting both established and up and coming artists. I feel that providing a solid cross spectrum of artists is the key to a diverse, up beat crowd.

This night consisted of over 13 acts from across the state, from live hip-hop/funk bands to modern trap stylings. Screw whatever preconception you have of hip-hop in Australia, pick an eclectic bunch of musicians, shove them in a juicer and scull it down fast. That’s Freshly Squeezed.

4. Killa Kombo (2014)

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=X7Dr2b6UBjY

Killa Kombo was regular event I ran for Big Village Records, focusing on bass heavy, late night shenanigans. I pitted MC against producer in an all out mash up of styles. The launch party showcased Jeswon Vs Chasm, mixing up verses and beats from their numerous projects such as Thundamentals & Astronomy Class. As these two artists had known each other for many years previously, the combination was flawless.

On the flip side we had battles such as Dialectrix Vs Papertoy, which showed how two completely different styles can combine to form a one off spectacle for the senses. The venue was perfect for a late night club style event, with BIG beats and just enough rhyme to keep my brain ticking.

5. Freshly Squeezed Fridays ‘Plutonic Lab’ Album Launch (2016)

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MWF5grj_lxY

Hosting a launch party for – in my opinion – the greatest hip-hop producer in the country was a great achievement. Ever since I heard Muph & Plutonic’s album ‘Hunger Pains’ in 2004 I was hands down locked into the word of hip-hop in Australia.

Included on the bill were my Blue Mountain brothers Otherside and long term friends Broken Thought Theory. Giving acts (myself included) the opportunity to play alongside some of their childhood heroes has maintained and multiplied my passion for putting on events.