When it comes to Australian hip-hop, no name is instantly as recognisable as 360. Furthermore, he’s established himself as one of the most honest and unrelenting storytellers to emerge from the country.
Having featured on the forever infectious (and forever relatable) ‘Festival Song’ with Pez a few years back, 360 flourished with his double-platinum album Falling & Flying in 2011. A highly publicised battle with emcee Kerser saw his name hit the headlines in a social media takeover, before his greatest triumph in this year’s full-length, Utopia.
While hip-hop is the foundation for 360’s sound, he’s found widespread success with his ability inject other sounds seamlessly into his work, resulting in the thrilling listen that is Utopia. We spent a day with 360 as he hit Sydney for a colossal show on the Utopia tour. Here’s how it went down:
We join 360 at the QT Hotel in Sydney City, where he’s having a quiet beverage with his hand-picked tour partner – the ever-erratic Hopsin. The two share a laugh about the show from Canberra a few nights prior. If you haven’t seen him live before, Hopsin doesn’t just stage dive and crowd surf – he walks on people’s heads. Very old school punk rock move. Very impressive.
The two are joined by the entire crew and discuss hip-hop, rap battles, festivals and the ilk. Lunac C and his DJ are pretty jet-lagged. The boys move onto more important topics, like comparing the price of clothing between America, the UK and here in Australia. Swag is well and truly universal.
360 is fairly quiet at this stage, as he’s feeling the weathering effects of touring. However, he’s happy to listen to stories from Lunar C, as he tells us about his song ‘My Sister is a Slag’. By the way, Lunar C doesn’t have a sister. Still, it’s good banter.
The whole crew for 360’s Utopia tour, featuring Hopsin, Pez, Lunar C, Miracle and their respective DJs. #RAPSQUAT
360 is the boss, so he rides shotgun as we leave the QT hotel for the Hordern Pavilion nearby.
Realising that showtime is near, 360 is starting to spark up as we arrive at the venue for sound check.
360 steps inside the Hordern Pavilion to undergo the final preparations for the night. This is the first time he’s performed at the venue, which is quite an accomplishment in itself. It feels a little eerie with nobody inside – but in a few hours, the huge hall will be filled with thousands of screaming punters.
360 takes time to sign some posters backstage for a small group of fans who are doing a meet and greet…
Including this little legend! He got to meet 360 on his 10th birthday and also received a bag of goodies – an amazing gift. I’m pretty sure that I got a pair of socks for my 10th birthday. I’m currently very jealous and reflecting on my childhood with a tinge of pessimism.
360 has always been about offering his fans a unique experience – something a little more intimate and unique from other performers. This group of punters got to watch 360 at sound check, plus he pretty much played whatever track they asked for.
360 steps outside for a breath of fresh air, and gets spotted by a few fans in the venue’s car park. He goes over for autographs, photos and a bit of banter – even after the rain starts to pour down for the evening.
Back inside, the boys gather round and relax by watching YouTube videos of West Coast smoke enthusiast Wiz Khalifa. Also in this YouTube vortex: A viewing of Stitches’ amazing video for ‘Brick In Yo Face’ aka the best rap video of 2014. Yes, it might even be better than ‘Anaconda’. If you haven’t seen this video, do yourself a favour and watch it now. Then keep it on repeat for the next 13 days.
Pre-gig feed: A gourmet wood fire pizza backstage. It would be rude not to, right? 360 looks down lovingly on the circular piece of Italian baked goodness…
And washes it down with a cup of lemon and honey tea to ease his throat before the show.
Matt and Mat: 360 and his DJ Mat Cant. Mat Cant has remixed Ciara and I’m pretty sure that I’ve seen him wear a Gucci Mane shirt, so he wins at life.
A final wardrobe check in front of the mirror, and it’s time to hit the stage.
360 walks on stage draped in the darkness. Fans are chanting his name and heaving forward as security try to contain their excitement.
Showtime. The spotlight hits 360 and his face is shown to the ravenous audience for the first time. A sea of camera phones fly out, while the squealing of girls is deafening.
Up close and personal…
Now even closer.
Too hot for a sleeveless hoodie: The Hordern is packed and the crowd is reciting every word back to the rapper onstage.
360 takes a moment to deliver a motivational speech, sharing stories about how he was teased for pursuing a music career. Now, performing in front of thousands at one of Sydney’s biggest venues, it’s clear that 360’s determination has allowed his dreams to come into fruition.
360 is joined onstage by Miracle – another local success story who was signed to Sony off the back of his HSC music piece. Since then, he’s gone on to headline shows as well as support the likes of ASAP Rocky and Childish Gambino.
An awesome spectacle as the lights dim for 360’s final track. We can only see him skyrocketing even further from here.
