By Brian Macgregor
Footscray hip hop group Sneakerheads have been given the opportunity to be a support act for one of Compton’s most notorious artists; DJ Quik.
A pioneer of the West Coast hip hop sound, DJ Quik has been an influential figure as a rapper, DJ and producer over a career that has spanned over three decades.
His debut album in 1991 went platinum and he has worked with Snoop Dogg, 2Pac, Whitney Houston, Janet Jackson and Jay-Z to name a few. He was also named by LA Times as the West Coast’s #1 producer over Dr. Dre and The Alchemist.
Al-flex and Vision, the two emcees from Sneakerheads, said they were humbled when they received the message that asked them if they would perform on the same bill.
“We have been creating and emulating a certain sound with our beat production and beat choices that has been more of a funky West Coast vibe, as opposed to a jazzy, boom bap style of sound which is associated with East Coast hip hop.
We think this must have been part of the reason we were chosen to support Quik.” Al-flex said.
Al-flex and Vision have been performing live shows for about 15 years with different groups and have organised an array of events in Footscray and Yarraville for other up and coming acts to showcase their skills.
“Because we have been gigging and putting on hip hop events for such a long time, this opportunity is amazing for us because we have been active in the Melbourne hip hop scene for a while now. It’s great to be recognised for that time with this show. It feels like good karma for all the effort we have put towards keeping the culture alive in Melbourne’s West.
Putting on shows at the old Night Heron, the old Reverence Hotel, The Mersh, Pride of our Footscray and Mama Chen’s has always been exciting because it’s interesting to see how many people turn up from our community, and the numbers in the door have been consistent. It’s always fantastic to see a live music event going successfully in our part of town and not just Brunswick, Fitzroy or the city.” Al-flex said.
They said that it was a great moment for hip hop in the western suburbs of Melbourne and that it will be an honour to play at DJ Quik’s only Melbourne show at Laundry Bar on Friday December 9th.
