Def Wish Cast

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Def Wish Cast
Origin	Sydney, Australia
Genre(s)	Hip hop
Years active	1991–present
Label(s)	Random Hydrofunk
Website	http://www.myspace.com/defwishcast
Members
Def Wish Die C Sereck DJ Murda One
Former members
DJ Vame

Def Wish Cast are an Australian hip-hop group hailing from Penrith, Sydney.

1 Biography
2 Discography
- 2.1 Albums and EPs
- 2.2 Singles
3 References
4 External links

[edit] Biography

This Australian group asserts itself as the founders of Australian hip hop, “having created something localized that was revered and is now mythologized.” ^[1] The group also states its hip hop credentials through its lyrics, raping that they are “always hardcore/ ‘cos hardcore means true to the music” ^[2] DJ Vame, an early group member, stated that being “true to the music” is shown by Def Wish Cast’s faithfulness to the “original instruments” of hip-hop: two turntables and a microphone. ^[2]

Originally, Def Wish Cast comprised of MCs Def Wish, Die C, Sereck and featured turntablism by DJ Vame. After the limited commercial success and some falling out Vame left the group and now DJ Murda One DJ's at their live sets.

Def Wish Cast, released the first full length Australian underground hip hop album and was one of the first Australian hip hop groups to tour, ^[3]. They helped localize hip hop to make it Australian. The group’s 1993 song “A.U.S. Down Under Comin’ Upper”, also recorded in a local studio, was released on an independent album “Knights of the Underground Table”, references their origins, being the suburbs of Greater Western Sydney. Def Wish Cast promote Australian culture by not only explicitly naming local suburbs of Sydney, but also by rapping in an exaggerated Australian accent with “broad, bent, nasal Aussie syllables.” ^[2] Their distinct Australian sound helped gain the crew noterity both locally and, to an extent, internationally.

Def Wish Cast embrace not only the music, but other elements of the hip hop culture including graffiti art.^[4] Although characterized by the main elements of hip hop, Def Wish Cast have in their own way redefined the commonly perceived African American culture. They see hip hop as not a black thing, but as member Ser Reck says "it's our thing". ^[2] In their recordings this group takes the elements of hip hop and applys them to the local Australian scene. Moreover, Ser Rock "reveres [African American originators] but has "constructed the identity and authenticity he craves on a model learned from hip-hop". ^[5]For this, Def Wish Cast represents Aussie hip hop in a global market.

In 1991, Def Wish Cast self released a run of 500 four track vinyl EPs, "Mad as a Hatter", which featured their Australianised ragga style, including on the track "Proppa Ragga" (which lated appeared on the compilation album 15.Oz Vinyl in 2004). "Proppa Ragga" was the first Australian hip hop track to receive international recognition, albeit at Norway, coming in at number 2 on its NRK's Hip Hop show (hosted by Tommy Tee).^[6] Def Wish Cast were also the first Australian hip hop group to tour nationally.^[7]

The group released their debut independent album, Knights of the Underground Table, a year later in 1992, the first full length Australian hip hop album.^[6]

Unfortunately due to a very small market for Australian urban music at that time and limited commercial response to their first album Def Wish Cast were unable to release any other recordings until several years later. However in 2006 Def Wish Cast released their second LP The Legacy Continues....
Whilst never gaining the commercial success of Sound Unlimited, 1200 Techniques or Hilltop Hoods, Def Wish Cast remain a vital part of Australian hip hop history.