Sauce

The day Ill Technique stop going on picnics is the day they start going to Church. Actually, as Tom Wilson discovered, this is exactly what this southern b-boy posse will not be doing anytime soon…

So what’s been happening in the world of Ill Technique recently?
Ill Technique have been working! We all have jobs now. It’s a bit scary. In between that we’ve been writing songs, recording, jamming, and playing every Sunday at the Raincheck Lounge.

Hobart’s hip-hop scene seems remarkably strong at the moment. Why do you think this is?
Hobart’s hip-hop scene is strong, ‘coz we keep pushing each other to rock out fresher rhymes or bad bass ghetto beats. It’s all about fun, getting pissed and keeping that Tassie hip-hop vibe alive. I have seen all elements progress and it’s gigs like Home Brew that showcase this!

Who do you see as the key movers and shakers in this scene, and why?
The movers and shakers in Tassie hip-hop are Lord Rumn, King Mdusu (Heads Of State), Crytearia, EPC… I could go on forever, ‘coz we all have something to bring to the table. But like anything in hip-hop, do your research, [and] respect the old as well [as] the new!

What gigs have you guys got coming up?
Ill Technique have been getting ready for their second performance at the Republic, headlining a free fundraiser event on Wednesday the 29th. We have been writing heaps of new songs of all styles. Reggae seems to be [a] groove we’re down with, and also heaps of b-boy funk.

Who in the global hip-hop scene would give you the most goosebumps if you met them? And what do you think you’d say to them?
The main man in hip-hop? Shit, Grand Master Flash was meant to be coming down, but I think it’s been postponed… so he would have to be number one. I would probably say, “I’m not worthy! I’m not worthy!” I’d also like to meet B-Boy Darkness – the most def, wildest b-boy out there!

I’ve heard that you guys can be pranksters of sorts. What was the last good one you pulled?
Us, pranksters? No… the last time we ran amok… without getting ourselves in too much trouble… we were on a little picnic “so to speak”, and we were getting wasted at this nice spot, and the cops rocked up. With lightning fast reflexes, we managed to stash every thing away i.e. Tom had to shove a joint down his pants. And we convinced them we were just enjoying the view, and they believed us! [Laughs] Yeah – good times!

You guys also seem to have a bit of an affinity for graffiti. What are some examples of street art in Hobart that have impressed you, and why?
I have seen a lot of good painters’ progress in Hobart, especially the newer generation! A lot us painters had to use crap paint ‘coz no one stocked good paint. But that’s all changed now… My favourite painters are D2R, Skurge, High 5, Ruinz and Jiles! P.S. We need more legal walls!

Finally, for something a little different, what are some things that Ill Technique will most definitely not be doing in the next month or so?
Ill Technique will not be going to church.

But they will be going to Hobart’s Republic Bar on the 29th of August.