Matthew Craig

Rapper. Entrepreneur. Community Leader. A defining voice in Australian hip-hop’s new era, Matthew Craig embodies Melbourne’s diverse northern suburbs. The son of a Sri Lankan father and Italian mother, he’s built a reputation as one of the country’s most in-demand curators and storytellers. As the figurehead of AUD’$, Craig has shaped the culture from the ground up—selecting for ARIA, Apple Music, TikTok, Amazon Music, and Triple J, while speaking at BIGSOUND and moderating at the inaugural SXSW Sydney. As a presenter, Craig boasts an extensive resume, having interviewed global heavyweights including Wiz Khalifa, Killer Mike, Brent Faiyaz, and Ari Lennox, while providing some of the earliest coverage of future stars such as The Kid Laroi, Mason Dane, and ChillinIt. All delivered from his smoke spot at home base Marshall Street Studios—the creative heartbeat of Melbourne’s north, where signature walls are marked by hip-hop royalty from the late Coolio, to Skepta, to Sampa The Great. On the mic, Craig’s “Pass The Lighter” mixtape series cements his authority in rap. A sharp wordsmith with a golden-era soul, he blends 90’s hip-hop essence with contemporary Australian grit, delivered in a laid-back, effortless flow. Roll one. Press play. Kick back. & enjoy the journey.