Downsyde

Downsyde was founded by Optamus and Shabaz in the late 90's, followed by the arrival of legendary producer and MPC virtuoso Dazastah, whose production helped define the group’s unmistakable sound. Formed at Craigie High School (Perth), the crew quickly built a reputation for powerful lyricism, innovative beats, and a uniquely multicultural & First Nations sound and style. As the Australian hip-hop movement grew, Downsyde played a central role in pushing the culture onto national stages, including recording with the iconic Guru of Gang Starr, and were first local act to be named in THE SOURCE magazine alongside Koolism. After winning a stack of awards and an influential run of album releases and tours, the group paused in 2008 before returning with ClassicILL & Stereotypez reaffirming their status as local trailblazers . Today, Downsyde continues to tour and perform worldwide, delivering high-energy live shows while maintaining a legacy as iconic Australian hip-hop that helped shape the landscape.