I have mentioned previously about how I feel regarding the topic of hip hop and how I differentiate my thoughts on Australian hip hop. Well dig out those old sentiments because this is another fine example of Australian hip hop. The Herd is a hip hop group featuring members such as Ozi Batla (a fine lyricist and singer) and Urthboy. In 2003 they released their breakthrough album An Elefant Never Forgets, which featured the song 77%. The song dealt with the touchy subject of the then controversial ‘Tampa affair’ in 2001, which regarded a vessel from international waters coming into Australian waters. In a survey conducted following the event, 77% of people surveyed agreed with John Howard’s actions regarding the barring of the boat people from Australian shores. This led to the song mentioning that “77% of Aussie are racist”, and the fact that all Australians are themselves immigrants. The touchy subject was delivered with a powerful wake up call to Australians (in fact the lyrics of the song are “Wake up, this country needs a fuckin’ shake up, wake up, this cunts need a shake up”). The band are themselves noted for their fierce nationalism and their political views, so of course if any band was to record a song that featured such topics, it would be The Herd.
At the best of times, Australian hip hop is quite eloquent and very sharp. 77% is no exception. The band manages to make a song that effects every single emotion that a nationalistic Australian would feel, and in doing so, manages to drive a very important topic home. If all hip hop was made in this sense, and every political song featured the same format as this one, there would be very little chance of there ever being a bland, preachy political song ever again.
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Again, hip hop songs are very well written when they are done right. Even songs such as this which manage to incorporate a very strong party vibe whilst still incorporating the typical political undertones that The Herd enjoy implementing into their songs. The fun, bouncy beat of the song makes reference to the current political situation in Australia and how the ‘little guy’ is quite often unheard. The almost motivational song is once again delivered with great dedication and total relevance to the subject being delivered. The Herd are not to be messed with, they are one of the most serious and most fun hip hop groups of recent years.
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