MADHOUSE DJS | LAYIN' IT DOWN

Kickin in the door across the state of NSW, Madhouse DJs have become known as the go to source for underground Hip Hop. building their stellar reputation on breaking new artists to wider audiences, throwing legendary Hip Hop parties and rockin DJ sets so large they have become the stuff of myth.

The most easily identified members, DJ Micks King and DJ Wizla are both widely accomplished Hip Hop artists in their own right.

Known as one of Australia's most in demand Hip Hop DJs 'Micks King' has become synonymous with the sound of underground rap music in Australia. Working the turntables at any of his many residences over the years has allowed the DJ to build up an incredible range and knowledge of both international and local Hip Hop music.

His skills behind the decks plus his reputation for breaking and pushing Australian and underground Hip Hop artists to wider audiences, have seen him invited to play around the country and the world, including the Festival Revolución Hip Hop in Central America where he was officially recognized for these contributions.

DJ 'Wizla' aka Wizardy from the Newcastle Hip Hop group 'Blades' formerly known as Blades of Hades. Since forming in the late 1990s they have released four albums. Always pushing Australian Hip Hop to new levels, having performed at many festivals in Europe, including Germany's Mass Hysteria in Hamburg and the world famous Glastonbury Festival in the United Kingdom. Known for his incredibly diverse skill set, including DJing, MCing, breakdancing + more.

Q. For the kids at home, what is Madhouse? Is it a cult/gang/legend?

Its our lifestyle. It's the way we live every day. People will take their own perception from that and call it whatever they want.

Q. What have been some of Madhouse’s biggest achievements?

Being able to connect with so many great Hip Hop artists and give them a platform where they can reach a wider audience. That's definitley always going to be the biggest achievment. Everything else is just a nice bonus.

Q. You have been pulling some seriously amazing Hip Hop legends such as Dj Cash Money to Newcastle. How does this magic come about?

You know, we always stay consistent with what we do. We live Hip Hop. If you are in Newcastle and you like Hip Hop, you probably know about Madhouse. So it's only natural for people to look for the most solid platform to connect with their fans. Being consistent is the key.

Q. Do you feel a sense of Newie pride? What makes it such a special place?

Yeh of course, its only right to represent where we are from. Every place is unique and has it's own story to tell to the world. So we are trying to tell Newcastle's story to the world from our perspective. It's a unique place, it doesn't take long for outsiders to notice that. When DJ Cash Money was here recently one of the first things he mentioned to us was how he could quickly he could notice how much art and music meant to the city and it's culture.

Q. Can you fill us in about what been happening in the Newcastle Hip Hop scene in recent years?

Madhouse is what's happening. Always and forever. A lot of great artists are doing their thing, I don't want to name anyone cause if I forget somebody they might run up on us in the street. A lot of incredible MCs, DJs, Writers and Entrepreneurs. You can check most of them out on our Facebook and Social Media.

Q. What are the most notable developments you’ve witnessed in Newie’s creative scene overall?

It's got a lot more unity now. Still a lot of people want to stick their heads in the sand and don't want to acknowledge the reality and truth of a lot of people's experiences. Mostly though those people only have so much money to burn through before they fall off like the rest. You can't tell people how they are supposed to feel or think. Art doesn't work like that.

Q. What is it that draws you to Hip Hop?

What draws a bee to honey?

Q. Would you say you have managed to make a career out of Hip Hop?

None of us have ever really looked it as a career. We have managed to survive life so far with the tools we have learnt through Hip Hop. Just to survive another day is a blessing.

Q. What is unique about the Hip Hop scene in Newcastle?

It's in Newcastle.

Currently you can catch Madhouse DJs in effect on Sydney 99.3fm Northside Radio, Friday nights from 9pm til late or live at one their nationally famous and notorious Thursday night Hip Hop parties at the Hamilton Station Hotel in Newcastle plus plenty more slammin Hip Hop events around NSW.

Photos: Above- @snapshotsofthoughts | Top- wanagi.co