'Unf*ckwithable': Downsyde Release Sixth Studio Album 'Stereotypez'

Hip hop trailblazers Downsyde solidified themselves as masters of their craft decades ago, with each new release offering an opportunity to further experiment with new sounds, platform upcoming artists, and share new stories.

“The older we get, the more knowledge we have,” reflects Darren Reutens, better known as Dazastah.

“Sometimes this can be a hindrance as the knowledge and new techniques we have gained make the process take longer.”

Their latest album Stereotypez is testament to good things taking time, with Reutens adding that there is also a “new sense of freedom writing records now we are not on major labels.”

From content to title, Stereotypez unpacks many of the prejudices the group have faced since their inception in the late 90s.

“For a long time Australia never accepted hip hop as a genre, or culture,” Reutens says. “A lot of us fought hard to be in spaces where the door was firmly held shut.”

Now that Downsyde has broken through that door, they are adamant to help platform other Western Australian artists.

“The Nullarbor is a massive industry and creative divide. In WA, we don’t often get the spotlight for the incredibly successful artists we have produced.”

Stereotypez offers a veritable panoply of WA featured talent, with artists Rob Shaker, Sam Nafie, James Abberley, and Matt Gresham all lending their voices to the album.

Original member of the group, Shahbaz Rind (Dyna-Mikes), also makes an appearance alongside new recruit Beni Bjah. The feature marks the first for Rind since announcing his departure from the group in 2018 due to family commitments.

A celebrated songwriter in his own right, Bjah’s addition seems an natural and easy fit. Bjah’s previous accolades include the WAM’s 2016 Song Of The Year, where he was the first Noongar artist to take home the honour.

With a new line-up and a new album, Downsyde has taken off on their national album tour, concluding in a hometown show in Fremantle (Walyalup) at the end of November.

“We built our career on touring,” says Reutens. “Downsyde has always been a hard touring, album focussed and grassroots act. Our live show is unfuckwithable, and has been WA exclusive due to the huge costs of flying and industry crumbling that is taking place right now.”

“It’s ironic considering how big a fan base we have nationally, it’s time we took it to the people!”

Ahead of the tour, Optamus (Scott Griffiths), takes us track by track through the new album;

01. Intro Feat. Rob Shaker
The intro for Stereotypes is a throwback to the dub and reggae-infused records that we are big fans of. Rob Shaker's cuts are razor sharp and set the album up nicely on the theme of stereotypes being about the way people are judged.

02. Odds Feat. Sam Nafie
A testament to resilience, this track blends raw lyricism with Sam Nafie’s soulful hook. With Beni Bjah joining the band his unmistakable raspy and low gritty tones set the scene for the new Downsyde. With a trappy mix layered over a boom bap beat produced by Dazastah and myself (Opt), it’s a battle cry for overcoming obstacles and pushing through adversity.

03. Really Know
This track features an amazing harpist, Michelle Smith, and tells the story of broken and toxic relationships. The three of us reflect on our younger days, giving the song a unique storytelling quality that resonates with listeners.

04. Call Feat. James Abberley
This is a fun 60's Soul guitar inspired song played by the legendary Vaughan Jamieson. Call takes aim at how bushfires were handled during Scott Morrison's time as Prime Minister. It emphasizes the need to listen to our First Nations, highlighting the wisdom of fire management that has been practiced for centuries. Featuring an excerpt from brilliant First Nations fire management expert Victor Steffensen, the track calls for action and respect. James Abberley’s vocals add a soulful edge to this urgent message.

05. All Out War Part One
The first of two epic tracks featuring multiple members of the legendary Syllabolix crew including legendary rapper Layla. All Out War is one for the heads. Produced by Dazastah, it’s dark, gritty, and demands to be played at high volume with heavy sub-bass. These are tough anthems intended for the streets,  played at high volume in residential areas.

06. Winding Road Feat. Sam Nafie
Winding Road features the epic and powerful vocals of Sam Nafie for a second song. We like to call these types of songs "Street Soul," characterized by driving drums reminiscent of Fortune and Fame and the iconic production of Dazastah. 

07. Heaven Is A Bud
Well, this one is pretty self-explanatory. A laid-back stoner interlude, it's best to just listen, inhale and take what you want from it. Let the vibes wash over you and draw your own meaning from the mellow, reflective groove.

08. Slow Down Feat. Matt Gresham
Slow Down is a vibrant, up-tempo Street Soul track featuring the amazing vocal tones of Matt Gresham. With an addictive hook, it delivers a great message about taking the time to smell the roses. 

09. Flip The Bird Feat. James Abberley
Flip The Bird is a cheeky track that dives into my experiences with education and dealing with ADHD, reflecting on how these experiences have inspired my work with young people and in the community.  With a 60's Latin-inspired guitar vibes of Vaughan Jamieson who also appeared on Call.

10. Walk Away
Walk Away features long-time member Shabaz, who stepped away from the microphone to welcome Beni Bjah into the fold. This track delivers a classic New York-inspired boom bap hip-hop vibe, complete with catchy chorus cuts and Shabaz’s unmistakable vocal style. It captures the essence of the genre while showcasing the evolution of the group and its fresh new direction.

11. Tyrants
Tyrants is a straight-up battle-style hip-hop braggadocious anthem packed with punchlines and humour. Featuring funny excerpts from a famous heavyweight boxer, this track embodies the essence of hip-hop culture and Street swagger.

12. All Out War Part Two
All Out War Part Two revisits the epic SBX, posse cut, showcasing our enduring power and camaraderie. With another banging beat from Dazastah, this track exemplifies why Syllabolix has remained one of the longest-running hip-hop collectives in the country. The energy is 1000 plus, solidifying their legacy and commitment to the craft with every verse.

13. We Go Hard
We Go Hard is a fun, uptempo boom bap track featuring an MPC piano-chopped rhythm produced by Dazastah and Optamus during lockdown in the beautiful coastal town of Exmouth, WA. With Dazastahs's unmistakable live drum sound and energy finishing off the album perfectly.

Downsyde’s sixth studio album Stereotypez is out now. The group is currently on a national tour, with tickets available here.