The Hilltop Hoods are arguably the indisputable kings of Australian hip hop.

Last night they set out to prove the point once again to those who’d seen them before and for the first timers that their 20-year career, with three of six studio releases peaking at #1 on the ARIA charts and enough certified gold material to spread out across a number of trestle tables, that their career is based purely upon a strong foundation of quality songwriting, an utterly engaging stage presence, impressive use of multimedia and a backing band that really breathes a third dimension into the musical experience. When this is topped by an overall message of equality and unity, you have an epic concert experience that most anyone can enjoy.

Considering the stifling heat and massive numbers in attendance, the show thankfully took place in the outdoor area of the Adelaide showground. This not only allowed for some much-needed airflow, but instantly produced a festival vibe as younger supports Thundamentals tore up the stage with a high-energy offering of fun and catchy hip hop. It was clear by the many people waving their arms and singing along to the lyrics that a large number of people were indeed just as excited to see them perform as for the main event.

As excitement grew for Hilltop Hoods the surrounding grandstands continued to fill with people, with children as young as five sitting atop the shoulders of their eager parents, teenagers sitting in circles across the grass periodically, and those older still keeping the bar busy for the duration of the night. The accompanying brass band and drummer joined DJ Debris on stage, instantly evoking a defiant chant of “Hilltops, Hilltops!” which amplified the already impressive rendition of the climactic Saw theme song. As excitement hit a peak Suffa and MC Pressure burst onto the stage and tore straight into Chase That Feeling.

The combination of dominating rhymes, talented scratching, intense drums and atmospheric brass accompaniment ensure the creation of a full living, breathing sound, and it really was an impressive spectacle. As the Hilltop Hoods performed a career-spanning set an equally impressive multimedia presentation cut like rapid fire between the different angles of six go pro cameras and was projected on screen. One of these angles was a point of view from the drummer’s perspective.

Performing hits such as the seminal Hard Road and Nosebleed Section, MCs Suffa and Pressure only let up to spit some freestyle rhymes, spread a unanimous message of equality and thank their home crowd for being the biggest they had seen in five months of touring. With an encore performance of Cosby Sweater and in the wake of the 1000-odd people streaming out of the Showgrounds, it’s safe to say that The Hilltop Hoods captured the hearts of even those initially uninterested in their music.