Story: Arylene Westlake
IT was once the poor cousin of the music industry, but tonight hip-hop will arguably dominate this year’s ARIAs, with WA rap star Drapht taking centrestage.
The 29-year old will perform at the 25th annual ARIA Awards ceremony at the Allphones Arena in Sydney and has been nominated for seven ARIA nominations, on par with frontrunners Gotye, and Boy & Bear.
The nominations include nods for Single of the Year for Rapunzel, Best Male Artist, Breakthrough Artist – Album for The Life of Riley, as well as Best Urban Album.
“I am quite nervous. I’m stoked obviously. It’s incredible to top what has been such a successful year through and
through for me. I couldn’t believe it,” said Drapht (real name Paul Ridge).
“But I’m up against the likes of Gotye, so I’m not sure how much of a chance I have – he’s absolutely killing the industry at the moment – but I’m in great company.”
The Perth hip-hop artist said he was glad of his slow ascent to fame, which had culminated in an upcoming tour and plans for a new album.
“I don’t really have too much time to work on anything specifically, but I’d like to say I’m sort of working on two projects at the moment – a secret collab’ project and sort of getting beats together for the next album,” he said.
When pressed about the “secret collab”, the rapper refused to reveal details, but joked it might well be a Christmas album.
“That could actually be my secret record,” he said. “But I’m actually really looking forward to Christmas this year for some reason.”
If the tip for Drapht to take out the ARIA for Best Urban Album plays out, that would surely be the perfect Christmas gift for the WA rapper.
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