“Hip Hop 101” is a therapeutic program offered in youth detention and is arguably most popular, in part because its teachers are recognised rap artists, Optamus, Rush and Flewnt.
"We’re fortunate to have iconic musicians and producers guiding young people in detention in hip hop lessons, plus they’re unearthing new talents," Acting Commissioner Rick Curtis said.
"Not only do young people obtain skills for the future, there are mental health benefits to expressing their thoughts and feelings through music, as well as educational opportunities."
"Learning about beats and music involves maths, writing and rapping lyrics helps boost literacy and collaborating in a group, including recording songs, encourages personal growth and responsibility," Acting Commissioner Curtis said.
Optamus (Scott Griffiths) is an MC with Australian hip hop group Downsyde, Flewnt (Josh Eggington) won a 2023 WA Music Award for Best Indigenous Act and recently wowed America’s Got Talent performing with his son Inkabee, Rush (Te Hiiritanga Wepiha) and Ray Tenielu is a youth worker and music producer.
As program facilitators, they run multiple sessions a week of hip hop lessons and lyric writing with young people at Banksia Hill and Unit 18.
Optamus said it’s an empowering program delivered by a diverse and talented team.
"This is a new and innovative way of looking at how we can engage with young people, how we can hopefully heal young people and help break recidivism cycles," Optamus said.
Flewnt is a Noongar Wongi artist, known for using Hip Hop to deliver positive messages about Aboriginal people on an international stage.
On Hip Hop 101, Flewnt said, "The therapy, the speaking of stories and connection back to culture through music has been really incredible."
Rush said it’s important these young people are mentored by positive indigenous role models.
"It’s teaching young people that you can pursue what you love," Rush said. "They might not pursue rap or hip hop or even music, but they’ll see us pursuing something that we’re passionate about and know it is possible."
15 tracks have been released under the album title 'Banksia Beats Volume 3'.
The album features a mix of contemplative and celebratory songs, all written and recorded at Banksia Hill and Unit 18, then mixed and mastered offsite by Optamus.
One young person said they had no musical experience before commencing Hip Hop 101 classes at Banksia Hill.
"It’s very therapeutic and there is learning happening here," she said.
"Some people don’t like talking about their feelings and what they’re going through but in music, we talk about our feelings."
Another young person said, "You can rap your future. You can rap your past, you know story songs… telling it all out there. It’s good."
Banksia Beats Volume 3 was launched at a special event held inside Banksia Hill Detention Centre, where facilitators Optamus, Flewnt and Rush performed some of their popular tracks, alongside invited guest musician JJ Vacant.
Listen to Banksia Beats Volume 3 below.
