Common Grounding presents a cross-continental underground hip-hop journey uniting Naarm and Singapore.

In its debut edition, Singaporean musician MARY SUE headlines his first live show in Australia, accompanied by multi-genre musician and beatmaker FAILTRYLAGI. Following the success of his 2022 debut album "Kisses Of Life," featured on Bandcamp’s Top Hip Hop Albums of the Year, Sue has continued to evolve his sound, garnering critical acclaim and concluding 2023 with an Asia tour. They are joined by local underground hip hop mainstays.

Fresh off the release of his widely acclaimed album "Westside Junkie" in June, MAMMOTH. hails from Melbourne's West and has captivated the scene with watery flows, dynamic punch lines, and a poetic approach to rap.

Recently opening for internationally acclaimed acts like Kiefer and Black Milk, enigmatic yet compelling producer/emcee CHEF CHUNG blends cinematic alternative hip hop with a fusion of 70s soul, 90s R&B, and modern electronic/trap.

HAWKRADA, known for his loosely thumping kicks and perpetually evolving patterns, crafts beats infused with a fusion of jazz, electronic, and hip hop influences. He is also a member of the soulful fusion band Lord Knows, who released their debut self-titled LP earlier this year.

KHYA, a latinx lesbian doing it for the gay sexpots. A House of Silky Sex Siren, KHYA is greatly inspired by the club and the ballroom floor. Blending her love of sensual 90s R&B with modern club production, her nostalgic sound carries an undeniable essence of queer and dark femininity. KHYA’s music draws you in with vulnerability infused with seductive eroticism.

With soulful, minimal production combined with introspective lyrics and clever wordplay, Naarm-based Vietnamese rapper TEC has steadily built a strong following both locally and internationally.

DJing under the alias BAMSAM, Bamitssam is a multihyphenate creative based in Naarm who will be bringing her rhythmic blends and infectious grooves to the show.