Drapht

Perth-native Paul Ridge was first introduced to music by his jazz drumming father before the age of six. Ridge subsequently became interested in hip hop through a friend at school, Damien Allia, whom he would attend gigs at the Hyde Park Hotel with. Serendipity played its part in Ridge’s next move as he was invited to join the Perth-based hip hop collective Syllaboliks. Soon forming an integral part of the group, the rapper was able to hone his performance skills as well gain invaluable schooling from the other members.

Soon after the formation, Ridge made his debut on Hunter and Dazastah’s debut album “Done DL” in 2000, not long after the rapper had begun penning his own songs. Ridge’s debut solo track arrived in 2003 entitled “Misunderstood”, which found its way on to the album “Culture of Kings - Volume 3” in 2003.

The same year the rapper released his debut, full-length album “Pale Rider” in October. Featuring production by Dazastah, Fdel, and Drapht, the album hosts artists including Downsyde, MC Layla, Hunter, Selekt, and Porsah Lane, and garnered the rapper a notable national presence. Drapht’s sophomore album, “Who Am I”, followed in 2005, once again featuring Dazastah at the production reigns. Led by the radio singles “Drink Drank Drunk” and “The Music”, the record is marked by greater introspection and led to touring in support of Hilltop Hoods, Dilated Peoples, Downsyde, and Rodney P.

The rapper’s third full-length album “Brothers Grimm” appeared in May 2008, the lead single of which, “Jimmy Recard”, received regular rotation on Triple J. Peaking at No. 10 on the Australian Albums Chart as well as No. 9 on the V Energy AIR Chart, the record marked the rapper’s first charting album. Independently released, Drapht’s fourth album “The Life of Riley” (2011) was his most successful to date, debuting at No. 1 on the Australian Albums Chart. Featuring contributions by Briggs, N’fa, Trials, and Funkoars, the record catapulted Ridge to national notoriety and earned the rapper seven award nominations at the ARIA Music Awards.