Obese Records, Australia’s first hip hop label, was established in 1995 as a small record store originally namedOB’s. After the business was bought and renamed byTirren Staaf (Pegz) in 2002, the label was created as an outlet for the distribution of Australian hip-hop.

Melbourne’s emceeReason with his albumSolid, was the first release on the label, closely followed by the scene-definingCulture of Kingsand Obesecity compilations. Over the course of its twelve years,Obese Records has seen success stories such asHilltop Hoods, Muph & Plutonic, Drapht, Illy, release award winning albums, play to crowds of thousands atObese Block Parties, and cement their places in Australian hip hop history. Current artists on the roster includePlutonic Lab, M-Phazes, Dialectrix, Thundamentals, Spit Syndicate, Pegz, Chasm and more.

The nerve centre atObese HQ, headed by Operations ManagerFern Greig-Moore, PublicistLindsey Martin, and Sales ManagerTerry Ho, includes sales, publicity, marketing, accounts, and A &R services. In 2013Obese Records signed its first management contract with successful underground emceeKerser, one of many important artists on the extensive distribution roster.

As the label continues to wave the banner for credible hip hop releases in Australia, the demand for distribution has increased. Boasting industry stalwarts such asBroken Tooth Entertainment, Crate Cartel, Wordburner/Bias B, Lookup andKarsniogenics, Obese Distribution umbrellas over 100 of the country’s finest hip hop acts. Managed byFrank Mincone, The Prahran store (4A Izett Street) has become a hip hop mecca in Australia for committed fans, hosting media listening parties, in-store signing sessions, radio marathons, and its own segment onObese TV.

After years of demographic observation,Pegz recognised the demand for a cultural hub in Frankston after noting a large portion of hip hop enthusiasts inhabited the bay side region. The decision was made to replicate a second retail store. Conveniently positioned at the heart of the township, the shop features an impressive wall piece by Melbourne graffiti artistShem and will be open five days. Business hours are Tues – Sat 10am-5:30pm, and 10am – 6pm on Fridays. Besides vinyl, CDs, and the label’s own merchandise, Obese Records retail will stock street apparel and accessories from brands such as 1Line, Wu Tang, Burn Crew,and Kangol. Quality paints fromIronlak, Molotow will also be available to customers over 18, as well as a wide range of arts supplies, street art magazines and DVDs. 

The store’s opening signifies an important time in local hip hop culture, where in the face of the demise of physical music sales across the industry, the hip hop community continues to support vinyl and CD production. With a highly productive 2013 and beyond planned, keep an ear out for upcomingObese Records related events, and other announcements in the coming months.

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