Payback Records

Payback Records was founded in Melbourne, Victoria, by Nathan Lovett-Murray and Cappa Atkinson. The label was launched in October 2008 with a focus on hip-hop performed by Indigenous people. Its establishment placed the company within Australia’s independent and community-oriented music landscape, while giving it a specific cultural remit centered on Indigenous artists and hip-hop. The label’s first documented release was Mixed Tape 1, a compilation. Rather than presenting only one performer, the compilation format allowed Payback Records to introduce multiple artists and establish a shared catalogue identity. It also reflected the label’s role as a platform for Indigenous hip-hop voices rather than simply a conventional artist-by-artist imprint. Artists associated with the label include Tjimba and the Yung Warriors, Alter Egoz, Johnny Mac, Koori Boy, Young Philly, Meriki Hood, MC Antwon, DJ Deadly and Little G. These associations indicate a roster spanning performers, groups and DJ-led contributions. The label’s catalogue is consequently linked with a range of Indigenous Australian hip-hop activity rather than a single sound or act. The available historical record does not provide detailed information about later ownership, distribution partnerships, additional release dates, commercial performance, management changes or the label’s current operations. It therefore supports a concise account of the company’s foundation, launch, musical focus, first compilation and documented artist associations, but not a definitive assessment of its present status.

• 2008

  Payback Records is founded in Melbourne

  [1]Payback Recordsen.wikipedia.org

  Nathan Lovett-Murray and Cappa Atkinson establish the Australian record company in Melbourne, Victoria.

• 2008

  Label launches

  [1]Payback Recordsen.wikipedia.org

  Payback Records launches in October with a focus on hip-hop performed by Indigenous Australian artists.

• 2008

  Mixed Tape 1 becomes the first release

  [1]Payback Recordsen.wikipedia.org

  The label begins its release catalogue with Mixed Tape 1, a compilation featuring its broader artist platform.

An Indigenous-focused Australian hip-hop record label and platform for artists from Indigenous communities.

• Compilation release · 2008

  Mixed Tape 1

  Mixed Tape 1 was Payback Records’ first documented release. It was issued as a compilation, allowing the newly launched label to present multiple performers and establish its catalogue around Indigenous Australian hip-hop rather than a single flagship act. The compilation is an important early marker of the label’s platform-oriented identity.

1. 1Payback Recordsen.wikipedia.org