Well-known Adelaide hip hop music group, Hilltop Hoods, has been honoured by City of Adelaide Council with the naming of a local laneway after the musicians.
Clubhouse Lane, which runs off Hindley Street in the city’s CBD, is now known as Hilltop Hoods Lane and is the sixth addition to the Council’s City of Music Laneways trail.
Lord Mayor, Jane Lomax-Smith said Hilltop Hoods’ enduring impact on Australian music and culture made them a worthy addition to Adelaide’s City of Music Laneways.
“Once considered the Australian music industry’s underdogs, the Hoods have harnessed their talent and determination to not only top the charts but build a multi-generational fan base in their mosh pits,” the Lord Mayor said.
“Despite their global success, they have never forgotten their Adelaide roots. That’s why it’s fabulous to permanently recognise their achievements on the streets of the city – just a short walk from the venues where they started making music three decades ago.”
The laneway joins a growing collection of City of Music Laneways recognising South Australian music legends including Sia Furler, Cold Chisel, No Fixed Address, Paul Kelly and The Angels.
Formed in the Adelaide Hills as teenagers, Hilltop Hoods have become one of Australia’s most influential and successful musical acts.
Pioneers of Australian hip hop, the group helped bring the genre from the underground into the national spotlight through relentless touring and a catalogue of celebrated releases that have inspired generations of artists.
Hilltop Hoods’ catalogue includes Australian classics such as The Nosebleed Section, I Love It, Leave Me Lonely, Cosby Sweater and Exit Sign, alongside Adelaide tributes City of Light and 1955.
Named by Rolling Stone as one of the greatest Australian acts of all time, Hilltop Hoods are also the most featured artist in triple j Hottest 100 history.
Their achievements include a record seven ARIA Number One albums, the most of any Australian music group, along with 108 Platinum accreditations and 20 Gold accreditations and counting.
Deputy Premier and Minister for Arts Kyam Maher said Adelaide has a proud music history and the Hilltop Hoods “are an iconic part of this incredible legacy”.
“I have been a massive Hilltop Hoods fan since their early breakout days on Triple J,” said Mr Maher.
“I’ve been lucky enough to attend many of their concerts over the years from huge venues like the Adelaide Entertainment Centre, to more intimate shows like concerts set amongst our magnificent vineyards.
“To see them recognised in this way only builds on the amazing impact they have had on the music industry right here and across Australia.
“I congratulate the City of Adelaide on this important project that is recognising the tremendous musical talent that has come from our UNESCO City of Music.”
Their top 10 hits include 1955 ft. Montaigne & Tom Thum, (14 x Platinum), Cosby Sweater (14 x Platinum), Chase That Feeling (7 x Platinum), ‘Higher ft. James Chatburn’ (4 x Platinum), and ‘I Love It’ (9 x Platinum) featuring nine-time Grammy nominee Sia Furler, another City of Music Laneway honouree.
Their sphere of influence has extended into international markets, with the Hoods having maintained a strong presence throughout the UK, Europe, Canada and North America – a performance career that has included peak sets at Glastonbury, Reading & Leeds, Openair Frauenfeld and Summerjam.
In 2020 they released the fundraising single I’m Good?, which was recorded in isolation during quarantine and has so far helped raise over $709,000 in much needed aid for SUPPORT ACT’s ‘Roadies (Crew) Fund’ and in 2023, they headlined Now & Forever, the all-ages, all-inclusive concert in support of The Voice referendum’s Yes Campaign.
Hilltop Hoods have long been synonymous with Australian-made triumphs. Trailblazers in a genre that eventually married the underground with commercial success, setting a blueprint for waves of contemporaries to follow, the group’s legacy is undeniable.
The labels are numerous: “Platinum Selling”, “Multi-ARIA Winning”, “Sold Out Arena Tours” – yet at the end of the day, Hilltop Hoods’ resolve remains the same.
The music they make is done with the intent to connect and last with fans, regardless of age, background or creed; time and time again, their formula pays dividends and then some.
Visit Adelaide City of Music Laneways for more information on the project.
