If you have been paying attention to the ever-growing world of Aussie hip hop recently, you would know that MC Phrase is the hottest property in town. Having been the first street artist to be signed to a major label, the Melbourne born rapper has just finished recording his magnum opus and will perform at the DMC World DJ Championships this month.

The Scene caught up with Phrase to discuss these two milestones and asked the rising star what lies ahead?

Scene:  Where are you now?

Phrase:  I’m lying in bed in a hotel room in Brisbane. I think I’m a bit overdressed for the weather up here….it’s not Melbourne that’s for sure.

Scene:  But you’re heading back this week for the DMC champs, right?

Phrase:  Yeah, I’m really looking forward to it.

Scene: So what’s your history with the competition?

Phrase: I performed in 2004 but I’ve been going for years, man. I’ve probably been checking it out since I was around 18 or 19…..I think my interest    originally came from watching a DMC championships video when I was little and I just thought, this is cool. I bought turntables but I didn’t really have the skills to pay the bills so…….

Scene: Why do you think these championships are important?

Phrase: Well, it’s because it’s the upper echelons of the industry, the best of the best. It’s also good that an Aussie gets to go overseas to let the world know that the culture’s still strong out here and we’re doing well with it.

Scene: How is the standard these days?

Phrase:  The quality is as good as ever, if not better. There are definitely some dudes doing amazing stuff.

Scene: Anyone in particular?

Phrase: Yeah, I’m really keen to see how A-Style goes. He’s from Melbourne and definitely has his own thing going on, not so techy as a lot of them, but I love the fact that he’s a real performer, you know?

Scene: So what will you be bringing to the table this time around, or is that a secret?

Phrase: No, it’s not a secret. I’ve just finished my album, literally 4 days ago, so I’ll be doing all new material and it’s the first time I’ve done a full length set in 6 months. So I’ve been fairly quiet and I’m keen to get back out there. I’ve also got some extra stuff happening. Where last year it was just myself and DJ Flagrant, this year I’ve brought in some new people and have a guy on keys and a guy on bass. It’s a bigger show and we’ve been rehearsing hard, so hopefully it will all go well.

Scene: How do you think being signed to a major label affected the outcome of the album?

Phrase: I don’t think it’s had much of an affect on the actual music but if I’m honest there are ups and downs being signed to a major. You’ve definitely got a bit more power behind you and a bigger budget to get things done but at the same time it’s easy to get lost in there with all the other artists. But I’m really happy that Universal and I decided to go ahead with the second album, it’s going to be a big year for me and hopefully it will do big things for them as well.

Scene:  Do you think that a lot of the criticism of the majors comes from people who don’t get offered the contract?

Phrase: Totally. I think if you were big enough to move units by yourself you would much rather be on an indie label because it’s more personal, you get look after more. But it’s not as easy for an independent to get a video on TV or a track on the radio, so there are pros and cons. Where I’m lucky is that my album was finished when I signed so I retained all creative rights to the music.

Scene:  When you were recording the album, what was the most rewarding collaboration?

Phrase: Everyone was amazing but I have to say Wendy Matthews. Also Kram from Spiderbait who was a really cool guy. Very natural and a big name, so getting to a level where these people want to work with me is really great.

Scene: What do you have lined up in the coming months? I guess it’s all about pushing the recording?

Phrase:  The album was slated for September, but we’ve pushed it back so it’s not a rush. There will definitely be a single in mid September, then I’ll be on the touring circuit and hopefully try smashing out the festivals too.

Scene:  And when do you get to rest?

Phrase: I had a rest last week so I’m fine. I’m really looking forward to getting back out there and doing the shows, but maybe at the end of the year I’ll take a week or two off and disappear somewhere.

Click here for details of the DMC World DJ Championships