Def Wish Cast

Def Wish Cast

Company type	Music group
Industry	Hip hop music
Founded	1989
Headquarters	Western Sydney , Australia
Products	Music albums, singles, EPs

Def Wish Cast—also referred to as Def Wish Posse or DWC—is a hip-hop ensemble originating from Western Sydney, Australia.

History

As trailblazers of the Australian hip-hop scene, Def Wish Cast developed a localized sound that has earned acclaim both nationally and internationally. Their lyrics focus on genuine expression, with DJ Vame emphasizing their dedication to classic hip-hop components such as turntablism and vocal delivery. The founding members consisted of MCs Simon Bottle (DefWish), Pablo Chiacchio (Die C), Paul Westgate (Sereck), alongside DJ Vame (Shane Duggan).

The group champions Australian identity by rapping in a native accent and incorporating references to Sydney neighborhoods, thereby helping to define a unique Australian hip-hop character. They fully engage with all facets of hip-hop culture, including graffiti and breakdancing. According to Sereck, while they honor the genre’s roots, DWC crafts an authentically Australian interpretation of hip hop, positioning themselves as ambassadors for Australian hip hop on the world stage.

Def Wish Cast began performing live in 1990 and secured a contract with Random Records in 1991. Their 1992 limited-edition EP Mad As A Hatter featured the track "Proppa Ragga," which achieved international attention by reaching number two on Norway’s NRK Hip Hop program. In 2012, a copy of this EP sold for A$540 on eBay.

Their 1993 release Knights of the Underground Table was among the earliest full-length Australian hip-hop albums, following Sound Unlimited’s major-label debut. Def Wish Cast also became the first Australian hip-hop act to embark on a nationwide tour. After modest commercial outcomes, DJ Vame moved away in 1995, resulting in an almost ten-year break during which members engaged in other ventures, including DefWish's involvement with The Quickness.

In 1996, Sereck provided narration for Basic Equipment, Australia’s inaugural hip-hop documentary, and established a record label and collective under the same name that brought together Sydney-based hip-hop artists including DJ Vame.

The group briefly came together in 1997 to record "Hear My Raw" for the international compilation Bomb Worldwide. They officially reunited in 2002 with DJ Murda One stepping in for DJ Vame, releasing their comeback album The Legacy Continues... in 2003. The single "Allstars" was featured on the soundtrack for the film Bra Boys.

In 2011, Def Wish Cast issued the digital single "Dun Proppa" ahead of their album Evolution Machine. That same year, Knights of the Underground Table was ranked 91st on Triple J’s "Industry List" highlighting top Australian albums.

Albums and EPs

• Mad as a Hatter – Random (1992)
• Knights of the Underground Table – Random (1993)
• The Legacy Continues... – Hydrofunk (2006)
• Evolution Machine – MGM (2010)

Singles

• "A.U.S.T." – Random (1993)
• "Allstars" – Hydrofunk (2006)
• "DunProppa" – MGM & Creative Vibes (2011)
• "Forever" – MGM & Creative Vibes (2011)

Compilations

• "Hear My Roar", from Bomb Worldwide – Bomb Records (1997)
• "Proppa Ragga", featured on 15.Oz Vinyl: 15 Years of Australian Hip Hop on Vinyl – Crookneck Records (2004)
• "Allstars", included in Bra Boys: Music From The Film – Sony BMG (2007)
• "DunProppa", part of Battle of the Year
• "Daily Nightmare (1991 Demo Version)", from Underground United Vol. 4 – Underground United (2022)

Guest appearances and collaborations

• "Boogie Boy" by DefWish & DJ Sing featuring Tom Thum – included on Airheads Two - Australian Beats And Rhymes (2005)
• "It's Only Right" by 13th Son featuring Sereck – featured on Airheads Two - Australian Beats And Rhymes (2005)
• "Too Damn Long" by Sereck – part of Airheads Two - Australian Beats And Rhymes (2005)

Production credits

• "Wattz A Kila?" by Kilawattz (DJ Vame) – from the album Basic Equipment (1998)
• "The Last One" by Dope Runner (DJ Vame) – included on Basic Equipment (1998)
• "Flow" by Brethren (Sereck) – featured on Basic Equipment (1998)
• "Nothins gonna stop me" by 13th Son (Sereck) – released in 2001
• "By The Wayside" by 13th Son (Sereck) – part of Culture of Kings Volume 2 (2002)

APRA Awards

The APRA Awards are held yearly by the Australasian Performing Right Association (APRA), honoring exceptional achievements in songwriting and composition.

! |- | 2012 | "Dun Proppa" | Song of the Year | | |-

External links

• Rap Cella profile of Def Wish Cast