Astronomy Class

Astronomy Class occupy a singular niche within Australian hip-hop, and perhaps on a wider scale as well. Reggae-infused beats laced with science-fiction themes form an uncommon hybrid. The project originated when producers Sir Robbo, a compulsive crate-digger who also plays drums in several dub ensembles, and Chasm, previously the guitarist in the instrumental rock outfit Ukiyo-E, decided to collaborate on a full-length release featuring rotating guest vocalists and rappers. After constructing a collection of Jamaican-flavored instrumentals, they played the material for their preferred MC, Ozi Batla of the Herd. Presented with the tracks individually, he answered that he liked “All of them,” locking in the trio’s lineup on the spot. Multiple additional contributors still appeared on the group’s first album, the 2006 release Exit Strategy.

Among them were the Herd’s other MC, Urthboy, together with Jane Tyrrell, Hau of Koolism, Lotek, and further guests. Once Ozi Batla supplied lyrics drawn from his passion for science fiction, the collective adopted the name Astronomy Class, occasionally shortened in jest to “Ass Class.” Noticing that 2009 had been designated the International Year of Astronomy, the members aligned the launch of their follow-up album, Pursuit of Happiness, with that global observance. Ozi Batla later credited the video game Fallout 3 with shaping its post-apocalyptic imagery. That record again drew on outside talent, including Ash Grunwald, Kween G of Killa Queenz, Vida-Sunshyne, and the Tongue, the latter of whom joined bassist John Maddox as a permanent member of the band’s live configuration.