03/03/2026
Pirate Life Port Adelaide was already buzzing before doors opened, wet and rainy but once the gates swung wide for Pirate Life’s 11th birthday, it turned into a full-blown hip hop block party inside the brewery gates, Tanks towering overhead, pints flowing, and a crowd that felt like family,this wasn’t just a birthday, it was a statement.
From early on, the vibe was locked in. Tommy marsh set the tone with raw local energy, warming the crowd with gritty bars and that unmistakable Adelaide pride. The crowd leaned in ready for the night ahead.
Bousta kept the momentum rolling, bringing tight indigenous flows and delivery that bounced beautifully off the industrial brewery tanks.
When Inkswel DJ stepped up, the transitions were seamless. Soulful cuts blending him with the lyrically blessed bloomy meadows is just an insane duo, Heads were nodding heavy, insert Kultar Ahluwalia, and Taiaha and the crowd went off, hometown legends.
Then came Jimmy Ricard himself Mr. D-D-Drapht and Bitter Belief – seasoned, commanding, and razor sharp. Their set hit everyone with feel good vibes and reminding everyone why he’s long held respect in the scene.
Oddisee delivered an Effortless flow, introspective lyrics, and that signature fusion of boom bap roots with live instrumentation feel. He doesn’t just perform tracks – he builds moments. The Port Adelaide crowd gave that energy straight back.
When De La Soul hit the stage, the place lifted. Hands up. Smiles wide. From the first beat drop, it was pure celebration of legacy. Decades deep in the culture, yet still moving like it’s their first tour.
Classics rolled out one after another, and every hook became a choir. There was nostalgia, yes – but it never felt dated. It felt alive. Especially in a room packed with different generations all rapping the same lines.
What made it special was the balance: honouring the late great Trugoy with heart, while still pushing forward with energy and purpose. It wasn’t just a set list – it was a reminder of why hip hop connects people across oceans and eras.
