Adelaide has honoured the Hilltop Hoods with a laneway named after the hip-hop trio, more than 30 years after the group formed in the city’s foothills.
Clubhouse Lane, which runs off Hindley Street in the central business district, was officially renamed Hilltop Hoods Lane on Wednesday.
The Adelaide group, made up of Pressure, Suffa and DJ Debris, joins a list of South Australian music figures recognised on the city’s City of Music trail. Other tributes include Paul Kelly, Sia, Cold Chisel, No Fixed Address and The Angels.
Two large murals by Adelaide artist Vans the Omega have been installed in the laneway, reflecting the trio’s career and influence. The Hilltop Hoods have sold more than one million albums, amassed billions of streams and achieved a record seven ARIA number one albums.
The location has particular meaning for the group, who performed in bars and clubs around Hindley Street before achieving arena success.
“We paid our dues performing in and around these streets,” Pressure said. “Teenage me would have never dreamed one of them would be named after us.”
Despite their international success, the trio have maintained strong ties to Adelaide, the city they continue to call home.
“We love Adelaide,” Suffa said. “This gesture just connects us even further to the place that we call home.”
Their best-known songs include The Nosebleed Section, Cosby Sweater, 1955, I Love It and Chase That Feeling. They remain the most featured act in Triple J Hottest 100 history and have been named by Rolling Stone among the greatest Australian acts of all time.
DJ Debris said it was difficult to comprehend seeing the group’s name incorporated into Adelaide’s streetscape.
“Adelaide has always been a huge part of who we are and where our music comes from, so having a laneway in the heart of the city named after us is an incredible honour,” he said.
Adelaide Lord Mayor Jane Lomax-Smith said the recognition reflected both the group’s achievements and its enduring connection with South Australia.
“Despite their global success, they have never forgotten their Adelaide roots,” she said. “That’s why it’s fabulous to permanently recognise their achievements on the streets of the city.”
The tribute is believed to be the first Australian laneway dedicated to a hip-hop group.
