Scott “Optamus” Griffiths is a West Australian Hip Hop industry Icon helping establish HipHop as a forced to be reckoned with in Australia. From rapping to producer, facilitator, youth worker, musical director, program coordinator and of course legendary beat maker; Optamus has worked with the A List of Australian Hip Hop including The Hilltop Hoods, Drapht, ABoriginals, Flewnt and Inkabee. He has toured Europe, the U.S and South America and is roundly regarded as the OG of the West Australian Hip Hop scene

Optamus is a founding member of Downsyde, WA’s most successful Hip Hop group, he has won and been nominated for multiple music industry awards both as Downsyde and Optamus including Australian Dance Awards Best Debut Artist, Best Album, Best Single, Best Hip Hop Act, WAMi Awards including Best Live Act, Best Urban Music Act, Video Clip of the Year, WAM song of the year and Best Hip Hop / Urban Category.

As well as continuing his work in original music and production, Optamus also delivers programs in schools, prisons, aboriginal communities, and at at-risk youth facilities. He is globally regarded for his Pedagogical innovations in the development of Hip Hop Education and Therapy having worked across Australia and in New York the home of Hip Hop.

With his over 18 years’ of experience in facilitation, lecturing and Youth Work with his company HIPHOP101 Optamus has recently joined forces to continue his work with the FN Focus team on our Beats & Rhymes program.