MC Layla

Layla Rose Hanbury (born 5 October 1982), known mononymously as Layla, is an Australian hip hop singer-songwriter and MC from Perth. In January 2005 she released her debut solo album, Heretik, on Obese Records. She is a member of Syllabolix (SBX) Crew, with other MCs including her husband, Dazastah (a.k.a. Darren Reutens). The couple also perform as Layla and Dazastah. During September and October 2011 the duo were a support act for another SBX artist, Drapht, on his Australia-wide Party Party Party Tour.

Biography Layla Rose Hanbury was born 5 October 1982. In 2000 Layla's first gig was at an MC battle where she was the only female among 20 entrants. Layla is a member of the Syllaboliks (SBX) Crew with other Australian MCs and hip hop acts: Drapht, Matty B, Dazastah, Hunter, Downsyde, and Clandestien. In 2001 Layla provided raps for Clandestien's track "A.T.O.M.S.", alongside Dazastah and Dynamikes, which appeared on the group's debut album, Clandestien. Film footage included live performances from an earlier gig, Short 'n' Sweet, organised by fellow hip hop artist, A-Love (a.k.a. Antonella Formosa). Layla's solo track, "Maverick", appeared on the 2003 Various Artists compilation album, Straight from the Art. The album included the single, "The Fuss About Sluts", which was co-written by Layla with Darren Reutens (a.k.a. Dazastah). The lyrics relate to female artists, exemplified by Britney Spears, who sexualise their performances and give young girls a poor example. Reutens also produced, mixed and recorded the album.

In the Mix website's Sophiska described Heretiks tracks, which "range from straight up hip hop battle jams ... to more reflective, instrumental composition ... The remainder are very theme dependant, 'Driving Miss Layzy' employs more of a light-hearted funk, soul formula to complement rhymes about laying back and procrastinating". Her brother, James, provided artwork for the album including a comic book in place of typical liner notes. Layla has performed on albums by fellow SBX artists and some guested on her debut album.

In March 2011 Layla indicated that a follow-up album was possible – she had written material for "20 plus tracks". In May that year Layla married Dazastah; On 11 February 2012, Layla helped launch a charity album, Australian Hip Hop Supports CanTeen, by various artists for the teen cancer support organisation, CanTeen. The project had been directed by SBX member, Hunter, who himself died of cancer in October 2011. Layla provided "Love Times Pie Recurring" for the album. In September 2012 Layla and Dazastah are due to play the Rhyme Intervention 5 Festival at the University of Canberra.

Discography

Albums Heretik – Obese (OBR028) (12 January 2005)

Singles "The Fuss about Sluts" – Obese (OBR027) (2005) (limited edition 12" vinyl – 500 copies)

Other appearances Layla has appeared on releases of other artists, including members of Syllabolliks Crew (*). Year Track(s) Artist Album 2000 "Dreams" Bliss n Esoterikizm The Arrival EP 2001 "A.T.O.M.S." Clandestien (*) Clandestien 2002"It's Only Me" Layla Culture of Kings Volume 2"Divine Intervention" (Part 2) Terra Firma featuring Layla Suffering City Volume 1"Kids of the Future", "Oceanography", "Exposing Em", "Sin Stains in My Eyes", "Mutants", "MysticAL Alliance", "Co-Conspiriters" Hunter (*) and Dazastah (*) Done DL 2003 "Divine Intervention" Terra Firma Waking the Past "Maverick" Various Artists Straight from the Art 2004 "Verbal Diarrhoea" Downsyde (*) When the Dust Settles 2005 "Inspirational Island" Drapht (*) Who Am I? 2006 Hospice Crew Visiting Hours 2008 "Straight Outta Tagged Corridor", "Every Corner", "I'm Sorry, I Hate You", "Cry Me a River", "Love 2 Love Ya", "Now I'm in the House", "Social Graces", "The Phantom of Hip Hop Era", "Right or Wrong" Tomahawk A Bitch Named Hiphop 2009 "Dumb Dumb", "Bling Bling" Porsah Laine Feel This 2010"Monster House" Hunter (*) and DJ Vame Monster House"Judge and Jury" Optamus Forever and a Day"Dirty Thoughts" Complete Panic Disorder 2011 "Bat Country" Hunter (*) and Mortar Fear and Loathing 2012 "Swan Song" Clandestien (*) Weapons Grade "Love Times Pie Recurring" Various Artists Australian Hip Hop Supports CanTeen 2021 "Release Me" Drapht (*) Shadows and Shinings