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. Note: Last name is given as Handbury. 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. The following year she issued a track, "Its Only Me", on the Obese Records 2× CD compilation album, Culture of Kings Volume 2. In 2003 Layla was one of six artists interviewed for the VHS, All the Ladies, describing "what it is like to be a female MC in the Australian underground hip hop scene".. 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.

On 12 January 2005 Layla released her debut album, Heretik, on Obese Records. The album included the single, "The Fuss About Sluts", which was co-written by Layla with Darren Reutens (a.k.a. Dazastah). Note: Layla is given as Hanbury L, Dazastah is given as Reutens D. 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. After the release of her debut album, aside from performing, Layla also studied for a degree in natural medicine.

Layla and Dazastah have co-written material with Drapht, including "Inspiration Island" for his 2005 album, Who Am I. Note: Requires user to enter title, e.g. Inspiration Island. Layla has performed on albums by fellow SBX artists and some guested on her debut album. On 7 December 2007 Layla was featured in a documentary, Words from the City, on Australian hip hop artists, which was screened nationally on ABC Television.ABC TV guide December 2007

In March 2011 Layla indicated that a follow-up album was possible – she had written material for "20 plus tracks". Note: This source has last name spelled as Handbury. In May that year Layla married Dazastah; the couple had been in a domestic relationship since 2001, they gig together as Layla and Dazastah. During September and October 2011 the duo were a support act for Drapht on his Australia-wide Party Party Party Tour. 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" "Dreams" is track 3 and features vocals by Layla, Bliss and Eso. Bliss n Esoterikizm The Arrival EP 2001 "A.T.O.M.S." "A.T.O.M.S." is track 14 and features raps by Layla, Dazastah and Dynamikes. Clandestien (*) Clandestien 2002"It's Only Me" "It's Only Me." is track 7 on this compilation album. Layla Culture of Kings Volume 2"Divine Intervention" (Part 2) "Divine Intervention" (Part 1) is track 12, credited to Terra Firma. "Divine Intervention" (Part 2) is track 13, credited to Terra Firma featuring Layla. "Divine Intervention" (Part 3) is track 14, which is credited to Terra Firma featuring Suffa. 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" "Kids of the Future" is track 4, raps by Layla and Drapht. "Oceanography" is track 9, raps by Layla, Format, Mortar, and Tommohawk. "Exposing Em" is track 10, raps by Layla, Bias B and Matty B. "Sin Stains in My Eyes" is track 13, raps by Layla, DJ Armee and Dynamikes. "Mutants" is track 15, raps by Layla, Graphic, Mortar and Tommohawk. "MysticAL Alliance" is track 17, raps by Layla, Drapht, Dynamikes and Graphic. "Co-Conspiriters" is track 19, raps by Layla, Figure 8, Mortar, Optamus and Tommohawk. Hunter (*) and Dazastah (*) Done DL 2003 "Divine Intervention" "Divine Intervention" is track 16 and features raps by Layla. Terra Firma Waking the Past "Maverick" "Maverick" by Layla is track 6. 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

References

External links "Interview, Part One" with Maya Jupiter on Hip Hop Show, Triple J, 14 July 2005