Hip hop is more than just music; it's a lifestyle that encompasses a range of art forms."There's breakdancing, graffiti art, rapping - both written and freestyling - and DJ-ing," said Austinmer outfit Mass Effect's Nat Harris, otherwise known as MC Kinetic."Within each art form, the artist expresses their life through that medium ... through rhyming we speak about things from philosophy, history, religion, politics and the meaning of life to ... friends, parties, growing up ... and love." Mass Effect, comprising Harris, Ben Forsyth (MC Syfa Dyas) and Luke Tapsell (DJ Odz), are among dozens of entrants in the third Mercury BlueScope Youth Band Comp.By entering, Harris said they hoped to gain more exposure and audiences.The trio has just finished recording a 21-track debut album, to be launched at the Heritage Hotel next month. The Band Comp has helped launch the careers of Wollongong bands Lumiere and Moroccan Holiday, with the winner receiving $5000 cash and a $5000 recording package. But the competition is also winning its own races and, on Thursday night, won Best Event and Best Youth Marketing awards at the Pacific Area Newspaper Publishers' Association (PANPA) awards in Sydney.Event co-ordinator Lauren Bennett ( right) thanked BlueScope Steel for its "continued support and valued partnership, providing an opportunity for young musicians to showcase their talent". Entries close at 5pm on Friday, September 18. To register, visit www.illawarramercury.com.au.