The group, named Rap 3021, consists of members who arrived in Australia from war-torn countries.
Some had even worked as child soldiers.
The group is now using music as a means to document their past, and look to the future.
While hip-hop lyrics often address anger or violence, Rap 3021's debut single is a lot more upbeat.
Fostin Nishimirimana, also known as "Fofo" was born in Burundi taken by his father to serve as a soldier while the rest of his family fled to Tanzania.
News that makes sense
Your trusted source for staying up-to-date with the world around you. Get free daily news updates and analysis, straight to your inbox.
He said the hardships he had experiences stayed with him.
"For people like us who grew up as child soldiers, you kill, you steal. You just gotta do what you're told and sometimes do more than you're told to do," he said.
"To watch your friends - because we didn't have medicine or doctors - you're watching them die slow. That's the hardest thing I had to experience."
As a 12-year-old, FoFo fled to a refugee camp and months later was reunited with his family in Australia.
Hip-hop was always part of his life, and after placing in a Victorian poetry competition he tried his hand at rapping.
"The aim of my music is to speak to people," he said. "To get people thinking about life and to motivate themselves in life. Young kids to grow up in society to do something with their lives."
A rapping workshop had been set up by the Good Shepherd Youth and Family Service.
With a little help from professional artists, members are encouraged to write lyrics based on their own experiences.
"Rapping is their life. It makes them feel alive. They love entertaining their friends and family and community," explains youth worker Angela Scarpaci.
"The community support has been strong within it. They've been working with a mentor, Joe Motley, who's from the UK and has albums and stuff like that.
"By working with a professional it's really made them come out of their shell. Their self esteem has grown, their motivation has come about."
Congolese member "Ezy" came to Australia when he was nine.
He says he enjoys writing lyrics that send a positive message.
"Most rappers will talk about girls, money and stuff, but they're not concentrating on the message," he said.
"I'm making songs like 'The Future's Ours'. I wrote that song for every kid that's suffering around the world.
"Then I got a song called 'Aspire', to get people moving but it's got a bit of a message in it."
The lyrics are set to keep on flowing for a while yet, as Rap 3021 prepares for series of live performances in the coming months.
Watch the full report in the video player above.
