The 1200s, hybridised hip-hop, electro, funk, soul, blues and psychedelia on 2001's debut EP, Infinite Styles, led by the triple j favourite Hard As Hell. Peril asserts. Unusual for Oz hip-hoppers back then, the 1200s harnessed live instrumentation – they even recruited a drummer for shows – and ensured that their songs had "hooks".

The trio's first album, Choose One, cracked the Australian Top 20. The 1200s were nominated for ARIAs; their signature hit Karma scoring "Best Independent Release" and "Best Video". 

As Australia's inaugural crossover hip-hoppers, 1200 Techniques not only opened the way for Hilltop Hoods, Bliss n Eso and 360, but also compelled major labels and commercial radio to acknowledge the surging urban movement. They were among the earliest homegrown hip-hop acts to join the festival circuit, being billed at Big Day Out.