Rapper Idol Essence in full flow. Photo: Screenshot
I grew up in a household of two worlds. Mom's CD collection consisted mostly of AC/DC, Kiss and Aerosmith, while Dad loved himself some Frank Sinatra, Barry White and The Temptations. On weekends at my cousin's house, it was Fiji, UB40 and The Golden Ali'is. I was blessed with a variety of genres to indulge in, but I found my one true love aged just seven. I was at my neighbour's house when my best friend Leroy introduced me to N.W.A's album, Straight Outta Compton, and everything changed.
TAHI presenter So'omalo Iteni Schwalger Photo: The TAHI / RNZ
My love was hip hop. When my birthday or Christmas rolled around, 50 Cent's The Massacre, Gorillaz' Demon Days, or Madvillain's Madvillany were on my wish list. My iPod shuffle wasn't complete without Mos Def rips that featured a Bill Clinton impersonator poorly promoting some free music website.
Looking locally, hip hop has a rich history of storytelling. It's music born from hardships, so it's no surprise that young people in Aotearoa have found solace in this genre. Young Māori and Pasifika discovered a style of music that we could see and hear ourselves in, and we leaned into it hard. Today, hip hop is arguably our bread and butter. We owe it to the men and women who crafted it, to respect this music and do it justice.
Here are five upcoming artists I think serve Aotearoa hip hop well now and into the future.
From Outside
From Outside Records is a South Auckland music label that both honours the craft of hip hop and respects its heritage. Producer and sort-of management consultant Spewer has deep roots in the scene and a deep passion for the key elements of hip hop (DJing, rapping, graffiti painting and break dancing). These elements all come together on his collaborative project with Sven Illy, Adventures of Spit & Ramo!. Spewer's graffiti art graces the cover and he handles production, Sven Illy raps, and it's up to you to dance. The label features an array of talent; Madis, Pat Tafa, Raw Thawt, Dizzay Dash, Judah Kidd and more.
Iac Music
The first time I met Iac (Iasinito Manu) for a radio interview, he brought me a hard copy of his single 'TRINITY. I had to dig out my old CD deck to listen to it, which made the music an experience rather than simply a sound.
Iac's love for hip hop's roots is apparent in his music. His storytelling is visceral, covering topics like poverty, near-death experiences and gentrification, subjects that run right through all generations of the genre. His humbleness is reflected in both his delivery and the production; it's aggressive yet calm, haunting in a way. His talent has already been recognized by local legends Melodownz and Rizvan, you should check him out too.
Idol Essence
Idol Essence is a young musician with an old soul. I can't even remember how I stumbled across her music, but I'm glad I did. Her sound is unique; historically, female rappers have had a heavy, punchy, high-energy delivery, whereas Idol Essence has a very relaxed, yet confident and collected flow with a mesmerising low melodic tone. Her lyricism reminds me of Sisters Underground, MC Lyte and Rapsody. I've only been able to track down one recorded single, but I've seen her perform several records live. Considering her young age, she's ahead of her time.
Adam Tukiri
The artist formerly known as Dharmarat is your favourite rapper's favourite rapper. Adam Tukiri is a once -in-a-generation type of artist. His music is deeply introspective, personal, and clearly carefully crafted. He researches music, studies it, and has consistently developed his skills. His latest offering, 46, is inspired by Detroit rap and it's punchline heavy. It's astounding how unique it is for the scene here in Aotearoa, and it contrasts well with his former work, which is slower, more methodical, and features wordplay that goes over your head until repeat listens. Fatherhood is a constant topic of discussion in his music and it's special to hear the love he has for his child coming through so strongly in his music.
Chris RL
When Onehunga community centre the 312 Hub closed its doors earlier this year, a group of musicians came together to celebrate the space one last time. Chris RL was one of them. This calm, confident guy is the epitome of chill, both on a record and in person. This is an artist who values wordplay and he can lyrically paint a picture, he's got a rare level of talent. On his 2021 single, FULL CIRCLE, produced by Kaydub, he shares life's lessons and a level of vulnerability rarely seen in hip hop. I appreciate Chris' drive and hustle; he's not afraid to put himself out there, which can be rare in the community.