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Hip Hop New Zealand

Television (Excerpts) – 2003

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"E tu stand proud, kia kaha say it loud", Dean Hapeta's lyrics typify the socio-political messages in NZ's early rap music. The four elements of hip hop: breakdancing, graffiti, DJ-ing and rap are examined through interviews with key players in the hip hop scene (including King Kapisi, Che Fu, Upper Hutt Posse). A recurring theme in the Sima Urale-directed documentary is that local hip hop artists are less interested in the "girls, booze and bling" school of hip hop, and more interested in using their art to make a political statement.

I'm not making it for middle class New Zealand. I'm making it for people like myself. This is my shot at life, putting out this album, putting out the next album so I can make legit money, if people go out there and buy my CDs. Instead of me standing on corners or dark carparks hustling and dealing whatever, y'know. That's what I'd rather be doing: selling CDs than selling drugs.
– Ermehn