NZ MUSIC MONTH - The Hiphop Post, Part One #404

It's so exciting to see such a huge hiphop movement happening in New Zealand right now. Even though, at present, it's somewhat 'on trend' to like hiphop, I think anything that elevates the artform can't be a bad thing. After the production sessions I attended last year with Young Guru I really got the sense that building a hiphop profile in this social climate, or any profile for that matter, was about creating a movement. The heroic approach of one person 'making it' on their own no longer applies. But did it ever really apply? I don't know. From what I've seen, behind any person who is the 'face' of something there's a big team working extremely hard in the background - this means every aspect of the artist, i.e graphic design, management, styling, endorsements etc., is dissected and perfected to produce optimum results. But putting a team together for sake 'putting a team together' doesn't necessarily equate to success. I see a few talented hiphop acts coming through that have right drive, but haven't appropriately assigned aspects of their act to the right skill sets. However, that's something that comes with time and I can't wait to see how these 'movements' start to translate when the right fit is found. Hiphop as a genre is still very young and it's inception into the music world has been so penetrating in terms or culture. Hiphop is an even younger genre here in New Zealand - we haven't got that huge 'lasting' legacy. That makes it even more exciting because what will become part of that legacy is being made right now. For New Zealand music month I thought I'd share a few of the acts I think have real potential. Have a listen to the songs, and don't just stop there - really listen to the lyrics. Research the people. Critique their design. Observe the styling. Look at their story. Hiphop is more than a ghetto base drop and harsh expletives. Go on, give it a go.

1. Diaz Grimm
I have no doubt this guy is going places. He's got the right team behind him; it's all about refining it. You can't kick this guys positivity. 
MORE INFO: Facebook , Twitter , G7NG , Odd

2. CTFD [calmthefvckdown]
CTFD are some of the sickest up-and-coming producers. Their beats make me want to get off my ass and ghetto grind. In all seriousness, do your research and check out what these guys have been up to. They're owning it.

MORE INFO: Facebook, Twitter, Soundcloud

3. Winston Anthony
I dig this guys perspective.
MORE INFO: Facebook , Twitter 

4. Loui the ZU
One of the best crossover tracks I've heard in a very long time. 

MORE INFO: Facebook, Twitter

5. RaizaBiza 
This guy drops such sick verses but his feature on this song is my favourite by far.

MORE INFO: Facebook, twitter,

Part two coming tomorrow.

Morgs