The long awaited return of street poet and rapper MELODOWNZ is here. After the previous tour's postponements MELODOWNZ will bring his powerful live performance to Auckland, Wellington and Christchurch this April to showcase his critically acclaimed 2022 album LONE WOLF.
MELODOWNZ is proof that thought-provoking, lyrical hip-hop is alive and here to stay. Since emerging in the early 2010s, the Māori/Samoan artist has become heavily decorated in his native New Zealand; but with tracks alongside Denzel Curry and co-signs from Brockhampton, Melodownz stands firmly on the frontlines of Kiwi creativity that's gaining unprecedented global recognition.
LONE WOLF released via Def Jam ANZ and SNIFFERS Records is a tale of love, loss, and learning, rich with full circle synchronicity, duality, and spirituality that’s been a present theme throughout the Gemini rappers life. Formed across Avondale home studios, remote writing camp sessions, and an LA recording trip, the multidimensional record features collaborations with Houston gangster rapper Maxo Kream, Florida heavyweight Denzel Curry, Grammy-nominated singer-songwriter INK, rapper/singer-songwriter Bleu, Grammy-nominated singer-songwriter and Kanye West collaborator Ant Clemons, among more illustrious producer credits from the likes of Bizness Boi and DJ Khalil. Returning full circle to his Auckland community with collaborations on the album from local legends including Diggy Dupé, Troy Kingi, Bailey Wiley, the Avondale intermediate choir and more.
“MELODOWNZ Has Always Been a Local Legend. The Rest of the World Is Finding Out Why… the increased length of LONE WOLF allows the diversity of Melodownz’s sound to thrive: there are bracingly introspective freestyles, soulful slow jams, bruising gangster rap homages, and rattling trap cuts.” - Rolling Stone Australia, Conor Lochrie
“MELODOWNZ is a force to be reckoned with.” - METRO Magazine, Delilah Pārore Southon
Raised in the cultural melting pot of Avondale in West Auckland, MELODOWNZ' hip-hop journey began at the age of 10, when some older cousins played Bone Thugs-n-Harmony. Eventually, he began recording his own music in a makeshift studio set up in the dining room, composed of equipment stolen from a nearby Internet cafe. I would record raps over famous beats and post them on Bebo, Melodownz says. It was a buzz, and I’ve been going hard ever since. After losing childhood friends to suicide and violence, he put even more energy into creating hip-hop. At first, I was absolute trash but I kept at it, he says. Music was my therapy to combat all the hectic shit that I was going through as a teen.
With a career that's decorated with accolades well before the release of his debut album, MELODOWNZ is ready to take Avondale to the world - and he's bringing his whole community with him.
Spotify Fan First Presale starts 21 February at 10am
General tickets on sale 23 February at 8am
