Dam Native: Kaupapa Driven Rhymes Uplifted (1997)

Widely considered one of the most important rap albums in Aotearoa for its focus on te reo Māori, socio-political issues facing contemporary Māori and more, the 2024 reissue has been long overdue. Just as Herbs’ What’s Be Happen made reggae local, so too Danny Haimona and crew – as Upper Hutt Posse had done – confirmed hip-hop culture was a powerful vehicle for the voiceless or those with something to say. Classic.

For the first time on vinyl.

Out now.

Next: Mareko, White Sunday; Upper Hutt Posse, Against the Flow and Movement in Demand; David Dallas, Falling Into Place; Moana and the Moahunters, Tahi and Rua

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