In this new entry in our ‘Diamonds In The Rough’ category, we would like to introduce you to some upcoming artists from New Zealand and their brand new compilation album titled Next Up: Aotearoa.
Not a competition. Not a co-sign. Just the culture.
Australia-based New Zealand music producer Daz has teamed up with some of the most uncompromising voices in Kiwi hip-hop to launch Next Up: Aotearoa — a self-funded, independently curated compilation that puts the spotlight firmly on the underground. Dropping one single a week for ten weeks started on May 1st, this ten-track powerhouse arrives just in time to shake the foundations of NZ Music Month.
But let’s be clear: this isn’t your standard talent scout project. Next Up: Aotearoa isn’t about finding the next big thing — it’s about showcasing the now. It’s a raw, unfiltered snapshot of a scene that’s been quietly building in strength and scale, from the street corners of Christchurch to the studios of Auckland. These are the voices that don’t wait for approval. They’re here. And they’re undeniable.
From The Underground, For The Underground
At the helm is Daz, a producer whose genre-fluid sound has crossed borders and blown up charts. Known for his 2020 breakthrough Rap House remix of “Wobble Back” and his club anthem All About Bass, Daz brings a level of production quality to Next Up: Aotearoa that matches the raw energy of the artists — every track professionally mixed and mastered to hit as hard as it should.
The Artists
The project’s lineup reads like a who’s who of underground New Zealand talent:
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Bhozy kicks things off with “Any Means” — the gritty opening track from an artist whose cult-classic The Misguided Adventures Of Winnie The Fuu has racked up 5 million+ Spotify streams with no major label push. His unapologetic storytelling and grimy charisma return throughout the project.
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FR3QUENT drops “OTHR33”, a cerebral and atmospheric flex showcasing a new wave of alternative Kiwi rap energy.
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Big Dylz, repping Porirua’s One Roof collective, comes correct with “Subtle Brag” — effortless swagger wrapped in introspection and sharp lyricism.
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Stanza Blade & Joe the Freakshow, pioneers of NZ grime and brothers in bars, bring pure combustion on “Spray”. Their pedigree includes a fiery appearance on Red Bull’s 64 Bars, co-signs from across the UK, and deep roots in Australia’s grime scene.
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Leejun joins Bhozy on “You Don’t Want It” for a warning shot track filled with tension and precision.
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Event & Tacaveli storm through on “Danger Zone” with high-stakes energy and street-hardened cadence.
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Big Guts Billy flips the script with “Extraterrestrial”, bringing a quirky yet rugged flavor that refuses to be boxed in.
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Bhozy returns solo on “Right Now”, capturing urgency, hunger, and reflection in equal measure.
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Ash Supé drops “Warrior”, a motivational anthem for the underdog, laced with soulful grit.
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Closing out the compilation, College Rd delivers “Tuck Your Ego”, a smooth yet confrontational finale that leaves no room for industry pretense.
A Movement in Motion
Next Up: Aotearoa isn’t waiting for a green light from the mainstream. It’s already running full speed. It’s powered by community, by creative freedom, and by the need to carve out a lane for voices too real to be polished down for commercial appeal. Each track is a piece of a bigger narrative — one that says New Zealand hip-hop is not only alive but thriving.
This is a statement. A moment. And if you’re not paying attention, you’re already behind.
Follow the drops weekly starting May 1st, and discover why the underground has always been next up.
Listen to the songs that already dropped below. This will add up to the 10-track full project in the coming weeks: