Masterfully curated by New Zealand hip-hop icon David Dallas, Red Bull Music 64 Bars has showcased some of the finest emerging rap talent in the country over the past seven seasons and for one night only, NZ’S finest underground hip-hop talent is stepping out of the booth and onto the stage as part of Red Bull Music 64 Bars Live.
Held on Saturday Feb 9 that Ponsonby Social Club, Red Bull Music 64 Bars Live will see 11 of the projects alumni take the stage for an intimate live performance in front of a home town crowd. This must-see show will feature sets from alumni JessB, MELODOWNZ, Nauti, Jane Deezy, Stanza Blade, iLLa, Diggy Dupe, Dharmarat, Church Leon, IMAG€ and Swade Wallace. Each rapper will take centre stage to flex their skills in a quick-fire round-for-round style.
Red Bull Music 64 Bars has been the launchpad for local underground rap artists over the past seven seasons, and for many of them 2018 was their biggest year yet. JessB scored nominations for Breakthrough Artist of the Year and Best Hip-Hop Artist at the New Zealand Music Awards, all thanks to her impressive debut EP Bloom. Avondale emcee MELODOWNZ released his double EP Melo & Blues and the High Beams mini album with Illbaz and Raiza Biza to high praise, with both releases recorded at Red Bull Music Studios Auckland; and Church Leon made waves alongside AP with their self-assured single ‘Ready Or Not’.
Red Bull Music 64 Bars is curated by David Dallas, who brought the idea to life in 2015 after being inspired by international rap series like Sway’s ‘Five Fingers of Death’ challenge and Charlie Sloth’s legendary ‘Fire In The Booth’.
“Just as a rap nerd myself, I've always enjoyed watching things like this,” says David Dallas. “I was just like, ‘why isn't there something in New Zealand like that?’”
Red Bull Music Studios Auckland is where it all began, with every single performance filmed and recorded on site. 23 of New Zealand’s best up-and-coming lyricists have now come through the Auckland studios in the first seven seasons – and last year it went global, with hip-hop artists from Japan and South Africa taking part in the renowned series.
“We're trying to shine a light on talented artists that deserve it. That's it,” says David Dallas. “If you like seeing people rap, and if you appreciate the craft of lyricism, then this is something you'll enjoy.”
RED BULL MUSIC 64 BARS LIVE, CURATED BY DAVID DALLAS
Saturday February 9, Ponsonby Social Club, Auckland
Featuring: JessB, MELODOWNZ, Nauti, Jane Deezy, Stanza Blade, iLLa, Diggy Dupe, Dharmarat, Church Leon, IMAG€ and Swade Wallace.
WATCH ALL OF THE RED BULL MUSIC 64 BARS ALUMNI PERFORMANCES BELOW: