Naakz is an experimental underground hip-hop artist whose sound pushes the boundaries of abstraction. Rooted in kaupapa-driven music, Naakz produces primarily on the SP404MK2, affectionately dubbed his “DECOLONISATION DEVICE.” A rangatahi Māori with iwi ties to Ngāti Porou, Ngāti Tūwharetoa, and Ngāti Raukawa ki te Tonga, his unique sound reflects both his heritage and the worldly experiences gained from living in Thailand, Aotearoa, and New Caledonia.
As one-fifth of the band BADTAB and a producer for artists like BabyZoot and RivaC, Naakz’s work is influenced by legends like D’Angelo, MF DOOM, Armand Hammer, and JPEGMAFIA while drawing inspiration from producers such as Madlib, J Dilla, and The Alchemist. His music is a fusion of cultural depth and experimental beats, creating a fresh and immersive listening experience that stands out in the underground hip-hop scene.
putting the “native” in alternative !
