West Auckland-based Samoan rapper Poetik has secured his first #1 NZ Album with his latest release Poetik Justice. The feat represents the culmination of a decade of grinding on the independent scene, selling is own albums and merch.
"Success means to me that our family eats, says Poetik in an interview with Sniffers. "There's more doors opening for the next generation coming after us. But they should also know not to come up for free, you gotta earn your spot."
Poetik Justice is a smooth blending of Hip-Hop culture represented in Aotearoa, Polynesia and West Coast styles. There is an American-Samoan population of over 50,000 in L.A. and for Poetik the blending of styles is a representation of his background. His grandfather grew up in San Francisco, his father is Samoan musician in his own right and he Poetik calls Aotearoa home.
"The majority of my family grew up on the West Coast, my grandfather came form San Francisco to the islands, and my dad is part American. Samoa is very Americanised. Even Auckland hip hop, you can see how it leans towards the Bay Area in sound. And black culture very naturally caters to us as Pacific Islanders," Poetik details in his Sniffers interview.
Read more HERE about Poetik's story and give his new #1 album some love below!
