Looking back on the multitude of live shows I’ve seen this year, a small handful are clear standouts — one being MELODOWNZ‘ supporting set at on the Maxo Kream tour in Melbourne. Hailing from West Auckland’s Avondale, MELODOWNZ has been a leading figure in NZ’s hip hop scene, bringing elements of G-funk, jazz, reggae, and neo-soul into his music that’s resulted in rich, textured storytelling.
Since releasing his debut EP ‘Avontales’ in 2017, he’s unlocked opportunities to work with Grammy-nominated and award-w9nning producers like DJ Khalil, FNZ, and Skhyehutch, collaborated with the likes of Denzel Curry and Maxo Kream in the studio and partnered with PUMA on a mentorship program for young artists. He’s also run a series called Kava Corner, sitting down for a chin-wag with fellow local NZ legends line BENEE and Scribe, and after much anticipation, MELO has dropped his debut LP ‘Lone Wolf’, continuing to redefine the boundaries of hip hop as we know it.
We asked the talented MC to fill us in on the records that have had the biggest influence on the new record, and his picks were (as expected) all top-notch.
Bone Thugs-N-Harmony — ‘Creepin on Ah Come Up’ (1994)
This rap record really influenced me growing up. Their raps, cadence, flow the whole thing, the way they dressed, and especially their melodic flows mixed with their fast rap hit different. Bizzy Bone and Krayzie Bone were always on another level.
Outkast — ‘The Love Below’ (2003)
This record was so evolutionary in terms of its sound when it dropped, especially André 3000‘s direction and sound. Songs like “Vibrate” and “Prototype” I really gravitated towards growing up. Those two songs also inspired me to create “HEART CHAKRA”, from my album.
Isley Bros — ‘3+3’ (1973)
This record means the world to me. I also have this on vinyl. It gas some of my favourite songs on there, like “Summer Breeze”, “That Lady”, and “The Highways of My Life”. A lot of rappers have used a lot of songs off this album to sample, so I feel like Isley Brothers have played a big part in the evolution of hip hop. You might be able to hear some of the influences from this album in “THAT LOVE”, the last song off ‘Lone Wolf’.
Bootsy Collins — ‘Ahhh…The Name Is Bootsy, Baby!’ (1977)
I think this was his first studio album off the back of his Parliament Funkadelic stuff. My favourite Bootsy song, “Munchies For Your Love” is on this record, and I have this on vinyl. It’s mind-blowing knowing he’s blessed my debut album and now we are friends. The world works in weird ways, but I’m grateful to have crossed paths with this legend and to have him bless my own legacy.
Ab-Soul — ‘Control System’ (2012)
One of my favourite MCs is Ab-Soul. I feel we have a lot in common when it comes to our belief systems. And it shows in our music too. I really admire his wordplay and the topics he touches on in his songs. This album is revolutionary in terms of sonics and themes.
Watch the video for “How It Be” (feat. Bootsy Collins) below: