Deceptikonz

To be crowned legends is a mark of respect amongst peers, an acknowledgement of effort in a particular field, a reputation for setting the standard in this case for New Zealand Hip Hop that is a combination of fact and mystery, in 2010 DECEPTIKONZ are back to define their legacy with an all new album “EVOLUTION, Past-Present-Beyond”.



Deceptikonz was formed in 1998 in the battle grounds of Manurewa, South Auckland high school’s, where to pass the time aspiring MC’s battled to see who was the dopest lyricist in the school yard. From those early encounters four MC’s emerged whose names would forever be itched in the psyche of NZ Hip Hop, MAREKO, SAVAGE, FRISKO & DEVOLO.



Heavily steeped in the influence of the New York underground battle scene in their formative years, the Deceptikonz brought into the studio a raw straight from the streets lyrical mine field on their first recorded songs “Elimination” & “Beware” that appeared on the land mark Dawn Raid compilation “Southside Story 2” in 2001 (The same compilation that introduced the world to Scribe). The response to those lyrical attacks and the threat of verbal abuse that any competitor would face who dared to try and battle the crew saw them nominated for best Hip Hop group that year at the 2001 BFM awards.



Making the move from independent distribution to Universal Music in 2002 the Dawn Raid label decided to make the DECEPTIKONZ the premier act to debut on the new major label partnership. The resulting album “ELIMINATION” didn’t disappoint and out of nowhere debuted at 2 on the NZ Top 40 album chart in March of 2002.

“Elimination” spawned the radio and video hit “Fallen Angels” Featuring music from a young producer called P-Money that set the tone for what we would be one of the most prestigious run’s of success for any Hip Hop group (or any band) in New Zealand.



From 2003 to present Deceptikonz consistently released a new record every year from either the group or solo members making the group New Zealand’s most prolific Hip Hop act, including classic Hip Hop records “White Sunday” from Mareko & “Moonshine“ from Savage.



Popularized at the time in the Eminem movie “8 Mile” that depicted the US underground battle scene, Mareko was crowned the 4 times NZ Hip Hop Battle Champ after winning the local competition in an unmatched reign of lyrical superiority. Mareko’s authoritive baritone was so compelling that he was the first artist on the Dawn Raid Label to be offered a US deal. Signing with HRH / Fatbeats NY (home at the time to NY Alumni Beatnuts & Nonphixion) for the 12” vinyl release of “Don’t Need Protection” featuring Inspectah Deck from Wu Tang Clan in 2003.



Deceptikonz are a captivating and energetic group to watch on stage and the group used the momentum from their records to thrive in the live arena making sure they performed on every local and international Hip Hop tour including national dates on Hook Up Tour 1 & 2 + performances along side, Black Eyed Peas, Snoop Dogg, 50 Cent, Busta Ryhmes, RZA and Xzibit.



Built to last Deceptikonz have returned to the foundation and essence of the first release “Elimination” to deliver another classic project for this final album “EVOLUTION, Past-Present-Beyond”.



“Evolution is basically the development and diversification of a living object from it’s earliest form, adapting and improving to the demands of it’s environment, from underground rappers to artists’ with 2 million units sold in the US with Savage, we’ve come along way” States Mareko.



Hearalded as the Deceptikonz final album before departing on a self imposed hiatus, Deceptikonz have adapted to the changing musical landscape they’re now apart of in the age of digital downloads and have created a work that best reflects their underground roots, unearths the abstract lyrics, revitalizes the scene and provides the listener with a body of work that should define their legacy.



Recognizing the importance of the ever evolving online community, for this project Deceptikonz are releasing 4 underground singles and videos prior to release to appeze the hungry appetites of the online fans.



1.“Evolution – Intro”

2.“Like What” featuring P-Money

3.“We Here” featuring David Dallas

4.“2012”



Produced entirely by platinum Australian producers “Twice As Nice Productions”, the Deceptikonz have managed to seamlessly merge a sound that is part basement level Hip Hop production, part pure lyricism and part mainstream polish.



“Like What” featuring P- Money is the perfect example of Hip Hop boom bap, cut with classic Hip Hop scatches, yet the aesthetic of the track could easily re-position itself amongst the current songs and videos of today.



The title track “Evolution” featuring Adeaze is the lead single from the project, and in context with the album features elaborate metaphors, set against mainstream vocal arrangements that speaks in triumphant tones to the listener.



Guest’s on the album include urban alumni, David Dallas, Monsta, P- Money, Adeaze, and Aaradhna, what’s more Dawn Raid Entertainment has hired world 1 graffiti artist ASKEW ONE from TMD to be the creative director for the entire project and he will be creating a collectable artwork cover and limited edition print balancing the all important Deceptikonz logo with his own distinctive stamp.



DECEPTIKONZ ARE THE EMBODYMENT OF “EVOLUTION” IN ITS FINAL STAGES, BE SURE TO GET THE ALBUM INSTORES NOW!!!