Mareko

MAREKO, AOTEROA"S 1 LYRICIST & PRODUCER IS BACK, WITH A DYNAMIC

SOUL INSPIRED MASTERPIECE

"WHITE SUNDAY 2:THE BOOK OF MARK"



The innovative MC has used his time in front and behind the boards to construct a colourful and vibrant album, with a throwback theme to the essence of Hip Hop referencing the rich history of Soul and R&B. The conceptual new album features apperances by Baby Down (Brownzville), Deceptikonz, Mike Jacobz & Cydel, and was self produced by Mareko, with assistance from Heatchild & platinum New York producer Emile.



The first single from the project "Gotta Go" has already got the internet going nuts with thousands of views logged within 5 days of being available!



Mareko's musical history is solidified as one of the most influential rap artists to emerge in New Zealand history, with the acknowledgement on both sides of the Tasman sea that he was the major innovator of the Battle MC scene that has been thriving in New Zealand since Mareko won his first battle for Supremecy in 2000. With momentum in his pocket Mareko and his South Auckland based group the Deceptikonz stormed the charts at 2 in April 2002 with their debut album "Elimination", shell shocked by it's impact fans were left waiting for more and Mareko more than delivered with his critically acclaimed and GOLD certified debut album "White Sunday" released in 2003.



"White Sunday was a classic moment in NZ Hip Hop and was the catalyst for the success of artists like Scribe, Savage and P-money in that fantastic run between 2003-2005 where everyone was going platinum and Hip Hop was finally mainstream in our country, I’m trying to bring those days back with this project!!" laughs Mareko



A quiet achiever Mareko stepped out of the limelight after White Sunday and passed the torch to group memeber Savage for his release "Moonshine", however Mareko was far from inactive, he began focusing on his unprecedented abilities as a songwriter and producer. His work behind the boards and with his pen landed him considerable placements on platinum hits from Savage, a Top 10 single as a producer for Alphrisk "Sunshine" , production credits on Deceptikonz second album "Heavy Rotation", Aaradhna's "Shake Remix" and the Sione's Wedding Soundtrack.



A series of events in 2006- 2007 lead to Mareko taking over full time production duties at Dawn Raid Entertainment and as head engineer in the recording studio he had unlimited access to create his every musical desire into a work of art.



His first new project as head producer was the critically acclaimed Brotha D & The Dawn Raid Family "Element of Suprise" ( 5 stars, Sunday Star times) which featured the radio hits "Take It Out South" & "Soul Food" Featuring Aaradhna & Baby Down and introduced the world to new reggae band Sweet & Irie. With a another classic on his resume Mareko rallied the troops and with the help of his Deceptikonz crew decided to launch their own record label Horsemen Records.The first release was a group effort the Horsemen Family with Mareko & Savage handling the roll of CEO and Executive producer of the record. Mareko's passion for great Melodies and memorable choruses paid off when the first single from the album "Feels Like Magic" hit the top 10 in March 2008, remaining in Top 20 for over 7 weeks.



Mareko's vision for "White Sunday 2:The Book Of Mark" was to highlight his mastery in the field of Hip Hop lyrics and production, whilst referencing the classic era of Soul & R&B and to not get lost in the current trends influencing the sound. To deliver this point Mareko penned the witty "Record Of the Year" where he articulates a "how to make a hit record guide to hip hop music" and then uses the techniques himself on the records chorus!! It's a must listen if you want to get a record on radio. Mareko keeps the humor and imagination a live for the the thought provoking record "Next Sunday" where he asks what would life be like if a number of key events in New Zealand Hip Hop never happened?



"That was a real testing song for me because I had to research key facts and really think about what were the most important moments in local hip hop history, it was crazy just thinking about it let alone recording it for the world to hear, it's one of my favorite records on the album" States mareko



With the listener still in thinking mode Mareko delivers thought provoking brilliance on "Sin City" featuring local wordsmith TEK from R.E.S, a tale about the darker side of Auckland City life, and "Special Way" a tribute to his mother and her unique style of raising her kids.



White Sunday 2: The Book of Mark is heavy on the lyrics but is equally refined by it's lush melodies & soul inspired theme. Musically speaking the album is not conventional Hip Hop nor is it straight Hip Hop/ R&B it's a new structured album embraced by the feel good style of classic soul music, like Al Green, The Spinners, James Brown and the Tempations.



"When you think back to classic soul songs like ‘Could It Be I’m Falling In Love’ by the Spinners or ‘Lets Get Married’ by Al Green you can't help but feel good, that's the way the music spoke to you, I wanted to capture those emotions and put it in my music for my fans, everyone needs a little happiness" States Mareko



Alas, in the tradition of many great Hip Hop and R&B artists before him Mareko channels their energy with the help of new Dawn Raid vocalist Mike Jacobz on the compelling "For You" and the second official single "Them Eyes" a tale about the three mysterious ladies and their seductive eyes. "Keep It Moving" featuring LA's own Baby Down sets the pace for the rest of the record and The Heatchild assisted "Pass Me Over" is a beautiful and spiritual record with the chorus line "lord, please don't pass me over".



WHITE SUNDAY 2: THE BOOK OF MARK is a unique lyrical journey and a remarkable feel good body of work,in 2008 Mareko is ackowledged as one of the elder statesman in Aotearoa Hip Hop but with music as refreshing and aspirational as White Sunday 2, mareko is set to keep himself active for decades to come.



"WHITE SUNDAY 2: THE BOOK OF MARK" INSTORES & ONLINE NOW!



Horsemen Family MySpace Page

Deceptikonz MySpace Page

Straight From The Horses Mouth /// The Mareko Blog

Dawn Raid Entertainment Website



Mareko - Them Eyes Feat. J.Williams (Video)



Mareko - Record Of The Year (Video)



Mareko - Gotta Go (Video)