ven to be a powerful force and the re-emergence of its popularity within the local scene in Aotearoa New Zealand in the late 1990s has given rise to a large number of influential bands. But until then "its popularity has risen and fallen with the tides of fashion" . Like many countries where minority groups have been disenfranchised from their cultural backgrounds, Hip-hop arrived in New Zealand and emerged within the music scene as having a strong influence with local artists and the political message of persecution and racism spoke strongly with many Maori musicians. Hip-hop has long been seen as the voice for the disenfranchised and the same voice can be heard within the lyrics of many Hip-hop artists in Aotearoa New Zealand. It has been used as a vehicle for representing ones cultural background and New Zealand Hip-hop is garnished New Zealand's unique Maori and Polynesian cultural diversity. Most
             ...