Church & AP are the future of New Zealand hip hop. The most played and most talked about Kiwi rap act of the moment, today the pair release new single “Roulette,” produced by their frequent collaborator Dera Meelan.
“We’re not trying to play it safe. We aren’t jumping on a new trend from across the ditch, or sticking to what we know,” Church & AP say on new single “Roulette.”
“We wanna be evolving constantly, ultimately hoping that it brings a new energy into the scene. So that’s where Roulette comes from. Us carving out our own spot.”
At only the age of 18 & 19, Church & AP comprised of Elijah Manu (Church), and Albert Purcell (AP), are rising fast. The release of “Roulette” – the second taste of the pair’s forthcoming, as-yet-untitled debut album – continues to show their maturity and talent in equal measure.
Fresh off the back of a sold-out London headline show earlier this year, and a huge national tour of New Zealand coming up in August – Church & AP are dreaming big.
If hit-single “Ready Or Not” and all encompassing double-EP Cathedral / All Purpose were signs of potential, then the duo’s upcoming album will no doubt cement their reputation as one of the most exciting young hip-hop outfits to arrive in recent times.
Speaking on the collective approach to their music, the pair said: “Part of this project is also showcasing others within the scene. Our frequent collaborators and friends beyond just music. This project in particular feels like a collective effort from the people in the scene.”
Having already picked up international acclaim across the board from the likes of i-D, Complex, Dummy, VICE, bandcamp, The Line Of Best Fit, and more – as well as getting substantial airplay across BBC Radio 1 and 1Xtra (Annie Mac, DJ Target, Jamz Supernova, Kenny Allstar), Church & AP are constantly moving forward. “It’s about taking who we are to the world. Creating an image that people can relate to. Not just in NZ but abroad. There’s a lot that we want to do, but we prefer to speak through our actions”
“Roulette” is out now – released August 9, 2019.
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