RNZŌ: the story and songs to start with

RNZŌ steps forward from Aotearoa hip-hop’s next wave

RNZŌ is an Aotearoa rapper from a musical family who started making beats during lockdown and later shifted into rapping after encouragement from Church. He describes his sound as “authentic, hearty, and technical,” and says his work is rooted in keeping true to himself. The sources place him in the ZIPS collective, formed through friendships and youth programs, and note that his debut full-length album, RNZŌ SZN, drew praise in 2025. He also appears on collaborative releases with familiar names across the local scene.