Eminem's Rapture could become an annual event

Eminem will be performing at hip-hop festival, Rapture, in February.

New information has been revealed about Auckland's February hip-hop festival featuring Eminem, including ticket prices and suggestions that it could become an annual event.

And one local rapper included on the bill says the American hip-hop superstar's first New Zealand show will be like "seeing Michael Jackson when I was 12".

The line-up for Rapture, a one-day hip-hop festival to be held on Saturday, February 15 at Auckland's Western Springs, was announced on Monday, with Eminem topping a bill that also features US rappers Kendrick Lamar and J Cole, and Kiwi star David Dallas.

TimeOut understands promoters are in negotiations with at least two other American hip-hop stars to join the line-up.

Ticket prices range from $105 for a spot on the hill to $155 for the Terrace and in the GA Red Zone. If you want a spot in the Lose Yourself Zone front of stage, it will set you back $299.

New Zealand hip-hop artist, David Dallas.

"It's huge. I've been listening to Eminem since he first came out. He has definitely influenced me and pretty much the rest of hip-hop. It's a big deal."

In a statement, veteran Australian promoter Paul Dainty suggested Rapture wouldn't be a one-off festival.

He called it "an annual event with a long-term vision of showcasing the best of hip-hop at affordable prices."

For it to succeed, organisers needed to get everything right, Dallas said.

"I feel like we need something like that - a hip-hop event put on by reputable promoters.

"Eminem doesn't announce many shows, so everyone's pretty aware that they're not f****** around."

Dallas called Eminem the "rock star" of hip-hop, the likes of which we may not see again.

"He's a generational star now. Kids that have grown up, they won't have known a time without Eminem. If you're a hip-hop fan in New Zealand, it'll be like seeing Michael Jackson perform when I was 12.

"I'm not sure there are going to be stars that big any more."

Tickets for Rapture go on sale on October 31 through Ticketmaster. Pre-sale, VIP and fan packages are available online.

Rapture featuring Eminem, Kendrick Lamar, J Cole and David Dallas
When and where: Western Springs, Auckland, Saturday, February 15