Wellington and Kapiti hip hop musos combine talents for video

A Wellington-based hip-hop artist has collaborated with a collection of Kapiti music and production talents to create a much-anticipated music video.

Showcasing the strong musical ties stretching between the coast and Wellington's thriving hip-hop scene, the collaboration saw local videographer Bradley Garner and Ill Magik founder and producer Theo Stechman get on board with 21-year-old fast-emerging artist Mikey Ellesmere.

Having performed in Kapiti, where he connected with local roots hip-hop group The No Problemos, Mikey also turned the head of Young People Productions founder Jade Jackson, who has since backed the talented young rapper.

With his debut album The Mikey Ellesmere LP in the works, which includes a couple of songs from The No Problemos, Mikey's latest video for his track Two AM, featuring Andy Fisher, is paving way for a colourful journey.

"I'm proud to have collaborated with several artists who call Kapiti home, and we've become good friends," the full-time muso and Miramar local said.

"This video is a continuation of the vibes that Andy and I portray in the song.

"It contains dark, ominous tones mixed with energy and confusion, which is the best way I can describe it without giving too much away."

Describing his compositions as tackling "a lot of my deeper problems with myself, my art and mankind", Mikey's LP features input from other New Zealand and international artists including Rei, Ants Ransley from The No Problemos, Sujai Jones, Tomato Willis and El Capitan.

"It's being produced entirely by Rei and myself, and once I've shared it with the world, I'll work on two more videos from The Mikey Ellesmere LP, whilst working on my next album."

Having performed 25-plus shows over the past two years, the passionate songwriter has found as much enjoyment in hitting the stage in front of hundreds of music lovers at Wellington venues, as he has "dropping random freestyle rhymes over a PA at a house party".

"I've been a massive fan of music for as long as I can remember," he said.

"My style often focuses on the many contradictions we have as humans, and also the positivity and mindstate we need to help mankind progress.

"First and foremost, I make rap music, but I feel I've created my own style that is unique and true to who I am."

View more of Mikey on Facebook.