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In the gang world he was 'Loko', then rapper 'KD Lok' once he got out of jail. But something was always missing for Matty Paparoa. For the first time he tells his story in LOKO, a seven-part video series by Useful Media and the NZ Herald, made with the support of NZ On Air. Episode 2 - Hip-hop for Life.
After losing his foster dad Rex at 12 years old, Matty's stable home life and self-worth was tested and he had his first taste of alcohol. It became a regular theme in his life and a life-long struggle with alcohol dependency had begun.
Matty was on the streets and drinking heavily with his young friends. He was out of control and too much for his foster mother to handle. A year later, Matty found himself in new foster homes.
![Matty Paparoa at Waikumete Cemetery. Photo / Diego Patowski](https://www.nzherald.co.nz/resizer/v2/E32FRTLUHW7JY3YWTKZM4CNMOQ.jpg?auth=0f4e8e58fe289d3385e0bd0b456420c4f11b41cb4bb5feb6b1f7866f49aa878b&width=16&height=9&quality=70&smart=true)