Tipene is a leading force in Aotearoa’s Hip-Hop scene, known for his powerful bilingual flow and deep connection to Te Ao Māori. Hailing from Hawke’s Bay, his music delivers uplifting messages that bridge cultures and generations.

With over 30 million streams across 3 albums, Tautoko (2019), Heritage Trail (2021) and We No Muck Around (2023), Winner of Best Māori Urban Artist, Best Māori Hip-Hop Album, 2x APRA Silver Scroll finalist credits with multiple charting singles, Tipene has become a respected figure in Indigenous music. His fourth album Heritage Trail 2 (2025), which features the singles ‘Tū (feat. Hone Harawira)’, ‘What You Say (feat. Kingi Tūheitia)’, ‘Māori (feat. Rawiri Waititi)’, 'Ancient Ones (feat. Troy Kingi)' and He Tangata (feat. Eru Kapa-Kingi).

Tipene doesn’t just make music,
he carves whakapapa into rhythm.
With taonga pūoro in one hand and te reo in his bars,
he bridges the past and future.
This is more than rap,
this is reclamation.

Every track is a wero.
Every verse, a karakia.
Every beat, a reminder that Māori are still here
Still fierce, still healing, still creating.

He is not just an artist.
He is a bridge.
He is a vessel.
He is a call to stand tall,
to remember who we are,
and to never back down.