Aotearoa – Next Up: Aotearoa (Album Review)

For fans of underground music, this project curated by Daz will strike a chord with you.

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TOP 5 SONGS

5. Subtle Brag

Subtle brags are my favorite kind of brags, and BigDylz does it perfectly. As for the beat that powers the track, it is hard-hitting with a hypnotic flute that sounds like it could summon a snake wearing gold chains and Jordans. BigDylz stays committed to the theme, confidently rapping about the beautiful women he’s surrounded by and how he’s leveling up in every area of life.

Even though he sounds like he’s laid-back and maybe even sipping tea on a bench while rapping, he knows exactly when to dial up the energy. His flow becomes sharper and more dynamic when it needs to, delivering bars with undeniable control and charisma. The result is a track that feels smooth, slick, and ready for endless replays.

4. Warrior

While much of Next Up: Aotearoa leans into old-school hip-hop roots, “Warrior” stands out as one of the project’s more modern and emotionally resonant moments. On this track, Ash Supé delivers a heartfelt performance, blending passionate melodic raps with rapid-fire flows that will hit home for anyone who’s ever battled inner demons.

Lyrically, Ash focuses on themes of resilience and fearlessness, sharing his journey of overcoming personal struggles. His delivery is both raw and polished, bringing authenticity and intensity to every bar. The production supports his message perfectly—an emotional beat with a solid tempo and trap-inspired elements that add a contemporary edge to the track.

“Warrior” isn’t just a standout on the project—it’s proof that modern hip-hop can be both vulnerable and powerful.

3. You Don’t Want It

I’ll be completely honest: Bhozy left the biggest impression on me from this project. On “You Don’t Want It,” he performs like a seasoned veteran—his flow is tight and confident, almost bursting off the beat without ever losing control. He closes his lines with expert precision and delivers wordplay that feels both effortless and razor-sharp.

What really elevates the track is its polished structure. Bhozy’s verses are complemented by a passionate hook and a slick guest verse from Leejun, whose delivery brings even more charisma to the record. The instrumental, with its sleek, business-like vibe, evokes the classic feel of Jay-Z’s “The City is Mine” while maintaining a modern touch.

2. OTHR33

“OTHR33” is built on one of the hardest, eeriest drill beats you’ll hear in 2025, courtesy of producer Daz. The instrumental sets the stage for a lyrical bloodbath—and featured artist FR3QUENT wastes no time rising to the occasion.

Sounding as hungry as ever, FR3QUENT’s verses land like body blows, as he confidently raps about chasing his dreams, dealing with admirers, and being fully prepared for anyone who dares to challenge him. As the track progresses, his flow becomes more dynamic and rapid, adding a captivating urgency that keeps you locked in from start to finish.

It’s rare that a performance demands applause through headphones, but FR3QUENT pulls it off. Even though he’s not in the room, I was clapping by the end of it.

1. Any Means

I usually hate making comparisons in music reviews, but I’ve got to be real: everything about this track gives off strong Mac Miller energy—and I mean that as a huge compliment.

From the jump, the song grabs your attention with a rich, textured instrumental, complete with exuberant horns and speaker-rattling bass that gives it both soul and edge. But it’s Bhozy who steals the show.

His performance is dynamic and heartfelt. One moment he’s singing with emotion, the next he’s delivering punchy, hard-hitting rap verses. Lyrically, Bhozy gets raw and honest, touching on the empty promises of money and his commitment to grind relentlessly, no matter what.

With this being the opening track of the project, Bhozy set the tone with intention, style, and substance. It’s a bold, brilliant way to start.

SONG BY SONG RATING

RGM RATING

(78%)

You’ve got to love well-curated projects like Next Up: Aotearoa. This compilation taps directly into the minds of hip-hop fans who crave bars about resilience, climbing out of the mud, and outshining the competition. What makes it even more exciting is the lineup—hungry underground rappers who deliver with venomous punchlines, unrelenting flows, and a level of confidence that jumps off the track.

Production-wise, the project thrives on heavy-hitting beats—mainly thanks to Daz—that sound tailor-made to blow out speakers. The soundscape bounces between sinister, emotional, and high-octane, depending on the energy each artist brings. The diversity in vibe keeps things fresh while staying rooted in gritty hip-hop fundamentals.

Next Up: Aotearoa is a reminder that underground rap is not only alive—it’s thriving. You’ve got to be a true hip-hop connoisseur to fully appreciate a project like this.