Fearless set to take on the world at hip-hop | Rotorua News | Local News in Rotorua

Rotorua hip-hop group Fearless is set to take on the best at the World Hip-Hop Championships in Los Angeles this month.

The group was formed less than five months ago but have already established themselves as a force to be reckoned with, winning the Varsity section of the New Zealand Hip-Hop Nationals in Auckland in April. They beat nine other more established crews, most based in Auckland.



PJ Riki and Rewiri Newton can't wait to get to Los Angeles and see what the world has to offer. "It'll be a mean experience," Rewiri said.

"Seeing the other crews perform and different types of hip-hop from other countries will be awesome."

In 2006 New Zealand entered the World Championship for the first time with Auckland-based crew DZIAH coming second.

PJ said DZIAH had a great time and have since told Fearless they have a real chance of winning.

"It puts New Zealand up there and makes the audience expect more from us I guess," PJ said.

Fearless are hosting a concert at the Rotorua Convention Centre on Monday night to raise funds for their trip to the United States.

"It will be Rotorua's first official straight hip hop concert." Rewiri said.

John Newton, the group's manager and Rewiri's father, said the team would be representing New Zealand and Rotorua and would be wearing clothing branded with Rotorua's tourism and marketing slogan - Manaakitanga, Feel the Spirit.

"They're a great crew and their really patriotic. Rotorua has supported us with fundraising and it's the least we can do," Mr Newton said.