When in-demand Auckland rapper MELODOWNZ heard new music he liked at a house party he looked up the artist and messaged him on Instagram saying he'd love to collaborate. As it happens, UK rapper COOPS had just been watching MELODOWNZ's Colors session and was keen. The two have been trading demos ever since, culminating in the hard hitting track 'Infinite' and a brand new video showcasing the similarities between urban West Auckland and London.

The video, by Auckland director Connor Pritchard, sees MELODOWNZ rapping out of his friends Cadillac around Auckland city streets and COOPS on cruise control through hectic London cityscapes.

"This is a perfect example of the influence and impact hiphop culture has had on us universally and as artists, two artists from separate parts of the world doing something they love, and expressing ourselves they way we want to," MELODOWNZ says.

"This is a perfect example of the universal lifestyle which is hip-hop. I feel this collaboration is necessary in terms of NZ rap and UK rap and I wanna bridge the gap in terms of collaborating with international artists. With the internet these days I guess its easy to make it happen if you approach it the right way."

MELODOWNZ will be warming up for the summer touring season with an appearance at Northern Bass before heading out on the road with his own tour, announcing dates in Christchurch, Leigh, Auckland and Tauranga. Tickets go on sale today at Under The Radar.

'Infinite' features on MELODOWNZ's new double EP Melo & Blues, out now via streaming platforms and on CD at his live shows.

MELODOWNZ
MELO & BLUES TOUR
25 January, The Darkroom, Christchurch
26 January, Leigh Sawmill
1 February, Galatos, Auckland
2 February, Vinyl Destination, Tauranga
1 March, Meow, Wellington

Tickets via Under The Radar