NZ HIP HOP STAND UP - 3 THE HARD WAY 'HIP HOP HOLIDAY'

In 1994, Kiwis were ‘still wearing stubbies and listening to rock and roll’ when 3 The Hard Way’s ‘Hip Hop Holiday’ hit number one and helped usher the genre into the New Zealand mainstream.
When 3 The Hard Way formed in 1993, New Zealand’s hip hop scene was still “definitely underground”. Group members Chris Ma'ia'i, Lance Manuel and Mike Paton found themselves producing within a genre that had few expectations but scorn in the mainstream.
Inspired by the reggae they listened to as youth, Lance was working with a melody from a replayed sample of British band 10cc’s ‘Dreadlock Holiday’ as the basis of the group’s first track. Once he’d gotten a beat down, Chris then suggested that the trio should “loop it and put some rhymes on it”.
With that, the newly-formed group had unknowingly created the song that would see them headlining packed-out shows across the ditch within months.
While sampling rights meant the group had trouble collecting royalties, the visible success of the group’s song helped pave a path for other rap and hip hop legends who would go on to achieve commercial success.
This episode tracks 3 The Hard Way from their Westie origins to headlining shows with their breakthrough track. It explores what inspired Hip Hop Holiday and how its unexpected success impacted the trio as the first hip hop artists to reach the mainstream.
Watch more of the NZ Hip Hop Stand Up episodes here -
www.thecoconet...

[@tumeke4328]

This track was dope back in the day still is. Ain't nothing like the old school, Respect!!

[@tevitatuipulotu8287]

This track nostalgic AF and still got this on the playlist.

[@TinekaJasonPalmer]

I have always loved this track. Meet lance years back, nice guy. Sux they got no money from the recording. Kia kaha. Thanks for the memories.

[@seanrota3359]

Never get sick of listening to that track, takes me back.....

[@marekosolomona9390]

Chur to the cuzzy Lance, Og on the decks

[@THACHIEF_73]

We met you guys at 2ser fm in 1995 when you toured Sydney

[@linhoodking1800]

Starter OGz! And I still rocc the gears because of these cats.

[@freelancerconverse4413]

Still have this song on my playlist.

[@ScootDoot1977]

These guys were dope, I had that old skool prankstas CD…

[@elray5898]

Never forget the TRAIL BLAZERS who open to doors

[@SwOoPy287]

I miss those days....

[@VMSFohe]

lets go tonga you got this

[@SM-bs9dj]

"If its on" was the jam

[@bihbih5307]

Salute to the O.Gs

[@blake.henderson]

it's on, now 13, no shame

[@chellelaumape3178]

yessir

[@TheLisitone09]

Shot Uncle Chris ❤

[@Jaycee-zv4mc]

First