Hooligan comes clean

Otara MC Karlos Diamond, aka Mr Sicc, who performs at SXSW 2010 in Austin, Texas on March 19, talked to US music site Spinner about his musical influences — including Marvin Gaye, Prince and Eazy E — the origin of his performance name and the hip-hop scene in New Zealand. “For an island country of only 4.5 million I think we have a healthy hip-hop scene,” Diamond explains. “You Americans probably don’t realise it, but we love your hip-hop here. We have an overflow of artists. Some do the commercial style, others love the street stuff, and the back pack scene here is really strong too. We have a lot of hip-hop radio stations, stores, concerts and gigs all the time.” Other New Zealand artists performing at the festival, which showcases nearly 2000 musical acts from around the globe at over 80 stages, include Gin Wigmore, Bang Bang Eche, Young Sid and Bachelorette.