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Auckland-based MC Tourettes is a boundary pushing underground pioneer. An integral part of the Breakin Wreckwordz label collective, Tourettes is renowned for his energetic live show, strong freestyling skills and satirical lyricism.
Tourettes burst on to the NZ hip-hop scene in 1999 when he formed the Wellington group 5th Floor. In 2000 Tourettes made the move north to Auckland and 5th Floor became a live band with members of The Krates and Open Souls contributing. In 2002 Tourettes jumped across the ditch to Melbourne where he met Cyphanetik, together they formed the now legendary underground group Insomniacs.
Insomniacs had widespread NZ success with their tracks 'Hey Kids' (a nationwide student radio favourite that went on to receive a nomination for 'Best Unreleased Song' at the 2002 b.Net Music Awards), 'Super Heroes' and 'Bang Your Head'.
In 2003 Tourettes and Cyphanetik moved back home to New Zealand and started the independent hip-hop label Breakin Wreckwordz. The debut release on their new label was the self-titled Breakin Wreckwordz compilation (Shock Records) that Tourettes featured heavily on. The Breakin Wreckwordz compilation met with critical acclaim nationwide and was nominated for ‘Best Hip Hop Release’ in the 2004 b.Net Music Awards.
Tourettes is also a well-seasoned MC in the local battle scene. He was the 2003 National Battle for Supremacy MC Champion and has represented New Zealand at the 2003 and 2004 South Pacific MC Battle for Supremacy.
Tourettes has opened for / supported Atmosphere, Sage Francis, Dizzee Rascal and Busta Rhymes.
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