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MC MAS

MC Mas, also known as Sam Martin, is a talented Hip-hop MC based in Auckland currently tearing it up on TV and radio airwaves across New Zealand.

Originally hailing from Katikati in the Bay of Plenty, 23 year old MC Mas first developed a love for music as an electric guitarist, playing in various rock bands during his high school years.

A mixture of curiosity and heart-break led Mas to discover Hip-hop as a way to voice his thoughts and emotions to the world. This was further cemented when he met up-and-coming producer Evil J in 2005. Mas's lyrical talent and Evil J's beat making and production skills went hand in hand and the two setup a studio in Hamilton. Mas now travels down to Hamilton regularly to record new material and share musical ideas.

Following on from success with his track Bleeds in 2004, in 2005 Mas submitted another track called Musicman to the Rhythm Nation competition promoted by Mai Fm. For the second year in a row he took out first place in the competition. As part of the prize package he received, Mas had the track professionally recorded and produced by Katchafire producer Chris Macro. He also won the opportunity to have his debut video filmed and directed by Paul Hershell in Wellington, which he did in March of last year.

In February 2006 'Musicman' was selected for the New Zealand on Air hit disk and the song began receiving airplay on various radio stations around New Zealand.

The video for Musicman received massive airplay C4 and Juice TV. In the first week it aired on Juice TV, Musicman challenged the likes of Beyonce and Missy Elliot's new videos and made it straight into the "Juice TV hall of fame". The video was recently nominated for the 2006 Juice TV awards 'Breakthrough video of the year'.

Mas has just completed his second video clip for the single 'By Myself'- a duet preformed with outstanding RNB singer Sam Cowley-Lupo. The single has been already recognized as a future hit. The video is currently rotating on C4's 'Select' program and is receiving serious airplay on Juice TV. The single has been picked up by both major urban and provincial stations across the country due to a spot on the October NZ on Air hit disc.

Mas has been interviewed and performed live on various television shows including Coast (Maori TV), XSTV and Pacific Beat St. He is currently working with producers R.P.G and Evil J on his debut album which is set for release in 2008

Mas has performed live at Fu Bar, The Rising Sun, Bar 3 sky city, Shadows Bar, Coast TV show, Rakinos, Khuja lounge, Safari Lounge, Club Duo, Happy Bar (Wellington).