Rapture Ruckus

A packed auditorium surges with people. Thousands spill out into the aisles arms slamming hip-hop-salutes through the air. 7,600 miles away from his New Zealand homeland, Rapture Ruckus frontman Brad Dring is spitting out rhymes and winning over new fans. This is Rapture Ruckus TV, South African edition. The camera zooms to a sign scribbled with LOVE PEOPLE, LOVE RUCKUS, LOVE GOD, and that seems like one good mantra for the down-to-earth MC, who turns to hip hop royalty on stage. 

Rapture Ruckus formed in 2001 when 18-year-old Dring sequenced a Cypress Hill track for a school music project. Rapping over it with partner-in-crime Doug Aitofi, he silenced his Wellington classroom and caught everyone off-guard including himself. One year later, the duo released Rapture Ruckus debut album. Performing at Parachute Festival in 2002 (regular attendance: 25,000) they broke a Festival record as the highest-selling new act ever. Parachute Records quickly snapped them up, and Rapture Ruckus began touring steadily throughout the country.

Aitofi left the fold, but Dring continued drumming up Rapture Ruckus momentum, supporting bands throughout North America, Europe, Africa and Asia with hundreds of show-stopping performances quickly becoming a veteran of the stage and enlisting the help of an impressive backing band. Rapture Ruckus then released their sophomore album, I BELIEVE. Winning a 2007 New Zealand Music Award for Best Gospel Album, the album was mastered by Hollywoods legendary Brian Big Bass Gardner (Dr Dre, Michael Jackson), and features trademark Ruckus big beats and heavy guitar riffs. Drings stirring declaration in the title track proves his former drug habit and broken-home roots have nothing on his newfound confidence in Christ.

Late 2008 saw Ruckus album number three, LIVE AT WORLDS END, drop at #7 on the New Zealand Album charts. The live release captures Rapture Ruckus electric Parachute 08 Mainstage performance and is packaged with a Live DVD showcasing the acts commanding stage presence. Dring has the crowd chanting his lyrics with gusto. Theyre gritty, theyre honest, and Rapture Ruckus has grown into a seasoned act connecting with punters across the board.