Che-Fu Essentials

After two albums fronting funk-rockers Supergroove, Che-Fu has minted an even bigger solo career that's earned him platinum sales in his native New Zealand. Along the way, he has spoken up for Polynesian rights and flown a bright flag for homegrown, beat-driven music. Versatility is key for Che-Fu: While his breakthrough 1996 collaboration with producer DLT is a sterling example of conscious hip-hop, he balances that approach with silky R&B singing that most rappers would kill for. He has also thrived as a potent collaborator in any setting, lending warm wisdom to Ria Hall's “Tell Me” and a sensuous hook to Team Dynamite's “Coconut Lime”.