Manu Crooks

Manu Crooks redefined Australian hip-hop with his unique fusion of Atlanta trap and Australian rap. The MC/producer was born Emmanuel Adu in Ghana in 1993 and relocated to Australia at age 12 with his family. As a youth, Crooks began making beats inspired by the likes of J. Cole, Pharrell and Kanye West, before breaking through with 2016’s trap-tinged hit “Assumption.” His raw lyricism and addictive melodies made him the go-to opener for international artists such as Stormzy, Tory Lanez, and YG when they toured Australia. (He also received co-signs from A$AP Ferg and Apple Music’s own Zane Lowe.) With his 2017 debut EP, Mood Forever, Crooks solidified his position as a leader of his country’s flourishing rap scene. In the artist’s words: What’s one of the most memorable moments in your career so far? Playing Rolling Loud Australia and Miami. Also, playing Listen Out Festival was a huge moment for the Australian hip-hop scene. Is there anything left on your bucket list as an artist or band? A complete world tour consisting of all the continents. Find a song of yours on Apple Music that you love and tell us what makes it special. “Fuego (feat. Anfa Rose)” My favourite song and collaboration. It connects with many across the world, and was my first song to go gold in Australia. What are your top 3 all-time favorite albums on Apple Music, and why? Kanye West, The College Dropout Kanye West, 808s & Heartbreak Kendrick Lamar, good kid, m.A.A.d city (Deluxe) 808s for the groundbreaking production on the album. The songs and subject matter on The College Dropout, and production is immaculate. Timeless! GKMC for how Lamar told his story throughout the album, the whole concept is very relatable.