Smashproof

by Jason Birchmeier Smashproof are a New Zealand rap group whose debut single, "Brother," was a record-breaking smash hit in 2009. Founded in South Auckland, New Zealand, the group is a trio comprised of rappers Tyree, Young Sid, and Deach. They made their commercial recording debut as Smashproof in 2005 with a guest feature on the song "Ride Till I Die" from the Juse album Global Casino. Tyree subsequently made his solo album debut with Now or Never (2006), which spawned the hit single "Ladies and Gentleman" featuring Kardinal Offishall and Deach, plus the follow-up singles "I Need a Girl" and "Would You Mind." Young Sid was the next member of Smashproof to go solo. His solo album debut, The Truth (2007), was nominated for Hip-Hop Album of the Year at the 2008 New Zealand Music Awards and reached the Top 30 of the national albums chart. Upon signing a major-label recording contract with Universal Music Group, Smashproof made their label debut in 2009 with the smash hit single "Brother," featuring New Zealand singer/songwriter Gin Wigmore. The song hit number one in February 2009 and stayed atop the New Zealand singles chart for 11 consecutive weeks, an all-time record among national artists. The group's debut album, The Weekend (2009), was released in the midst of the chart-topping run of "Brother" and was itself a Top Five hit. Follow-up single "It's Friday," a Top 20 hit, was fairly popular as well.