A landmark figure in the NZ hip-hop scene since its origins, Feelstyle (aka Picasso or Kas) has had several names and personas over the years but has maintained a rep that gets respect like no other. Born in Samoa but primarily brought up in NZ, Feelstyle's name initially appears in the history books following his participation in Aotearoa's first ever MC battle, 'Taita'. Through the 1987 event is most notorious for the emergence of the Upper Hutt Posse to the general public (after a fierce performance they took away the runners up-spot) it's not so well known that the winner on that day was none other than Feelstyle, working at that tiime under the name RIQ.

In these pioneering days of local hip-hop everything was in short supply and RIQ soon found himself sharing a turntable technician, DJ Vinnie aka Viane, with local crew Noise in Effect. Before long RIQ had become a part of Noise in Effect (RIQ, Kosmo & DJ Vinnie) who later changed their name to Rough Opinion and went on to become the most influential and important group in the Wellington underground. Though they never committed their incendiary rhymes and Teflon tough beats to wax, Rough Opinion did tour the country several times, including a support tour with Supergroove (when Che Fu was still on the mic) as well as several performances for charity causes.

For more information check out the muzic.net.nz Profile for Tha Feelstyle

Tha Feelstyle first debuted in the Official New Zealand Top 40 Singles on 11 October 2004 with the song Su'amalie / Ain't Mad At You. There is one entry by Tha Feelstyle in the charts.

Tha Feelstyle feat. Mareko