Award winning rapper Sid Diamond, whose band Smashproof is about to take on the world, says the streets of south Auckland are never far from his thoughts.
Diamond, or Young Sid as he's known, affiliates to Ngapuhi and Te Rarawa, but grew up in Otara.
Smashproof won the people's choice, best music video and the highest selling New Zealand record trophies at the Vodafone Music Awards for the single Brother.
Young Sid told Waatea News that Otara gets a negative rap it doesn't deserve. He said a lot of hard-working and church-going people are there.
Smashproof has a deal with Universal Germany to release its album in Europe.
Young Sid heads off next week for a showcase gig in New York to try to break into the US market.
