Meet New Zealand's next big hip-hop sensation

  • 20/07/2018

Meet New Zealand's next hip-hop sensation - William Rakena.

From a life of crime stealing cars and fleeing police, to dancing on the world stage - he has completely turned his life around.

And it's all through the power of dance. At just 17, his unreal talent scored him a spot competing in the World Hip-Hop Championships in the United States.

He said the experience will be life changing.

"It's a big thing for me. Firstly I'm bad with plane rides and secondly it will be the first time [I'm] actually getting out of the country, it's legit scary for me."

And dancing in the World Championships is something he has always wanted to.

"It's one of the things I've always wanted to do. I've always wanted to dance in the World Hip-Hop Championship stage."

And looking back now he would never return to his previous life of crime, he says.

"[I] moved to my aunties house, she really help me separated me from all the bad influences, and basically [put me] around positive vibes.

"I didn't believe in myself, [that] I could make it but look at me now, I wouldn't see myself back there, so it's crazy."

For the full story watch The Project video above.

Newshub.