Manu Crook$ is a rapper and producer whose output is comparable to contemporary rap out of the Southern U.S. more than that of his native Australia. Coming up, the Ghana-born, suburban Sydney-based artist was surrounded by rap music and was part of a dance crew. As a listener, he was particularly fond of North Carolinian J. Cole, who inspired him to develop his beatmaking and rhyming skills simultaneously. Beside friend and fellow producer Dopamine, Crook$ enjoyed a bit of a breakout in 2016 when the self-released "Everyday" was added to the playlist of homeland radio powerhouse Triple J. Just prior to the end of that year, follow-up "Assumptions" was spun by Beats 1 Radio's Zane Lowe. Several singles, as well as Mood Forever, a six-track EP, were released throughout 2017. ~ Andy Kellman, Rovi