Bukkcity

“Coming back to Australia wasn’t initially to do music, it was to get away from things that were going on over in the USA, so I just wanted to come here and start a new life, start over. When I did get into hip-hop and started making music, it was a little bit awkward because previous American artists had left a bad taste in the hip-hop scene’s mouth – they expected every American that comes is going to be on that level. The attitude was ‘you’re American therefore you must think you’re great.’ In turn, they would have resentment against you, without even giving you a chance. I felt like the black Eminem in this country. It wasn’t the colour issue that bothered me; it was more about the lack of lyrical acceptance and respect people had back then for different cultural backgrounds, each other’s life story and opinions. It was like they didn’t want to acknowledge my lyrical contribution to the scene, you had to either conform to the Oz Hip-Hop style or your individual story or opinion was lost, especially mine, I’m a black Afro-American who grew up in the US and naturally spoke with an American accent. It was a real issue for the local hip-hop scene and still is to a degree, it was a weird feeling being ostracized for ’being me’ in hip-hop. I do think things have changed over the last couple of years, everyone seems to be more relaxed and receptive and more willing to hear your story and give you a go. The great thing is that at the time, I slowly became accepted by a lot of listeners from other musical genres, which is why my album has different musical influences in the production” ” - Bukkcity

In 2009, Bukkcity's long awaited mini-album debut Same Place was released by Unda K9 Records and distributed through MGM Distribution. The album contains seven tracks including the single 'Nobody Wanted This' featuring Sarah Blasko.

Since 2007, Bukkcity has appeared on tours with hip-hop legend Ice Cube, Paris (of Public Enemy and Dead Prez fame), Brisbane hip-hop group Butterfingers, DJ Rectangle and Snob Scrilla.

Bukkcity began to make a name for himself in 1998; entering underground freestyle competitions in New York. His move back to Australia saw the beginning of his career battling live on the Melbourne radio station PBS 106.7FM. He featured on mixtapes and albums in Sweden, Germany, Atlanta and New York and became one of the most downloaded hip-hop artists on MySpace Australia. In 2007 he released his first mixtape release, 1st & 15th Mixtape, putting him on the local radar. His second release, Underbelly: The Mixtape, was a concept album inspired by the characters of the popular Underbelly TV Series. Although the mixtape generated ill-informed controversy for its presumed glorification of gangland activities, it was widely lauded by critics and listeners both inside and outside the hip-hop scene. Both mixtapes were offered as free digital downloads.

Andre Knight (born June 4, 1980 in Canberra, Australia), better known by his stage name Bukkcity, is an Australian-American rapper who is currently signed to the Unda K9 Records record label.