Emerging from Auckland's vibrant music scene, Fast Crew, also stylized as fastCREW, established themselves as a dynamic force in New Zealand hip-hop during the early 2000s. The five-piece group, consisting of Dane Rumble (Kid Deft), Jeremy Kent-Johnston (Jerome Fortune), Brad Devcich (Diablo), Gemma Copas, and Josh Thorne (DJ Alias), blended sharp lyricism with infectious beats, capturing national attention and achieving significant commercial success with their debut album.
Formed in 1999, the crew built a formidable live reputation, which paved the way for their breakthrough. Their 2004 single "I Got" became a local hit, setting the stage for their first full-length release. The subsequent album, Set the Record Straight, was a major milestone, earning gold certification in New Zealand and solidifying their place in the country's music landscape. Their rising profile led to coveted support slots for major international tours, sharing stages with heavyweight acts like Missy Elliott, Busta Rhymes, The Black Eyed Peas, D12, Chingy, and DMX. They also became a staple at major festivals, including the renowned Big Day Out.
Following their initial success, Fast Crew worked on their sophomore album, Truth, Lies & Red Tape. This project showcased the group's evolution, but its release coincided with a period of transition for the members. After completing the album and performing a final concert in late 2008, the group made a mutual decision to disband, concluding a nearly decade-long run. While their time together as a unit ended, the individual members continued to pursue various creative paths within the entertainment industry.
Fast Crew's legacy endures as that of a pioneering group that helped bring New Zealand hip-hop to a wider audience during a key period of growth. Their gold-certified debut and their energetic performances alongside global stars remain a testament to their impact on the national music scene.