P-Money

Peter Wadams, known professionally as P-Money, is a New Zealand DJ, record producer and songwriter from Auckland. Emerging from New Zealand's hip-hop and turntablism scene, he became one of the country's most prominent hip-hop producers of the 2000s. He is best known for his work with Scribe, including production on The Crusader and the singles "Stand Up", "Not Many" and "Dreaming", as well as his own singles "Stop the Music" and "Everything".

P-Money's debut album, Big Things, was released in 2002 and reached number seven on the New Zealand Albums Chart. His second studio album, Magic City reached number two in New Zealand, while its single "Stop the Music", featuring Scribe, reached number one in New Zealand and number seven in Australia.

In 2008, P-Money released "Everything", featuring Vince Harder which reached number one in New Zealand. He later collaborated with American rapper Buckshot on the 2014 album Backpack Travels, which charted on Billboard's United States rap albums chart. P-Money also achieved major international success as a co-writer and producer of Starley's single "Call on Me", which APRA AMCOS recognised after surpassing one billion streams across major services including Spotify, Apple Music and YouTube.

Early life and background Wadams grew up in Papakura, Auckland. As a child and teenager, he was influenced by American hip-hop acts including Run-DMC, Public Enemy, N.W.A and Geto Boys, as well as hip-hop magazines such as The Source.

His early DJ work led to wider involvement in New Zealand hip hop. At the inaugural Aotearoa Hip-Hop Summit in Christchurch in 2000, he reconnected with South Island artists and met Christchurch rapper Scribe, with whom he would later form one of the defining producer-rapper partnerships in New Zealand hip-hop history.

2004–2007: Magic City and mainstream success P-Money released his second studio album, Magic City, in 2004. The album featured New Zealand and international artists including Scribe, PNC, David Dallas, Akon, Sauce Money, Capone, Bobby Creekwater and Roc Raida.

At the 2005 New Zealand Music Awards, P-Money won Best Male Solo Artist and Best Urban / Hip Hop Album for Magic City.

2008–2012: Everything and electronic-oriented production In 2008, P-Money released "Everything", featuring Vince Harder. The song reached number one in New Zealand, number 85 in Australia and number 138 in the United Kingdom. It was certified platinum in New Zealand.

His third studio album, Everything was released in 2010 and reached number 25 on the New Zealand Albums Chart. The album reflected a broader dance and electronic influence while retaining elements of hip hop and R&B. Gratitude reached number 23 on the New Zealand Albums Chart.

In 2014, P-Money released Backpack Travels, a collaborative album with American rapper Buckshot. The album was released through Duck Down Music, Dirty Records and Dawn Raid Entertainment, and was produced entirely by P-Money.

2016–present: International songwriting success and later work P-Money achieved one of his most internationally successful credits as a co-writer and producer of "Call on Me" by Australian singer Starley. Released in 2016 as Starley's debut single, the song became a global hit after receiving a remix by Australian producer Ryan Riback. APRA AMCOS also reported that the song achieved multi-platinum certifications in multiple countries, including diamond status in France, 5× platinum in Sweden, and triple platinum in Australia and Canada.

Artistry and influence P-Money's work is rooted in hip hop, DJ culture and turntablism. His early production style drew from sample-based hip hop and East Coast rap, while later work incorporated R&B, dance, house and electronic influences. 2005 New Zealand Music Awards – Best Urban / Hip Hop Album Magic City Won 2010 New Zealand Music Awards – Best Electronica Album Everything Nominated 2019 APRA AMCOS 1,000,000,000 List "Call on Me" Recognised — — —

Released: 2004 Label: Dirty Records / Dawn Raid Entertainment Format: CD, digital 2 6 — — — Non-album remix 2020

P-Money — — 10 3 — — — Non-album single 2023

Mollie Collins and Elipsa — — 8 — — — Non-album remix

"—" denotes a recording that did not chart, was not released in that territory, or for which no reliable chart source has been identified.

Film work Year Film Role Ref. 2015 Born to Dance Soundtrack curator