WITH A GANGSTER-baiting name like Supathugz and two albums of underground urban sounds under their belts, you'd be forgiven for expecting DJ Rozzroize (Ross Szeto) and MC Ghost Style (Brandon Ho) to be mean and moody.
As the duo saunter into the Excelsior Hotel in a blur of bright leisurewear, however, it becomes clear that Supathugz are two laidback producers with a passion for music - and with their tongues firmly in their cheeks. Good fellows rather than goodfellas.
With his boyish features, New York City cap and deafening shirt, Ho could be a boy band idol. Szeto, on the other hand - taller and more reserved - fits the stereotype a little better. At least he's got his cap on backwards.
'To be honest, we're coming from a hip-hop background, but I don't dress 'hip hop',' says Szeto. 'A lot of people ask: 'Why aren't your clothes baggy?' But it's obvious I love the culture. I just think it's about more than that. It's more of a mind, body and soul thing.'
Don't they think invoking gangster styles might be a little dangerous, especially in a city rife with organised crime? 'When someone makes The Godfather or Scarface, does he have to be afraid of the gangsters that watch it?' asks Ho. 'With Supathugz, we take these things and we reflect some truth, but it's exaggerated.'
What about accusations that they might be just actors? 'There's a group called the Wu-Tang Clan in America,' says Szeto. 'Do they all know kung-fu? I don't think so.'