Funny Asian Rap - KO Korean Rapper

HAHAHAHAHAHAHA!!!! This is too funny!!! LMAO! What you are about to witness is a promo for a music video called Here We Go by a Korean rapper named KO. I think this video meant to be funny. First of all, this is a huge rip-off from What's My Name by DMX. Secondly, this guy is throwin out N-Bombs like it's second-nature. Thirdly, are you even listening to this lyrics? He says "How can you rap when you skinny?/ 50 ain't skinny, Tupac ain't skinny/". I don't even speak a word of Korean and already know this song is wack. And watch out for the ending, because that is when he explodes from roid rage. Enjoy this one folks...

Too Phat - Just a Friend

Too Phat - Plan B

Just a Friend is a song by the Malaysian hip hop group Too Phat from their Plan B album. The song and instrumental is a tribute to Biz Markie's original 1989 hit with the same name. In this song, Malique tells his story about a girl named "Jenny" that has he known since pre-school. Although it appears that Malique and Jenny are building their future together the song foreshadows another man in Jenny's life. Jenny denies this and reassures Malique that person she was with is "just a friend". Later as the story develops, Malique decides to give Jenny a suprise visit in her college dormitory. And to his surprise he discovers "a fella half naked with my gurl on the couch/ and baby Jenny moaning, uggg uggh aggh and ouch/". Joe Flizzow's rap verse talks about a girl named "Wanda" that he wanted to pursue. When he finally gets with Wanda, he soon discovers that Wanda likes to kiss other girls and that "she's just a friend".

One cool factoid about this song is that Too Phat's version of Just a Friend was released during the same time period as Mario's Just a Friend.

Zeebra - Not Your Boyfriend feat Jesse (RIZE)

Zeebra - World of Music

Zeebra aka, the "King of Hip Hop", is a Japanese rapper that helped to pioneer the Japanese hip hop industry. Zeebra first began his rap career with an underground rap group called King Giddra (along with K Dub Shine and DJ Oasis) in 1993. King Giddra was a rap group rapped about socio-economic and political issues in Japan and gained an underground following. 4 years later, Zeebra pursued his solo career in 1997 and has gained mainstream popularity in Japan. He has currently 6 albums released: The Rhyme Animal (1998), Based On A True Story (2000), The First Struggle (2002), Tokyo's Finest (2003), The New Beginning (2006), and World of Music (2007). It is said that Zeebra will release an album called King of Hip Hop sometime in 2008.

Not Your Boyfriend is a male-chauvinistic and misogynistic song which is a common theme in hip hop music. It features Jesse from the Japanese rock band, Rize. Not your Boyfriend was a major hit in Japan in 2007. I like the music video production very much. The music video has a lot of red in it, which symbolizes lust and anger and it is very fitting for this song.

Hong Kong Rapper MC Yan Interviewed by DongTing

MC Yan, with a LazyMuthaFuckaz toy
(photo source: dongting08)

Our friends at dongting08 has released a video interview of MC Yan in his Hong Kong studio. MC Yan is without a doubt, the "godfather" of the Hong Kong hip hop movement and Cantonese rap. His claim-to-fame was when he joined and became the lead rapper for the LMF (LazyMuthaFuckaz) hip hop group in 1998 till after it disbanded in 2003. Still, MC Yan is very active in the Hong Kong hip hop movement.

In this video interview, MC Yan talks about how he got invovled with Hong Kong hip hop and what is the current status of hip hop in Hong Kong. He begins by telling us that he was studying overseas in France for 7 years and returned back to Hong Kong in 1997. He got into the underground rap scene in Hong Kong and formed the first Hong Kong graffiti crew with local graffiti artists in 1994. Since then, Hong Kong hip hop has been gaining popularity, especially among the youth whom needed a voice of expression. However, MC Yan says despite the exploding popularity of groups such as LMF in Hong Kong, the reason why Hong Kong Cantonese rappers are not releasing material as "frequently" as compared to their mainland Chinese rapper counterparts is because rappers in Hong Kong are waiting for a major label record deals. Another factor is that Hong Kong currently leaves no room for new sub-cultures such as hip hop to thrive because the industry do not want to risk promoting hip hop if it does not make any profit. In his own words describing the current status of hip hop in Hong Kong, MC Yan says "Hong Kong has a package of hip hop" meaning hip hop, in its own true essence is being misrepresented in Hong Kong's mainstream media by adding extra frills and gimmicks just to make it more appealing to the masses.

Also in the video interview MC Yan tells us the story behind some of the artworks and designs that he has created. One of MC Yan's designs is marketing t-shirts with a memory stick sewn on the t-shirt. Stored inside the memory stick is music, videos and pictures which is a fresh new concept on selling music and bypassing the music industry. He also introduces his own label 宁死不屈 (Ning Si Bu Qu) which means "Death before dishonor" in Mandarin. By all means, check this video interview out.

Funny Asian Rap - Vietnamese Gang

Every now and then, we all need some comic relief...

Just the other day, of my friends sent a me a link over IM of this video on YouTube. To my surprise it was a music video parody of Thai Ngo and Khanh Ngo's Vietnamese Gang by some white guys. I laughed really hard when I first saw it because it was absolutely hilarious!! Never in my life I would never imagine white guys making a music video of Vietnamese Gang and secondly, I would never imagine them throwing in random things in the music video such as a guy eating a sandwich, necklace chains of shoes and teddy bears, and bananas. Heck, you even got to give these guys mad props for even lip-syncing the Vietnamese part by Khanh Nho. This is an extremely funny video hahaha. If you don't find this video funny, something is seriously wrong with you...



I caught up with the guys at Turtle Neck Visual and they gave me a short interview about their music video:

ROYAL: What's up Turtle Neck Visual?

SCORPION: Hey whats up! Thanks for posting our video and interviewing us.

ROYAL: Tell us how did you get the name Turtle Neck Visual. What's the story behind it?

SCORPION: Actually that name is based off of our alter ego characters. You'll have to wait for that music video to be posted in November. It's our first original song... It should explain the name.

ROYAL: Where you guys from?

SCORPION: Liu here is actually from Spain despite his Asian appearance. I, Scorpion, am from Sao Paulo, Brazil.

ROYAL: How did you first hear about Vietnamese Gang?

SCORPION: Shout out to Barney and Tre, some of our Asian friends, for exposing us to some awesome Asian rap artists about 6 years ago such as Thai, Khanh Nho, and Jinusean and we've been hooked since.

ROYAL: Tell us why did you decide to make a music video of Vietnamese Gang?

SCORPION: We wanted to practice our video making skills with some of our favorite music. This song in particular has a dark, heavy sound. The comedic touch was a good contrast to the dark sound. We also realized how impressed our friends were as we recited the Vietnamese lyrics, however poor the pronunciation... Really we just love music and making people laugh.

ROYAL: LOL why is one of the guys eating a sandwich in the video?

SCORPION: Haha, a classic scene! Gangstas cannot neglect the importance of nutrition... We actually don't know why. It started as a pre-shoot snack but was then incorporated into the scene. Turned out to be a hilarious addition to a hardcore rap video.

ROYAL: You also feature bananas in your video and slapped some guy with it. What's with the bananas in the video?

SCORPION: Bananas... that fellow we slapped represents intolerance to comedy, to music, to new ideas. Anybody thats too close-minded needs to be banana-slapped so that they see how ridiculous they are. And a banana robbery is kind of a protest to all the senseless violence and greed. lol, maybe we just wanted to be funny and we really weren't thinking that deeply.

ROYAL: Also, tell us about what other video you have in the works from your video production company?

SCORPION: We have some original songs soon to be released. Also some collaborations with local comedians and hip hop artists. And of course more fan-videos to songs that already exist. Definitely more asian songs will become videos.

ROYAL: Where can we find more of your videos?

SCORPION: Right now the only place is on youtube.com/turtleneckvisual. Hopefully our website will be up and running soon. In the meantime check out our Mortal Kombat video and patiently wait for more!

ROYAL: Anything else you want to say to the audience reading this from Asian Rap Worldwide?

SCORPION: Thanks for your time and we appreciate anyone who gives our videos a chance. We're just here trying to spread the love of music and comedy through the power of video making.

ROYAL: Thank you, your video was a blast. We wish you guys all the best.

Roscoe Umali - 100K Battle

The 100K Battle is a contest where MCs get to rap on beats (all together worth 100K) produced by 22 of the greatest hip hop producers in the rap game such a as 9th Wonder, Alchemist, DJ Babu, DJ Khalil, Focus..., and Rick Rock just to name a few. This is a chance for any MC who wants some recognition, wishing they could get on a hot beat by a world-famous producer. Due to the overwhelming popularity of the 100K battle and new contestants participating, the Wake Up Show (the hosts of the 100K Battle) has extended their end date for the contest.

For all you aspiring Asian rappers who wish they can get on a hot beat, and want the world to listen to your rapping skills, this is your chance. Go sign up at ursession.com, download a beat, rap over it, and upload it on the website. If you get enough fan votes, then the song could be featured on the Wake Up Show and you could win $5,000. If you are feelin Roscoe Umali's entry Beast, (beat produced by Focus...) by all means vote for him.

Here is a clip of the second half of the 100K Battle's Top Ten Invitational Cypher where Roscoe Umali, among the other top 9 MCs of the competition participate in a freestyle cypher, live at the 106 Power FM radio station. Also, there is another Pinoy freestyling in this Top Ten Invitational Cypher who goes by the name of Ant Chedda, who is part of a group called City Lights.

T - Combination Platter feat. DJ Hasebe

Combination Platter is a club-banger track from the Korean female rapper, T (Tasha), from her Gemini album. This track was produced by DJ Hasabe, from Toyko, Japan. This is one of my favourite rap songs from T because she shows great versatility rapping in both English and Korean. Also, the instrumental by DJ Hasebe makes me want to rock my head back and forth. I have added the lyrics of the first verse and chorus of Combination Platter for you guys to read and dissect the lyrical genius of T. If you Asian rap fans ever throw a party, be sure to include this song in your playlist!


lyrics:

Friday night me and my girls hit the spot/
Step into the club, the DJ's spinnin hot/
Jams, the shit that makes you wanna dance/ here's your chance/
Now Everybody grab the first person that you glance at/
And Let the rhythm take control until your hands start to clap/
'Cause once you catch the feelin yo there's no turnin back/
In fact, let's lock the place down and throw away the key/
With all of life's drama that's exactly what we need/
So-- set your mind free/ Let it come naturally/
Ain't gotta worry what these people might think of me/
Release your stress/ And let the drum beat your chest/
'Cause Hasabe gonna break it down until we feelin blessed/
Yes/ He's got the beats and on the mic is Campo Lovely/
Who else could rock the crowd with a simple melody?/
Yo! From Seoul to Tokyo/ Let me see your heads go/
Back and forth to the rhythm, sing the chorus here we go/

Chorus

I like the way you talk
I like the way you move
I like the way you feel
I know you feel the same way that I do
You like the way I talk
You like the way I move
You like the way I feel
I know you feel the same way that I do

Snacky Chan, LS and Jin - 4th Chamber

Left to right: Snacky Chan, Jin, and LS

The 4th Chamber is originally a rap song by the Wu-Tang Clan from the Enter the Wu-Tang (36 Chambers) released in 1993. The "Asian version" of the 4th Chamber was recorded shortly after Jin's record deal with Ruff Ryder's Entertainment to help promote talent from the Asian hip hop community. This song is available on Jin's The Definition of History Mixtape (2004) and also Snacky Chan's Killa Tape Mixtape (2005).

Be sure to check out Snacky Chan's verse when he says "Your image is false yo, its been a lie/ You 'bout as real as Tom Cruise playin the part of Samurai/You a funny guy, schemin on my money right?/ I'll have your body in the desert where the mummies lie, bitch/" . That's some real serious Asian hip hop right there.

Videos of the 1st Asian Hip Hop Festival

The first video clips of the 1st Asian Hip Hop Festival at the Impact Arena in Bangkok, Thailand have been released in YouTube. This is the biggest concert of its kind for Asian hip hop as there were 8 different rappers and rap groups representing their respective countries in the festival.

Here is a clip of the Maximum Crew B-boys, one of the top breakdancing crews in Korea with One Sun, the Korean MC.



Here is a clip of Hong Kong rap group, 24 Herbs.



Here is a clip of Taiwanese rapper, MC Hotdog performing Wo Ai Tai Mei.



Here is a clip of Japanese rapper Zeebra, performing Shinin' Like A Diamond with with Sphere of Influence.



Here is a clip of Nas rapping various songs. At 0:12 Nas screams out "FUCK THE RADIO!!" during his performance of Hip Hop is Dead. Also at 1:14, Nas calls out Kelis on stage.



Here is a clip of the hometown Thai rappers, Thaitanium rapping their smash-hit Yuk Lai.



Unfortunately, video footage of Joe Flizzow of Malaysia and the Beatmathics of the Phillipines have not been released yet.

Stay tuned for more updates of the 1st Asian Hip Hop Festival coming soon...

YMGA - Tell it to My Heart feat. Uhm Jung Hwa

YMGA (Young Men's Gangsta Association) is a rap group from Korea comprised of Masta Wu and DM, from the YG Entertainment record label.

The instrumental from this song is sampled from the 1987 smash-hit Tell it to My Heart, by Taylor Dayne. 엄정화 (Uhm Jung Hwa), one of Korea's most popular female vocal artists, is singing the chorus in this song. This song is featured in the Made in R.O.K (Republic of Korea) album.

As reported by our good friends at Jess' YG World, there is a small controversy within the Korean press about this song. The Korean rap version of Tell it to My Heart was originally a single by the Korean hip hop veterans and also fellow YG entertainment labelmates, Jinusean. Jinusean had performed this song with popstar Kim Ji Eun last year in a concert. However since YMGA is a new group within YG Entertainment and they are releasing their first EP album, Jinusean has graciously allowed the song to be performed by YMGA.



Thanks to chieri07 for providing the YouTube video.

You can find the link to the original Korean lyrics for Tell it to My Heart here.

A Sneak Preview on Thai Ngo's New Album

In our last blog featuring Thai Ngo, we mentioned that Thai was in the studio recording new tracks. Here is a little spoiler for what's to come....

Empire Recordings has released a small clip of DJ slim (the producer for My Life & Rhymes), working in the studio for Thai's next album. You can hear a small 20 second sample of Thai rapping at 1:21. Will all these beats be on Thai's new album? Your guess is as good as mine!!




Also here's a video of Thai Ngo at the premiere of his music video for Rock Your Body (featuring Jimmyboi) at The Highlands Hollywood Night Club in Los Angeles, California. The footage of this video was shot some time during 2007 before the release of My Life & Rhymes. The video was just released today on October 16, 2008.

Kung Fu and Hip Hop: An Interview with DTMUniversal

Danny Ho, a.k.a. DTM is a modern-day Renaissance man. Born in Hong Kong and raised in Toronto, Canada, Danny became known as DTM when his friend Simon Wu gave him the alias "DTM" (Dan The Man). Throughout the years, DTM has expressed his creative imagination through the arts. Beginning with visual arts, he eventually pursued technological art forms, crossing into film, photography, graphic design, and later DTM expressed himself musically through hip hop. DTMUniversal Productions, his production company, refers to DTM's philosophy in being capable of expressing oneself in all forms of art possible; an imagination that knows no limits. He is a proud Chinese and speaks fluently in both, Cantonese and English.

DTM's first major project was the independent film, 大佬 (The Boss), which was filmed in 2004 when DTM was only 15 years old. Three years later, The Boss was officially released on DVD in 2007. The movie is an Asian gangster martial arts action film using authentic Hong Kong styled fighting choreography. DTM also stars in the movie, participating in the fight scenes himself as he trained in martial arts ever since the age of 10. DTM holds a black belt in Goju-Ryu Karate and a black belt in Taekwondo. DTM has also directed and produced music videos, documentaries and short films.



ROYAL: DTM thanks for taking the time with us at Asian Rap Worldwide for this interview.

DTM: Thanks for showing interest in my works, I appreciate this opportunity.

ROYAL: What kind of music do you listen to and who are you listening to right now?

DTM: I listen to every genre of music possible; I am very open-minded to anything and everything, I enjoy all forms of music. GZA’s Pro Tools is popping in my iTunes right now.

ROYAL: Your rapping is very distinct from other rappers I have heard. It does not have an urban or street or African-American vibe to it. Is this done on purpose? Tell us, how did you get into hip hop and rapping? Who are the rap artists that have really touched and inspired you?

DTM: Great question. I did not do this on purpose, but at the same time I know I am Chinese, so I do not try to act or sound like African-American rappers on purpose when I rap. I don’t come from the typical backgrounds that rappers usually pride themselves on (street / gang / drug life), so there’s even less reason for me to change my voice. The same goes for my appearance (such as in my music videos), my style is very neutral. I do not limit myself to a hip hop dress code, just because I’m supposedly a “rapper” and I have to conform to what is expected of a rapper to look like. I just wear what suits me.

I got into hip hop through Wu-Tang and Canibus. That was the real shit. But how I started to rap was actually out of rage *laughs*. I’m not naming names but I noticed a lot of so-called rappers out there, and some were not bad, but most were just trash. A lot of indie artists don’t rap about shit. Hell, a lot of commercial artists don’t rap about shit either! After their song is over, it leaves me wondering; just exactly what were they trying to say? What message were they portraying? I agree not all songs need to have a message; some artists do a pretty good job of just using their voice and vibe to make a good track and I don’t knock that. Music is music. But these local artists really pissed me off *laughs* with their cookie-cutter content, and that was what made me try my hand at some more intellectual lyrics. I started writing in late 2005, but the only ones that made it out to the public (written from that time) were Gangsta My Ass and Truth Serum. Blind and In My Mind were the new ones.

ROYAL: Do you listen to any Asian rappers or have any Asian rap groups that you are particularly fond of? Any rappers who are doing their thing that you want to give a shoutout to?

DTM: First and foremost, I’d like to pay respects to Jin The Emcee. He did to Asian hip hop in the west what Bruce Lee did to kung fu in the west. With similarity to Bruce, I believe not many non-Asian Americans want Jin to succeed (in the west) because of the fact that he is not black or white, which is unfortunate because he is lyrically 1000 times ahead of most rappers out there today. Therefore like Bruce, I think Jin is finding greener pastures back home. Secondly, I love LMF (LazyMuthaFuckaz), the one and only legit “rapcore” group to hold it down in HK. Since their disbandment, ask any head and they’ll tell you Hong Kong’s hip hop scene has never been the same. Mountain Brothers are also very good. I’d like to rap over jazzy beats like they do but I don’t have access to jazzy beats… haha!



ROYAL: So now you are working on your very first album The Universal Man. Tell us what we can expect from your album.

DTM: First of all I’d like to say this to the hip hop community and anybody else reading; I’m not trying to become a famous rapper. Maybe somewhere in that 1% probability that the mainstream actually gives a crap about what I say, I’ll consider it. The other 99% is called reality. It’s the same as if I told you Michael Jai White would become a huge kung fu star in China. And he’s black. Never heard of him? My point exactly. The Asian community will not take him seriously as a kung fu master, so would people here take me seriously as a legitimate emcee? Of course not. It’s not necessarily racism (actually, it is, for example Hollywood movies never show a white woman falling in love with an Asian male lead, but Asian women from left and right [The Last Samurai, Forbidden Kingdom, Mummy Tomb of the Dragon Emperor] can fall in love with a white guy no problem), it’s just a tough cultural pill to swallow, and I’d rather not force it down people’s throats. I won’t rule out the possibility of Hong Kong, though. MC Yan if you’re reading this, please sign me to your label *laughs*.

With that said, this “album” that I’m making (if you can even call it that), is for fun. Just like my movie The Boss, I’m doing this for myself and for anyone who likes what I do. If people like my album as much as they liked my movie, then I would be eternally grateful for the support. But at the same time I won’t be heartbroken if it never goes anywhere. You can expect some “Confucian conscious rap” (haha!) from my album (ie. In My Mind), mixed with some hardcore lyricism with a nasty attitude (ie. Gangsta My Ass). My messages are from a Chinese perspective but anyone could relate to it because of its universal themes.



ROYAL: So, tell us the story behind Gangsta My Ass. Is this song directed to a real person that you have beef with? Is the "wanksta" in the beginning of the music video, modeled after a real person you know?

DTM: Yes and no. The song Gangsta My Ass was the first song I ever wrote, and I always had these thoughts held deep inside that I wanted to express to these fake gangster wannabe punks and so-called "badasses" in my community. And that’s a big “f*ck you”. The beef I had with this guy back in 2005, came at just the right moment for me to add his story within the video (which was released in 2008). We have since squashed it and I let him know that I didn’t mean to make fun of him in the present time; it was just an old song that talked about the same themes so I used our back story as a way to strengthen the video’s message.

ROYAL: Who made the beat for Gangsta My Ass? That beat is hot! Give him a shoutout and tell us how or what is the best way for us to get his beats.

DTM: Haha… my producer is Phung Shui (a pun on the words Feng Shui). But he didn’t make this beat. A very, very famous producer made this beat, and how do I put it… “took” it from him without asking but he didn’t end up ever using it anyways. I’ll give you a hint; he only drops albums once every decade, haha!

ROYAL: Now the music video for Gangsta My Ass features some clips from your movie The Boss. Tell us a little bit about your movie.

DTM: It’s a gangster martial arts film much like the ones made in Hong Kong about gang bosses and martial arts fights that make up the films’ climax. I always wanted to make one big movie with all my friends in it, and that’s why we started making it in high school and released it midway through university. At first it was just a whatever-let’s-just-do-it kind of movie; throw in some action, throw in some comedy, and let’s see what we got. Then, the project got serious after I met some fellow martial artists who could fill the void of actually handling Hong Kong style action (we didn’t have any other person in the movie other than me at the time that could fight), and that’s when The Boss started shaping out to be something better than a YouTube video. Make no mistake, looking back on it I agree the movie was incredibly amateur as a whole, but the fight scenes we did speaks for itself. I don’t think any other indie film out there could top it, especially when we were all 15 to 18 year olds at the time, making our FIRST movie with NO budget!!! To date a few hundred people have bought it and probably even more watched it, because they told me they watched it with their friends and family. Not bad for something promoted only through word of mouth.





ROYAL: What are your favourite HK triad and kung fu movies from the 80s and 90s? Is there a particular director and/or producer that you particularly like the best? Recommend us some good HK flicks!

DTM: Oh boy, don’t get me started. There are too many to name haha! Almost any movie made in HK back in the 80s and 90s was gold, but I liked Jet Li a lot in particular because of his politically/culturally themed films, so be sure to check out the Once Upon a Time in China series, Fist of Legend, and Fearless (a.k.a. Huo Yuan Jia). If you want to see why The Departed won the Oscar, go watch Infernal Affairs. Anyone growing up in the 90s would agree Young & Dangerous was their favourite Triad series in HK, and so would I. Election however would be the definitive Chinese answer to The Godfather, much like Japan’s Brother was. My favourite director is Johnnie To (The Mission, PTU, Throwdown, Election, Exiled).

ROYAL: What other projects is DTMUniversal working on right now?

DTM: I’m working on a lot of things, including a new (you heard it here first) action film. My album may never be released! *laughs*

ROYAL: If someone wants you to film a video for them, or produce some artwork for a project, or do a collaboration track with you, what is the best way for them to get in touch with you?

DTM: My website is www.dtmuniversal.com, The Boss is up for grabs in the online store, I’m on YouTube as “DTMUniversal” and MySpace as “DTM”, and my e-mail is dtm[at]dtmuniversal[dot]com. I get a lot of junk mail so if you want to contact me please make your subject title eye catching!

ROYAL: Any words of advice or words of wisdom for those who want to come up?

DTM: I’m just a regular dude who likes art, man. Just be true to yourself, don’t let others sway you from your beliefs and values, however be aware of reality and don’t be a “frog in the well” (an ignorant fool). Actions speak louder than words. Know yourself so you can maximize your strengths and learn to improve or hide your weaknesses. If no one hates you then you don’t have anything they want. That’s my two cents!

ROYAL: DTM, thank you for time out of your busy schedule and we wish you all the best. Look out for DTM's album, The Universal Man coming soon!!

DTM: Thank you.


You can check out DTMUniversal and his production works at www.dtmuniversal.com

Joosuc & Sphere of Influence - Better than U

Joosuc from Korea collaborates with Sphere of Influence from Japan in this track for the MP Hiphop 2002 album, released in Korea. The MP Hiphop album series is released by the independant Korean hip-hop label, Master Plan which showcases rappers from the underground Korean hip-hop scene. The instrumental from this song was also used later in 2005 on Cassidy's The Problem vs. the Hustla.

1st Asian Hip Hop Festival in Thailand

Thailand will be hosting the very first ever, Asian Hip Hop Festival on October 11, 2008 at the Impact Arena, Muang Thong Thani in Bangkok, Thailand. This event will be promoting diversity and understanding of different cultures as well as unity of all countries through the message of hip hop. Hosted by Thailand's popular rap group Thaitanium, the Asian Hip Hop Festival will feature hip hop acts from 8 different countries. Furthermore, the Hip Hop legend from Queensbridge, NewYork Nas, aka "Nasty Nas" aka "Escobar" will be performing and respresenting the United States. 15,000 to 20,000 hip hop enthusiasts are expected to attend this event which will not only feature Asian rappers, but also the other 3 elements of hip hop: DJing, breakdancing, and graffitti. Here are list of rappers and the countries they will representing that will be performing for the first-ever Asian Hip Hop Festival:

NAS (USA)

THAITANIUM (Thailand)

ZEEBRA (Japan)

24HERBS (Hong Kong)

JOE FLIZZOW (Malaysia)

MAXIMUM CREW (Korea)

BEATMATHICS (Philippines)

MC HOT DOG (Taiwan)

Mountain Brothers - Galaxies: The Next Level

Mountain Brothers - Self: Volume 1

The Mountain Brothers are a Chinese hip-hop group from Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. It consists of 3 rappers: Peril-L, Styles Infinite, and Chops (who is also the producer for the group). Their name comes from the famous Chinese novel, Water Margin which tells the story of 108 outlaws that lived in the mountains and fought against the corrupt and tyrannical government officials, very much like Robin Hood and his Merry Men. Thus the Mountain Brothers named themselves after these legendary outlaws because they wanted to apply the same concept with hip-hop.

The Mountain brothers have released two albums, Self: Volume 1, which was released in 1999, and Triple Crown, released in 2003. This rap group is now disbanded. Styles Infinite is now a doctor and Peril-L works in a pharmaceutical company. As for Chops, he is still producing hip-hop music and he is well known for producing original music with a jazz/funk/soul feel, without the use of sampling other people's music. To this date, Chops has worked with well-known rap artists such as Kanye West, The Game, Snoop Dogg, TI, Bun B of UGK, Paul Wall and Talib Kweli.

Galaxies is the first single from Self: Volume 1 album. Its a lyrical song with complex rhyme schemes and smooth beats by Chops.

Fate - Freestyle on Philly Barbarians Vol. 2

Fate is a Lao rapper from Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. In this video Fate spits a 4 minute non-stop freestyle for Philly Barbarians Vol. 2, an underground rap DVD which showcases the freestyles of up-and-coming rappers in Philadelphia. A must-see video!!

Thai Ngo - Roll wit Uz

Thai Ngo - My Life and Rhymes


Roll wit Uz, is the first single from the My Life and Rhymes album by Vietnamese rapper, Thai Ngo. This was also Thai's first official music video. You can see Thai's "VIETNAM" tattoo on his back in this music video at 1:22.

According to Thai's myspace, he is currently back in the studio and working on some new tracks.



Thai has another version of Roll wit Uz remixed by the Silly Crew in his album. I like version this much better than the original. Peep the track!

P-Collabroz - Philippines MVPs (Pinoy Anthem)

P-Collabroz is a Filipino rap group from Germany that raps in the German language. They have released a popular Asian rap song called Philippines MVPs, also known as The Pinoy Anthem.

The story of this Pinoy Anthem began when DeeRock Musique (Wizdom and Kid.of.Beatz), produced an instrumental in 2006 for LAD, who wanted to make a track. Wizdom then came up with the idea to make a collaboration track with other Filipino rappers, so he contacted Floribang and Mooniz and asked them, if they wanted to do the collabo-track. They both agreed. And thus the 3 rappers: LAD, Floribang and Mooniz now formed the rap group P-Collaboz and recorded their verses for Philippines MVPs. The chorus was written by Mooniz and the girl singing it is Julie-Ann, Wizdom's cousin.

In February 2007, the P-Collabroz decided to make a music video, which was leaked to YouTube on June 2007. P-Collabroz are very active the Filipino-Asian Community and have fans in Germany, even in Austria and Switzerland.

Gumby aka Pryce - Gangsta Twist

Lao rapper, Gumby aka Pryce is back with a hot new track called Gangsta Twist. You can hear Gumby spitting straight fire on this dancefloor track. Gumby has also released a music video for this track on YouTube, which features Asian girls dancing.
WARNING: This video is NOT SAFE FOR WORK (NSFW)! You can view it here