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SHOP.TIMBERLAND.COM.SGSTORY (^) JOCELYN LEE MAIN PHOTO KELVIN CHIA
You’re the founder and CEO
of indie hip-hop label Above
Ordinary Music Group, which is
gaining prominence because of
the burgeoning hip-hop scene
in Korea right now.
You got to give a lot of credit to
the pioneers like Dynamic Duo
and Drunken Tiger for keeping
the rap scene alive. Rap TV
programmes — like Show Me
the Money — have also done a
lot to make hip-hop popular with
the mainstream crowd in recent
years. When I look for artistes to
join our label, I look for people
with the right work attitude and
ethics. I believe in hard work and
people sticking to their guns. I
prefer someone who makes
music he believes in, instead
of someone who simply
produces a song he thinks will
do well on the charts. If you are
true to yourself, you are going to get
your shine.
In July, you became the first
Asian to be signed to Jay Z’s
label Roc Nation. What do you
think this means for Asian
musicians hoping to break into
the US market?
I felt like I was at a point in my
career where I kind of plateaued.
In Korea, there was not much that
I could do anymore. I was at that
point where I was trying to focus
more on English music, and then
this opportunity came along — it
was a dream come true. When I
was younger, I listened to Jay Z and
he was one of my heroes growing
up. He still is. Never in a million
years would I have thought that I’d
be signed to his label. Of course,
it’s not that easy for an Asian star
to break into the US market, but it
also shows that if you have the right
intent, and you’re true to your craft,
you will be recognised. Roc Nation
recognised that and they have given
me a chance, so I’m going to take it
and roll with it. I’ve been recording
non-stop since our signing, and you’ll
probably see a project from me very
soon, within this year (smiles).
You’re quite tight with local
rapper Shigga Shay. Are there any
collaborations in the pipeline?
Yeah, I was just with him the other
night! We were talking
about collaborating on
new music. Shigga Shay is
definitely the homie. Hip-hop is
not very popular in Singapore,
but he’s trying to [promote] it
because he’s passionate about
it. He’s the underdog. I always
root for the underdog because
I’m also the underdog. He let
me listen to his music, and it’s
really good. He’s gotten a lot
better and he has progressed.
That’s what I like to see. In fact,
he reminds me of me.
In the last seven years,
you’ve gone from being part
of K-Pop group 2PM to a solo
artiste and now a label boss.
What’s next for you?
When I was in an idol group, I
saw it as work, but it was still
a good experience. It taught
me about show business and
work ethics. I can now take
those things that I’ve learnt
and incorporate them into
what I’d like to do with hip-hop.
Everything has been a learning
process, and I like to continue
to improve. Throughout the last
couple of years, I’ve never been
stagnant. I’ve always been trying
new things and progressing,
and I want to keep it that way
(smiles).
The Grand Finale of Asia’s Got Talent
airs Dec 7 on AXN (Singtel TV Ch 304
& StarHub Ch 511), 8.30pm.
PHOTO: INSTAGRAM/SHIGGASHAY
Double bill:
Jay with
Shigga Shay.