Blog Archives
Snapshot: apl.de.ap x David Choi in K-Town
apl.de.ap x David Choi
Eating Korean BBQ, maybe a couple bottles of soju, singing karaoke, running into apl.de.ap of the Black Eyed Peas… oh you know just another night in K-Town.
…
Wait, what? That’s exactly what happened to David Choi on a recent excursion to the business district inspired by the Land of the Morning Calm. So that’s why there’s a pic of the two Asian-American artists posing for a quick, candid photo-op. Seemed like a no-brainer that this was Snapshot feature worthy, wouldn’t you agree?
Look who I met in Ktown! twitpic.com/62smd2—
David Choi (@davidchoimusic) August 08, 2011
Far East Movement, Bruno Mars & More Named as Finalists for 2011 Billboard Music Awards
It’s been a huge year for some of the artists we cover, and as proof check out this rather substantial list of categoriesour artists have been named as being in the running for in the 2011 Billboard Music Awards. Bruno Mars in particular is in a ton of categories, so hopefully he’ll go home with at least one award, if not more. FM is represented as well, though not in nearly enough categories as we would have liked. We’ve thrown in a couple groups we don’t cover as often as well like Linkin Park and the Black Eyed Peas because Mike Shinoda/Joe Hahn and Apl.de.ap are still represnting, respectively. The show will air May 22nd on ABC. Catch the full list of nominees over at Billboard.com.
Lookin’ Back: Complex Mag Features “8 Pioneers In Asian-American Hip-Hop”
In lieu of the historical success by the Far East Movement with their single “Like a G6″ and recently released album, Complex has put together a little feature article on who they consider 8 Pioneers in Asian-American Hip-Hop. In no way is this to be considered a definitive list, but it’s a great read on some of the names and faces who have come before and have contributed to the genre in some way, shape, or form. The artists featured are Fresh Kid Ice, Lin Que, Lyrics Born, Mountain Brothers, Mike Shinoda, Jin, Southstar, Apl.de.Ap. There have definitely been other artists across multiple genres and ethnicities that have inspired FM, but it’s always good to look back and see who have come before. Check the complete article out over at CM.
Source: AAM
Legaci, David Choi, Cathy Nguyen, Gabe Bondoc & More Featured on Local NBC News Segment
Bay Area NBC Affiliate did a feature news segment on the proliferation of Asian-Americans on Youtube. Artists such as Legaci, Cathy Nguyen, David Choi, Gabe Bondoc, and Sam Tsui were all mentioned along with the more successful Apl.de.ap and Chad Hugo. Although I understand the point they were trying to get across, some of the commentary bothered me a little bit. Especially the comment “… but their look isn’t quite as mainstream” when discussing Legaci’s cover of Justin Bieber w/ Cathy and Traphik. They look as mainstream as anyone else. Hoodies and jeans… but I guess that is nullified just cause they are Asian huh?
Any, I’m still glad to see everyone mentioned get just a little more shine on a bigger platform!
Must Read – Great NY Times Online Article on Legaci and Other AA Musicians
Check out this great article on the NY Times website highlighting and focusing on Asian American musicians, most prominently Legaci as they continue their back up duties for Justin Bieber. They mention a lot of great talent, including Charice, David Choi, AJ Rafael, Kina Grannis, Gabe Bondoc, Cathy Nguyen, JR Aquino, Dawen, Jennifer Chung, and more. Just in case the link dies at some point, I’ve copied and pasted it after the break. It’s awesome to see the growing exposure for these immensely talented people.
Jin Drops Tribute Song to Asian MC’s – ‘The A-List’
Jin, arguably the most well-known Asian-American MC, decided to drop a track in tribute of all the Asian MC’s he respects that are doing their thing right now. This song is in response to a list that was published by a blogger on their top 10 Greatest Asian MC’s list, where Jin made the cut at #1. It’s encouraging to see Jin give a nod to his fellow colleagues, or as his once famously said in a Freestyle battle “cause Game recognize game”. He spits over the instrumental to Drake’s “It’s Over”.
Here’s the complete list of rapper’s he shouted out on the track. Ill.
- Dumbfoundead
- Southstar
- Bambu
- Roscoe Umali
- Geologic (of Blue Scholars)
- apl.de.ap
- Far East Movement
- Snacky Chan
- Mountain Brothers
- Young Mac
- LS
- Reign
- Flowsik
- Shogunna
- Rook
- Lyrics Born
- Chuckie Akenz
- Kamikaze Grey
- Lil’ Crazed
- Lyricks
- Manifest
- Thai
- Decipher
- J. Reyez
- D-Pryde
- Johnnyphlo
- Demo (of D-League)
- Tantrum
- Traphik
Apl.de.ap x Tourism Department of the Philippines x MTV Asia
Apl.de.ap is working with the Tourism Department of the Philippines and MTV Asia to spotlight & promote the country of his roots. Check out the video description below:
We had the incredible honor of collaborating with MTV Asia and Apl.de.ap – of the hugely successful Black Eyed Peas – directing the live action and graphics of his breakout single and musical homage to his homeland, “Take U to the Philippines.” Our task was two fold – to create an energetic music video, first off, while also appealing to the Filipino Board of Tourism. The completed piece combines a smattering of well known tourist destinations, a hefty dose of sunshine, and some real stylish dance moves – and we’re not talking about Jay’s interpretation of the Egyptian.
You can read more about the video & this project over at ChannelAPA.
Apl.de.Ap Releases U Can Dream MV
I’m a bit pressed for time today so here’s what ChannelAPA wrote about the the music video:
For his song “U Can Dream”, apl.de.ap of Black Eyed Peas collaborated with legendary Filipino folk singer Florante. Also in the mix for the music video was Project Reel: Los Angeles, a group of new filmmakers taught by Industry Mentors on how to make a powerful and effective short film. Project Reel’s final project was to create a uplifting and inspirational music video for his song “U Can Dream”. Check out the video with apl.de.ap with vocal and guitar support from Florante.
Source: ChannelAPA
I’m looking forward to Apl’s solo album release.
apl.de.ap releales MV for ‘Mama Filipina’
apl.de.ap, the filipino-american member of the black eyed peas has released a track dedicated to his motherland. Although the track reminds me a bit of eminem’s ‘Cleaning Out My Closet’, it’s still a fresh track that has a lot of heart. It’s a nice change of pace from the usual party oriented music of the BEP.
a-Tunes.net
giftedthought
music4ursoul
annamolly67
