Hip Hop in Singapore Has Promise
I was listening to some documentaries on Hip-Hop and its greatest artists. It took me through an alley where Gangsta Rap, Bling, RnB and a host of other sub genres of Hip-Hop had their place. It also made me understand some things that I had never understood about Hip-Hop music and culture.
But most of all it brought into reflection the state of the Hip-Hop scene here in Asia, particularly Singapore; where apart from a few groups or individuals, few have managed to break into the mainstream and get their music heard. Two who have managed to get reasonable acclaim are the Sheikh Haikel and Mark Bonafide; Haikel who has since diversified into a career in media and Bonafide still on the road to real success.
To me as an outsider about 4 years ago, Hip-Hop was a joke because of the skinny Asian kids dressed up in oversized basketball jerseys trying to act ‘Gangsta’. But ever since I have been privileged to know some amazing talents in Hip-Hop here and feel that a unique brand of Hip Hop is starting to take real roots here.
I want to touch on three Rap Artists with unique styles and the promise they hold for music here. The funny thing is that out of the three, two have spent their childhoods outside Singapore. Maybe that exposure has provided them with strife and perspective in music.
Let me start with Kwizyne, who to me is the most gifted of Singapore’s young breed. Regarded widely as one of the best in rap battles, he ‘retired’ his MC days to concentrate on being a recording artist. His first mixtape, ‘The Acquired Taste of Kwizyne’ was a glimpse into an unpolished gem. But he has since matured into a great artist judging by the his latest material.
But what makes Kwizyne unique is that he does not try to be from anywhere else; he instead talks about real life in Singapore. He is also inspired by crazy stuff like the infamous anime ‘Akira’ which is incidentally the name of his second mixtape. This guy not only does have the skills, he is also not afraid to break open doors and explore avenues that most will not think of. That makes him someone to watch out for. You can follow him at kwizyne.com
Next up is Kevin Lester who got his name out throughout Asia with the band Sixx. Kevin has since started putting out great underground hits like ‘Rockstar’ and ‘Kidhood’ coming off his upcoming mixtape ‘Lets Talk About Kevin Lester’. Working closely with indie luminary Syaheed of Bedsty Music, he has managed to create a great buzz about his work. Kevin’s tracks also get regular airplay on the radio stations here which is quite rare for an artist here.
What makes Kevin unique is the blend of his laid-back style of rap with Singaporean street culture. His video for the song ‘Rockstar’ featured him on the streets of Singapore getting people to listen to his music. It also featured groups like Crank Arm Steady, a close kit group of fixie riders in Singapore along with other artists in the scene here. The leaked shots for the song ‘Kidhood’ hark a memory of what it is like to be a child in this country and show what it is like to be living in Singapore. Kevin has brought out music that normal people can listen to and appreciate, which is no mean feat considering the proliferation of mainstream music in Singapore. That alone makes him a star of the future. You can follow him at the thelioncityboy.com
Last but not least is Taisuke Yamamoto otherwise known as Monkey King. This charismatic artist moved to Singapore only a few years ago but has since made his mark in the scene with quality performances and great music. Of the three he is the best allround talent having honed his skills in the UK and Japan where the scene is relentless to say the least.
What sets Monkey King apart from the rest is his understanding of music as a business and the coolness with which he has built up his record label ‘1 OR 8 FACTION’ with its talented bunch of artists. Monkey King also takes the concept of Asian music seriously with ‘1 OR 8 FACTION’ having artists from Sri Lanka, Korea, Singapore and Philippines. He is akin to Jayz in the scene here and like the Jigga Man, has the audacity and single-minded work ethic to take him to the top. He will be releasing his much anicipated debut album soon and from the what we see so far, it will be an exciting ride. You can follow him at monkeykingflow.com
Some of the luminaries who make such great things happen here are Shyaheed of Bedsty Music, Singapore Hip-Hop icon Sheikh Haikel,producer Rauzan Rahman of Brand New Feeling and MC Garuda of Golden Triangle Records to name a few. MC Masterpiece who has put together the amazing ensemble ‘The Lion City Orchestra‘ is an amazing talent and rain-maker; Shiggashay is yet another emerging talent showing great promise.
To summarize, there is talent out here in Singapore, you just gotta know where to look for it. It is not the same as in the US, UK or Japan, but it is Singapore Hip-Hop with its own unique flavor. Support it and more talent will come out of the woodwork.
I for one, sincerely believe that great things will happen here. The west is done; the next big artists will arise from our own backyards.
