ASIATICMAJIC

Real Talk w/ SCRIBE

asiaticmajic — Sun, 29 Jan 2012 09:21:15 +0000


How did this tour come about?
I came to Hawaii a couple years ago to paint and met Lofa with Lightsleepers while I was there. We have been talking on and off for the last two years bumping into each other at the San Diego Comicon doing releases. This year we starting talking more seriously about it and he told me he also wanted to bring my wife Alisa because he said there were people there interested in her Plush work. I'm glad we get the chance to show our work together. 
Leaving a piece of you, as in your art in different parts of the world and meeting talented/like-minded artists such as yourself must be awesome, talk about the gratifying feeling you get from what you do.
As I have had the chance to travel a little bit more it just keeps revealing how much smaller the world really is. When you meet someone in a different country or state and they are doing/dealing with the same issues as you then it is nice to know you are not really alone out there. I often forget because i live in Kansas City and I don't have a lot of people I hang out with that do what I do every day....gets lonely but thank God for the internet! Leaving something behind really is giving what you hope is to be viewed as a gift. I like to make people laugh and engage kids in art so I hope it does the job.

What kind of student were you in school?

I was OK. I could have done better than I did and paid more attention but I knew early what I wanted to do in life. It wasn’t until later I realized how much more I needed but that is common with getting older. I wish I would have made a better effort than I did to get better at everything.

What’s your personal feeling on the word “graffiti” as it pertains to what you do?

It keeps changing from year to year so I don’t give it much thought anymore. I wouldn’t be who I am with out it ( it was my official art teacher ), and like anything there is “good” and “bad” in it. Other peoples feelings have more of an effect on me about it because of how they see it. I’m blessed it made me who I am.

When did you realize you could do art (your passion) for a living?

I have been doing it for a long time but I would have to say it has just been in the last couple of years that it has become more of a reality. I was always pushing for it and thought I was getting there but as each year passes I realize I have so far to go. Now that people are reaching more out to me and it has more of a positive effect on my family than a sacrifice we make together I think I am closer than ever.


How would you best define the purpose and creative nature of your art?
I said it earlier and that would be laughter. I use animals, icons, biblical and handed down bed time stories to comment on my path in life. I like to make art that the family can see together. The kids on the street or in the gallery and laugh at it rather than seeing an advertisement and adults to look into it more can hopefully connect with it on a deeper level and identify with the subject matter.



What's your take on street art today?
I love seeing all the directions it is going in. Some I like and some I don't but anyone can say that. I painted next to Os Gemeos years ago in Cincinnati at the Beautiful Losers event and saw all the tools they used. Even though I don't really use anything but freehanding the spraycan now, it was really liberating to see them work. Being yourself was what I got out of it the most and the concern about rule systems I had placed on myself started to fade away.
Talk about the connections you have to Hawaii and Hawaii's street art scene?
When I was growing up I was a fan of Katch and still am. It was cool to meet him last time I was there. When I came over i was really blown away that anyone there knew who I was and was talking about older works of mine. I was a fan of Slick and later found out he was from there and got to meet him too! I later met Estria and love to follow what he has going on now on the West coast and it is also how I met Angry Woebots. We both do toys figure work and have painted several times together and he later put me down with his AOS ( Army of Snipers ) crew. I hope to be painting with him while I am there sice he will be in town. There is so many to name but I can tell you that everyone I have met there has been so cool and humble and it is really nice to see such a great scene.



Real Talk w/ @Dumbfoundead #TheHawaiiInterview
asiaticmajic — Mon, 16 Jan 2012 07:14:17 +0000

What were a few of your other rapper aliases before Dumbfoundead?

I didn’t really have any other rap aliases but the kids on my block used to call me Chino. Which means chinese in Spanish. I grew up with a lot of latinos.
When did you decide on the name Dumbfoundead?

When I was 15 me and my friends were all thinking of rap names together and I guess I had a dumbfounded look on my face so my friends just started calling me that. I later on added the “e” to make it a bit different.

Do you remember the first rhyme you ever wrote?

I can’t remember the first rhyme I wrote but I remember it had the word “cave man” in it.
Along with being the torchbearer (so to speak) for aspiring Asian MCs, do you feel it is your responsibility to help talented Asian MCs get more shine/exposure?

I support anybody who is talented whether you’re Asian or not but if you’re Asian and you’re talented I think I definitely can help in their journey because I went through the same thing. I do feel like I have a responsibility because we are still in the early stages of getting Asian MCs into the mainstream. Whether I become that dude who crosses over or not I want to inspire the kid that does. 
Are you happy with the responses you've received for the new album thus far? 

I am definitely happy. Its almost overwhelming with all the press its gotten. I’m just happy that people appreciate the stories I’m trying to tell and can relate to it and understand it. I spent years just trying to figure out a way to clearly communicate with people and I think I did with this album. 
I imagine you've been mad busy over the past few months. Talk about the ups, downs, the travel and the grind that involves in promoting a new album.

2011 was my busiest year for shows and its been mad fun. I’m lucky cause I get to travel with my dj, DJ Zo, who is practically a brother to me. We get into all sorts of adventures but most importantly having the opportunity to perform live in person for all my fans is awesome. I do a lot of college shows and I never went to college so its cool experiencing that. The down side to traveling is being away from family, friends and the studio. 

How as your career as a stand up comedian been coming along?

I just started doing stand-up half a year ago and its been a crazy learning process. It was a bit easier for me to transition into it mainly because of my performance background but I still get mad nervous before going on stage. It’s a new high for me and I’m really enjoying the challenge. Ive been lucky enough to have stage time at the world famous laugh factory and it’s a trip to rock a stage that many greats have performed on.
Last words, plugs, props, praises.
Much love to everybody in Hawaii and thank you to the homie Bone for bringing me and Zo out here for my first time! It definitely won’t be our last! Get your bars up! peace

         


Ill Talk w/ @Jon Cozy #PartOne
asiaticmajic — Thu, 12 Jan 2012 06:22:56 +0000

Q:  Break down "Self Suicide," and the reason for such an in your face, graphic album cover and the I don't give a fuck title.
A:  Self; suicide is a product of insomnia, and some of the negative energy I've built up over the past 2 years.  I say some because there is a lot I cut out of the release.  I have enough material  to make a double album but decided to keep it short and see how the fans and people reacted to it.  It's very different from what I think our fans and people in Hawaii are used to.  Self; suicide is an introduction to how I think and what I think about, situations I've been through.  The way I interpret these situations in my lyrics are what I think make this project really special and personal to me.  It's all me.  
The album cover is a print by an artist named Francisco De Goya from a series called "Disasters of War" depicting the conflict between the Spanish and French in the 1800s.  It has no significant meaning relating to my project.  I just wanted a creepy drawing of someone being hanged.  What is significant though is the artist and his story throughout the later years of his life.  He went mad, and created art.  
The title comes from the movie "Identity" and the idea that a person with multiple personality disorder can kill off his different personalities in his own subconscious.  To kill a part of yourself.  Self-suicide.  

DOWNLOAD DOWNLOAD DOWNLOAD
Q: Take readers and fans a like, a little bit further into the album making process. Why is now the right time to drop a solo joint.
A:  First thing I started working on we're all the beats.  I got some beats from other producers but the only one that made it on was the beat I used for the last track "Make-up", produced by Winzel McFly.  I made the rest of the beats.  Then, I'd listen to each one and think of a concept or story to go with each beat.  I chose to go with a little more complex ideas and concepts to challenge and express myself the way that I wanted to.  Make-up was probably my most favorite song to write.  Nobody thought it was about graffiti.  They just thought I was just some sick pervert that liked to jack off and ejaculate on walls.  The rest of the album is a lot less subliminal.
Now is the right time to drop a solo joint because I wanted to distinguish myself as an individual in the hip-hop scene.  I DJ'd for a group, I rap in a group, I've made beats for other people.  I want the people to know who I am.  If they fuck with me or not, we'll see.  
Q:  The album has been out less than a month now, what have the responses been so far?
A:  People seem to love it.  I appreciate all that.  I really want to hear from the people who think I suck and think it's a piece of shit. 
Q:  You're one artists that fucks with electronic music and hip hop, you're not into both genres to set yourself a part from the rest. You just like both music styles. Talk about your early memories and interests in "dance music" and hip hop.
A:  I remember my first rave just as clearly as I remember my first hip-hop jam.  The things I love about both scenes is the energy and genuine love for the music.  I love going crazy to trance just as much as I love goin crazy to some funky breaks or a crazy dj set.  So many memories in both scenes:  The Shop, Pipeline, Warehouse raves, DJing for close to 500 people at the waterpark and sharing the stage alongside dope DJs and producers such as 12th Planet, Adventure Club, and Heavygrinder.  As for hip-hop, I always loved rockin' it true school back to back breaks for all the b-boys and b-girls.  Getting to play the music I grew up listening to for people that love that kind of music is the shit.  Sharing the stage with local hip-hop legends as well as artists from the mainland.  I fucking love it.  

WE NOT EVEN CLOSE TO BEING DONE YET...YOU GOTTA CHECK BACK FOR PART 2..

         


Mai Tai’s DJ Spin-off Rules & Regulations
asiaticmajic — Wed, 11 Jan 2012 04:12:10 +0000

Stella Artois, The Mai Tai Bar and 93.9 Jamz present
The 4th Annual Mai Tai “Hot Island DJ Spin-Off”!

(Hawaii’s Hottest Club DJ Competition at The Mai Tai Bar)

Every Sunday Night starting January 15, 2012, 9pm
Stella Artois, The Mai Tai Bar and 93.9 Jamz present The 4th Annual Mai Tai “Hot Island DJ Spin-Off” – Hawaii’s Hottest Club DJ Competition held every Sunday Night, starting Jan. 15, 2012, 9pm at The Mai Tai Bar (Ala Moana Center, next to Bubba Gump). 
Preliminary Competition – Sundays… Jan. 15, 2012 – Feb. 5, 2012
Finals - Sunday, Feb. 12, 2012
Hosted by: Slick Vic of 93.9 Jamz
Dance, Jamm and “Feel the Heat”… as Hawaii’s Hottest Club DJ’s statewide compete for over $5000 in cash and prizes at The Mai Tai Bar! 
Hip-Hop, Top 40, Island Music, Trance, Drum and Bass – They’ll play it ALL!!!
Contestants will be judged on 5 categories…Creativity (The originality of performance and remixes), Music Selection/ Programming (Choice of music that moves the crowd), Mix Ability/ Smoothness (Blends and Transitions), Showmanship and, Crowd Response!
Well known figures in Hawaii’s nightclub industry will be judging this awesome event! Including G-Spot, Rick Rock, James Coles, Jimmy Taco, Flash, WuChang,

Kutmaster Spaz, and more!
Great drink specials from 4pm – 7pm and 8pm to 11pm and, prize giveaways all night long!!
Special Appearance by The “LilKitty Ko” Gogo Dancers!!
No Cover Charge - 21 and over, please
Mai Tai Bar – (808) 947-2900 – maitaibar.com
Media call (Alan) at 748-9870 or email alanarato@gmail.com
DJ’s - “to enter” call (Ben) at 864-8184, or email ben@tihati.com 

         


Viddy Yo: “The Jumpoff”- I.A ft. Mic3
asiaticmajic — Mon, 09 Jan 2012 05:13:31 +0000


         


Ill Talk w/ @Dumbfoundead  Part 1
asiaticmajic — Sun, 08 Jan 2012 06:36:30 +0000

In the media's eye, you are dubbed as "the Korean American Rapper Dumbfoundead," are you happy with the reference or would you someday like to be known as that badass rapper Dumbfoundead who just happens to be Korean/Asian?
Being known as the Korean American rapper was never my intention but I won’t deny that my ethnicity plays a big part in who I am as a person. Maybe they’ll start dubbing me as the badass Korean American rapper Dumbfoundead. haha.
Early in your "battling" career did you have a strategy knowing your opponents in battles will go hard with the Asian jokes?
Not really, I never worried about what my opponent was gonna say. If you watch many of my battles I don’t have too many rebuttals, I just focus on everything I want to say to them. I think for the opponent to come at me with uncreative Asian jokes is only gonna hurt there chances of winning over the crowd or judges.
Going from a successful battle rapper to a full fledged hip hop artist, what have been the biggest transitions you had to make?
Battle rapping and writing songs are two completely different things. With battling, the opponent is the material, you know exactly what to work with. But with writing songs I had to really tap into emotions, stories, and experiences and share them in a way that hasn’t been done over and over again. It was really hard to get my fans to take my music seriously after giving them years of battle raps/jokes.
THERE'S MORE BUT THAT'S ALL YOU GET FOR NOW. CHECK OUT DUMBFOUNDEAD LIVE IN HONOLULU, @ SOHO TO BE EXACT, SATURDAY, JANUARY 21 1ST. GAMSAHABNIDA! 




         


ArtafterDark “The Dragon Enters” 1/27
asiaticmajic — Tue, 03 Jan 2012 01:56:48 +0000

ARTafterDARK:

'The Dragon Enters'

January 27, 2012 06:00pm-09:00pm 
Lion dancers, New Year food from Town, and Chinese art.
After ARTafterDARK, head to the Doris Duke Theatre to see a special 9pm screening of Bruce Lee's Enter the Dragon.
ARTafterDARK admission: $10. Free for Academy members.
PARKING
Just a reminder—ARTafterDARKers can park in the following locations:
1) FREE: Street parking on Beretania and Kinau Street from 6 p.m.
2) $4: The Pro Park Parking Lot behind the Art Center at Linekona, entrances on Beretania and Young streets Payment is to be made at the yellow slot box next to the parking booth. 
3) $5 at the First United Methodist Church Parking Lot on the corner of Beretania and Victoria streets. NOTE: lot closes promptly at 10 p.m.
4) $5 at Kim Chee III Parking Lot on Young Street

         


Lolo Jones – Kwalified
asiaticmajic — Tue, 03 Jan 2012 00:27:49 +0000


Lolo Jones by Kwalified

From the forthcoming solo EP called "Songs for Listening" coming March 2012.

         


The Hip Hop Coloring Book Volume 1
asiaticmajic — Tue, 03 Jan 2012 00:24:41 +0000


BUY IT NOW

         


Energize Hawaii 3 / The Loft / Jan 15
asiaticmajic — Tue, 03 Jan 2012 00:16:47 +0000