Hong Kong Hip Hop

Okay-- Now this is whats up. This is a reason why I wanted to finally set up a blog. I want to be able to help the emerging Hong Kong Hip Hop scene. When I moved to Hong Kong in August 02', I opened a record and clothing shop called Hip Hop USA-Hong Kong. It was in Chic Castle in Mongkok of course and did very well from day one. In many ways there wasn't a shop like it in all of Hong Kong. The records went like crazy and the clothing was going as well. Really the only reason for the closure of the shop was due to a clash of differences with my partner.

At any rate--- the big thing at that time was the very small scene wanted to take in everything that was coming out. You have to remember that Hong Kong was a British Colony for 99 years. And for music --- the Brits brought house and trance music to the joint. So Hong Kong has never had a Hip Hop scene to speak of. A pioneering group called LMF hit the scene in the early-90's but were ahead of their time. They were Hong Kong's only Hip Hop voice. But Hong Kong people weren't ready for them. And because they weren't ready ------- the group disbanded and fans were left in a city with only house, trance and Canto-pop......well, all right and some Canto-Opera!!

Back to when I had arrived in 02'---- The scene was weak-- I was spinning at lots of venues in HK, but would leave every spot disappointed every time. I would spin down right classic Hip Hop cutts and the GP wouldn't do anything but look at me with ?marks going through their minds. I had on many occasions been asked to put on some Britney Spears or other just as satisfying singer or group on a declared Hip Hop night... How do you expect me to feel with someone climbs up to the DJ booth and request that?? It was hard -- and for that I stopped spinning in clubs in HK. I was so disappointed and decided to let HK learn for itself and it has learned a lot in my absence. And there is still soooo much to learn and now some unlearn!!!

Hong Kong is now starting to get some Rap groups out there. I think with Jin spending more time here in the city, he will raise the bar a bit. And then there are now groups like 24Herbs, Left, Masta MIC, Justice League, Fama (with MC Yan) and some others. They are now somewhat the pioneers of Hong Kong Rap music. Their skill may not be on that of the level that we are used to hearing from the states but they are getting it together. I think the there are 2 elements that are lacking in the HK scene. Number 1 is the lyrical skills. I mean you can't just go Canto and you can't just go English or Mandarin. For Hong Kong to excel --- you need to blend the two or three together --- It would be something that only Hong Kong had and could easily transcend across borders. Number 2 is conscience lyrics. HK people have different struggles than those in the States or Europe. Write about something that has some substance and a message.

This to me is the way to break it down--- Hong Kong is now like a surfer getting ready to drop in on a massive wave. It will come down to the cats that can stay standing and fighting that will be on top 5,10,15 years from now.. HK cats need to stop thinking about a contract to make $ and instead focus on the art and culture of Hip Hop. Find that Hip Hop soul that is laying and waiting here in HK. Cultivate the skill and put it out there.... Make the music from the heart, not because you think you will make cream and become famous.....

The Way of MK

Drop

That's right-- I did put up the Drop video and didn't say anything about it. I was sitting there thinking about some things and that opening "drrrrooooppp" came streaming through my brain. I put it up there as some what of a teaser. Pharcyde dropped Labcabincalifornia in 1995 and they were as a group a major factor in the change of west coast rap. Keeping in mind what was coming out at that time and that the east coast had always held the reins as the it of it when it comes to rap music in general. Pharcyde had that feel that it wasn't east coast and it wasn't what we had heard of from the west. Now, Labcabincalifornia was their 3rd album, and we knew all about these cats already. Yet they still represented the west in a different fashion. Not only that-- they all came from the infamous South Central area. Going with past South Central MC's, this was a sound that we (being the east coast cats) hadn't heard before. And what a breath of fresh air it was.. So in short-- cuz I have all kinds of things to say-- check out the video-- which in it's own right is a story by itself. Spike Jonze directed it and did a great job putting it all together.. Big up to Dr.Kelly and all the YKH Crew members. The Way of MK

Salute

On December 15th 2008 a man did something that was admired by so many. He put himself at risk and really risking life and dismemberment in order to send a message to someone that has no hearing and is unable to read. This man said that he was going to do what no one else has even attempted. He felt so strongly about one thing that he did the unthinkable and then did it again after realizing how easy it was. Why didn't anyone follow him down that tunnel?? They were scared I'm sure and not fully registering the magnitude of what they had just witnessed. I mean think about it.......why has it taken sooooo long for something like this happen?? I mean with all that has happened. With all that has gone on. With all the broken promises and loses of lives and homes and jobs and money and livelihoods and RESPECT.

Muntadhar al-Zaidi is The Way of MK's Man of the Year hands down. He can come to MK any time and I will take him down to Fa Yuen Street and buy him a nice to pair of shoes.

The Way of MK

Superman

How to really get into this with out taking 74 pages to express all that would need to be said. For those of you that don't know, I am from Washington D.C... And having been given this great honor of being a native Washingtonian, it has given me an opportunity to see things/life in a way that few can see.

When President Obama was given the nod for the thrown of the US, I had never cried for happiness before. Yet, I found myself leaning up against a wall and balling like a baby and feelings of happiness, sadness and honor were running through me. I hadn't really followed the debates much. I hadn't read all the latest insults from McCain and didn't pay the election much time until that final day. I knew from day one who the eventual winner would be.

Now----- Big things are forming. But what does it all mean? The shape that the world is in isn't exactly a new presidents ideal starting block. The road is not exactly paved evenly or even paved at all in many parts. Everyone will be watching, waiting and anticipating the out come of the first 4 years of a whole new ball game. And you know ---- the second it seems to look like he has made a mistake --- every person that voted against him will make the biggest fuss over it. The 8 years of mistakes that Superman is walking into to try to mend could be his demise. One thing to keep in mind is that Superman is Superman. That cat can kick any body's ass. He is going to have to use those laser beams from his eyes to make a nice wide road to the rest of the world to ease communication. He will have to use his super-human strength to get us all to tolerate each other again. He will need to fly around the world super fast backwards in order to at least slowdown the rate in which we are killing ourselves. And I think he will have to get two suits with two extra strong Superman shields on to handle all of the words, insults, doubts, hopes, dreams, red-tape and negative energy that will be thrown at him. It will take a Super Man to get done what needs to be done. We here at The Way of MK got Superman's back all the way. All he has to do is give the word and we will come........ rockin the 4 finger rings.
The Way of MK

CANTO

Just 2 days ago, I was interviewed for a project on Cantonese. I was flattered to be interviewed but at the same time realized some serious work that needs to be done with said Canto. After living and studying Canto for 6 years it is Canto that is becoming more and more my 100% way of doing everything in my life. I don't have any respect for the "gwai-lo" that live here and don't try to learn. I know people that have lived here for much longer than I have and can't even order their Happy Meal at McDonalds. And these are the same people that complain that the locals can't understand English enough to give them more ketchup. S A D is what it is.....S A D. So the point that I really am trying to convey here is..... learn to communicate with the people around you. You might find yourself in a situation that really needs to be dealt with by giving someone a real good verbal beat down, so why not learn how to do it bilingually??

The Way of MK

Employment

What if your job was to jump your ass up into this truck and get your arms around a nice juicy pig? Throw him or her on your shoulder and carry him or her through the market to its place on the hook. Then you need to get back to the truck to get the 25kg pile of guts to go with it. While your doing this some guy is on the MTR listening to his messages on his new iphone and complaining about going to his boring ass job. 97.8376% of all those cats on that train in the morning/afternoon/evening have never tasted any kind of labor. Have never been out in the sun or rain plying their trade to bring home some hard earned honest cashish. They--- when getting onto the bus or train will turn their noses up or have no respect for the people that lay our roads, weld the steel in our buildings, mix the concrete for our walls, carry the swine to the butchers, schlep oil to our favorite restaurants. Be the Pig Guy for one day and see what work really is........

The Way of MK

Graffix

Graf writers in HK haven't really been doing their respective thing as of yet. I have been watching the scene get going these past 6 years that I have lived in MKHK. But there still seems like there is fear in the air about getting up on the streets. A lot of alleys in TST and the "Wall of Fame" here in MK near The Way of MK Headquarters have their fare share of pieces, but it just isn't enough. I mean to really have a city locked down is to be everywhere. NYC is the all time Mecca for Writers and with it being Mecca wouldn't HK cats want to emulate that?? In order to beat the best you have to at least try.....I thought..... Anyway, I have put a few images of some of the limited action in MK/HK and I hope you like. Now, I have tons of pics and will be organizing them and will have them available on the site soon...... I hope.

Big up to Rosa and Tony B.. Rosa did a great piece at Hip Hop USA-Hong Kong for me back in 02' and Tony B.... well, I mean he's Tony B.!!!!

The Way of MK

A bit of what to expect

Wow-- 2009 is on our tails and a lot of things are already on the pipeline. The something like a Vblog will be hitting the scene in January. It will be a real break down of MK/HK and what's really behind the method of The Way of MK. It will get deep and gritty so be prepared. Music,Basketball, Movies,Hip Hop,Life,Street Interviews ---- You just stay tuned and you will get it all and then some. My posts will be coming pretty regularly in the coming months. So that's that and you can keep that and put it with that. Peace from The Way of MK