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