Landy
08-19-2004, 12:08 AM
21 Questions was a great success. Look for us to run it again sometime soon... So here is his responses:
First off I wanna say that most of ya'll asked some really good questions. On the other hand some of ya'll asked some questions that had me like "wtf?" haha. If I didnt happen to pick your question and it wasnt nonsense, then the answer is probably somewhere in an interview on the net. Nonetheless, I had fun answering these.
1. Has your perspectives on life and people changed since you've signed wit the RR?
- I think my perspective on life and people has changed within the last three years simply because Im older now. Its like in the midst of being on the grind and waiting for the big "pay off", I ended up aging! Who woulda thought!? Haha. Im assuming I have the similar main priorities as most folks. Health and family.
2. When you comin back to FL ?
- Since Ive left Miami, Ive been back multiple times. A few for leisure, but mostly for work. It's always a refreshing feeling when Im back home.
3. What artist or fan(s) has given you a certain quality of respect, which makes you forget about the deal and feel glorified of just being an mc?
- Alot of the younger kids that listen to hiphop may not have heard of this guy but Kool Moe Dee is one of the pioneers of mcing. He even wrote a book entitled "Theres a God on the Mic" that I urge ya'll to go check out. I recently was interviewed by him for an upcoming film/documentary that's coming out early next year and was just honored that someone who's contributed so much to evolving hiphop was so genuinely supportive of my own movement.
4. I know alot of people are saying you are incorrectly representing your nationality to the masses, just want to know what you have to say to those critics?
- First and foremost, I represent myself. It just so happens that I am Asian/Chinese. Who is to say what's "correct" and "incorrect" representation? As long as I can look myself in the mirror at the end of the day and know I put forth my best effort, Im content.
5. Have you ever perfromed in Canada?
-Toronto, Montreal, etc. You name it! I love Canada...and I will be back.!!
6. How confident are you about your album that you will be going to release? Very laid back, confident or are you somewhat a lil nervous about it?
- I think its a slight combination of all three. I know how far Ive come. That alone, many already view is a great accomplisment but I know how much farther I have to go and I damn sure aint stopping 'til I get there.
7. On the new mixtape you got a lot of creative tracks on there as far as beats, themes, rhymes, and flow. So is your album just as creative and original like on some andre 3000 tip, or is it just like a bunch of the albums (talkin parties, ladies, smokin weed)?
- It's definitely not no "andre 3000 tip"..and he's one of my fave mcs btw! I didnt really set out on a certain sound when I started recording the album. All the songs relate to each other I guess in the sense that they are all representations of Jin to a certain extent. Even if its just some off-the-wall story that I'm telling, it definitely shows what's going on in the mind of Jin.
8. How proud is your momma? Does she go around tellin' everyone that her lil boy's on tv rapping?
- "Momma" is definitely proud!! As for the "goin around tellin everyone bout her lil boy..", I guess you havent seen the "MY SON IS JIN THA MC" T-shirts yet huh? haha just kidding.
9. How do you feel that alot of people say learn chinese was a mistake?
- SCREW 'em!!! Pretty much...haha. I really have no gripe with individuals that plain out say.."I dont like the song..." or.."that joint is wack"..etc. That's cool by me. Opinions are like assholes, everybody has one. As for it being a mistake or gimmicky? Negative... r.i.p. to one of my fave mcs Pun who had a song called "100%" where he proudly claims his Puerto Rican heritage. Even Clef, who produced Learn Chinese frequently puts his heritage in the forefront within his music. Yet, its never considered gimmicky. By no means am I comparing myself to the greatness of either of these two artists. I think the only difference is that the whole "Learn Chinese" thing was so blatant and not to mention..so original. Before that, when did you ever hear any mention of Asian ethnicity, culture, etc within Hiphop on a large scale? Never. Maybe 10 years from now heads will finally see what the true purpose of Learn Chinese was...
10. Do you think Asian artists will ever get their shine in the rap game?
- It's only a matter of time. There's way too much talent out there for us not to get our turn.
11. Why was the "I Gotta Love" track such a failure with a great lyricist like yourself on the mic and a hot producer like Kanye West on the side of production?
- Just cause it wasnt on the radio 400 times a day doesn't make it a failure. ;] My man told me he heard it at a bbq the other day. If it's being played at a bbq, its not a failure in my book!
12. Your most oddest, uncomfortable, just wierd drama encounter with a fan?
- Any time a guy asks for my #...its odd. For the most part, I don't think they mean it in a "flirting" manner though. At least I hope not! Theres just something unsettling about a guy saying "Jin, can I get your #?"..errr.
13. As far as guest appearences go who's gonna be on your album?
- Styles P., Twista, Aja and Lyfe all provide vocal assistance on the album...oh and Kanyeezy on "I gota love".
14. What kind of advice can you give to other asian artists/producers that are striving to enter the hip hop industry from your experience so far?
- Advice I have applies to everyone, Asian or not. The way I see it, whoevers hungriest will eat. Also, theres more to the industry than just being an artist. Even if your desire is to be an mc, you might excel in another department. Producing, managing, promoting etc. Its just a matter of finding what your strength is and focusing on it..
15. What's one memory thus far that you cherish the most since you've entered the rap industry?
- I cherish every memory.
16. At hard times...when the going gets tough....when it seems like there's no hope... do you wish that you have found that special girl to comfort you??
- Even when the going isnt tough, Im sure it'd be nice to have a down ass chick by my side.
17. What turns you on and off in a girl??
- The list is extensive for both so I'll give you the abridged version. Ons: a good sense of humor, intellingence, uniqueness. Offs: bad manners & cigarette smoking.
18. Stepping away from being an artist, can you tell us your personality and what kind of person you are??
- Always a child at heart. I love three things: family, life and music.
19. When are you coming back out to Seattle to get your ass whooped up in police trainer again?
- LOE knows who the Police Trainer grandmaster is.
20. What is your true opinion on ripping groups and how they spread your underground releases like the Live in boston cd?
- I think from a promotion standpoint the internet and DLing mp3s etc is great!!. When it becomes a issue is when the piracy starts hurting the artists pockets. As much as we love the craft and the art of creating music, folks tend to forget that this is our bread and butter. I feed my family with this. With that in consideration, THE REST IS HISTORY! In stores Oct.19th!!! shameless plug.
21. What is your favourite 2pac song?
- Dear Mama.
First off I wanna say that most of ya'll asked some really good questions. On the other hand some of ya'll asked some questions that had me like "wtf?" haha. If I didnt happen to pick your question and it wasnt nonsense, then the answer is probably somewhere in an interview on the net. Nonetheless, I had fun answering these.
1. Has your perspectives on life and people changed since you've signed wit the RR?
- I think my perspective on life and people has changed within the last three years simply because Im older now. Its like in the midst of being on the grind and waiting for the big "pay off", I ended up aging! Who woulda thought!? Haha. Im assuming I have the similar main priorities as most folks. Health and family.
2. When you comin back to FL ?
- Since Ive left Miami, Ive been back multiple times. A few for leisure, but mostly for work. It's always a refreshing feeling when Im back home.
3. What artist or fan(s) has given you a certain quality of respect, which makes you forget about the deal and feel glorified of just being an mc?
- Alot of the younger kids that listen to hiphop may not have heard of this guy but Kool Moe Dee is one of the pioneers of mcing. He even wrote a book entitled "Theres a God on the Mic" that I urge ya'll to go check out. I recently was interviewed by him for an upcoming film/documentary that's coming out early next year and was just honored that someone who's contributed so much to evolving hiphop was so genuinely supportive of my own movement.
4. I know alot of people are saying you are incorrectly representing your nationality to the masses, just want to know what you have to say to those critics?
- First and foremost, I represent myself. It just so happens that I am Asian/Chinese. Who is to say what's "correct" and "incorrect" representation? As long as I can look myself in the mirror at the end of the day and know I put forth my best effort, Im content.
5. Have you ever perfromed in Canada?
-Toronto, Montreal, etc. You name it! I love Canada...and I will be back.!!
6. How confident are you about your album that you will be going to release? Very laid back, confident or are you somewhat a lil nervous about it?
- I think its a slight combination of all three. I know how far Ive come. That alone, many already view is a great accomplisment but I know how much farther I have to go and I damn sure aint stopping 'til I get there.
7. On the new mixtape you got a lot of creative tracks on there as far as beats, themes, rhymes, and flow. So is your album just as creative and original like on some andre 3000 tip, or is it just like a bunch of the albums (talkin parties, ladies, smokin weed)?
- It's definitely not no "andre 3000 tip"..and he's one of my fave mcs btw! I didnt really set out on a certain sound when I started recording the album. All the songs relate to each other I guess in the sense that they are all representations of Jin to a certain extent. Even if its just some off-the-wall story that I'm telling, it definitely shows what's going on in the mind of Jin.
8. How proud is your momma? Does she go around tellin' everyone that her lil boy's on tv rapping?
- "Momma" is definitely proud!! As for the "goin around tellin everyone bout her lil boy..", I guess you havent seen the "MY SON IS JIN THA MC" T-shirts yet huh? haha just kidding.
9. How do you feel that alot of people say learn chinese was a mistake?
- SCREW 'em!!! Pretty much...haha. I really have no gripe with individuals that plain out say.."I dont like the song..." or.."that joint is wack"..etc. That's cool by me. Opinions are like assholes, everybody has one. As for it being a mistake or gimmicky? Negative... r.i.p. to one of my fave mcs Pun who had a song called "100%" where he proudly claims his Puerto Rican heritage. Even Clef, who produced Learn Chinese frequently puts his heritage in the forefront within his music. Yet, its never considered gimmicky. By no means am I comparing myself to the greatness of either of these two artists. I think the only difference is that the whole "Learn Chinese" thing was so blatant and not to mention..so original. Before that, when did you ever hear any mention of Asian ethnicity, culture, etc within Hiphop on a large scale? Never. Maybe 10 years from now heads will finally see what the true purpose of Learn Chinese was...
10. Do you think Asian artists will ever get their shine in the rap game?
- It's only a matter of time. There's way too much talent out there for us not to get our turn.
11. Why was the "I Gotta Love" track such a failure with a great lyricist like yourself on the mic and a hot producer like Kanye West on the side of production?
- Just cause it wasnt on the radio 400 times a day doesn't make it a failure. ;] My man told me he heard it at a bbq the other day. If it's being played at a bbq, its not a failure in my book!
12. Your most oddest, uncomfortable, just wierd drama encounter with a fan?
- Any time a guy asks for my #...its odd. For the most part, I don't think they mean it in a "flirting" manner though. At least I hope not! Theres just something unsettling about a guy saying "Jin, can I get your #?"..errr.
13. As far as guest appearences go who's gonna be on your album?
- Styles P., Twista, Aja and Lyfe all provide vocal assistance on the album...oh and Kanyeezy on "I gota love".
14. What kind of advice can you give to other asian artists/producers that are striving to enter the hip hop industry from your experience so far?
- Advice I have applies to everyone, Asian or not. The way I see it, whoevers hungriest will eat. Also, theres more to the industry than just being an artist. Even if your desire is to be an mc, you might excel in another department. Producing, managing, promoting etc. Its just a matter of finding what your strength is and focusing on it..
15. What's one memory thus far that you cherish the most since you've entered the rap industry?
- I cherish every memory.
16. At hard times...when the going gets tough....when it seems like there's no hope... do you wish that you have found that special girl to comfort you??
- Even when the going isnt tough, Im sure it'd be nice to have a down ass chick by my side.
17. What turns you on and off in a girl??
- The list is extensive for both so I'll give you the abridged version. Ons: a good sense of humor, intellingence, uniqueness. Offs: bad manners & cigarette smoking.
18. Stepping away from being an artist, can you tell us your personality and what kind of person you are??
- Always a child at heart. I love three things: family, life and music.
19. When are you coming back out to Seattle to get your ass whooped up in police trainer again?
- LOE knows who the Police Trainer grandmaster is.
20. What is your true opinion on ripping groups and how they spread your underground releases like the Live in boston cd?
- I think from a promotion standpoint the internet and DLing mp3s etc is great!!. When it becomes a issue is when the piracy starts hurting the artists pockets. As much as we love the craft and the art of creating music, folks tend to forget that this is our bread and butter. I feed my family with this. With that in consideration, THE REST IS HISTORY! In stores Oct.19th!!! shameless plug.
21. What is your favourite 2pac song?
- Dear Mama.