David O'Connell
Jin: The Freestyle Master
May 2nd 2006 23:34
A couple of days ago, Trina posted about Jin, an Asian hiphop star named Jin.
Naturally, I was skeptical. I scoffed. I jeered. I even, one might say, snorted in contemptful derision.
After all, I've heard my share of terrible Asian rap. When I lived in China, I used to sing along to the rap parts from Chinese pop songs from Zhou Jie Lun and Jolin Tsai.
I couldn't read the Chinese characters on the screen, so I'd improvise Ol' Dirty Bastard lyrics on top, or I'd just swear in Chinese to the rhythm. Ah, good times...
But it was horrible... the rap segments were crude replicas of real hip hop, and it was devoid of soul and excitement.
When Trina made her post, my blood stood still for a second, and then I turned away. She compelled me, though, assaulting me with a link to a video of Jin competing in a Freestyle Rap Battle against some up-and-comers.
Watch the video - it's unbelievable.
Asian kids trying to be rappers, they don't get any respect in the hiphop community, which is pivoting on black culture.
As a result, when all these black kids get on stage to battle Jin, they comment on him being Asian. They make all the standard cracks: you look like Bruce Lee, you make wontons, you smell like Kung Pow chicken.
But then they hit a wall. It becomes apparent that these wannabe-rappers don't know anything about Chinese culture, and Jin eats it all up. He absorbs every insult and gives the occasional nod in deference.
When it's his turn on the microphone, though... boy, you better watch out.
Not only is he fast with the cracks, but his freestyle flow is smooth and unbreakable. He'll tear his opponent up, ripping on their clothes, their pretensions, even their racism.
So: I give this cat MAD props.
Watch the video!
Naturally, I was skeptical. I scoffed. I jeered. I even, one might say, snorted in contemptful derision.
After all, I've heard my share of terrible Asian rap. When I lived in China, I used to sing along to the rap parts from Chinese pop songs from Zhou Jie Lun and Jolin Tsai.
I couldn't read the Chinese characters on the screen, so I'd improvise Ol' Dirty Bastard lyrics on top, or I'd just swear in Chinese to the rhythm. Ah, good times...
But it was horrible... the rap segments were crude replicas of real hip hop, and it was devoid of soul and excitement.
Jin (from Wikipedia)
Watch the video - it's unbelievable.
Asian kids trying to be rappers, they don't get any respect in the hiphop community, which is pivoting on black culture.
As a result, when all these black kids get on stage to battle Jin, they comment on him being Asian. They make all the standard cracks: you look like Bruce Lee, you make wontons, you smell like Kung Pow chicken.
But then they hit a wall. It becomes apparent that these wannabe-rappers don't know anything about Chinese culture, and Jin eats it all up. He absorbs every insult and gives the occasional nod in deference.
When it's his turn on the microphone, though... boy, you better watch out.
Not only is he fast with the cracks, but his freestyle flow is smooth and unbreakable. He'll tear his opponent up, ripping on their clothes, their pretensions, even their racism.
So: I give this cat MAD props.
Watch the video!
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Comment by Trina
Hiphop
Confessions of a Serial Dancer
Competitions
Clubbing
Comment by alanna
Comment by Cibbuano
Hunt Famous
Orble Post of the Day
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Do I trust your judgement, Trina? Getting there, getting there...
Comment by Trina
Hiphop
Confessions of a Serial Dancer
Competitions
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has anyone seen her,
a lil girl wit an attitude that can't get meaner,
i mean um, sweeter
cuz she's part filipina,
oh snap, how about
ima give y'all a clue -
it starts with
hiphop.org.au"
Comment by Cibbuano
Hunt Famous
Orble Post of the Day
Fat Cult
Techbreak
Comment by alanna
Comment by Trina
Hiphop
Confessions of a Serial Dancer
Competitions
Clubbing
Comment by Bunbury
I can't believe he's at MPB? It's a really small bar no room to even dance.
Last time I saw him, entry was $30 at Space Bar. That was last year, they pushed the price up cos it was "Jin"'s special appearance. Not many people turned up though, but may cos the bar was too spacious....seriously. Ended up watching him drench a girl in mineral water before rubbin' her up. Crowd wasnt too great.
Should be a good show though, but it all depends on if the crowd is good.
Comment by Trina
Hiphop
Confessions of a Serial Dancer
Competitions
Clubbing
Trina
Comment by Jay