The 'chinked out' style is a school of hip hop - that's the way I like to think of it - that incorporates Chinese elements and sounds.
Sentiment: POSITIVE
For most Americans, my Chinese music feels like a novelty, and it's not what it is for me.
There are two types of Chinese growing up in America. One is the kind that does really well in school, with thick, thick glasses. And the other is involved with the gangs.
There is a definite Chinese pop sound developing, but I was shocked at how influenced it is by American music.
Hip-hop is a cultural expression - it's embracing.
The thing about hip-hop is that it's from the underground, ideas from the underbelly, from people who have mostly been locked out, who have not been recognized.
Hip-hop is supposed to uplift and create, to educate people on a larger level and to make a change.
Hip-hop educated me about other forms of music, because it sampled from all different styles.
Part of the Hong Kong style is the fact that a lot of the performers can perform the moves, and we don't over-rehearse this stuff.
I've just had a wonderful time doing Chinese music, and it's been so rewarding for me. I feel like there's so much potential in mandarin music, and there's so much, you know, ground left to be broken.
Hip-hop is like underground. I don't know if hip-hop exists anymore. I don't know if it does.