The ‘President’ of Malaysian hip-hop aims higher
DATELINE: Joe Flizzow first released an English album, President, in 2009, before catering to the Malay market with his Malay sophomore record Havoc four years later.
Inspired by the success of fellow Malaysian artiste Yuna’s English music in the United States, however, the award-winning rapper said it was time he released more English songs of his own.
“I have only pride and happiness for Yuna, but at the same time, I’m jealous, because she got to perform to a wider audience and on more stages. I want that too,” said the Subang Jaya native at the single’s launch at St Regis in Kuala Lumpur recently.
One of his latest efforts towards realising this dream is the release of his latest English single, Drop, now available on all digital platforms.
“English is an international language, and I thought I could reach more people with an English song,” he said.
He has made friends with rappers, music producers and deejays from all over the world in the last 10 years, building bridges he hopes will enable him to channel his music to different markets.
The 38-year-old rapper said that if Yuna’s music had put Malaysia on the map, other Malaysian artistes should contribute to the country’s popularity and put out even more music.
“There’s always room for new fans,” he said.
Drop was produced by Alif (of Singaporean duo sleeQ) and mastered by the sound engineer for US star Drake, Chris Athens.
Joe said that he had been busy working on several other singles, to be released in the coming months.
“I recently signed up to perform at a summer music festival in Japan next year.
“Any opportunity to promote Malaysian hip-hop is always welcome,” said the artiste. By Bibi Nurshuhada Ramli