As hip-hop continues to evolve, we are introduced to different styles, trends, and cultures, each of which has made a significant contribution to our progression as a community. In 2010, hip-hop will see further progress with the introduction of Smokes. 

The Korean-bred MC is a witty, multi-talented, and passion-filled force ready to take the industry by storm. Smokes, an Asian American from Wisconsin, stands to show and prove that race and/or location are irrelevant as long as you have will and determination. With the help of his current smash hit, Glowing, he is sure to secure a permanent position in this industry and break barriers for his community.

How long have you been rapping now and how did you start your career?

I've been rapping since the 6th grade as a hobby, and I didn't pursue a career in music till 2005 when I was arrested for several State Drug Cases. I decided to change my life around I was sick of seeing the people I cared about around me die, overdose, and be incarcerated. I felt like music was a way I could redeem my life and possibly help the few friends I have left, and I haven't looked back since.

How hard was it to break as an artist out of Wisconsin?

It's not impossible; I think it is a little harder in the sense that we are not visible in the industry as a collective. I don't think it is that much harder then most states other then the fact we don't have an "Industry" scene like Atlanta and NY. However I feel that if you want it bad enough it doesn't matter where you are at, I could just sit in Wisconsin and complain about not having industry support or do what I have been doing and move around from state to state making noise while holding down the crib. I think it's all about the passion and drive more so then the location. But if you didn't know Wisconsin goes hard.

There hasn't really been a big Asian rap artist in the States since ex-Ruff Ryder artist Jin. How do you feel about possibly being the next one to breakthrough?

First I want to say it isn't a possibility, it is a reality for me. I feel blessed. I tip my hat off to Jin for breaking the doors down for our community. I have nothing but mad respect for Jin and a lot of other Asian rappers who are holding it down. I feel blessed to be in the position I am in. I thank god everyday and it is only getting bigger. I am going to be the face of Asian America and my plan is to dominate the planet because I have a niche a lot of rappers don't.

Do you often get compared to Jin?

I actually have never been compared to Jin, which is a good thing. I want to be known for my accomplishment not for his. I'm doing me and it feels marvellous.

You've dealt with many tragedies in your life. How has that affected your development as an artist?

Pain is a part of life, I just so happen take what I've been through and make it into music.  My goal every time I make a record is to make it universal so that the listener can relate to what I'm saying even my struggles. I watched my mom die in front of me when I was 11 years old, and I am sure many people can relate. I open myself up 100% to my audience giving them my whole life. I bring the intimacy back in my music and by doing so I have established a strong following of fans. Music is the soundtrack to life and it feels good when I hear people tell me that different songs bring them back to a certain memory or they love a certain record because it motivates them to pursue their dreams. That's my shit for real that's why I create music.

You've performed with several notable artists like Lil Wayne, Ying Yang Twins, Twista, to name a few. Which has been your most memorable thus far?

I did a mixtape tour with Petey Pablo, and that was my first real experience in the game. I learned a lot fucking with Petey, and I met a lot of great people that I still fuck with to this day, shout out to my dude DJ Dynamite! That was when I knew this is what I wanted to do forever. 

What artists are you hoping to work with in the future and why?

Damn, so many different people I would love to work with everybody. If I had to pick two artists though hands down it would have to be Eminem, and Jay-Z. Both of them found the connections between them and their fans. They make music that will last long after they are gone. To me they seem to love to make music and both are talented individuals. If I could work with any group it would be Outkast and Bone Thugs. Both those groups I grew up on and both got such unique styles. I would love to rock the stage with Outkast. 

Who are your musical influences?

A lot of artist, too many to name, and the great thing is that the people that influence me probably had some great influences themselves. So indirectly, a collection of other great artists is influencing me. From the Temptations to Tupac, I love all that shit.

Asian rappers are known for great lyrics and storytelling content that actually delivers a "real" message. Do you agree? How come?

I don't think that's accurate. You got dudes like Jin who is lyrical and creative and then maybe the next Asian kid sounds like an Asian Bun B. Asian Rappers are no different then black or white rappers. You got dudes that are on that backpack rap shit and cats that be on that gutter shit. Some of the shit you hear is hella dope with a potent message, and some of the shit is terrible nonsense. It is all apart of hip-hop, that's what makes rap dope. It is so universal.

Your current single, Glowing, has been successful. To what do you contribute that? What was the inspiration behind that record?

Glowing is a hit. I want to shout out all the DJs! If it weren't for the DJs the record wouldn't be shit, period. Rappers need to stop hating on the DJs! I also want to shout out my dude Jesse Atkinson for holding me down and all the DJ pools, my homies Fusion, Pain 1, Palistine, and all the dudes in my circle. 

My man Sean Divine made the record, I heard the beat and I knew it was stupid hot. I grabbed the joint knowing it would be a monster but ended up sitting on it for like 6 months. I wanted it to be a statement for the scene I am in. I be at the clubs, Asians kick it hard so I wanted the record to reflect that. As time went on it came to me, I wrote the hook first and then laced the verses. My people be in the clubs drinking like a muthafucka, dropping beans and staying lit so I made a record just for that. Glowing is a hit. I want to shout out all the DJs! If it weren't for the DJs the record wouldn't is a straight party record. 

What projects are you currently working on?

I'm finishing my debut album All Or Nothing which will be done third quarter of this year. Between then and now I am pushing Glowing and I'm working on a series of mixtapes with my dude DJ Kaze. We also just shot a video for a record off the album called Hollywood which will be up soon. Shout out to C at Club International and Tofinosound.com. The work is just beginning.

What sets you apart from other rappers out?

The main factor has to be the fact I'm a Korean rapper. I got a niche other rappers don't have. I got a scene the labels haven't yet tapped into. Plus I have a wide-open international market. I think what sets me a part is that I'm going to have a successful career no matter what I decide to do. I can't lose with the people I have around me. Plus my music is dope; from start to finish on the album I got hit records. I open myself up to the listener so you will hear a wide variety of songs. Each record is about something relevant that you can relate too. I'm just doing me and loving every minute of it.

It's well known that many Asian Americans love hip-hop. Are you hoping to be a voice for that community?

I'm the voice for the community. I'm mister Asian Pride. I plan on putting all Asians on my back and making the world see us and take us seriously. See, there is a lot of beef between different races of Asians. I'm trying to put in end to our differences because the average person doesn't know the difference between Laos and Hmong and therefore don't care about the cultural beefs. My Asian Pride movement is focused on ending the beef for the bigger goal of putting us as a whole on the map. It's time for us to get ours!  We dominate shit and don't get credit when credit is due. I'm going to make sure we are heard and seen.

In the end, let the people know how they can find you online.

You can visit www.smokesmusic.com, www.smokesmusic.ning.com, and www.sonicbids.com/smokesmusic.

- By Tasha S