1 Asia is a manifestation of the ever growing hip-hop music in Asia.
As citizens across Asia’s newly prosperous cities shift from their traditional stereotype and rediscover new identities from urban ‘coolness’ and ‘consciousness’, they adhere to a default condition to absorb and evolve music. Those who devote themselves to mould the Asian Hip-hop culture have captured their history, uniqueness, modernity, art, philosophy, literature and traditions.Not a far departure from all things Asia, Hip-hop music has its fair share of tales in its formation and exploitation. It is equally influential on a grass roots level as it is commercially. This is the parallel character that permits some Asian pioneers to establish their music widely and further shape their style. And when we find these styles, we look at ways to introduce it regionally through the initiative manifested in 1 Asia.To begin with, 1 Asia compilation comprises of songs that feature hip-hop acts from 8 countries which are recorded between 2002-2007. Voices from China, Hong Kong, Korea, Thailand, Malaysia, Singapore, Indonesia and Brunei have become a part of this album. All in, 15 tracks totaling over 62 minutes of fresh sounds that are very rarely heard outside their local communities are introduced. These tracks are amongst Asian Hiphop’s Best Kept Secrets. While many more have ended up being diluted in obscurity within Asia and beyond due to limited distribution channels to reach more audience, these songs will be released and played on the airwaves across borders. This will take precedent to multiply the opportunities for more `secrets’ to be `told’. Now everyone can ‘Get Heard!