Jin Au-Yeung

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Jin is one of the most innovative rap artists of this century. He first made himself a notable lyricists when he came seemingly out of nowhere to become the “Freestyle Friday Champ” on BET’s 106 and Park. Every week Jin destroyed the competition and went on to eventually retire as the undefeated Freestyle Champion. Even though he has only been in the music industry for a few years he has accomplished a lot more than most artist have ever attempted. With an acting debut in a feature film 2 Fast 2 Furious, pocketing $100,000.00 and a brand new car in the Fightclub Freestyle Battle at the Mix Show Power Summit (earning his title “Hundred Grand Jin) and selling over 200,000 albums on his solo debut, he has recently began a new chapter in his fascinating story. This would be his first ever all Cantonese album, ABC (American Born Chinese).

ABC was released in August of 2008 several days before the jaw dropping opening ceremonies of the Beijing Summer Olympics. He surprised the Eastern world when media attention surrounding his arrival in Hong Kong stood its ground amongst the massive coverage of the games. Achieving instant recognition and notoriety within weeks as radio, magazine and TV appearances scramble to feature Jin’s new move into town.

Even though ABC was not in English he feels that the theme of the project was universal and appeals to hip hop heads everywhere. Jin explains, “It balances where you were born with your heritage. There has never been an album like this and no one Chinese American that has ever done it.” All of the production on ABC was by LA’s Far East Movement, a production team that provides an amazing backdrop to the album with a classic hip hop sound and fat drum tracks. The album is a musical biography of what it’s like to grow up in America while still staying true to his Chinese cultural heritage. Thus the interesting title of the album and the unusual album cover that provides snap shots from his childhood.

Currently working hard to finish his second Cantonese album “Wui Herng Jing” a play on words “Hong Kong ID Card” with Jin’s name at the end, the project will chronicle Jin’s first months living in the “Motherland” up until he decides to move into the city once and for all.

Describing the direction of the album Jin says, “It will definitely still have the original sound and appeal of ABC, but the subject matter will be way more relatable for the Hong Kong citizens.”

Born and raised in Miami, Florida Jin’s parents ran their own take-out restaurant where he spent most of his childhood and teenage years. Growing up during the Golden Age of Hip Hop (the early nineties) Jin became fascinated with rap music and the hip hop lifestyle. When Jin’s family decided to move to Manhattan he knew this would be the perfect opportunity to follow his dreams. Jin got on the streets of New York immediately and sold his own mix tapes. But his big break came when he won “Freestyle Friday” and became the undisputed champion. That victory led his record deal with Ruff Ryders. The single from Jin’s debut album The Rest Is History was “Learn Chinese” which became the first video to be played on MTV & BET.

-Fb group "Jin Au-Yeung"