This week’s artist is a hip-hop group that has shown how talented Asian-Americans can be: Far*East Movement, also known as FM.

J-Splif, DJ Virman, Kev Nish, Prohgress (Credit: Official Myspace)

Far*East Movement is a group that was formed by Kev Nish (Kevin Nishimura), Prohgress (James Roh), and J-Splif (Jae Choung). The three of them have been friends since childhood and shared a love of music with each other, and now are making music with together. If you still haven’t heard of this awesome hip-hop group yet, that’s probably because they’ve done a lot in the underground scene and are independent. Although they do underground performances, they are still well-known by many Asians around the world. Yes, the world.

Prohgress, Kev Nish, J Splif (Credit: Official Myspace)

In 2004, the trio formed Catch Music Group with their manager Carl Choi and they’ve been working their way to full world recognition. They’ve already had two world tours. In those tours, they’ve visited North and South America and Asia. They’ve impressed many of the people in Asia, and therefore have signed deals in Japan and Korea. Aside from world tours, FM has even performed at some high schools and many of the schools have donated the money to relief funds.

The success of FM is insane, for many of their songs have been featured on various media like CSI, Fast & the Furious: Tokyo Drift, and Finishing the Game. Their single “Round, Round” was featured in the Tokyo Drift movie and they also had four other songs featured in the video game version. They’ve also had numerous features on MTV World, were featured on E! Entertainment’s “Daily 10″, and were the first Asian act to perform at the Sundance Film Festival.

The Far*East Movement boys have also done work with many big names, such as Baby Bash, Lil Rob, Se7en (see his article here), and Wong Fu Productions. They’ve worked with Baby Bash and Lil Rob on their single titled “You’ve Got A Friend”, which has also been featured in one of Wong Fu Production’s shorts.

Currently the group is working on their second album “Animal”, which is to be released sometime in 2008. Their current single is “Lowridin’”, which has been requested and played on many radio stations throughout the country, thanks to dedicated fans. I forgot to mention that FM has a great Internet fanbase.

What the industry has to say:

“The far east movement is making giant steps in the music industry for asian americans. They’ve got very innovative and refreshing music in a time where hip hop is in a bad state. I am proud that they are representing us in this movement to break this glass ceiling…..”

–Stereotypes (Produced Danity Kane’s New Single “Damaged”, and production for Bow Wow and Omarion, Marques Houston, Keyshia Cole, Anthony Hamilton)

“FM is no doubt the leader in the Asian American hip hop scene”.

–Jae Chong, Award Winning producer in Taiwan for Nicky Lee, Ann, Kelly Hillaire, Kim Hyung Seok, Machi Crew, Double Edge, Solid (Korea)

“FM is definitely a group to look out for with their diverse style of beats and word play that should rock the music industry. It was great working with them and I look forward to more collaborations in the future”

–Se7en, Korean/J Pop/ International Pop Artist

You can check out their single “Lowridin’” and all of their other music on their official Myspace, which is listed below. While you’re at it, you should make a song request to your local radio station. Keep an eye out for them, because they’re going to make it BIG!

Written by: Sophia (solong2010) & Brenda (jiamei)

Sources: Official Myspace, FM Website
__________________________________
Links:
Official Website: http://www.fareastmovement.com
Official Myspace: http://www.myspace.com/fareastmovement
MTV Page: http://www.mtv.com/music/artist/far_east_movement/artist.jhtml
Youtube: http://youtube.com/fmonyourdial
Official Soompi Thread: http://www.soompi.com/forums/index.php?showtopic=104939

Videos (see more at youtube.com/FMonyourdial):
Round Round (Tokyo Drift OST) - Far*East Movement

You’ve Got a Friend Part 1/3 - Wong Fu Productions